Wishes Granted: Theo and Beau
Our quest for a puppy began last Christmas, while we were still living in New York City. We had trekked the three excited kids twelve blocks to Macy’s in Herald Square on a blustery day, made our way through Santa Land and eventually to greet the wish granter. Jack and Zoe perched themselves on Santa’s lap on the 8th floor and asked-in unison-for a puppy. While I’ll likely not forget the sound of our hearts breaking, Justin and I smiled and sort choked in disbelief. We were certain their requests would be one of the items on their heavily tracked Christmas gift lists, surely one near the top. A puppy didn’t even make an appearance.
With the pending move, our student-loan-ridden financial situation, and basic red tape about dogs being banned from our residence in NYC, we were approaching a conversation that we had hoped to avoid for at least a year. While it was sort of a sad moment for us as parents, the anticipation and excitement and feeling of “reward” for completing our journey in dental school was far more enticing than a simple wish granted by the big man in red. We wanted to instill in the kids that having a puppy is a big deal, and that he would need attention and love just like we do.
Fast forward to Monday, November 4th. Justin and I had been stalking the shelters both on line and in person for months, and finally agreed to bring the kids to be apart of the adoption process. I took them all myself one day, determined not to leave without a puppy. Acting on impulse is something I’m very, very good at (clearly to my own detriment). We didn’t find one one that day, but our puppy landed in our arms on the day we visited a few weeks later.
Visiting animal shelters was something that used to make me inevitably cry. I suspect that the suffering of the children and dogs that we saw in Guatemala “hardened” me a bit, as I wasn’t nearly as emotional as I had expected to be. We found him tucked together with his two siblings in the back yard of the Santa Cruz SPCA. Big Bird-as he was named at the shelter-was the shyest of them all to meet us, though he bounded instantly into Beau’s lap as soon as he entered their pen. The look on his little furry face was enough to seal the deal for me, we had met our newest family member.
We brought him home at a very young 7 weeks. He had been abandoned as a baby with his 10 other siblings, and even 10 days later he still seems like a brand new baby. He always wants to be near one of us, either in our laps or at our feet. Theo, as we have started calling him, has gotten feistier as the days go by, which I like to think is a sign that he is getting more and more comfortable in his new home. We don’t know much about what to expect, as we were given a vague description of his breed; He is part Boxer, part shepherd, and part labrador retriever. It doesn’t matter much to me. He is Theo, and he is our new beloved puppy brother.
We decided to crate train him. I bought a crate, and a pen, and a snuggly bed to put inside for when we left. The first night, I slept through is cries and then Justin slept on the couch with him. Frustrated, I vowed that he would be in the crate the next night, no doubt. We would train this puppy “right” from the beginning! I couldn’t bear his cries either the next night, and he slept with me.
He’s just a baby, for Pete’s sake.
On his third day with us, Theo fell asleep on Beau and I as I rocked him down for his afternoon nap. I was practically howling at the cuteness-and nearly woke them both up.
The following day, Theo met us up in my room for the nap time ritual, and so began what I can only describe as the most organic and beautiful friendship I have ever witnessed.
Each day, Theo meets us at naptime and waits patiently for Beau to fall asleep. By that time, he’s also sleepy, so when I hoist him onto our bed, he stumbles over to Beau and plops right down on top of him. And there they sleep, entwined, for at least two hours.
At this point, I began to hashtag my these photos on Instagram as #TheoandBeau, and have successfully enveloped the hearts of many.
Every day, another sweet nap. Sweeter than nearly anything I think I’ve ever seen or experienced. These moments I not only look forward to, but if I avoid any possibly opportunity to thwart the sacred puppy and boy nap.
Every day since, for a week straight.
It makes my heart nearly explode with joy.
You can follow along our daily journey at @mommasgonecity, and via #theoandbeau. Time will tell where this project leads, but I have high hopes of doing a little book and donating proceeds to the Santa Cruz SPCA. Always dream big. In this case, quite literally.
**Updated 11.17.13**
My family and I are completely humbled by all of the kindness and love that we have been shown over the last couple of days. Please know that while I am not able to respond to all of the messages, I am reading each and every one.
Many of you have expressed interest in supporting the pet rescue effort, and I am privileged to be able to share with you the plight of the Santa Cruz SPCA, where we adopted Theo.
Lisa Carter, the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz SPCA & Humane Society, reached out and shared with me that they are desperately in need of a new building and have raised $3 million via a capitol campaign and are in need of the remaining $1.5 to break ground.
A couple of photos from our visit:
If you would like to donate or share, please visit this link: http://www.spcasc.org .
Thank you again. We appreciate all of your support!
It is so, so good! I love them all and love that you are dreaming big with this little installation…it captures so many things that are so wonderful with the world in each shot. xx
I’m a 52 year old father of two grown boys. I rarely shed a tear or express my feelings, but these pictures are too precious not to comment about.
As I reflect back on my childhood, being a father, and working my way through the corporate world, and all the joys and challenges life may bring. At the end of the day, no matter how people may feel about you……….
Your dog will ALWAYS give you 100 % unconditional love
Life is precious – embrace it
Man’s best friend ð
Absolutely precious!!! We have a beagle/lab mix (probably other breeds, too) named Josie. Theo’s coloring is exactly the same as Josie. I know what he will look like when he grows up. Beautiful.
I truly enjoy these pictures. You know what they say: A boy and his dog…! ð However, your puppy has a LOT of rottweiller in him.
RELAX. I’ve been raising rotties for years. Every single one is/was a big teddy bear. Just like with pit bulls, boxers, shepherds, chiuaua’s and Pekinese, (Little dogs bite too!), it’s ALL how they are raised and trained. Obviously, your sweet lil’ guy is being loved. The bond your son and his puppy are making now will never go away. (Are you socializing him with other dog’s.)
One of my rot’s came from an abusive kennel. He was an adult dog and never showed any aggression of any kind with us-food, nothing. He didn’t know how to walk on a leash, etc. He would chase and try to kill ALL cats. To make a long story short, we moved back to Il. from Az. to mom’s hose. She had a cat. Zeus, my rott, was so loving and obedient-wanting to please us- that it only took 2-3 times of me telling him NO and he left the cat alone for the rest of his days! Never became friends, but never bothered the cat at all! Even when the cat would “go after” him. ð
I wrote all of this to let you know, if in fact he’s a rott, you have nothing to worry about! He’ll protect your son/home; try to fit in the chair w/you like a lap dog ð and spend his life trying to make you and yours happy! (I wonder if the place you got the dog just didn’t want to mention rottweiller because of their false reputations?)
I wish you, your family and beautiful puppy all the best.
Dee
I agree completely with Dee. Rottweilers don’t deserve the reputation they’ve acquired from many having been trained by unscrupulous people to be dangerous guard dogs and fighters. I have owned dogs for over 40 years, and my present one, a rescued, untrained 3-plus year old rottweiller mix, is the best dog I’ve ever had. She wants only to please, and have walks that are fun. She doesn’t bother my cat, but doesn’t try to befriend her either.
I thought exactly the same thing when I saw Theo. Very much a rottweiller with a tail! We have 14 month -old Hanna who is the love of our lives. She is pure Rottweiller and pure exuberance and joy!! I know Beau will have a wonderful childhood with this adorable dog! They are priceless together.
Cathy
I also have a rottie. And a cat. And a son. My dog has eaten some shoes, and maybe a couple of stuffed animals lol, but otherwise he is harmless: a big affectionate lap dog ð
This really really must be a book in the future. Theo and Beau the first year. I will buy it…even if it is weird. There is no part of these photos that don’t make your heart burst.
Also, a note, we have two boxers and had a lab/shepherd mix before. Theo will be the most amazing best friend. I’m overjoyed for your family.
I concur!! Write a book!! This is a story that MUST be toldâĶand shared!!
I absolutely agree! What could be a better story to illustrate loving those different from ourselves than a story about a boy and his dog?
I’ll buy the coffee table version, too.. Keep the pics coming!!!
This actually made me cry. So heartwarming.
They are so precious! I’m totally captured by them. A beautiful addition to your family! ð
This also made me cry. I have been following along on IG and am so happy you shared the story of baby Theo.
I’m just about to have my first baby, but have two very special puppies and I can only hope they all share this kind of friendship and love.
DYING!!! of cuteness! I.cannot.take.it. {I’ve crate trained one dog – awesome! Loved it! Next dog, it wouldn’t happen. One night, after months of “semi” success – I opened the crate door. She jumped on the bed and has slept with us ever since!}
The world needs way, way more of this!!! :)))))
Had to share on my FB page. Adorable. His face looks like he is part boxer. We have a rescued pit bull who has become BFFs with my 10 year old son. She is SO cute and friendly. Our first rescued pit bull passed away last year at age 14 and I am still so sadâĶ some days are really hard. A black and white girl with a black eye patch, she gave pit bulls a good name.
I lost my pitbull mix named Buddy after 12 yrs. of a very happy life with him. I still cry when I talk about him so I try not to. My friend says that the reason I take it so hard is that I never saw him as anything but my baby boy. Him dying was never an option for me. Silly I know, but I loved him.
No it is not at all silly. They are our babies, and they give us so much. Open your heart to another special baby that needs love like you have to give. There are so many of them out there that need you
You’re not silly, you are a loving person and so I am silly, too, if that’s what it means to love your pets with all your heart. I wish I could give you a hug.
Also just lost my 12 yr old golden, Pearl, on November 4th. To see that your search for Theo started on that date makes me happy. Bless your life with that dog…may Beau remember always, their sleepy bonding time together. <3
Susan, I lost my ten year old yorkie a month ago to cancer. It was such a jolt, I am like you and cannot talk or even think about it without welling up of tears. He was our little boy and kept this house filled with playtime. He had us trained well. We are empty-nesters and I am lost without my little 8 pounds of love. He was so loving and giving. I love these photos of this little boy and his doggie. I am not ready to replace my Gizmo yet, don’t know if I will ever be ready. Sorry about your Buddy and sorry that I am going on and on. I just can’t seem to get over this.
Lee, I was touched by your loss and the love you shared with your precious dog. As a rescuer, I’ve helped save hundreds of dogs and failed on a couple of fosters (wound up keeping them). And just like with children, I can tell you that as a dog lover, your heart will expand to love another one just like it would have if you had adopted another while your little guy was still here. You can never replace a dog — each has such a distinct personality as an individual. But you can love another who can bring you just as much joy, just in a different way. One way to ease into it would be to help out a shelter or a rescue — maybe help walk dogs, socialize them, or even foster. All of those things save lives that would otherwise be lost and will help you heal. The wonderful things Gizmo gave you will feel less painful when you’re able to use what he taught you to help another. <3
Not sad at all. I have a long haired chihuahua and he is as spoiled as ever. He is our baby boy and we treat him like a child. We don’t have children so Tazzie has taken the place of them… He is our baby and if we lost him, we would be devastated!
Your Buddy would have been the first to know if you had not loved him. Twelve years is a long life for any K9, so stop mourning ASAP, and go out
looking for another one WHO NEEDS YOU! You understand about Buddy passing; he probably wouldn’t have understood if YOU DIED. I don’t mean
to hurt you more Susan, but knowing that has saved me lots of grief when I have lost my pets; and all of them were my babies because I was not able to have babies of my own. And, no your pain is not silly.
i lost my golden she was 14 years old.. had her since she was a puppy i grew up with her.. miss her so much i cry every day my mother and father both have passed away i got over their passing but can’t get over my sandy… me and her went thru so much together, not to see her smile …i still feel like i have to rush home to walk her…. every day she would wake me in the morning …so i under stand …i bought a plaque and it said it all ,,,,,,, IF LOVE COULD HAVE SAVED YOU,.. YOU WOULD HAVE LIVED FOREVER… i have her ashes ,they will be buried with me ,the last word she heard was…… i love you
Absolutely not silly. I had a Sheltie mix for 13 years. When I lost her, I didn’t want another dog. I only wanted Mattie. It took me 2 years to even begin to look for another dog…and I found Stella…who looks just like Mattie. I still miss Mattie, but I see her every day in my little Stella’s face.
It is not silly at all to cry about the loss of a beloved baby. I’ve lost several beloved pets (I am 62yrs. old), It is still hard to talk about them. I’ve always treated them like babies. They’ve always slept with me,also.
What beautiful pictures. Beau and Theo will be best friends forever!!! Nothing like the love of a dog! Enjoy and keep that camera handy!!!
Susan…how about adopting another lonely, frightened, neglected ‘pitty’? There are so many abandoned. I know it’s hard, but I did it and I’ll never be sorry. My heart sings to know I’m loving on an abandoned lonely baby and giving that baby the most loving years I can, to try to make up for what she’s been through.
I would do it again in a blink of an eye… ð
Hi Susan,
I was looking at the pictures of Beau and his puppy, and reading through the replies, I came across yours. After reading, I had to respond, and although you don’t know me, I too have lost a dog. He was only 6yrs old, and way to early for him to pass. Like you, I have never gotten over him. I relived my last night with him, and that dreadful day afterwards, it’s one I’ll never forget.
Why I’m writing to you Susan is that last line that you write and I quote “Silly I know, but I loved him”. Why do we feel that we have to justify our feelings for breaking down over our beloved pet? It’s not silly is it.. we had a beautiful relationship, and that’s what it was.. a relationship, pure, unconditional love.
Again, I apologize, and I should really mind my own business, but when I read your post.. I just had to write and say “it’s not silly…not at all”
Not silly at all… I too, along with others here have loved and lost my “babies”. Katie @ 12, Muck @ 15 (he was a feline), Jasmine @ 11 months (way too soon, I was there when she was born), and my Mason @ 11. I have all their ashes and although it’s been almost 2 years since losing Mason (10 years since Katie’s passing), I still love and miss them all every day. I never had human children, so all my love has gone to my 4 legged children and it has never gotten easier to lose one. They show us such unconditional love and only ask to be loved in return. I still have my Prisscilla who is almost 11 and dread the future, but pray that I can keep her at least another few years. Can’t get a new puppy because Priss is very possessive. I can only pray that the Rainbow Bridge is real, because I will then be reunited with all my “babies”. It’s so nice to find like minded people as some folks I know never understand my heartbreak. I still love and miss them all even after all this time, but give my Priss all the love and care that I can. So don’t feel silly for loving….I think that’s why we all connect so well with Beau and Theo. Such loving pictures. Thank you for sharing, Jessica; it brought such sweetness to my day and the opportunity to find others who understand the love of 4 legged children.
