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Dog from Bush's Baked Beans Commercial Loses Battle to Cancer

By Kayla Kunkel July 3, 2018 at 5:16pm

With Independence Day right around the corner, you, like millions of Americans, are probably preparing for a celebration by buying hot dogs, burgers, and beloved side dishes like coleslaw and baked beans to share.

If Bush’s Baked Beans are served at your party tomorrow, you might consider eating a little extra in memory one of the dogs who portrayed the company’s iconic canine character, Duke.

A golden retriever named Sam passed away last week after losing a battle to an aggressive cancer. Sam was one of the many dogs who played Duke’s role.

David Odom, a man from Florida, shared the photo of Sam who lived with one of his friends, Susan.

Odom explained that Susan trained different animals, including Sam, to act in commercials.

“She is as we are heartbroken,” the post read. “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 introduced “Duke” 20 years ago and he has become an iconic part of their brand.

In the commercials, the talking canine is always determined to find a way to sell the super-secret family recipe.

Bush’s also posted a tribute to the doggy actor’s life on their Facebook page.

“While Sam has not worked with us in years, we are saddened by the news of his passing and are grateful to have had him depict Duke,” the post read.

https://www.facebook.com/bushbeans/posts/10156461851657156

They also said that they plan to continue to use different goldens to portray Duke in their future ads.

While Sam’s death is tragic to those who knew him, they can take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering.

So as you spoon those Bush’s Baked Beans onto your plate tomorrow, take a moment to remember “Duke” — or at least one version of him — and his endless schemes to expose the family recipe.

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