Jimmy Stewart's Poem About His Dog Brings Makes Johnny Carson Tear Up

Jun 14, 2020 by apost team

Jimmy Stewart appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson more than once. But it would be hard to find a more emotional appearance than the one where Stewart read a poem about his dog. Titled simply "Beau," but also known as "I'll Never Forget a Dog Named Beau," the poem is a thoughtful tribute that captures the way Stewart felt about this special four-legged friend.

In July of 1981, Jimmy Stewart shared a poem on The Tonight Show, and by the end of the poem, both he and Johnny Carson were wiping tears. In a beautiful, emotional tribute, Stewart paid homage to a faithful departed friend. At the same time, he shared some of the honest frustration that all dog owners will find relatable.

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As Stewart prepared to read the poem, he pulled two folded sheets of paper from his jacket pocket. Putting on his reading glasses, he sat back, crossed his legs, and began to read. By this time in his seventies, Stewart still retained the strong, well-known voice and dramatic manner that all of his fans recognize.

Not surprisingly, Stewart described his dog as somewhat willful. But it's clear that this was also a well-loved and deeply-missed dog. The opening lines of the poem set the tone and gave listeners a bit of a clue to this pup's personality: "He never came to me when I would call / Unless I had a tennis ball / Or he felt like it / But mostly, he didn't come at all."

As the poem went on, it became apparent that this dog named Beau was a beloved part of Jimmy Stewart's family. Stewart and his wife Gloria lovingly cared for the golden retriever, and the dog certainly returned the love.

Stewart seemed to enjoy the reverie as he read the poem. It seems that he was reliving the frustrations and the love he experienced as a pet owner. As the poem neared its end, the line "And now he's dead" seemed to give Stewart pause. His reading pace slowed a little and he seemed to be fighting back tears as he described life without his faithful friend.

When the poem ended, Carson applauded while wiping tears from his eyes. Stewart took off his glasses and got out his handkerchief to wipe his own eyes. Both of them felt the emotion that was evident in the wording and the delivery of Stewart's touching poem.

Most dog owners can relate to Stewart's descriptions of life with a slightly-stubborn but much-loved dog, and they can also understand what it's like to miss a dog who's gone. Stewart and Carson were definitely struck by the feeling of love and loss that was expressed so well.

What do you think? Do you know a dog like Beau? Did you know Jimmy Stewart was a poet? What kind of tribute would you write for your favorite pet? Tell us what you think, and tell a friend about this heartfelt poem!