I will be the first one to buy a book, thank you very much. These are the most beautiful moments, Jessica. Thank you for sharing them with us. Each new picture brings a bigger smile to my face and makes my heart explode all over again. xoxo
There is something about the unmistakable message that friendship, the soul-deep, goes-beyond words type of kinship, can come in the most unexpected forms, that we all so desperately need. Your Theo and Beau convey it so articulately and in such an intoxicating way, that I can only imagine this was all meant to be, book, boys, and all.
xo
I know this is a story that will give many more homes to animals that are up for adoption! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been so excited for your family! I know how long you’ve been wanting a puppy and I have no doubt that the wait was worth it for this perfect little guy. Keep posting those pictures!
This is better than Anne Geddes. Sold.
I agree!
I am NOT a dog person at all, almost everyone I know will tell you that. Bit these picture make me want to snuggle their little faces off!! It’s like they were made for each other.
I’d like to get on the waiting list for gang book now, please!!!
I’ve been telling all my friends about this- you have truly captured perfect love!!
They are just so precious. Theo and Beau forever! I can’t wait until we can get another dog, but right now with Ross’ travel it would just be too much for me with the winter coming and how to walk at night without someone else here. I hope you get to do the book. What a fabulous idea!
This literally stops your heart. Wow wow wow. So sweet!!!
good for you for adopting from a shelter!! The pics are adorable!! And I think he looks like he has some Rottweiler in him. We have a Rottie and they are great dogs.
You can do a lot of good for other pets in need with these pictures. Kids and their families both need to know these relationships are forever. Not just until they potty on the carpet or bark too much. Way too many pets go to shelters because of stupid reasons like poor housebreaking, family vacation or moving. Keep sharing your great story of love and patience w/ your family’s newest and smallest member.
This is the SWEETEST thing!! xo
You will never regret giving Beau a forever home. I know this boy would lay down his life for you guys–just a gut feeling I have from see his face in your photos. Hope he never has to ð
I’m red-faced! Typed Beau instead of Theo. Well the sentiment is the same. Theo will be a life-long friend to Beau and your family.
Those pics make my day every time I see them! They are so, SO precious!! Thank you for sharing them and I certainly hope you make a book. That is one cute puppy (and little boy)! Glad you added Theo to your sweet family… ð
Very touching… you have given your children something special. From this little puppy they will learn so much about themselves and how to deal with life in a much bigger and better way.
I had to share this on my FB page- those two are cuteness overload! I also have a random question- where are your sheets from? The gold stars really add to the dreaminess of the photos and now I’m dreaming of gold star sheets & puppies ð
This is pure love. This HAS to be a book. I would buy for my coffee table! Just looking at these pics brings peace, happiness, tranquility, serene pure unconditional love. My grandson and his dog play on the floor like two they are from the same litter! I applauded you for rescuing a puppy from a shelter. This would be a great book to promote that as well.
Bless you for adopting and for considering sharing your story as an inspiration to others. I have raised my three children along with countless rescue creatures (dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets, birds, and all the small rodents you can name) while working full time. Life was crazy but I wouldn’t trade a moment. My boys are in college and baby girl is a HS junior–no one has any allergies and all are healthy as can be. Pets bring so much love, joy and important life lessons to families. Enjoy every moment of your journey with every member of your gorgeous family and God Bless.
http://revistagloborural.globo.com/Revista/Common/0,,EMI345417-18071,00-MAE+FAZ+SUCESSO+EM+NY+COM+FOTOS+DE+BEBE+E+FILHOTE+QUE+SO+DORMEM+JUNTOS.html
I love your photos.
This link is a major site here from Brazil.
These are so precious! Please make a book. like a coffee table, picture book. I will definitely buy multiple editions! This makes my heart happy! Keep it up! ð
Oh my god! ItÂīs so cute!!
IÂīve reached Theo and Beau by reading a Brazilian article about them! In a famous portal here in Brazil!
So many brazilians are dying about them! ð
http://revistagloborural.globo.com/Revista/Common/0,,EMI345417-18071,00-MAE+FAZ+SUCESSO+EM+NY+COM+FOTOS+DE+BEBE+E+FILHOTE+QUE+SO+DORMEM+JUNTOS.html
Thank you so much for sharing, as a child abuse investigator I see the extreme opposite of your photos everyday. Child abuse and animal abuse go hand in hand. Your photos remind me of why I do this work. Thank you
I love the pics, beautiful photojournalism ;o)) Also, where did you get your son’s america flag pants?? luv, luv :O))
Jessica, your love’s idea is beatiful.
I love dogs, they helped me in my life and I think that a dog is the best friend for a child.
I ambrace you!
Cristiana
PS. Pardon for my english.
The pics are adorable and so is the puppy.
Just an FYI though, rottweiller pups are hard to place, so sometimes (occasionally? I don’t want to neg shelters, which I think are doing the best they can, in most cases, and just want to place puppies/dogs), shelter staff will describe what is clearly a rottweiller as a ‘shepherd lab cross’. (And I know you said you don’t care what kind of dog he is! But when you take him out and about, people are going to raise their eyebrows when you say “shepherd lab cross”.) He looks like a rottweiller/boxer cross. In any event, he’s very cute and the pics are adorable.
My thought as well…this pup is definitely rottie…however they are very loving!
Actually, he most appears to be a Shar pei mix. The very short coat, particularly on the muzzle, coupled with the wide, fleshy muzzle and the wrinkly forehead and smaller ears, coupled with the distinctive toes, are pretty typical of Shar pei mixes.
He’s definitely adorable, whatever his combo of breeds may be ð
Shar Pei is just what I was thinking. I have a chow/husky mix and Theo has the same thick, stocky legs & cat like feet but more wrinkles. Shar Pei & Chows actually have very similar bodies under all the Chow fur.
We got a puppy from the same litter. Theo is the only one with Rottweiler-like coloring. We were told the pups (including Theo and our Freya) are lab/shepherd crosses. Where did you learn that there is boxer in the mix? Please email me if you’d like to set up a play date for Theo to play with his sister Freya.
You should deffinately bring Theo and Freya together. I have a German Shepherd who met his full sister, again, when he was about 7 months old. They knew each other immediately, as family should, and played as long as we would let them. It made me realize that dogs bond with each other too. Wonderful photos and story. Your son will be blessed with a terrific best friend.
How luckyvto have these pictures! My heart literally feels like its going to explode from the pure joy! Thank you for sharing!
God bless you. beautiful pictures and the initiative to publish the respect for animals, helping to create a powerful character and giving training to their children.
Wonderful!
Very cute … I think this perfect relationship of animals and children.
I LOVE this boy/pup love story!!! I can’t wait to see pics throughout the years to come with them!! If you are thinking making a book, be sure to take your pics without using Instagram. When you sign up with them, you agree to give them full rights to ownership of your images on there. Pretty much the reason why I don’t use Instagram. But, you’ve got some great shots and I would love to support by buying a book when you make it! ð Ciao, Andi
Check out my blog if you like! http://www.squeezin50.wordpress.com
I totally LOVE the pix!!! So adorable….I was tearing up as I went through them. I have a German Rottie, since birth since momma rejected him and your Theo looks very Rottie…such loving dogs and so gentle with little ones. Your family is just precious and Theo is most definitely in a wonderful home. Should you put a book together I will certainly need to get a copy or two.
Such a fortunate puppy, what a fortunate family. Sweet photos.
Found your site from Huffington Post. So enjoyed the photos of your beautiful son and adorable puppy. We purchased a pup from a no kill shelter a few years ago and have enjoyed every minute with her as you will with Theo.
I hope you publish your pics in a book. The photos really made me smile and brightened my day. Thanks for sharing with us.
Best wishes and much happiness with your new family member.
My heart is filled with so much love for this adorable babies. Please keep us posted. I will be looking forward to your amazing blog!!! God Bless you and your beautiful family
Camille in Kansas
My heart is filled with so much love for this adorable babies. Please keep us posted. I will be looking forward to your amazing blog!!! God Bless you and your beautiful family
The previous comment by Karen is spot on. I definitely think your adorable pup is a Rottweiler and it never occurred to me shelters would misrepresent a breed because of their reputation. As I mentioned in a previous post we have a Rottie that we got from a breeder eleven years ago and she is the best dog ever!! We have also rescued Rotties as well. Don’t listen to people who are negative about the breed. If they are raised with love you will get it back in spades. How lucky he is to have found a loving FOREVER HOME!!!
I like Rotties, but Theo is the only one of the litter with that coloring. Our Freya, from the same litter, is mostly brown, and very cute. If it were not for the coloring, would you still think it’s a Rottweiler?
I’m so happy that you shared your story and their love with us, and that everyone in the WORLD is seeing this now! It’s a small slice of how lovely you are as a person, and a small peek into your magical family. xo
These pictures are so precious. Your children are adorable. And thank you for adopting! If more people were like you with spaying, neutering, and adopting then there would be no need for shelters. With millions of cats and dogs being killed in shelters, I can’t believe that people still buy and pay much more money that they would from a shelter or rescue group. Shelters have both pure breeds and mixed (mixed breeds are healthier) and puppies as well as older dogs. And websites like petfinder make it so easy to find your perfect pet.
Well, this has totally made my night.
The sweetest pictures ever.
xoxo,
pamela, and edward
So incredibly amazing. I remember a book from when I was a kid, it was a book with Snoopy on the cover and the titel, “Happiness is a warm puppy”. These images are so true and perfect!! Thank you for sharing them with us all:)
Sooooooo sweet!!!!!!
Thank you to share it with us. I love dogs and i agree, it doesn’t matter “what” he is, he is just Theo, a part Of the family. Your child will be so happy for the pictures ð
T’hank you and goodnight from Italy!!!
Unconditional love at work! Both Theo and Beau are beyond precious!!!! So cute. Thank you for adopting from a shelter.
We had a Bull Terrier, Sumter who did the same thing with our son when he was a baby, but he would sleep under the crib. He was 4 when Penn was born. As he got older, he’d sleep in his room under his bed. The day before he died, slept there for a bit before coming into my room. Hardest thing was telling my child his Fur-Buddy had died, 5 years later, we got a another Bull Terrier. Max has resumed his spot next to Penn. Some of my favorite pictures are the moments when they are sleeping next to each other on his bed, either on his pillow or Max is at his feet. Enjoy this time, Theo has found his person. The relationship is like no other.
Your pics are just wonderful! May your family & Theo have a very long & happy life together! I WILL come back for looksies from time to time!
This is a wonderful story of pure love.
This is just precious, and in this world that seems so cruel sometimes, it touches my heart to see that such beauty in life still exists. As an avid dog lover and lifetime owner, this sweet four legged fur baby will give you so much joy for many years to come, and will be Beau’s best friend. At 57, I still can not sleep without both of mine cuddled up next to me, even though at times they like to crowd my husband out.
I love what you are planning to do with these pictures and story, and you are so good at it, you ought to think of writing some children’s books, that teaches them the valuable lesson of caring for a wonderful pet. I will definitely buy the book when you have it out. By the way, in case you might not know this, your story and beautiful pictures made it to Huffington Post, which is where I found them, and they brightened the day of many people there.
LOVE these pics. Simply adorable. I hope they have a healthy long life as best buds. Its so nice to see love in its purest form. A boy and his dog. What adventures they will have. ð
Thank you for sharing these adorable photos and story behind them.. My day needed something joyous and this fit the bill perfectly.
Well, this has gone international. How wonderful! I think you should try for 365 photos, and create a page-a-day calendar. The SPCA will thank you – and so will many others who purchase the calendar! <3
That’s a brilliant idea! I like it a lot, I hope she chooses to do that.
Thank you for sharing. These are absolutely adorable.
thank you for sharing… i’m crying right now. this is so amazing.
My dog Daisy is a boxer/german shephard/lab mix. You will never find a better mix. I grew up with 3 dogs but once I hit about 20 I decided I needed a dog of my own. I was resolute that she would be crate trained, wouldn’t beg and would be perfect. I got her at 6 weeks, a sweet, cuddly, infant. An hour in to me trying to sleep she was tucked safely into my bed. She is now 4 years old, weighs 84 pounds, and sleeps soundly between myself and my husband every night.
I will say Daisy started out with short fur like Theo but as she grew, it got longer. Her fur is now more the length of a Golden Retriever. She is the sweetest, smartest, and silliest dog I’ve ever met.
Those are precious pictures and heart-lifting, for sure. I’d love to have a book of them I could pick up and look at when I need a nice dose of love to wipe away the cares of the day. I am sure there are many others who also feel that book would be medicine for the bruised heart. And, the proceeds going to an animal shelter is an additional incentive to buy your proposed book (and hopefully, others to follow). Thank you for the glimpses of joy provided by a dog and his boy.
Its so lovely one to watch the pics and affection you show …..
Aww!! This is so adorable!! We haven’t had any animals since finding out our dog gave my oldest son lyme disease- in fact, I may never get a dog again because of the risk of reinfection. But this warms my heart and makes me dream of puppies!
You raise an important point that disease can be a part of this beautiful close relationship. I hope that Theo has visited his vet for a parasite exam and has had appropriate dewormers. I’m sorry your son has to bear Lyme disease; how awful. But it pains me to think that you or another reader would avoid adopting a dog because of misinformation. A dog cannot transmit Lyme, only a tick can. There are ways to keep ticks off of dogs. Vets can help with this. It’s important to keep fleas off, too, for everyone’s health. Wish we had safer options for keeping ticks off people.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Oh my goodness, have you never heard of separation anxiety??? Please research it if so. It’s very, very, very, very important for dogs to learn from a young age that if they are left alone at night or when their family are out their entire world will not collapse. Theo is not a baby, he is a dog. The distress suffered by dogs who don’t learn the crucial lesson that separation is ok is just heartbreaking. Think howling, urinating and defecating in the house, damaging furniture, and biting themselves (often quite badly), whenever they are left alone. There are going to be some times when your family wants to pop out for a meal without taking Theo, and that separation is going to be utter agony for him if he doesn’t learn to occasionally sleep alone.
First place, it’s NOYB how they raise their dog. I’m pretty sure they have already “popped out for a meal” without Theo. MYOB
STRUDEL,
Great advice. You are so correct! A lot of puppies/dogs aren’t trained properly. Then, sadly, they’re taken back to where they were gotten from OR chained outside to spend the rest of their life. ð All for something that is NOT their fault. PLEASE TRAIN YOUR DOGS. YOU’LL ALL BE HAPPIER FOR IT!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for bringing that up.
Grateful,
Dee
Just perfect moments!!!
Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful moments through these beautiful photographs! Much love and blessings to your family, including Theo!
Wish bigger! Perhaps you will have the next “Humans of New York” success and be at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list!
These photos of Theo and Beau together are just gorgeous! They remind me of how wonderful it was to grow up with a family dog around. I have been trying to decide which image is my favourite, but can’t choose!
I found your blog after seeing the story in the Daily Mail website.
