Bulldogs World

I am sorry Mabel that I was a bad Bulldog owner.  Having moved to Florida after Duffy passed I loved having a pool for me and the family.  You were 11 years old with dementia and slow moving.  I knew the risks - but I was always obsessive.  I was the smart one.  The tragedy that happened on my watch yesterday was never going to happen but it did.  With the family away I was wrapped up in some self-involved nonsense when you quietly slipped outside and jumped into the pool.  Having not heard you for a while I looked at two common places where you used to rest your weary bones.  Then I saw the Lanai door ajar - I knew.  The sight of the Brindle patch against the turquoise blue was the most instantaneous dreaded sight of my life.  I ran so hard that I fell on the deck and cracked my knee and shoulder.  It was way too late. I hope you didn't struggle long. 

It was such a stupid outcome that I can't bear to admit to it other than to my wife.  Lord what she must really think.

Now you and Duffy are together - I hope.  Duffy I hope is licking your ears again and you are quietly grunting in happines.  You were a great dog and despite your sicknesses always reciprocated my morning and evening nuzzling with a lick - to tell me things were "okay."  I looked out for you as you were a sweet bully and Duffy's girl.  With Duffy passing on April 25, I had to take care of you.  I failed.

We are all so smart - too smart it seems.  Yet no one can tell me for certain whether I will see you and Duffy again.  I hope so!

I thought all night would I have done anything differently.  Would I have not moved to Florida?  No.  Would I have not had a pool?  No.  But I had a bullldog so I conclude I moved ahead with a stupid risk - a risk that I selfishly assumed to have it all.  There is no failsafe measure to prevent a Bulldog drowning so I selfishly put you in harm's way Mabel.  I am sorry to you, Mable.