Beck Family Says Farewell To Victor, Loyal Companion and Watchdog

Glenn Beck revealed late last year that Victor, the Beck family's loyal watchdog, was nearing the end of his life.

Image: GlennBeck.com

On Friday, Beck shared with radio listeners the very sad news that Saturday would be Victor's last day.

Beck kept Twitter followers updated overnight on his family's emotional final hours with their pet and protector.

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The Beck family has generously shared some photos of Victor.

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On this very difficult day, we offer a second look at the poem Beck read on his radio show back in December: "Take Joy in Old Dogs" is a beautiful tribute to man's best friend.

TAKE JOY IN OLD DOGS

Their joys are simple. A soft bed. A scrap fallen from the table that the younger dogs missed. The memory of a treed squirrel. A stormless night.

White whiskered faces and legs crooked as question marks.

Old Dogs…their sweet Buddha bellies hang over crossed legs as they fall asleep in a coveted patch of sun. Dreaming of out-racing their shadows down long, shady lanes.

Once they danced by your side. The very definition of joy unleashed. A perfect poem caught in shining eyes and wagging tails. They have followed you faithfully for years. And would plunge into fires, untamed wildernesses, raging waters if you asked.

Now, they struggle to catch up. Their pace slow but their hearts still valiant.

Their cloudy eyes are starting to dim and go distant, tuning in to some invisible world. Just beyond your reach.

Don’t go you say, as you scratch the tender part between their ears. Stay longer. I can’t imagine a world without your fur pressed close to my cheek. There are still so many roads we haven’t explored.

And they look up at you with a wisdom that just slays you.

Their backs are bent, not from the weight of years, but from the invisible wings they are growing

That will soon take them to a place where once more they are warriors of speed

Drunk with the sights and scents of a thousand meadows.

Able to leap high enough to touch the wing of the tiniest butterfly.

A place where they will now wait for you to catch up.

Victor, ever vigilant, keeps watch over Glenn Beck's youngest children October 2012.