Beautiful kids and a wonderful story of love.
This is just the cutest thing I have ever seen.A special bond for years to come.Keep us updated as they both grow up won’t you.Best wishes from Portadown,Co.Armagh,Northern Ireland.
This is so beautiful and natural. My Dad had a little dog , she slept in his bed and was his beloved companion x x x it’s been proven that animals make us healthier and happier x x x
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures, they are just what the world needs to see. Uplifting, enlightening and down right adorable. Long may the magical bond between Theo and Beau continue.
Hi Jessica,
Thank u for sharing with us your wonderful pictures!
I posted one of them also on my Facebook page, in Italy! ð
Come and have a look: http://www.facebook.com/angelinaincucina
All I can say is OMG this is the cutest thing i have ever seen!!!
Such a good thing for kids to be around dogs!
I’m getting a German shepherd in January and your photos make me so excited for my puppy!
Keep posting photos and I will definitely buy your book!
Ashley,
Paisley, Scotland
Xxx
Omg these are the cutest pics ever! Came across these in a UK newspaper and had to share. X
So much love and joy in these pics – beautiful! You’ve made news in Malaysia – warms the heart to see such a special bond ð
Great photos! Nice story. Thanks for taking in a fur baby.
These are simply so cute and so lovely for Theo and Beau. That is going to be one beautiful relationship bond. What a lucky puppy.
Lots of luck to mom, the kids and puppy Theo….. These pictures made me smile, thanks for that!
I absolutely love this blog, and am going to follow it just to watch it grow. Thank you for doing this
michele
Your dog is really adorable. It looks like even he enjoys a good nap.
So precious. Thanks for sharing and for enlightening the world about the magical bond between humans and our fur babies.
This is adorable. I agree with the commenter above who said Theo looks like a Rottweiler. He certainly reminds me of my Rottie, Maynard, who we got at 6.5 weeks old. Your Theo looks like he may have other breeds in his mix, but there is definitely Rotten in there. He will be the smartest, most loyal, funniest dog ever. Maynard out-smarts his older sister dog, is very loyal and protective, and makes us laugh all the time, even at 8 years old (he’ll be 9 on Valentine’s day). He’ll also be a bottomless pit. If you don’t want it consumed, HIDE IT from Theo! Maynard learned how to counter surf early and consumed a whole loaf of bread, a dozen muffins, and a zucchini in separate incidents. ð
He’ll be the light of your lives, even after he’s big enough to counter surf.
OMG! This is just so gorgeous, they will have a very special bond for life.
Thank you for sharing your precious memories, I most certainly would buy your book.
A beautiful situation with a beautiful puppy with a beautiful family :0))
Jesica—u have ben blessed beyond all imagination—U will look bak on these fotos 20-30-0n&on yers & the tears of joy & luv will flo so be sur & hav lots of hankys on hand—- O how i envy you with Christian luv—I Lost my boy at 17 yrs frm car rek—–GOD BLESS YOU & that pair—–Pls keep sending fotos to me—Thnx in advance—- Pete & Karen Lanthorn—-Southern Calif. USA
Thank you so much for sharing such a precious part of your life with us!!! It’s things like this that we all could use in our life…….too much harsh, negative experiences shared, and not enough of THIS!!!
I would love to have a sibling of Theo!!!!
Hello from the UK. Love your photos of your beautiful family and dear little Theo. I’ve sent them to all my friends. I hope your book comes out over here, it’d make a great present and I’d certainly buy one. I have a rescue do too, they give you such love, and I hope your story will encourage others to rescue rather than use breeders. There are so many animals that need a home and love. Happiness to you all.
That is the most ridiculously adorable thing I’ve EVER seen! What a privilege to watch it happen, too! You pics have gone viral, I found them via the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2508490/Dog-tired-Mom-photographs-toddler-Beau-puppy-brother-Theos-daily-nap-ritual.html
I recommend that you not let your puppy do this for very very long, mostly because of separation anxiety, as someone else pointed out. Although it’s cute (and pretty darned awesome!) the reality is that we no longer live in a world where we take our dogs EVERYwhere. That poses a problem.
Of course, Beau won’t be taking naps every night, either, but in a few months it will be worth it to start weaning them both of this, so that sleeping together becomes a once-in-a-while “treat”, not a dependency.
I hope that makes sense. In the meantime, enjoy! We certainly are!
Get that child a BIG bed, because in about a year that is going to be a BIIIIG dog, and your child(ren) will never want for protection for the rest of Theo’s life. Just make sure Theo understands Justin and the rest of you are above him in the pack, or you will never be able to so much as scold the child. It should make a great book and I’m looking forward to buying it to support the shelter. I’ve always supported animal charities through the Combined Federal Campaign, but they never had such great photos to share. You should suggest to the shelter they should come up with calendars of photos of adopted pets with their new families. So often all we get is photos of animals longing for homes.
It will be friendship bigger then known Universe. Wait and you’ll see…
How adorable!
Jessica you are an amazing person. The world needs more people like you!
Wonderful pictures but you need to get another puppy , animals need their own kind for company as well as humans and two dogs are no more trouble than one. When Beau goes to school Theo will miss him and if (God forbid ) anything should happen to Theo the devastation would be alleviated slightly. I have had dogs in pairs all my life, ( over 80 years !) the only drawback is you need a very large bed !
But it’s better than an extra blanket in the winter. It is great to see someone nurturing the wonderful bond there can be between animals and humans
Jessica, your photos and story capture the joy of being a mother. Thanks for sharing!
My sister was immediately drawn to a shelter dog she had to have, even though she had two others and her husband was against the idea. She won and Ollie joined their family less than 24 hours before it was his time to be euthanized. Shortly after that they adopted a 15 month old. The first night with the new toddler wasn’t going over so well until my sister picked up Ollie and placed him in the crib, too. They both fell asleep and are still best buddies to this day. Ollie even has a spot on his ear where the hair is rubbed short from 6 years of being rubbed by his human as they fall asleep together. nightly. Soul mates.
HOW SWEET! I came across the story through a norwegian newspaper and my heart just melted totally. I had to cheer your story through my blog cause it was so amazing…
These photo’s melt my heart!
What a beautiful friendship.
I wanted to tell you that this story and your pictures of Beau and Theo made the Sunday news line here in Norway today! ð A great, heartwarming story at the end ð
I hope you have a lifetime of joy with your new family member <3
Hi, what wonderful photo’s, reminds me of my youngest son now 26 growing up with our rescue dog, devoted to each other, mischief, laughs tears, all good memories, enjoy the new member of your family x
Ciao!
le tue foto sono bellissime!! adesso sono famose anche in Italia! ð
http://www.repubblica.it/spettacoli/people/2013/11/16/foto/il_bambino_e_il_cane_storia_d_amore_e_di_un_pisolino-71162262/1/?ref=HRESS-13#1
Hi!
your photo are beautiful!! Now are famous also in Italy! ð
There is nothing more precious and beautiful than the friendship between a boy and his dog. They are beyond sweet. Thank you for sharing. This made my day.
Wow. These are some of the best photos I have ever seen. Lovely!
Ohhhh ! Normaly I never focus on the pics of dogs or Child or anything… but come on ! I think I never saw this kind of totaly cute pictures before! Let me tell you that I love your dog ! Thank you ð
Jean from France
If the internet has photos more adorable than these, my head will explode.
This is adorable!
So adorable it has even reached New Zealand -> http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/9413026/In-pics-Adorable-naptime-snaps
I just have to suggest you doing a calendar – it would sell like wildfire!….everyone I know is drooling over these pics….and I thought of it after seeing them this morning then going out to the mall & happened to look at calendars….would love one myself!
These are the GREATEST pics!!!
Super cute pics Jessica….Theo is super cute and Beau is adorable!!!
(Jessica have sent you an email, I hope you get to read it) ð
Cheers all the way from Adelaide Australia
Dianne
Ugh! Since I was a child, I dreamed of having one pup too. But my mom haven’t agreed on keeping one.
Thanks for your blog and I am inspired to continue my plan of having my pup on the near future.
God Bless! ^_^
Love the book idea – calendars would be fabulous too!
Rottweiler:
Owner should make an extremely careful search to avoid overaggressive- or unstable-tempered lines
A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Providing enough socialization so their protectiveness doesn’t become aggression
Potential aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Slobbering and drooling (in individuals with massive heads and heavy jowls)
Gassiness (flatulence)
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
A multitude of serious health problems and a shortish lifespan
Hello,
Your pictures are soooo adorable, you need to keep shooting your boy napping with Theo and do a book of about 100 pictures… You have to, It will go viral as you say !
Thank you for sharing your work ! It is so nice to see that nowadays !
Xavier
From Paris, France
Beautiful.
You’ve made my day with these beautiful photos. My dog has given me and my family so much joy and it looks like Theo is doing the same. All the best
Jane – Melbourne, Australia ð
I’m a cat person and I also try not to be roped in by schmaltzy internet cuteness but this is wicked cool. Good luck with the book.
Love this story and your photos. We have two rescue dogs and they too are a BIG part of our family. Look forward to more photos and want to thank you for sharing.
I came across your site via petmed on facebook… all “4” of your children are BEAUTIFUL! It goes to show that fate was right beside you the day you went to the shelter. There is nothing more precious than a boy and his dog. They will be best friends for the rest of their lives. Thank you for sharing a part of your lovely family. Your pictures warmed our hearts!
Hi, both boy and dog are megacute, separate and together ð
We have two rescued whippet lurchers, one crate trained by the shelter, one not. Life is soooo much easier with the trained one, she travels better, sleeps better (and we sleep better). Good news, you don’t start with shoving a tiny pup in a cage for the night and listen their cry. Start with playing in the crate, feeding in there, do every pleasurable task there. Never punish him when in the crate. Start with open door and increase gradually the time of the door closed. Easy.
We still sleep with at least one of them though. There is always someone who needs a cuddle of a hot water bottle with integrated soft fur ð
These are the most adorable pictures. I had to share on my FB page, hoping they will brighten someone’s day like they did mine. Way too sweet and cute. We are looking to get a dog soon, and this may have just pushed me right into it. ð Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely gorgeous and oh so heartwarming pictures. Thanks for sharing. This little puppy is lucky to have you guys, and it would be so nice to see the friendship of these two evolve as they both grow!
Love your blog!
Greetings from Denmark!
Hi there and greetings from Finland! Your photos came across in Daily Mail’s website and the two of them just moved me. I have a toddler of my own and a dog too, the dog just came in first so they are not bonding in the same way even though they are the best friends.
All the best for your family and have a lovely pre-Christmas time!
That is adorable! Thanks for opening your heart and home to a rescue puppy that deserves (and clearly has gotten) a second chance at life and love.
I work for an animal rescue organisation, PetRescue, in Australia – so I’m so happy to read Theo is a rescue ð Clearly he has very much landed on all four paws.
I saw this story on Facebook and read about it in a Swedish newspaper.
Beautiful!
/ Maja, Sweden.
Your book idea is a great one –
but how about a CALENDAR??
I can see THOUSANDS (or more) people who would LOVE to have one of these a month on their wall for a year,
I love this story and I’ve posted it to all my friends. I was so bereft after my husband died, but my dogs give me such warm companionship, they’ve literally saved my life. I hope boy and dog have a wonderful life together. I would definitely buy the book.
United Kingdom
We have two rescue Golden’s. They give us joy and happiness each and every day. Your children are fortunate to have parents that agreed to,their wish. And he is fortunate to have found your family. Sign me up for your book.
Your photos travelled a lot ! I saw them on a french website, thank U for these moments of “douceur” ð
Very nice pictures I share them with my kids and my friends here in Belgium. We are very concerned by the health of our little friends. We have an old cat but still looking young because we take care of her every day . Because she has health problems (arthrose ? thyroÃŊd). She needs pills every day. She growned up with my kids and it’s very important for them. Her name is “Canaille”. When she was still in good shape she used to sleep on the head of my daugther ð
Now every morning (she is not able anymore to climb upstairs) she is waiting for my daughter. Hope we will keep her a little bit longer she is 18 yrs old !
Wish you the same pleasure with your pet.
ps hope my English is not too bad.
ð
Cuteness overload! – And what an adorable bond you have the daily pleasure of witnessing! – A dog is the gift that keeps on giving, it can love us more than it loves itself – And I sincerely believe, Beau will be deeply blessed and made richer for the benefit of it.
These photos are absolutely delicious! I love the tandem snuggling poses. You should definitely make a book before both puppy and boy outgrow nap time ð
They are so sweet!!! I have never seen smth like that. Beauty…..
I wish my boy and our dog coudl sleep in this way too…
Amazing! Precious! Adorable! Warms my heart. We love our fur babies. I have an 85 lb baby that cuddles like that. It is like they know we saved them!
So heartmelting, we too adopted from the san Francisco SPCA. She sleeps with us and has to be with us always.
There are no words to describe the sweetness of these photos. After I looked at them for several moments, over and over again, I told my husband that if these pictures were in a calendar, I would buy it. I want to see these photos daily!! Maybe a project like that would be a great way to help the SCPA?? I would be your first customer!
hello
i m french and i ve got 4 childs!! these photos are incredible i love them!! i ve got 1 dog and 1 cat end 2 horses so i can understand!!! maybe my son Gabriel 15 months will have his dog soon!! i ll try some beautiful photos like you do!!
thanks for this moment
love
sophie
I just saw these on Hoda and Kathie. I can’t stop crying. I am so touched by this beautiful and authentic this love is. Animals bring such unconditional love when given the chance. Thank you, thank you for sharing these with the world and bringing the awareness of how loyal and loving a shelter animal can be.
These pictures have totally made my day. Utterly gorgeous. What a beautiful friendship. Husband currently restraining me from racing to our local rescue centre. (Kids pushing him out of the way). Good luck. ð
These are the cutest pictures ever! How sweet, I don’t know how you leave them to get anything done. I would just sit and stare for two hours.
Just came over after having read about these cute pics and this blog in a Norwegian newspaper. This is by far the best child-and-dog pictures published this year. Keep up the documentary – and make it a book. It will be a bestseller world-wide.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful…….what an amazing bond obviously born out of love for each and every one of you. Theo is so blessed to have found such a wonderful family with so much love to share. Thank you for these wonderful pictures and showing us how wonderful adopting a puppy is.
Stunning! Absolutely stunning. I’m so glad to see a story like this. Great pictures and to make it even better, you adopted from a shelter. I love seeing things like this!
Absolutely stunning and beautiful. I have cats and kids and love when they cuddle when sleeping, but it is nothing like this. You made my day with these photos.
This is the sweetest and cutest thing EVER!! What a bond they will have!! Thanks for sharing this with us!
