Beau

#13-067 Beau, age 14 1/2

MEDICAL HOLD

Updated: 8/5/13

Is there anything more endearing & poignant than an old Golden? They’ve seen it all, done it all… and it doesn’t take much to blink a bit, soften your focus, and see them as the young dogs they were, bounding after balls, prancing at the end of a lead, leaping effortlessly into the car for a ride. They’re still young at heart—but those old bodies deserve a carefree, comfy place to soak up the sun, watch the world go by, and enjoy a well-earned retirement. And Deluxe Golden Retirement Living is something that Gold Ribbon Rescue is always delighted to provide! So when the e-mail came in from Beau’s devoted owner, wondering if we would be willing to take her old fella, we were quick to assure her that we’d love to have him.

At a truly venerable going-on-fifteen, Beau has been quite the traveler in his time. He lived with a breeder in Kansas until he was almost eleven, then relocated to Colorado to live with a new family. Nearly four years on, and a move to Texas later, the situation changed again: “I am now moving out of state and unable to take Beau with me. My ex is also not able to care for him at this time,” his owner wrote. “Beau is a very sweet boy, and very, very mellow in his old age. He has some arthritis/hip issues, and he was also diagnosed with cancer two years ago, though it hasn't seemed to have any significant effect on him. He's very low maintenance, great with children, and adored by everyone.” We learned that he was a popular and esteemed figure at the apartment complex where he lived—everyone stopped by to admire him and pet him as he relaxed on his front steps!

In foster care, Beau is just as well loved. He fits right into the pack of other senior pups at his home and wants to be where the action is. “He likes to be on his cushion and watch the other dogs; if everyone moves to the kitchen, then he does too.”

He’s too old to retrieve, but he still loves his toys. “Right now Beau's favorite toy to carry in his mouth is his elephant.  He likes to lay his head on the toy when he is on his pallet.”

As Beau’s owner told us, Beau was diagnosed with hemangiocarcoma two years ago, and an ultrasound a few weeks ago confirmed the diagnosis. The vet tells us frankly that Beau is a "ticking time bomb"—but his foster mom simply says, “We knew that going in, and we are prepared.  We just want Beau's last days to be as happy and pleasant as they can be. He does not appear to be in pain.  He is alert, wants to be with the other dogs, does not sleep for long periods of time except at night. He lives life day to day and that’s what we are doing, too.  We just wish we’d known him as a youngster—but it’s an honor to know him now.”

Adoption Procedures