Jimmy Stewart, known for his legendary film roles, wasn’t just a famous actor. He was also a dog lover with a deep bond to his pet, Beau.
In 1981, Stewart made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he read a poem he had written about his beloved dog. If you haven’t heard it, I highly recommend giving it a listen. The poem captures the special connection Stewart had with Beau, and the way Stewart reads it—full of warmth and affection—adds a layer of sincerity that really sticks with you.
The poem itself is a simple yet beautiful tribute to Beau. And Stewart talks about the everyday moments that made their relationship unique, from Beau’s playful antics to the quiet comfort of his presence. For me, the poem hits home because it doesn’t focus on anything extravagant—it’s just about the small, meaningful moments that make the bond between a person and their dog so special.
Why Jimmy Stewart’s Poem Continues to Resonate
When Jimmy Stewart shares his story, it resonates because so many of us have similar experiences with our pets. All dog owners know how much joy and comfort dogs bring into their lives in ways words can’t always express. In fact, the way Stewart describes Beau’s companionship is exactly how I feel about my own pets—steadfast, loving, and full of heart.
Read the Full Poem about Beau the Dog
Here is the full poem by Jimmy Stewart:
❝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.
When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.
Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn’t drag.
He’d dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I’d grab him, he’d turn and bite me.
He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn’t read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.
He set the house on fire
But the story’s long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.
On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.
He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.
But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.
We are early-to-bedders at our house–
I guess I’m the first to retire.
And as I’d leave the room he’d look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.
He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I’d give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I’d fish it out with a smile.
And before very long
He’d tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.
And there were nights when I’d feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I’d pat his head.
And there were nights when I’d feel this stare
And I’d wake up and he’d be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I’d feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.
He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he’d be glad to have me near.
And now he’s dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.
And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he’s not there.
Oh, how I wish that wasn’t so,
I’ll always love a dog named Beau.❞
Jimmy Stewart Reads His Touching Poem About His Dog
If you haven’t had the chance to hear it yet, I highly recommend watching it here in this clip:
What really stood out for me, was Stewart’s delivery. He read the poem with such genuine affection and a hint of humor, but there was also an undeniable sense of emotion, especially when he spoke about the inevitable loss of his dog. It’s never easy to talk about saying goodbye to our pets!
Listening to Stewart read that poem is one of those moments that really makes you reflect on your own pet experiences. And it’s not just about Stewart and Beau; it’s about the connection we all share with the pets who are by our sides. Even though the poem was written decades ago, it still feels as relevant today as it did back then.