So so sweet! Theo will watch over and protect Beau and your family forever. Love the pics and the underlying meaning.
The cutest litle boy and the sweetest litlle dog…..so wonderfull.
What a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your sunshine with the rest of the world and DOUBLE PROPS for pivoting your web-celebrity towards helping the Santa Cruz Humane Society.
Ack, excuse me, SPCA.***
CUTEST BABY AND DOG EVER! The black and white face one is now my phone screen saver!
Those are the most beautiful pictures of Theo & Beau.
Thank you for sharing them
D
This warms my heart!! There is NOTHING on this planet more precious than the love for animals that your family is showing. The bond being created between your child and puppy will be amazing. That animal will protect your son forever. Thanks for sharing.
hi just viewed your pictures, your lil guy has a friend for life. made me smile to view your pictures. thank you
i just saw these pictures and i am so in love. what a beautiful baby boy you have and puppy. they are going to be pals for a long time and as much as you are probably happy you adopted him, he probably adopted your family to.
dogs are the best, i had a toy poodle growing up name gypsy. my aunt got him for me when i was 1 yrs old and he died when i was 17. gypsy went with me everywhere he could. and through him i learn how to love and appreciate dogs. you are an awesome mom. (and dad is awesome too).
My heart seriously burst from the cuteness. What a special treasure for your beautiful family. These photos are something that you will be able to hold on to forever even when the puppy has grown into a big puppy and your baby has grown into a big boy. Love this.
Theo+beau= Best Friends Forever. I love, love, love it.
This is the most adorable thing I have ever seen! You did a great job capturing the moments!
Thanks for sharing a wonderful story.
I thought it was normal for kids to sleep with animals? All 3 of my girls did it ð
Your Theo and Beau pictures made my heart smile. Thank you!
Such sweet pictures! Kids + puppies = day instantly better
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. LOVED these [ix. Best thing I have seen today! Thanks, Jessica
Hello,
Home sick w the flu today and discovered your wonderful blog. Read through some of the past posts and this one. Your family is super sweet! Seems like you are living a dream come true. I adopted a puppy from the Santa Rosa humane society 3 years ago and it was the best decision ever. Although they do go through a intense stage from about 6mo-2.5yrs. I crate trained my puppy and slept with him every night. I left him in his crate when no one was home. He was a little needy for a period of time but he grew out of it and is very independent. I sometimes wish he still wanted to snuggle. And eventually he grew out of the crate. He is a really good dog. Yours will be too. And we have a serious bond, he’s very protective now. I did do the puppy training at the humane society which would be great for your children. Your pics are too cute!!! Enjoy! And I highly suggest getting professional pics of the family w the puppy. I did and it was the best decision ever they get big so fast!
Thank you for adopting a shelter dog! I work in rescue, so I’ve seen the good, the bad and the absolutely horrible.
I’m thinking Calender! You are so right each one is so sweet and peaceful. My dog naps with me but I’m 53 and it’s just not as cute.
OMG..those are the greatest pics ever of your son and the puppy!!!!!!! That is great!
They are so adorable together. They will grow up together and you will never have to worry about Beau and Theo will also watch over and protect him. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.
I cried at the preciousness of these moments. The love of a dog and a child, we all need more of that! I hope you document them through the years. I imagine they will always be best friends.
Dogs are the most amazing creatures to me. Thank you for sharing these photos with us all. They warmed my heart today!
Sally Geers
Thanks for making my Monday special. What a treat to have such a sweet puppy and a sweet bond with your family. A picture is worth a thousand words….
What a beautiful family. Theo has found his forever home. They instantly become one of our family members, and we become their people. It’s lovely that Theo and Beau have become fast friends. The photos warmed my heart and truely made my day better.
These are some of the sweetest pictures I have seen in a long time. I agree with Jess Z, I would want to just sit and watch the 2 sleep, and not worry about what needed to get done.
Thank you for sharing.
bless you, bless you, bless you. 3 kiddo’s and saving a puppy!!! Mom of the year. And such darn cute photos!!!
Thanks for sharing!! These photos not only put a smile on my face, but a warmth in my heart!! It is truly a blessing that Theo and your family were brought together. Enjoy and cherish one another!!!
Adorable just doesn’t encompass the feelings I get when looking at your pics. It appears these two were meant to be together. Such sweetness!
Adopted my pup from the San Francisco SPCA, which is located in a gorgeous, state-of-the-art facility. I plan to volunteer my time to the SFSPCA, but think any money I donate will go to the Santa Cruz SPCA. I hate to say they need it more, but right now it looks like they do!
These pictures are amazing and heartwarming. What a wonderful thing you did rescuing this puppy. I can’t wait to see how they both grow together.
Beautiful story … Sweet friendship … Amazing photos … Thank you From Portugal for sharing so much tenderness …
This just made me cry…the photos are so sweet & beauitful…I know that this little boy will always be protected!!!
Thank you inviting us into your lives with these adorable pictures. I was having a Bad Monday at work and took a break to check my emails on yahoo and saw these adorable pictures which made me completely turn my attitude of the day ( let me say it wasnt so positive) around. Thanking you for bringing attention to your local animal shelter. May you and your family stay blessed and know that you touched alot of peoples hearts.
Stacy, Phoenix Az
Can’t stop smiling! This is so sweet. Gotta love those naps!
Judging from the pictures, I’d say a DNA test is in order. THEY ARE BOTH PRECIOUS! It really looks like there is some Rottweiler in there. They are such WONDERFUL PETS when raised properly. ð
I am typing this through tears of happiness. In this crazy world we live in, reading this was a breath of fresh air….I also have a recuse pet that came from my landlords daughter, when her old, grumpy cat did not like the sweet, loved me to death kitty. I had to get rid of Silvia. Crying as if there was a death, I called a friend of mine (dog lover), and begged him to take my Silvia until I found another place to live. Reluctently he did. That was 3 years ago, he said there is no way I will get her back, I can come for visitation but that is it…LOL. She is in a good home and sleeps on his belly every night all night.
Thank you very much for making my day a lot brighter,
Tracy Hill
About 7 years ago I visited an animal shelter and fell in love with a little dog whom we named Lexie. I feel so special that we were able to rescue him but in turn he rescued us. I love him sleeping on our bed and his joy at playing and going on trips . A great feeling.
Hugs!!!
Thank you for posting something inspiring and heartwarming-so nice to come across a wonderful inspired story and pictures…I hope you and your family the best-happiness and health!! xo
Goodness what a beautiful picture! It really made my day, thank you. Nice to know there is such lovliness still in our lives. Awsome!!!
Beau and Theo are going to be so bonded it’ll be amazing to see! He’ll probably be very protective of Beau, too. Nobody will be able to lay a finger on him!
Thank you so much for sharing this puppy/baby love. I am in tears because it is so beautiful and your son is going to have a lifelong friend and wonderful memories of his nap buddy.
Dear Jessica, As a dog lover and a mom, thanks for sharing these lovely family memories with everyone. Such precious simple beauty when we hear so much terrible information about the world. Puppy love = unconditional love! all the best for you and your lovely family!
Your pictures are way to cute for words!!!!! With all the bad things happening in this world it is so refreshing to see something that makes you smile, laugh and feel good. Your kids are luckly to have such a good friend as Theo!!!!!
Most dog owners have their four-legged friends sleep with them. It’s good for our souls. I, too, tried, the crate thing, buggers. Your Theo and Beau photos bring tears to my eyes. It’s way too precious. You can feel the love. Your pup knows he’s in a great place. Bless you for rescuing him.
I found your photos on Yahoo home page and followed you here to your blog. I’m not sure how you could have chosen between those 3 adorable pups in the cage, but it’s obvious he chose you! Dog friends are the best! Good luck with the sleeping/training phase.
Hugs from Minnesota,
Marie
Just beautiful. They are Best friends forever. ð
I wanted to thank you for this post. I happened upon your story on Yahoo when I got on-line to check my email. It brought tears to my eyes. You see, this past Friday, my family said goodbye to our family pet Theo. He was an 8 year old little Yorkie. It was sudden and totally unexpected. Needless to say, we are all grieving. Your story though brought to me what felt like divine intervention in a way. (I am not that religious of a person). We too have a son named Beau, who is 20 months old. I’ve been saddened that he won’t remember our Theo. I’m comforted in the fact that there is another adorable toddler out there who still gets snuggles with Theo. Thanks again. I’ll be sure to follow your blog.
Hi,
I was perusing Buzzfeed and noticed they picked up your story. Only, they swapped your son’s name with the puppy’s name. Just thought you might want to know. http://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseamarshall/this-puppy-and-baby-are-the-most-adorable-nap-time-pals
I absolutely loved the photos of your puppy with your baby. So precious.
Awwww Just the sweetest sight ever; Theo adores and loves his human siblings and Mom. You have captured true love and rescued a gentle soul; brava! hugs C S.
The photos of Theo and your little one Beau have melted my heart. What a daily smile that must have brought to you. I’m so glad I found this blog. Can’t wait to see more about the boy and his dog.
I love this. What great memories you are capturing for your family. I totally get that feeling of your heart about to explode. I feel this way when I watched tender moments with my children and our rescued pitbull. The dog is especially bonded to my 4 year old niece and are inseparable. Enjoy every minute of it!
Your son is precious! Thank you for sharing these photos–something so adorable is always appreciated. We have a wonderful rescue dog that is 15 yrs old–the pound is a great place to find some of the best pets.
God bless~
My best friend, who is not a dog person, who doesn’t believe in dogs sharing beds, and has never bonded with a dog, and rolls her eyes every time I gush about my dog…
… is the person who sent a link to your story gushing about how cute and wonderful this is.
THAT is the power of animal friendships.
You have allowed the most amazing bond. I hope no one ever tries to hurt that child because that dog will not allow it. The pup looks like he has rottweiler in him, which makes for an even better friend/protector of your child. God Bless.
Great job mommy …. we are BIG dog lovers and believe in rescue/adopt only….
that dog is a wonderful addition to a very lovely family….
We have 2 that have come from shelters – one we have had for over 12 years now – adopted at about 8 mos – the other about 3 years, adopted at about 1 year…..And they sleep with us too, every night …… hehehe
God Bless you all, and enjoy all those babies – with and without furr !!!! hehehehe….
I’m totally obsessed with these photos…in the best way of course. Can Beau nap three or more times a day please? We have two rescues at home, old guys now, but still the best.
Keep on photographing please!!
Thank you so much for rescuing Theo. It drives me crazy when people buy from breeder or pet stores instead of rescue from the shelter or rescue groups (they have breed-specific rescue groups).
Thanks also for sharing the precious photos of Beau and Theo. They are just toooo cute!! ð
I look forward to your book.
This is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for shedding light on the wonderful truth: that when you rescue a dog, you’re the one who winds up getting rescued!! I hope that Theo, Beau and the rest of the family have many years of love, lessons and happiness together!
Speaking as one who has been there, know that over the years, as Beau grows and becomes more independent, Theo will be your helpmate (and cuddle-buddy ð in learning to let go. Then, someday, you’ll be able to pass that lesson on to Beau when he has to let go of Theo. What a dog gives its’ family is such an incredible gift.
Blessings on your heart, your house and all within. Selah.
What precious pictures! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so sweet! PLEASE publish a book or a calendar! These are too adorable not to share!
These pictures are gorgeous!! So precious and I’m sure these two will have the most wonderful friendship. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Wow. Amazing. Aaw this on MSN and had to read some more. Was having a so so day, but this put things back into perspective for me.
Thank you
These pictures are just too precious. When I read your story I was taken aback because we also adopted a puppy from the Santa Cruz SPCA; we may have one of Theo’s litter mates. Our puppy also a male loves to sleep with our son who is 21 months old! My pictures aren’t as cute as yours though!
Absolutely the best thing I have read and witnessed this entire year. Just wants me to head home and give my 5 year old dog (he is a puppy), the biggest kiss on his wet nose. So beautiful and thank you for sharing.
Lots of kisses to Theo and Beau.
AC
great. now i want another toddler…and a puppy.
Your pictures are so adorable! How you manage to let them sleep is a miracle.
I was hesitant to leave a comment, because I’m sure so many people are giving you advice already. Try and give crate training another shot, at least in some context. It’s really for their own good. If he doesn’t learn how to be on his own, and self-soothe, you’ll have a monster on your hand when he’s older and you won’t be able to correct the behavior. The crying at night can be stopped by covering the crate with a sheet or blanket so they can’t see outside the crate. You could also put a fan by the crate so he has some ambient noise. You’re setting him up for success so that you can leave him alone in the house. It’s also good for bladder training, so that they can “hold it” while you’re gone.
This is a bonafide cuteness overload. This is such a sweet story and photo essay. I am a big dog lover and I have an almost 8 year old chocolate lab. I tried crate training him as well as a puppy and that did not last long, lol. I can completely relate on the unbearable crying they do when they are in there. I ended up caving, taking him out, and letting him sleep with me. I figured he was so use to sleeping with his liter. As soon as I would pick him up and tuck him in with me, he was already asleep. 8 years later, he’s the best dog!
Thanks for sharing these adorable pictures
As a pediatrician, as cute as this may seem, there are some very real, serious dangers to a pet dog sleeping with a very young child…………I certainly would not recommend this to anyone.
Dear Steven,
nor should you do, or eat, or visit, or experience so many other things that might cause a problem. The risks here are tiny, the benefits huge. Get a life and allow others to make their own informed choices.
I absolutely love the pictures of Theo and Beau. They really made my day. I too love to take pictures of my children and two dogs, Burt and Ernie. My children are now young adults and they love to look back at all the pictures. Good luck to you, your children and Theo.
I see those two babies sleeping together and am reminded of my wife. We are grandparents now and the kids are all grown and gone and I work and live 5 days a week in Chicago. Except for the occasional visit from one or the other kids or grandkids, my wife spends a great deal of time alone. Our beloved pussycat Butterscotch finally grew old and went into the light and I worried my wife would be lonely. So the kids and I persuaded her to get a new pussycat from the shelter. We ended up with Fritz and he exceeded my greatest expectations. I think he knew he was supposed to be her new baby and now follows her around all day, and sleeps with her, across the top of her pillow, right on top of her head. When I see that I feel just like I did when I saw Theo and Beau. I feel comfort in watching Fritz take care of my wife.
Oh, you are so wonderful to have done this….these pictures made my day! That puppy is lucky to have your family. Thank you so much!!!
The photos are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing and bringing a smile to so many today.
I’m from Santa Cruz but living in DC and going to b-school @ NYU, so seeing this post make the rounds on the interwebs made my day. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never submit to anything but I just had to tell you, your pictures brought a full smile to myself, husband and son. Our first Rottweiler we adopted when my son Christ was 3 years old. He is now 25 and we have adopted our third. Or first was our first love. Each once has become more precisions then the next. We too have picture with our son sleeping with his buddies. The friendship for my son threw the years is something he will treasure for the rest of his life.
