For as long as dogs have had a relationship with humans, they have appeared in our art. Obviously, dogs really inspire us, and they’ve always been very important to us, too.
Jimmy Stewart, known for his stellar roles in ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Mr. Smith Go to Washington, ‘also wrote a number of poems. As a dog lover, it was only natural for his dog Beau to be the subject of one of these poems.
Stewart appeared on Johnny Carson’s show in July 1981, where he read aloud this moving poem about Beau, who had passed away at this time. At first, Stewart describes Beau’s playful and determined personality.
“He never came to me when I would call
Unless I have a tennis ball,
Or he feels like it.
But mostly he didn’t come.”
Beau also has a bit of fire in him, and is often ahead of his elderly parents on walks. Stewart’s poem describes his walks with Beau and his wife Gloria.
“He will charge on the street,
With mom,
And they are such a beautiful couple.
But every now and then he stops
With a scowling face and looking around.
It’s just to make sure the old one is there
To follow him where he was bound. “
Stewart also describes that despite retiring to bed early, he often finds time to play with Beau before bed. The dog often participates in cuddling them in bed and watching them throughout the night.
“There were nights when I felt him climb into our bed and lie between us,
And I’ll pat him on the head.
And there were nights when I felt his stare
And I wake up and he will sit there. “
Ultimately, though, the problem with raising a dog is how easy it is to love them completely, no matter how much misbehaving they may be. Stewart’s poem describes the loss he feels without his best friend.
“And there are nights when I think I feel that stare
And I reached out and stroked his hair,
But he’s not there.
Oh, how I wish it weren’t so,
I will always love a dog named Beau. “
As the actor read his poem closer, he choked up when he read the last words. Carson’s audience burst into applause, and the host covered his head to hide his emotions. Watch Stewart’s heartfelt reading on the show, but prepare to shed tears too!
As I continue to grieve the loss of my own dog Cody, I find solace in Stewart’s words. You never forget your dog, no matter how many dogs you adopt later in life. Every dog has a different relationship with their humans, and each holds a different place in our hearts. I will always love a dog named Cody.
Featured pictures: GodTube
