The dog from the Bush's Baked Beans commercial has died. This 4th, replay those beautiful bean ads in his honor.

Tomorrow, while you’re enjoying your hot dogs and cheeseburgers before you watch the fireworks in honor of the Fourth of July, take a moment to pour out some baked beans in honor of a popular spokesdog.

Sam, the dog that played Duke in the commercials for Bush’s Baked Beans, has passed away. How will Duke ever fulfill his destiny to sell the family’s secret recipe?

The dog, which lived a retired life in Apopka, Fla., was put down last week after battling an aggressive form of cancer. He is survived by his owner, Susan.

David Odom, a friend of the owner’s family, announced the dog’s death on Facebook. He wrote, “He was a very special dog to all who ever knew or had the pleasure of meeting him. He is and will be missed.”

Bush’s Beans sent condolences on Facebook.

When Jay Bush was initially approached to discuss commercial ideas in 1996, he brought Duke, his golden retriever, along for comfort. The silly concept of Jay whispering the secret family recipe in his dog’s ear has been part of the company’s iconic commercials ever since.

The real Duke may have suffered from stage fright, so he never actually appeared in the commercials. Sam was one of a number of dogs who appeared as Duke, but he had not starred in a commercial for the company for some years.

Sam, gone before his time, may serve as a reminder for those of us who don’t walk on four legs. If you have a dream, do everything in your power to achieve it. While Sam will never realize his dream of selling the secret family recipe, perhaps his successor will.

Do not go gentle into that good night by any means.
Do what you can to sell the family’s recipe for beans.

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