Thank you for bringing back old memories.
Louise
Jessica, what a testement to your children and to the animal shelter. The pictures are so precious. Every child needs an animal companion to love and learn. They are so helpless and dependent as children are Best to you and your family, you are a wonderful mother. The shelter is in diar need of a new building, I hope that is realized.
The most comforting, remarkable, beautiful shots of two of the most gorgeous creatures born onto this earth, that I have ever seen. Two great guys just taking an afternoon nap. Brought tears to my eyes too.
Me and my little buddy(BJ) also took our afternoon naps every day. I lost him in Sept. and ,you know what, I still miss that nap with him more than anything.
And, I am 62.
Thanks for sharing!!!
s
Just adorable. This will be lifelong and rewarding for boy and dog and the whole family. I’m glad you got a shelter dog and as a plus, mixed breeds are smarter than purebreds. Anyone who rescues dogs this way knows that. Your little dog with give you all total love forever. You may consider at some point getting another to be his companion for those times when you have to go out for a while and leave Theo at home. The way his life is beginning with your family, he may feel too abandoned when left alone. Dogs need dog friends, too. This is a wonderful story; thank you for sharing.
I LOVE these pictures.. As a fellow rescuer and rescue volunteer. I thank You bigtime for adopting and encouraging others to donate and adopt. Awesome!!! I am a mother of a 15 yr old son and I understand how a wonderful relationship can develop between a young child and dog. Your pictures made my heart just swell with such happiness. You cant help but smile and be happy when youre looking at a sleeping “baby” and a round puppy belly!!! Theo is smiling in his sleep.. He knows you saved his life and who knows… someday he might just save yours! I hope you do write the book. I’ll buy it for sure… Thanks for making all of our days a little brighter. Big Puppy kisses and hugs heading your way… from a mother to 5 furry kids and one human one! Lisa
AAaawww. I love just looking at the pics. The make me smile! I wonder what their life together will be like??
So sweet and its a picture for my child and my cute doggy. Thank you for lovely share.
PRECIOUS – Both of them! THERE IS NO SWEETER, HONEST, UNCONITIONAL LOVE THAN FROM A CHILD OR A DOG. As a mother of two and an owner of only rescued animals all my life, Thank You for making so many people aware of the goodness of putting children and animals together. This will be a treasured long lasting friendship.. and the photos are priceless!
Donna
I am a senior citizen with chronic depression. Your son and puppy, as well as your other two children just made me happy to look at them. I will buy the book as well – hurry and send – just kidding. Bless you and yours for posting.
Ellen
You gotta make a calendar of those cute child/dog nap pictures. I’m not in that business or I’d jump at the idea. Christmas calendars for 2014 to raise money for the SPCA would be dynamite.
Good luck.
These pictures warm my heart. Thanks for sharing them and thanks for being the kind of family that adopts from a shelter. I admire that you are using proceeds to raise money for the shelter. Our animal shelters need all the help they can get. Bless you, Beau, and Theo for being an inspiration and a testent to the purity of love.
Wow! Such beautiful photos!!
My wife and I just saw your images and heard the story on NBC Bay Area. The only noise coming out of both of us throughout the entire segment was “awwwwwwwwwwww!” Way too cute…
We have a rescue, too. Anniebelle. She’s an absolute delight. So much love.
The depiction(visual) is finally capture beyond up to date. For centuries, none have been etched, photographed, or, defined so well as these. Hone in on them and keep em coming please, from FLA and Sweet Pea. Hugs to all.
ps. my pup sleeps with me and I her in the exact same fashion, with the exception of being new and young.
OBSESSED. Plus your little guy looks just like mine, they have to be the same age. I’ll tweet you tomorrow, but I have a little shoutout for my readers about these images. I love them to pieces. And the puppy. Melt!
xoMorgann
http://www.glitterinthegrey.com
Awesome story, pictures are too cute! I paused the Monday night football game in my household just to share your blog and pic’s! Theo & Beau were a big hit!
Dear Jessica:
Just wanted you to know I did not expect to be so moved by these wonderful images!
As I myself have lost my job, my family and well… much hope… I was not really in a gung ho mood as per viewing a potential Hallmark Card show but to my great surprise, as I stared at each portrait, something really powerful happened.
I left behind all that burdens me and could sense I was actually *feeling* the experience of each shot — the smells, the noises, the colors and forms — and most of all, the indescribable tenderness of your two babies’ love for one another!
It would be magnificent if you could do something such as a book or video montage and that the proceeds would go to the shelter community.
I only wish you and your family remained in NYC as the system here is just intolerable. Maybe if there is a second book [wink], you might consider donating to Theo’s mates back East.
Thanks again for lifting my spirits if even for a moment. It was priceless.
Warmly,
Jenny
P.S. While at U of Penn, I used to proofread to make extra money and thus [gulp] I could not help but notice some insignificant errors — I actually liked them — it made it seem all the more real :)! KUDOS TO YOU AND THE LITTLE GUYS!
I would totally buy this book! Make it on blurb.com if you can’t find a publisher elsewhere…they have gorgeous quality and it’s an easy way to deal with distribution and sales for a self-published photobook. I hope you actually get a book deal though!!
What a beautiful story. This dog and your son will be like two peas in a pod. Life is too short for our furry friends. Enjoy him and cherish every moment. Very few dogs are as sweet as this one. They formed a special bond. Too cute.
Beautiful child, beautiful photos. You have made my day ð
I don’t know you and your family but was shared your post and pictures about your puppy Theo and Beau’s naptime and then reading about Theo’s adoption into your family! It is so very touching and made me cry!! I work with a rescue and it is so nice seeing what its all about, the good side of rescue, the happy endings!! the love between a dog and his family!! Theo was one of the lucky ones and so is your family!! You will be rewarded with a loyal, devoted best friend who will watch over you and your children and love you until he dies!! Thank you and keep up the wonderful posts and pictures!!
Thank you for sharing such a heart-warming story. I am an animal lover myself (sometimes a blubbering and completely emotional one, I must admit!) and have slowly been losing my faith in humanity after so many reports of animal abuse and suffering. It’s stories like this that renew my hope in people and remind me that *yes*, there are still good people in this world with big hearts. Thank you for making my day and kicking me in the butt. Sarah
Children and a puppy, what a wonderful combination! I have two Pitbulls and they are awesome dogs.
This site is in my favorites. Reading and rereading through the posts. Because of you, Jessica, other people have posted such wonderful and touching comments. Not only have you brought joy to others, but everyone who has posted something. Animals give such unconditional love it breaks my heart to see the abuse that goes on. Check out “Operation Ava” and the two abandoned pitbulls they have. They are brothers, one is blind, and the other is his constant companion. They are trying to adopt them out together and I pray they do. Once again thank you to everyone.
Never crate animals that is torture.
Thank you so much for sharing these precious photos of your son and his best friend. I cried…. Thank you.
It’s not often that I end up on your page after seeing a link on the bottom of the UK Daily Mail article I was reading….!
I shall never tire of these adorable pics – and you did great of Fox and Friends with your excitable crew this AM. So impressed with how you kept your poise ð
xoxoxo
Thanks for these lovely snaps. The thing to know is that for both of these guys, the importance of that first true friendship cannot be overestimated, and when it is formed with such a snuggly dog, it’s gonna be a good experience for Beau. Of course Theo is gonna love Beau forever, but I think Beau is going to be just as constant.
This is uber cute. Thank you for adopting Theo and loving him. They are not different than our human babies. As babies they need to be loved and feel that someone cares for them.
hi… i’m melin
senang melihat foto ini. aku jadi ingat sama 2 ekor anjing ku yang aku sayangi. rasanya air mata ku ingin keluar melihat keakraban ini. benar-benar luar biasa.. ð
At this time of year as we all await Thanksgiving, I would like to offer you the most heartfelt and sincere thank you for sharing such a beautiful gift with the entire world. When there are so few things on TV that depict kindness and love this was such a true example of both. Thank you for allowing us to share in the beauty you captured and may your holidays and lives be filled with an abundance of the joy and love.
a little gods play your heaven(home)
OOOF…you’re killing me with the cute!
http://giantmt25.wordpress.com/
Just like my Minnie, a tabby I adopted at 5 weeks old in 2004. From day 1, we’ve always taken our naps together. Pets are more fun when they’re like a teddy bear.
This is one of the cutest things I have ever seen! Thanks for taking the pics and sharing them with the world. I love it! Keep us updated!
Adorable! I see a lifetime friendship between your son and Theo.
I am happy that Theo has a loving…FUREVER…home with your family. Looking forward to the photos as they grow up together.
I don’t know that I have ever seen anything more beautiful than these pictures. How lucky Theo is to have landed in your family and it is obvious you all adore him as well. Please keep the pictures coming!
A friend just shared your story on Facebook and I have to tell you it just made my day. It is one of the sweetest, most beautiful things I have ever seen. Our dog had a litter of puppies this past February and after watching them all sleep together, it appears that Theo really does think Beau is his brother. So precious!
Thanks for adopting!!!
Please do a book……I would buy it and gift it ! Proceeds could go to your local SPCA. Children and animals…….love in it’s purest form. What a joy.
I think your pics are awesome. I rescue cats and have 6 of them. They are my babbies and they all sleep with me. It is a very special bond you have with your animal and they are your children. Enjoy all the unconditional love and the loyalty that they give you. Your children are both beautiful.
Terrie
Please continue to post as both grow…this is so sweet…would love to see how big the pup gets. Such a special relationship between a boy and his puppy.
<3
How adorable! Theo will watch over him forever <3 One very loved, spoiled & special puppy. So So Sweet ð
My sister sent me your link with this note:
“Read the mom’s comment before the photosâĶ cute!”
Keep posting photos and don’t forget your comments – it’s all great to see and read!
I adore this post for so many reasons. Your family is beautiful, you adopted a rescued dog, and you shared your story with the world. Thank you. May peace, love, and light continue to stay with you all. God bless.
xxoo,
Monica
These pictures are so wonderful and precious, thank you so much for sharing these moments with us!
When is your book coming out? I want to buy it and support the Santa Cruz SPCA. Christmas is coming and I would purchase adozen of your books to share with my friends involved with rescuing dogs! And many years of love and happiness for Theo and Beau!
This. This is literally PAINFULLY cute. The relationship between a young boy and his dog is truly a beautiful one. I always think of Where the Red Fern Grows (CANNOT get through that book without crying). We adopted a dog in May 2012 from an animal shelter and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made! Thank you so much for sharing these precious moments with us, Jessica! You better believe I shared it on Facebook! ð
This is literally the greatest thing of all time. Thanks for taking the time to share it. (Quick side note: Your “about” page still says you have just the two kids.) Thanks again.
This is seriously the cutest thing ever!! And bless you – three kids and a new puppy!
wish I could have seen y’all on Fox n friends… i am loving your pictures – all of them, not just new puppy pics, but seriously all of them! enjoy your new little puppy brother and peace be with you!! <3
Not sure if someone suggested this as I didn’t read all the other comments, but I think you should take pre-orders for a book or calendar on Indiegogo to raise the funds and gauge interest. These pics are beyond heartwarming and I’d definitely support the cause! I know others would, too!
I Momma!
I’m a portuguese mom that knew your site in the most popular newspapers in Portugal. The news came by the way the big chill on affection that all the photos from your youngest child and the new family member convey to the whole world.
Disasters happen every day. And every day we are blessed by something as pure and simple as which are witnessing in this blog.
Best wishes. Much love to you and all your family.
This is fantastic, we adopted our first family puppy from Santa Cruz’s sister SPCA, Monterey a number of years ago and couldn’t praise them enough for working with the resources they have and never giving up on a dog. She was the most amazing dog we could have ever asked for, so thankful just like your Theo.
I would creatively add the holiday spirit to nap time and perhaps create postcards for the SPCA to sell for donations. Everyone loves a holiday card ð
My heart swells at these images and I want to thank you for spreading the word about dog adoptions. It’s such an important act of kindness. I could never imagine purchasing a dog from a breeder when there are so many perfect dogs wasting away in shelters. This little guy is so lucky to have a family like yours. I might be 23 years old but I sleep with my little chiweenie Olive every night and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Beautiful! Helene from Sweden
I cannot tell you how much this has touched my heart and brought such a huge smile to my face. It is so refreshing to read and see such a beautiful and happy story. With all the negativity out there in the world today, this brings back what life is all about and how sweet, innocent and the unconditional love of a baby and his puppy can show all of us. Thank you so much for sharing your family and this wonderful story! It is going to melt a lot of HEARTS!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
What an awesome story! As a huge animal and kid person this totally melts my heart. Your family has saved Theo and for that you guys are his world.
I was inspired by your photos and just donated. Hopefully, every little bit from your readers will make a dent. Looking forward to more pictures!
Dying of cute! I love this and I am amazed that you got so many great shots of them napping!
I run a rescue in AZ and I am SO happy you adopted! Thank you!
It’s a great story and it would be great if you could raise awareness to animal shelters needs this way. I wish there were more people who could touch others through social networks like that.
P.S.: I tried to donate the money to the shelter but for some reason it doesn’t recognize any of my bank cards ð
Congratulations, Jessica, on both the baby and the puppy! We got a puppy from the Santa Cruz SPCA from the same litter, just a few days before you adopted Theo. I’d attach a picture if I could. Can we set up a play date so that Theo can play with his sister Freya? Email me if you’re interested. And how did you learn that he’s part boxer? We were told they are lab and shepherd, but they do look like there’s some boxer in there too. (Sorry folks, I don’t see any Rottweiler, and Theo is the only one of the litter with that coloring.)
I don’t know how old this is but I saw your pictures and they are so cute love them. I also saw that you adopted your dog who you said was a mutt but I do believe he is a Catahoula breed I have one that looked exactly like him as a pup and he was a certified Catahoula just thought I would let you know if you wanted to know about the breed.
Love the pics.
Jessica and Heidi….if I may, there’s definitely some Rottweiler in your dog; regardless, how precious. We adopted our Rottweiler / Doberman mix from the Sedona Humane Society. Enjoyed your blog, Jessica. And I must admit, this is the FIRST time ever that I’ve entered someone’s blog. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures.
Tucson, AZ
I wanted to say how wonderful it is to see these pictures of your son and this little puppy who will grow up to be a big guy and protect the one thing he loves the most. Your son! Remember to always keep Theo as part of your family and I promise you many wonderful years ahead. Great story!
