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Finding a dog that is about to be put down in a shelter an animal rescue group member makes a call. Answering the call a lovely, kind woman agrees to foster the hound and picks up the big black and tan bloodhound. More phone calls are made as the nice lady tries to explain to her husband that bloodhounds are good dogs! They are large and they have lots of slobbers but cute, aren't they? The husband is toast after the first meeting. The former Marine is smitten by the beautiful dog.

The King was loved, he was trained, he worked often and he became a legend in his short life. "The King" was his nickname for his regal looks and his ability to pose for the camera. He was an ambassador for his breed. Welcome in schools, hospitals, he flew first class, he was a guest more than once at Texas A&M University. The King was seen on television news shows, written up in dog magazines, he was an amazing animal. He saved lives, he found lost people, he worked hard and he loved to work with his handlers. They were very proud of him.

The King lived well in a beautiful home with other bloodhounds and his favorite humans. He had toys, he was walked and he was loved every minute of his life. He was treated like family.

He developed an illness one year. Even with all the medicines prescribed and all the care, having one of the finest veterinarians around, he still had an incurable disease that slowly took his life.

Boudreaux's story was featured in the September 2002 DogFancy magazine. The article was written by Sally Deneen, a co-author of "The Dog Lover's Companion to Florida" published by Avalon Travel Publishing 2001.

The collection of albums containing articles, pictures, awards and certifications are thick and there are several of them in the home Boudreaux left behind. In his short life he was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a celebrity in his own right and frequently recognized by individuals who had seen him on a news show or by a child that met him at a school function.

When he died the sorrow was profound, as if their child had died. They buried him in a nearby pet cemetery with other beloved pets they had owned. They carry him in their hearts and his beautiful portrait hangs proudly in his master's office. A lovely painting of his handsome head is displayed in the hall off the kitchen. In the park like setting where he is buried a handsome tombstone marks his grave.

In the months following his death the hound from the pound was eulogized numerous times in many places. A mural of the beautiful dog is painted on the wall of the vet clinic where he was cared for during the time he lived with Sue and David.

At a search and rescue organization awards meeting a year or so later a special award was given to Boudreaux. When his owner accepted the award, the former Marine could not finish reading the words. Memories and emotion over took him and he sobbed. A room full of men and women who love dogs, who love to help others and who give so much, all cried with him. It was a moving tribute to the memory of a dog who served others, who worked so hard and who taught lessons to everyone about hope, loyalty, love and courage.

He rests in peace while Sue and David treasure his memory. He was a gift to them; a gift of a lifetime.

Learn more about this author, S. Linda Jensen.
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