Type of animal/breed: Labradoodle/American Bulldog Mix

Male or female: Male

Pet’s age: 8 1/2 years 

When we lived in Colorado, a neighbor across the street had a beautiful Labradoodle named Sophie.  Sophie had a litter of puppies and our neighbor asked if we wanted to adopt one. We thought long and hard and every time we visited with them, we fell head over heels for the pup with the teal colored collar.  He just seemed laid back compared to the rest, and we were lucky that by the time we committed to take one, he was still available. So at 8-weeks old, we walked across the street and brought Beau home!

We both had worked for Cirque du Soleil in the past (that’s where we met), so we really liked the name and had to give a nod to our French Canadian friends by spelling it Beau, instead of Bo. Also, we nicknamed him Baby Bear, and he knows us as Mama Bear and Papa Bear.

Beau has a little beard that we, and others who meet him, think makes him look quite gentlemanly, and thankfully he always has had a gentleman’s manners.  He was easy to train, does all the general tricks-sit, shake, down, and can catch a ball.  He’s speedy for his size (95lbs). It took only one trip outside to learn where to potty and has never had a single accident inside.  From the first night, he jumped up in bed with us, slept through the night, and gives us the tiniest whimper when he needs to go out.  And, his body clock is amazing. He knows when Papa Bear is about to come home and sits at the front window to wait for him (see pic.)

He's just so dog-gone handsome!  We also love his laid back nature, and that he has never once jumped up on anyone (didn't teach him not to, just never has).  He loves our morning Paw Patrols in Forrestridge, always anxious to meet the other walkers in the neighborhood (unless he fixes on a squirrel he will never catch). He is protective of our little pack, but still sweet!  We especially love his big brown eyes and the brown/black brindle color of his coat which is so beautiful when the light/sun hits it just right.  

Any funny stories? 

He has earned a special Holiday nickname. It didn't start out as funny though now we get a chuckle when we think about it. One Christmas, some of our kids and grandkids visited, and along with their gifts, we included some sweets for their stockings. While packing up to leave, we realized not everything would fit in their car so we loaded up what we could and planned to drive the rest down to them later that week. After they left, we ran some errands, not realizing what was in the bags that were still at the house, and had left them on the floor between the kitchen and living room. We found out the hard way that there were some uncooked leftover appetizers, and those sweet stocking stuffers.  It must be said that Beau had literally never gotten into anything in our home, but of course we don't make a habit of leaving bags full of food on the floor.  When we returned, we found the contents scattered across the living room floor and Beau had had quite the feast! He sampled, or fully consumed just about everything, including movie sized boxes of Goobers and Lemonheads. Needless to say, we took Beau to the vet immediately, where they found all of that candy and more. He was fine, thankfully, and now at Christmas, we call him our Goober Lemonhead!

He is definitely very spoiled!  His favorite treats are, well, he’ll eat anything, but especially likes blueberries, cucumbers and apples.  We live in a house that backs up to a ranch where the cows and calves sometimes swing by for a treat, and Beau is right there to get his too!  Usually some cold watermelon on hot summer days!

We have had two family dogs, and when the first one, a rescue, suddenly passed away, we were devastated and never thought we could love another so deeply.  Our precious Beau changed all that when he rescued us by bringing true pet joy back into our lives. And, keeps us grounded and active.

If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.