America, please please please get rid of your crates. They should be illegal. I’ve never brought a “baby” home that I couldn’t take the t i m e to teach everything neccessary to be a healthy happy part of our family…without a cage! If you think you need one to “train” then you aren’t ready to raise a dog. Sweet dreams Theo&beu!
My sister told me to search for these photographs when we spoke on the telephone today. I love how you have captured the bond between these two youngsters. Thank you for sharing them with the world. We need more beauty to appreciate. Peace, Love and Joy to you and yours. Keep writing!
My heart has melted! What a beautiful picture of such pure innocence and love. Thank you for sharing your family!
Adorable! I love that you caught it all on film. Puppies are amazing for children!
Happy to see all the positive comments here about rescued Rottweilers: I have 2. I think anyone who has had Rotts would agree that you have a Rott mix. They are fabulous! Just remember: he’ll get really BIG, and before he does he has to learn you are in charge. It is never too soon to start obedience training Beau’s “dog brother.” Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos which are both heartwarming and beautiful.
These pictures are seriously the sweetest, cutest things ever.
Now I need to go get a puppy for my kids.
This is so adorable:) always coming up on precious stories like this, makes me smile.
Absolutely, unbelievably adorable. I still think crate training is a great idea, and do get the pup used to the family leaving for short periods of time BUT he is definitely a baby still and there is plenty of time for that. ð
My puppy started on a dog bed next to my bed, with a soft scarf connecting her collar and my wrist so I knew when she needed to get up and pee in the middle of the night. ð
Thank you for rescuing! Your photos warm the heart.
I saw these photos of your son and his dog on the news and had to share my own experience. In 1949 my mother was pregnant with her first child at the same time as her Springer Spaniel, Daisey. Daisey gave birth first and my parents kept one puppy, Skeeter because he was so ‘adorable’. My mother told the story of often of her utter alarm and near hysteria when she went to get me up from a nap only to find 12 week old, Skeeter, in the crib with her 8 week old baby girl (me). I was unharmed and Skeeter was in love. Despite my mothers earnest and determined best efforts, she could not keep Skeeter away from me or my crib. He was creative, clever, and single-mindedly determined in his mission to be with me 24/7. I grew up with Skeeter–along with my 3 siblings but Skeeter and I were special pals. My heart nearly broke when he died when I was 11. Once out of college I have always had a dog and like James Herriott, could not imagine life without a dog–even the intervals between dogs seemed like life was incomplete. My life experience is mirrored in the psychological studies that show how dogs lower our blood pressure, are so in tune with their human’s feelings that they feel compelled to intervene, and people who live with dogs (more than any other pet) live longer. My dogs knew I was in labor before I did, saved me and my own baby when my house was on fire, and comforted me through life’s worst traumas–often helping me go on when I wasn’t sure I could. And my dogs taught my children lessons I think only pets can–how to take care of someone else, how to be gentle, how to communicate without words. Recently I had a full circle moment with my 2.5 year old grandson when he sat down on my napping 8 year old English Setter. ‘Liam’ I explained, ‘Dogs don’t have laps.’ He got up and bent over to kiss Adelaide on her nose. She wagged her tail and Liam said, ‘See Nana. It’s OK. She loves me.’ Your son’s experience with his dog will serve him well the rest of his life in ways that neither you or he can ever imagine. Kudos to you, Mom.
I did not get any sleep my first night with any of my pups. Like you I was going to crate train. Like you, I reached down and put my pups between me and the wife and have slept soundly ever since. Great photos. Wonderful story. Take care
Love the pictures! I’m pretty sure your puppy has shar pei in him. He looks like our rescue dog, Chloe.
KUDOS to you and your family! Beautiful story and loved the photos. With all the turmoil in our world today, it is wonderful to see the joy and love in something so simple as a puppy and infant, a bond that will last forever. This gives a whole new meaning to the “innocence of youth and puppy love”. God Bless you All!
You have captured something so beautiful here. Thanks for sharing. The photographs are a gift to the world. W
My Darling Lady,
You are going to have to get a much bigger bed for Beau! That adorable pup is Rottweiler and will never leave that young mans side! And Beau will get to where he can’t sleep if Theo is not there. This is from experience as my Rottie was by my side for 13 years.
Love, Hugs and Prayers for you and yours!
Jackie C
Pensacola, FL
The pictures are “true love” and that little boy and Theo will forever be bonded and the very, very best of friends. Amazing !!! Thank you so much for sharing <3
INCRIVEL, PARABENS!/ Incredible, CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks..you made an old crusty cop get misty. Great pictures..thank you for sharing them with everyone. Cute kids and puppies…all thats missing is rainbows ð Please keep taking pics as both of them grow up.
The books title could be: “A dog and his boy!”
The most heart warming pictures I have every seen! I watched the video
of Theo finding his nap spot! Just the sweetest thing ever!
What SWEET pictures!! In last year, we have adopted 2 dogs…Hank & Duke! Hank was adopted after 2 heart breaks…1st my girl of 17yrs, Snickers, earned her wings. Then we got Abby, to earn her wings…(distemper)….she was with us for a month. We think Abby came to us to show us we could love another 4-legged friend since we were so broken hearted. That is when Hank was rescued. Then about 9 mos later, we got Duke…well because Hank needed a brother!!! The 4-legged boys are just as nutty as our 2-legged boys!!!
Please keep the pictures coming, especially of Theo and his Beau, and as these 2 boys continue to grow. Love it!
I saw your story on TheBlaze.com and it is too cute for words. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I cannot believe how many people you have touched with these precious photos–the good you will do for shelters and mixed breeds–whatever this puppy is–believe that he will be bonded to your kids forever and protect your family. Such a beautiful story! Thank-you so much– it has brightened my day and I will now go and hug my two dogs!!
The moment I saw the first picture I saw the Boxer in his face. And I can say with absolute certainty that this is classic Boxer lovin’. Our T-Bone snuggles with us the same way.
When I was Beau’s age, my parents also had a Boxer, General Nuisance (we were a marine family – the military reference suited my Dad, the pun my mother).
My mom would lay me down with the dog when she was ironing or cooking or doing something where she wanted me under watchful eye but not underfoot. That began a long love affair between me and Nuisey. There’s nothing like Boxer love!
Lucky Beau! Lucky Theo!!
These are so sweet and cute and beautiful. May your son and his pal be friends for many years.
These are so sweet and cute and beautiful. May Theo and Beau be best friends for many years! That is one lucky puppy.
Beautiful Boys!
How gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing these photos… certainly warmed my heart and put a smile on my face!
What a beautiful story accompanied by such gorgeous photographs of your family and new pup!
Theo looks very similar to my two lil boys, Kobe and Bear. They are a Huntaway/Labrador cross! I wish I could show their picture as they look so similar to Theo!
Nonetheless thank you for sharing this wonderful story!
xxx
Found a pic for you!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151845488608974&set=pb.511578973.-2207520000.1384934569.&type=3&theater
If your Theo is anything like my boys, he’s going to be extremely tender and soft hearted!
You’re all so lucky to have each other ð
Thank you thank you thank you: For taking in this pup, for boosting the image of shelter dogs, for letting your pup sleep with your child, for being a fabulous photographer, and for spreading this beautiful message.
We’ve raised our kids with dogs, and now that they’re teenagers we take in foster dogs. We’ve had 22 “extras” join our pack over the last 18 months. They stay anywhere from a week to six weeks — until the right family shows up to adopt. I gotta tell you, you’re a foster mom’s dream! I always pray my adopters end up abandoning all of those “good intentions” regarding sleeping in the crate and just let the dogs up in bed with them. Incredible bonding, inexplicable contentment follows for all involved. And here’s what we’ve learned: even 8-week-old pups will hold it all night if they’re all snuggled in bed with you! They’re happy, warm, safe — feels like being with their litter. So they just sleep for 7 hours straight. It’s the best kind of “crate” around!
Even Germany is stunned by yourcome with Theotures, they’re just so incredibly sweet! ð
We wish you a lot more days to come with Theo!
Greetz to wonderful California (probably still asleep :))!
Hm ,something went wrong… I wanted to say that Germany is stunned by your pictures! They’re so sweet! xoxo from Germany
Thank you for sharing this, they are beautiful images. As fellow dog lovers, and appreciating how much joy we can get from our pets, you may appreciate the need to sign this,
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=394667910663641
So pure nature, unconditional love…..just too gorgeous, too adorable….so cute and absolutely precious !! <3. A book is a must for me!! ð love from Cape Town, SA
Bless your heart for what you did. That puppy will have the most unconditional love for you and your family and in return will give you the most unconditional love that any human being could ever dream of having. Every animal that I have ever owned has been rescued. They have all lived a long, healthy and wonderful life filled with love which is what they were missing. You are a very blessed puppy, Theo. You have a wonderful family. God Bless You and God Bless your family!
i think that you should so write a book! and i know that this is a shot in the dark but do you have a Facebook account that people on face book could follow? this warmed my heart and is so cute!
It really just doesn’t get more beautiful than that! Thanks for sharing!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE PICTURES! This is so innocent. As you said in our world today there is so much BAD news and hardly any good news. This is so wonderful to see!!! Please do a book!!!
I love this story
We have recently lost our Little Boy Rowdy (Shihtzu) At 6 weeks old when we picked him out of litter,he ran straight to my wife and they bonded instantly.We tried to crate him also and could not stand to hear him whine either.He lived 14 years and we miss terribly,he was such a huge part of our lives.
What great pictures, thanks for sharing. We have a boxer/boston/pit mix, he is 8 now and I adopted him when he was 8 months old. He is the biggest snuggler, always has to be touching me when I am sitting or relaxing, when my husband and I go to bed he is right there with us, under the covers. He’s the only dog I have ever had that I can actually lay on top of without him jumping up and running away, he actually likes to be used as a pillow. Enjoy your many years of snuggling with him, it looks like your children are going to have a wonderful companion as they grow.
This is one of the absolute sweetest things I’ve ever seen . So precious. Thanksfor sharing.
I am writing from Madrid, Spain. I am Spanish and your pictures are shared by many over here, either on Facebook or via email. They are sooooooo sweet and gorgeous! I am so happy to be able to share them and show how important this relationship is in all children’s lives! All children should be allowed to grow up with a dog in their lives. Adults too!
I volunteer at a shelter here and I have shared your wonderful pictures with our followers on Facebook. I am also following you on twitter and I hope I can see Beau and Theo grow up together, play together and be happy together.
One of the pictures of Beau and Theo sleeping reminded me how one of my Jack Russell Terrier’s sleeps with me (I have two and one lab).
Congratulations on your beautiful initative! Congratulations on your gorgeous children and thank you for sharing such magic moments with all of us!!!!
Warm hugs from afar! Marta
Jessica, you are a wonderful person to post this blog and put a smile on sooooo many faces. Your children, including the one with fur, are absolutely beautiful and your efforts to make people aware of shelters and rescue, is most admirable. Support is needed in every city and we can all play a part in helping these precious animals to get their forever homes.
Theo is lucky to have such a wonder family, your children will remember their first puppy forever and your blog is priceless. I look forward to seeing more photos of Theo and the children. Bless you for sharing.
That is all love, have one of my own ð good job mom.
Your little guy and your puppy are the sweetest things. Thank you for sharing.
Kudos to you for (1) adopting, rescuing, (2) bring to the world’s attention the plight of the innocent, helpless animals…adopt not shop, stop puppy mills, overbreeding, abuse and neglect etc. (3) those that give of their time, heart, pocket to save them, (4) bringing much needed monies to these places, (5) write the book and donating to the cause.
Kudos he’s lucky, your children are lucky to have parents such as they do!
ADORABLE!! i will continue to look at these pics, i have an 8mo old and i enjoy watching him nap in my arms or when he’s fallen asleep playing…i don’t have a puppy but could only imagine how cute.
if this was ever turned into a boook , i would purchase!
Absolutely beautiful!!! There is nothing like the love between a beloved dog and human!!! Awesome ð xx
From Lynn & Family
Auckland
New Zealand
The pure Mama rapture in your words makes me smile too. Thank you for sharing these perfectly lovely pictures with all of us. They are a wonderful reminder of peace at the beginning of the holiday season.
wahoooooooooooooo!! tu sait quand je voit ses photos je repense a ma fille lya 6 ans et notre bb labrador deja un ans et tjrs complice ++++ j adore tes photos et il est telement important d avoir un compagnion tel q u un chien par ex pour nos enfants âĨ bisous de france
This is the cutest blog post I have ever seen.
I think I’m going to pass out from all the cuteness.
This warms my heart and makes me feel happy. Thanks for sharing.
On a separate note, I HAVE TO know the brand of that duck tank top. it is so insanely adorable and I need one for my daughter.
Thanks! ð
Theo and Beau have made it across the big pond since yesterday (we live in the Netherlands) and all day today i have shown everyone i met your instagram photos. God. I cannot get over them.
My own children cannot wait to see the photos in 3 or 4 months time coz they remember our dog growing like mad and they want to see how this is turning out.
Thanks for sharing.
Seriously ð
It shows how much a pet can make your life richer! ð They are indeed some heart warming pictures!
Big kiss from Portugal!
Lordy. I’ve looked through these photos at least 10 times already. They are just as dear as can be — and excellent photography. PLEASE do the book. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely LOVE this! Thank you for adopting and saving Theo! Beautiful pics of your youngest boys! ð
Thank you for rescuing this sweet puppy and thank you for sharing these amazing photos of your babies. Someone else said it, but it bears repeating, dogs give us unconditional love 100% of the time. Your little one is so lucky to have Theo to grow up with and I look forward to seeing their adventures together.
Bless you for saving a life.
So happy for you all. Made for the perfect ending to a stressful day. Thank you!
You should continue to take pictures of them sleeping as they both grow. It would be so cute to see a giant theo sleeping with your son! Or maybe a time lapse… SO many possibilities!!
The sheer beauty of unconditional love that only comes from babies and puppies. So uplifting and heart warming. We have recently purchased a new puppy and the new love in our home is a beautiful addition to what we already have.
I am not a “dog person” but this made me cry a little (okay, a lot, and at work, no less!) and I wish there was more of this in the world. This sort of adorableness needs to be seen by all! Thank you for sharing!
As a fellow Bay Area girl and rescue mama as well these photos tugged right at my heart! So happy that you are able to support getting your local shelter national attention!
I hate to rain on your parade but this is a potentially lethal practice and I urge you, and anyone else who sleeps with dogs, to discontinue this practice at once. Ever heard of necrotizing fasciitis ? It happened to a friend of mine in Texas, she lost her legs…I found this for you…..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/hannah-rinehart-georgia-w_n_1724646.html
These are the CUTEST pictures I have ever seen and thank you so much for sharing with the world!
That dog is fake. The kids are fake, too. Nothing is that cute. Nothing, nothing, nothing!
What a wonderful story & beautiful pictures. I also have a shelter dog
The love is unconditional on both sides. Shelter pets are the best.
Came across your blog on Facebook. Please keep putting this out there. There are so many people who have never experienced the unconditional love of a dog. A picture speaks a thousand words and your pics are just beautiful. Awareness will save many more precious lives.
this has made me so incredibly happy. thank you so much for sharing this amazing relationship. you are the coolest family!
I had to stop well into the comments because there are just so many, I’d be here all night. So, I’m sorry if I missed a lot of the mentions about the Rottweiler look to Theo.
7 years ago, my then 3-year-old son and I adopted a Rott/Shepherd mix dog from Austin ASPCA and Theo sure looks like he could be of that same mix and combination. Which, by the way, couldn’t be more awesome. Our Malone was over a year old when we adopted him and we knew big dogs and his possible breed mix and he has been the perfect pick for me, particularly as a single parent.
Beyond the obvious love affair between Theo and Beau, your family has found a fantastic new addition. Congratulations!
And please keep the photos coming!
~Kristen
Congrats on all the attention these precious photos are getting, Jessica, hope it’s all positive.
These pictures actually remind me of sleeping with L – we bedshared from the first day for many years, and I’m sure we both looked just like these pictures ð
Especially the one where they face each other, lying on their sides, tummy to tummy. That’s how close L still sleeps to me when I end up falling asleep with him sometimes.
Adorable pictures!
Now would you kindly help light verse “go viral” by reading and sharing
http://www.lightpoetrymagazine.com?
Perhaps the best part about all of this is the fact that this amazingly sweet, gentle, bundle of joy puppy came from a shelter!! Kudos to you and your family for adopting a shelter animal and for your willingness to share your experiences with the whole world. Animal shelters could not ask for a better advertisement!
Thank you so much for sharing Beau and Theo’s special friendship through your beautiful photographs. Not only are the photos heartwarming but also a testimony to all Thai is good in the world. We are surrounded by so many negative and gruesome images today making the beauty and simplicity of these photos even more touching. Can’t wait to see how their friendship develops.
I love this! I cannot wait to see how close they become as they get older! Best friends forever! Eek! So cute!!!!!
OMG when I saw these photos I was so happy to see the close bond between your son and the puppy. I am also so glad that your family adopted the puppy at the shetler instead of buying it at a pet store.
I recently started my website called H.A.F. addict. Health, Animals, Fashion. If you have time you should check it out. Going to add in some shelter related post on Animals soon.
http://www.laurinawong.com
Thanks so much for these photos! So beautiful, words can’t express the joy these pictures bring, my heart swells with joy.
I just loveYour photos. You show well how the children lives naturally the contact with animals. I have 6 dogs my self, 4 adopted ones. And I love them so much and they give me reason to go on with my life. I havent children and family .
Thank You giving me smile wit these photos.
Hi Jessica,
I just saw the pics of Beau and Theo in our local newspaper. The pics are absolutely adorable. I just lost my 4 month old Rottweiler puppy to Parvo Virus on 16/11/13. I have been on an emotional roller coaster since then. These pics of Beau and Theo brought tears to my eyes. You have captured their bond so well. God bless u’ll.
Hi, I saw you and your great pictures on the cnn website. Just to let you know that even people in Italy are looking at your great shots. A lovely family!!
Big hugs from Italy to you, your family and Theo!
xxx
Jane, Milan, Italy
Precious, precious, precious pictures of Beau and Theo. Some of my best naps have been with my dog too. There is simply nothing better than a furry friend.
I love this. How wonderful that Beau and Theo have each other.
Fantastic story and pictures. Theo and Beau are lucky boys!
You just made my day after a pretty trying week with a difficult family member. May you have many years of joy with your precious family, both two-legged and four-legged members!
OMG it’s so so so cuuuuuuute!!!!
Thanks you a lot for this lovely pics and to adopted this baby dog from spa
You are helping to build a life long bond between a boy and his dog – you can’t put a price tag on that. Both puppy and son will thrive in this relationship!
These are beautiful, heartwarming photos. As so many people have already stated magnificently, there is nothing like seeing a boy and his dog. Sharing life with a dog is a joyful experience, and these photos capture such peaceful intimate moments that aren’t often seen by others. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for sharing this amazingly beautiful friendship’s pictures!
So much cuteness crossed the Equador and has striken me right here in Brazil!
Best regards!
Alessandra
Your photos of Beau and Theo are the cutest thing I’ve seen for a long time.
I got a dog once – a boxer.
When I went to choose a puppy, there was one boxer all shy and nervous. She was so frightened. Now they always say you should avoid a puppy like that and choose a gregarious one.
I chose her. She was great but always nervous.
I think it has to be healthy for the dog and the kid to be together.
So sweet and beautiful. Love the trusting contentment in both! x
So beautiful !! Thanks for sharing!
This is so far off the cuteness scale that it’s ridiculous. We are a kid and dog loving family, so this is right up our alley. I firmly believe that these are two of the most special things that God has created. Something very, very special when the two are put together
Thank you for the beautiful pics of your son and Theo. Theo truly has a lot of rottweiler in him, as we have raised rotts for 26 years. They are the most wonderful of dogs, so loving and protective, as you can already see for yourself! Enjoy a lifetime of happiness with your special Theo!
it’s just the that reminds about max my foxier x beagle I got him from the pound
he was about be put sleep and I saved him .
he allways sleeps in bed with me , and of an afternoon he wants to have a nap on the chair on the verander with me.
Pictures Beau and Theo are awsome. World is beautiful.
Regards
The photos are absolutely adorable and I’m dying over Beau’s tank tops. Where do you get them? I live in San Diego with parents on Maui and always looking for tank tops for infant/toddler boys but rarely find cool ones. (quicksilver and American apperal are my only luck so far)… I would love to know. Thanks so much.
Today I celebrate my 44th birthday, and today I shed a little tear remembering my upbringing with my dogs. Congrats on a lovely family and for allowing your son to bond with a beautiful canine. All the best
These pictures are truly fantastic!!! Please keep posting pics as these two grow up together……. it’s amazing the bond between a boy and his dog. I too would love to see you do a book! Thank you for sharing this with us ð
Cute baby, cute puppy. life is good. ð
These photos make my heart sing with joy.xx
dreaming is believing
So precious! As for the crate training, I tried every trick in the book – the only thing that soothed my pup, after much experimentation, was running the dryer on a fluff/no-heat cycle. (Her crate was near the laundry room, so I just turned it on and left the door open.) Within a week or two, she was done crying at night. If you’re still trying, good luck – you’ll get through it!
These pictures are amazing !!! Absolutely fabulous ð
I got my dog from the Santa Cruz SPCA too! She’s a yorkie mix and the sweetest dog I’ve ever known. She loves every person and dog she meets. She prances like a horse when she walks, and balances on her front legs, doing a handstand while she pees. The Santa Cruz SPCA needs all the help they can get. They have so many dogs, and just a giant dirt pen out back. They have lots of love, and do the best they can, but have very little resources.
Hi Jessica, Thanks for giving this puppy a second chance. More families should be as you are.
Beau and Theo will have a great life together. They are lucky to have each other, and you, as a family, are lucky to have this cute little dog.
Thanks again. Regards from Puerto Varas, southern Chile, where I have 6 animals (5 dogs and 1 cat), rescued from a bad and sad life, and now living very happy, and helping abandoned animals to have a second chance with 2 animals shelters.
I am a parent of grown boys…we have always had a dog – the first one- a basset hound -was our first child! Then a lab…then another basset puppy who is now three and the only child I have left at home. These photos are sublime. They make me smile everyday. To see a small child sleeping so completely and peacefully is a beautiful sight in itself…to then see a child and a puppy sleeping together is another level of beautiful…and they sort of mimic each other’s sleeping positions which is so funny. Thanks so much for sharing.
I don’t know your family, but I smile just thinking about how lucky this boy and dog are to have their future ahead of them – growing up together as close as brothers. At 29, I just rescued the first dog I’ve ever owned and after experiencing the love I have for him, I wish my parents had done for me what you’re doing for your children. ð
Jessica,
My wife and I are super glad we found your blog. Super cute style and your family is adorable!
We recently started http://www.SlouchHeadwear.com! We sell beanies for kids and they are super comfortable and 100% handmade by my wife. Check them out when you get a minute ð Use the discount code THANKS10 to save 10% up until Thanksgiving Day. Let us know what you think!
Consider us new followers of yours!
Carl
This is the sweetest thing ever!! My kids have been asking for a dog too. I’m getting there. This definitely makes it harder!!
Thanks so much for sharing!
This article made my boy. You are an angel
As a New York mother of two boys and of two rescues dogsâĶ.not only did the picture warm my heart and bring tears to my eyesâĶ.I am so happy to hear you saved his lifeâĶ..I hope your beautiful story brings awareness to the millions of dogs that need to find their forever homes and how we can help save themâĶWhat a beautiful picture book your son will have to look back on. Best of luck with everything.
Just shared your pics from CNN with my kids yesterday and then today received a link to your blog from my sister in NYC. She and I, too, have rescued the sweetest animals and adore their bond with our kiddos.
Blessings!
Kim in Minneapolis
Pure love and beauty. Nature | Nurture happens!
My husband and I are in the midst of a MAJOR life renovation/transformation, and it’s a time of great hopes but also uncertainty for us. We are dog people — one dog at a time — but after parting with our sweet Sadie earlier this year, we knew that until we landed in our new “forever” home, we couldn’t have a dog. I keep your photos of Theo and Beau up on a tab in my browser. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or scared or lonely about where we are and what lies ahead, I look at them, and am reminded of the goodness in the world, the simplicity, the trust, and the absolute perfection of a good snuggle. Thank you for sharing your beautiful project. It’s helping to get me through the rough spots.
I adore these pics; and definitely DREAM BIG!! I’m sure you already are doing one day @ a time w/your pics; these are absolutely amazing and I looked forward following the journey of Theo. As everyone knows that this dog & your son have a wonderful bond & Theo will be a wonderful protector of your family; thank you for sharing.
Cuteness overload!!! I have my own four legged snuggle buddy and there really is nothing better than in my case a girl and her dog. I think it’s awesome that you opened up your home to this sweet little bundle of fur. I also think it’s awesome that thesw two have their own bonding time over nap time. Yup, a very special friendship indeed.
Jessica:
It would be really neat to see the documentation of their naps continue as they age ð Maybe you could even put together a rough “time lapse” cut after a longer period of time has passed!
Where is the dog now???? I’ve looked everywhere for an older dog and I’ve seen none.
Adorable. Brightened my day and lifted my heart. How utterly preciousâĶ
Love your collection of photographs. My daughter and I used to frequent the APA in St. Louis after our Weimaraner – Gertie died. One day we came in to the shelter to see the puppies available and fell in love with a pup that looked just like your puppy. She has turned out to be the best mutt ever….
Thank you.
A friend of my sister in law forwarded the article to me on yahoo about Beau and Theo napping because my 22 month old son looks so similar to Beau. If you want to see your son’s twin, check out photos of my son on my instagram at em2curly.
I must say you have the most beautiful son, ha ha ð
How adorable. Can’t wait to see my girls with a puppy someday!
These photos warm my heart! Thanks for sharing and for rescuing Theo. I can’t wait to show them to my 11 & 10 year old daughters…the only issue will be that THEY will want a puppy now!! ð Who wouldn’t want a puppy after seeing this pictures?! Downright adorable!
I have not seen anything that makes me feel so giddy and warm inside like the pictures of your son and puppy they are so precious I have a granddaughter and when she and my pup were little they did everything together, there is nothing more beautiful than a child and their pet .
Photos are amazing! Thank you for your good mood!
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your heaven with the rest of the world.
C’est trÃĐs beau.
Pleins de bonheur aux petits .
Fred from Belgium
He will love being able to see this one day when he is older. And this is only the beginning of a great friendship! Good job capturing those moments!
I am truly in love with this post and all your pictures. Congratulations on your newest family member Theo. May you have a lifetime filled of health and happiness together. Puppy’s truly do complete a home ð
Love the photos. So inspiring. just terrific. keep up the good work.
We share with other mammals the need for physical bonding. Theo has found in Beau a replacement for the litter mates he snuggled with as a small puppy. As I read this blog, cat has been curled up on my shoulder and dog has been sleeping by my feet.
Loved this!!! I had to put my baby down on September 3rd. I adopted him from a shelter and he was my best friend for 14 years (rott mix). I adopted him when he was a year old so I never saw him as a puppy. Your pictures show me what he may have looked like as a baby, so many similarities..:) Made me smile and cry.
Thank you for posting..!!
What I want to know… where are earth do you find such amazing clothes for Beau? We have a little boy and I can never seem to find extraordinary clothing… suggestion?
Ameeeeiiii seu trabalho!!! Para conseguir fotos lindas e que tocam o coraçÃĢo como estas sÃģ sendo uma pessoa especial!!Sua famÃlia ÃĐ linda! E seu blog inspira muita gente a ajudar esses pequenos!
Divulguei seu trabalho no meu blog para as pessoas aqui do Brasil : http://www.miinteressa.com/2013/11/mae-fotografa-momentos-de-amizade-de.html
Beijos
It’s beautiful to see the friendship and love of the dog by the child. The two are so cute together and it fills our eyes and our constraints overflows with joy.
Omg your photos melt my heart! They are so beautiful and its amazing to see such a beautiful bond- you are so lucky! Thanks for sharing x
Like so many I look forward to the afternoon IG pics.
I am so very appreciative that you are sharing all this love. Thank you for adding kindness to the world.
Love these photos and the stories about child and dog “synchronizing nap time.” Never heard of such a thing – so endearing, and such beautiful photographs! You must be – or could be – a professional photographer. No question about it.
I used to live in Half Moon Bay, CA for many wonderful years and love Santa Cruz, and now I split my time between Durham NC and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
Let me know if you and your family ever want to visit Guatemala again, and we can probably put up in our place! Yours, CatherineTodd2 at gmail.
Just found you guys via BuzzFeed. SO cute, and what a mood booster! ð Thank you for sharing.
Great story. Great dogs. Great family. Told with heart, soul, and wonder. We have two full grown German Shepherd Dogs adopted as young adult rescues, a male (95 lbs) and a “little” female (65 lbs). If Theo has any GSD in him, and it certainly appears he might, he will be both a joy and a handful. The perfect mate for a growing boy. Dogs are more than man’s best friends. Sometimes they are better people than we are. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
I am loving your pictures of these two. How do you not wake them when snapping the pics? Are they napping in bed or on the floor because it seems you get a great overhead vantage point when getting these photos.
Possibly the most heart warming & beautiful photos I have seen recently.
My eldest son is called Theo and agrees that anyone and even a pup with this name is incredibly cute!
I am so glad that I came actress this post. Thank you for raising a big smile.
Every single day I check your Instagram account to see one of their picture: #TheoandBeau, the sweetiest thing! We so much need love in these difficult days, thanks a lot for posting them. God bless you and your family, seasons greatings from Verona, Italy.
Lovely!
These are the most precious pictures I have ever seen. Your baby boy and puppy have a wonderful bond. Thank you for posting these pic’s and for putting
a smile on my face, I just lost my dog and seeing these make me smile.
I found your pictures through the Today Show and just love, love, love them. You are right with it being the sweetest thing ever. Joy explodes from heart as well. ð
Good luck with the next step~
Hello,
We adopted on of Theo’s brothers! We named him Rory and he is an absolute delight. He is extra cuddly and loving like Theo. These photos made me smile! Happy Theo was adopted into a great home:)
Lyndsey & Jeremy (Rory’s parents)
These photos make me “melt”! I’m a major animal advocate and have two Yorkies that are soooo sweet! So wonderful of you and your family to provide a wonderful home to Theo, not to mention the adorable connection he has with Beau! Love, Love, Love!!!!!
To those people that are saying that the dog has been drugged and that dogs do not sleep on their backs… you must not have much experience with pups, I have had 5 labs, 2 min pins and 3 mutts throughout my life, the 2 labs that I have now sleep with me, they are brother and sister that came from a preggers rescued lab. They are both now 1 year old and the boy still sleeps on his back, he tries to get on my pillow or use a part of my body as one, when he is down in bed is almost like dealing with a corpse, he just lays where he wants and it takes a lot of effort to even try to reposition all 70 lbs of him. His sister sleeps on her back occasionally also, and trust me I do not have to medicate either one to do so… I love watching the pics of Theo and Beau… I think they will be great friends regardless of what breeds he has in him, even if he has some Rottie in him, Rotts were called nanny dogs in the not so distant past bc they are exceptional with kids if they have been raised properly, I cannot wait to see more pics of these 2 cuties growing together, and cheers to you mommy for letting us enjoy these beautiful sight!
Thank you for sharing these precious pictures with us ð I have three kids my self 13,7,3 years. My doughter 7 years loves dogs shes been begging for one since she was three years old she is seven years now. Now that IÂīve seen these pictures and read your story theres no chance I can say no to her once more ð I think ItÂīs time for a puppy ð All the best from Iceland
Love MjÃģna
LOVE. I’ve got the pup and about to have my first baby. This is what life is all about. Thank you
Hi! Beautiful photos and story. Just want to let you know that Theo looks like he has shar pei in him–the wrinkly muzzle, the eyes, the ear position. That together with his early weaning mean he may at some point show some fearfulness possibly combined with aggression (shar peis can be protective, and the reactivity can come from early weaning, plus you said he was the reticent one of the litter). Nothing you can’t handle–just a possible thing to look out for along the way. I’m not maligning shar peis at all. Just aware of tendencies. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Hello from the other side of the Atlantic
I saw the lovely Theo and Beau pictures in a Danish womens magazine 2 weeks ago, and they left me with a big smile om my face…… and now I have taken time to check out your blog, which is very well written and inspiring.
You certainly have a new follower here in Denmark â I would love to see and hear about Theo and Beau growing up together â Theo is growing faster than Beau, but I donÂīt think their love for each other becomes less.
I have a 2Â― year old female Yorkshire terrier named Ronja (sheÂīs named after the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s children’s book about Ronja the Robber’s Daughter).
Ronja is my everything, because I do not have kids …. and yes …. she sleeps in my bed and taking a nap on her blanket on the living room sofa . All my good intentions about dogs upbringing fell to the ground 1-2 months after I got her. But most important â sheÂīs a family member.
My best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with health and happiness to you and your family.
completely beautiful. most wonderful thing I have ever seen on the internet.
I’ve been following along on Instagram. I too am a dog lover! These pictures melt my heart!
Blessings to you and your entire family, of course this includes Theo. Have you heard of the research they have done with dogs to find out how attached the dogs are really with their owners? This is done with harming the dog, or I would not mention it. One conclusion they came up with was the puppies emotions are the same as those of our humane children, and that tey don’t really see us as humane but as parents. They also tested how dogs react emtionally to people who are strangers vs. people who are part of someones family. They measured their emotions and found that when the dog comes in conatct with his owner, the dogs emotional state changes dramatically; the question was “Does my dog really love me?” and the answer they came up with is YES! But anyone who has had dogs kind of knows this, like myself, just looking at those adorable eyes staring at lets me know there’s somethign going on. I knew it was something deep. I use to ask my dogs “what are you thinking?’ when they would stare at me in such a profound way, now they are coming up with some kind of proof that our dogs simply do adore us! God bless you and your family for having such an open heart to one of Gods creatures. I hate when I read stories about cruelty to any animal. The pictures left me breathless they are so beautiful!
Blessings to you and your entire family, of course this includes Theo. Have you heard of the research they have done with dogs to find out how attached the dogs are really with their owners? This is done without harming the dog, or I would not mention it. One conclusion they came up with was the puppies emotions are the same as those of our humane children, and that tey donât really see us as humane but as parents. They also tested how dogs react emtionally to people who are strangers vs. people who are part of someones family. They measured their emotions and found that when the dog comes in conatct with his owner, the dogs emotional state changes dramatically; the question was âDoes my dog really love me?â and the answer they came up with is YES! But anyone who has had dogs kind of knows this, like myself, just looking at those adorable eyes staring at lets me know thereâs somethign going on. I knew it was something deep. I use to ask my dogs âwhat are you thinking?â when they would stare at me in such a profound way, now they are coming up with some kind of proof that our dogs simply do adore us! God bless you and your family for having such an open heart to one of Gods creatures. I hate when I read stories about cruelty to any animal. The pictures left me breathless they are so beautiful!
PRECIOUS PICTURES, PRECIOUS FAMILY! I WILL STAND IN LINE TO BUY YOUR BOOK.
(sorry for the spelling/syntax, french is my first language)
A dog is the only living thing that love you more than it love itself. Please keep my email in the list for when the book is released. My mom would love that gift for sure.
vi uma reportagem falando sobre a historia, legal ver como o amor de um caÃĩ e uma criança ..
These photos are adorable except dangerous. The puppy might accidentally smother your toddler while he is sleeping. Animals should never sleep with young children.
Omg, adore!!! The interaction between the two is astounding. So are your images
This is just the sweetest. I can only imagine what a great friendship they are going to have! Also, my little Charlie is getting the stink eye. He isn’t much of a cuddler ð
I also thought rot. I have a french masti and rot mix. Most loving dog ever. Big lap dog if you let her. I also have 2 little dogs Maltise and a yorkeepoo and 2 cats. She keeps coyotes away and dosen’t mess with the little ones. What ever breed the pup is you will still have a Great Pet just because of what you are teaching it.
Hello,
that is interesting in the last picture there is not a heart on his tail. Well I guess it is there now because he is in his forever home. How you get anything done during nap time is beyond me. I would either curl up with them or just sit and watch them for 2 hours.
Thanks again
Your photos and story is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
I am a mom from Connecticut with 3 boys, No matter how bad my day is I look at your pictures and the world is good again, just the sweetest thing ever! Thank you for bringing a smile to so many of us!
Hi!!
Fantastic pictures!!
I have send an email to Jessica, but would love to give my opion…
The dog could be half German Shepard/ half Cane Corso.
The Cane Corso is introduced the last 15 years in the U.S. and has the wrinkles on his head. I have had an Rottweiler, and that is also a fantastic dog, but the face, body etc…mixed with a German Shepard would be different.
Thanks and bye, the Cane Corso, is the most wonderful dog ever!!!!! I have 1!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing these adorable photos. May be the sweetest things I’ve ever seen!
I absolutely love love love your pictures. !! they are the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I totally understand when you say “It makes my heart nearly explode with joy”. I have a rescue named Johnson and he is soooo loving and irresistibly cute that I feel just the exact same way, he comes into bed with me and my husband, and gets cuddly and so chatty that I can’t help but feel happiness. It is so hard to describe the level of joy that dog makes me feel. He is so spoiled and happy.
Thank you for sharing this absolutely amazing piece of your child’s life, something so precious to you. This is such a beautiful thing you are living. I wish nothing but blessings for you and your family and of course Theo, the other baby. He will always be a baby. That doggy was meant to be yours. ð Blessings and regards to you from Puerto Rico. Jacqueline Torres
Just have to say this dog and boy are ADORABLE!!!! Sure this is a common response. Thank you for saving a dog and giving your kids a “forever” friend. Sending best wishes for the future from Oregon…
This story is wonderful. These pictures are absolutely heartwarming! I think they are the cutest pair of “boy with his dog” I’ve ever seen. Adorable, just adorable!
This is such a sweet story… so nice!
The pictures of your little boy and his puppy are so heartwarming.
They will grow up together and be inseparable.
I have 2 dogs both adopted from a shelter…shelter dogs are not “throwaways” they are dogs who, for whatever reason, ended up at the shelter.
One of my dogs was abandoned and was 5/6 years old when I adopted him.
My second dog was a stray and was approx 1 yr old when I adopted her.
They are both great dogs and I would never give them up ð
Thank you for the wonderful pictures.
How adorable these two are! Looking at your pics with tears of joy, this is friendship in its purest way! Now I am sure I want a puppy as well ð
Love from Holland.
Hi, I saw the photos on Facebook an found the original website from you. These photos are wonderful! And it`s a pretty, wonderful dog! I must remenber our wolfsdog Balto, he died last week, hie had lymph gland cancer. Balto was also a very lovely familydog… We had a blog about him. If you have time, have a look: http://www.baltos-welt.blogspot.com
We wish you all the best! Volker from Germany
PS. Soory, my English ist not so good… ð
what a wonderful story..i agree with the others about how special a book would be to chronicle this unique bond…good luck to your husband on his career and many blessings to your family
You are a real artist! I adore seeing these touching photographs! Keep them going, maybe we will see them in an exhibition soon! (P.s. screw what the haters say)
These photographs are so truly amazing. They would warm even the coldest of hearts. Thank you for sharing these intimate moments with the world – we need more lovely images like this in our day-to-day…
there are no words necessary when looking at these pictures. i hope my (unborn) children get to experience the same unconditional love from our fury son one day xo
What beautiful pictures. Each photo is a wonderful piece of art. Thank you for sharing.
Hiya!
These photos touch me on so many levels. We have at least these in common: toddler mom, animal lover, (former, for now) photographer. I so love and applaud how you clearly recognize the beautiful and deep connection we can have with our animal pals, and how strikingly you have celebrated this in your lovely, seemingly simply composed photos.The intimacy that these two share is palpable and is wonderfully highlighted by the poses they end up in, many of which hit that next “note”, with how funny they are. You’ve done a lovely job, here, capturing your *two* boys’ wonderful relationship. Well done! Sending you lots of warm wishes from Washington Heights, NYC!!
I am in love with these photos and to watch how both the pup and child are growing! I just love it! please keep us in the loop with every snapshot! he will love this when he is older and the pup is now a faithful companion!
God Bless
Beautiful, touching, makes me want to hug my sweetheart collie even closer! After Theo, Beau certainly won’t have a problem adjusting to married life even if he marries a sprawler. How precious are these pictures, not only for you, but for all the rest of us, a piece of heaven in the midst of all the angst in the world today. Thank you, and wishes for much success on your must-do book! I can’t imagine a waiting room without a copy, much less all the individual lovers of dogs and children!
Adoring these photos, and have also posted the links on my FB page. But here’s what I’m most looking forward to…exactly one year from now, when Theo is a fully grown huge dog, I can’t wait to see them still napping together! That’ll be so amazing! Thanks for sharing. ð
LOVE these!!!!! Nothing like dog love. Your family is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
PS: from his coloring and some of his characteristics, I would think he also has some rottweiler in him. They are very loyal and wonderful dogs.
Please keep sharing their photos together, it’s very beautiful bonds they’ve together, a big Salut for you and your family from Beirut, Lebanon
My grandson and our German Shepherd are the same… They are both now 10 and still very close. I have lots of pics of Maverick using Jager as a pillow and now sometimes a footrest. It has been so rewarding watching the relationship grow from infant/puppy to big kid/dog. They have been best friends their entire lives. It is a magical thing to see. Enjoy each and every moment! <3
Jessica, Thank you sssssso much for posting this incredibly marvellous and touching story. You are blessed with a beautiful family (2 gorgeous people naturally = great looking kids!) and your wonderful vibration together has brought to you a treasure in the guise of the cutie Theo! Like attracts like . .
Beau & Theo have captured millions of hearts the world over – and it is not difficult to see why. xx
I LOVE them both. I first came across their pictures on Indulgy and gradually, weeks later, I have found your blog and I am so VERY pleased to be able to leave you this message which although I appreciate that you will not reply to, it makes me smile that you will read these words and know that truly, deeply, honestly, you have touched my soul. My cat Jazi and I are the same, only I don’t have anyone to take such fantastic pictures and nor do I have sleepwear as cool as Beau’s! ( .. In one comment I read on imgur – which made me laugh so much – was there one lady said: ‘The kid’s sleepwear is better than my entire wardrobe.’)
It is said that you should go through your day searching, reaching out for the best moments that make you feel good and make you feel happy, and I can say with conviction, that these images do that for me indefinitely. So thank you; thank you from my heart.
Sending you all tonnes and tonnes of positive energy to delight you, keep you overflowing with love, joy and happiness as well keep you far away from the jealousy of others!
(Thank you Lord for creating Theo. x)
Laila.
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing
through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Yes, a dog can be a wonderful friend. I am so touched by those pictures. Theo looks like a delicate baby dog! Beau will always have beautiful memories of his friend. I am an old lady with an old (14) shepherd friend. I am alone, but do not feel alone being that he understand every word, follows me everywhere. Sad, he cannot speak! He even goes for sign language…. They teach us patience, and love! As long as I will have him, I will be loved!
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Love this. Brought tears to my eyes ð
This design is incredible! You most certainly
know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
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OMG, I am so totally going to buy the Beau and Theo book when it comes out! I am an elementary school counselor and I always have some positive picture books in my Quiet Corner for when my students need to take a cool-down break. One would need to be without a pulse to NOT get that warm and fuzzy feeling way down deep!
Thanks a gazillion for sharing your precious moments!
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He continually kept talking about this. I’ll forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
Magnifique ÉrtŅŅle : comme d’habitude
I was just wondering if they were still napping together and what they look like now!!!
soo sweet
Just saw a program on nat geo Wild
This is Amazing story
All the Best for all familly