I am sorry Mabel.

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, Mabel.  

AmyandSophia's picture

I'm so terribly sorry about Mabel.

I can feel your pain and sadness in your words. We all know, and Mabel knew, how much you loved her and the care you gave her in her life. Don't beat yourself up over what happened, it was simply an accident. That's all. Not bad bully owner, nothing but an accident that could happen to any one of us in many different ways with out bullys. 

If this helps at all, I don't know, but here is what I believe. God made every living thing with a spirit and soul. I don't know if animals have an actual soul, though it would seem to me they do, but I know they have a spirit. When God creates a spirit, it never dies. All living creatures' spirits are somewhere, Biblically that is true. So Mabel IS alive in spirit in Heaven, that is what I believe. I have studied it out and prayed and prayed about what is correct, as I have a heart toward animals and it hurts so much when I lose a beloved horse or dog. This is what my husband and I have come to comfortable with according to scritputres, so this is what I think to be true. Mabel and Duffy are together over the Bridge, and they are no longer old, in pain, or confusion. They are safe and well.

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Amy and Sophia

Dave and Zapper's picture

I'm very sorry..

and I don't think you're a bad bully owner. It was an accident and could easily happen to anyone. 

I know that doesn't ease your pain; may you find peace and comfort in the good times you shared !

Dave

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So heartbreaking..............

and while you accept the total blame, you can't be so hard on yourself.  Accidents happen and you did everything in your power to give Mabel the life she deserved.  Praying that God gives you comfort in your heart.

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  Miss you sweet boy Otie (July 29, 2013)

 

 

Deborah and the NC gang's picture

i am so very sorry~~~~~for your loss

karonelaine's picture

I am so sorry.

I know this is really hard on you. But please don't keep kicking your self around on the would of be's and could of. This was really something out of your hands. No it may not be we want to see our babies goes. Losing a Bulldog is one of the hardest things to get over already. I do believe when God wants his babies he does call them home. I do believe God has hand pick us to be the Keeper of his special kids. No matter what it is heart breaking when he decide to call them home this was and is a pure accident. please don't blame your self. You did love her with all your Heart and soul. Everyone knows this. Even more God does know you love and care for her and you are griven. Things just happen sometimes. even when we think they are not. Mabel is right beside you along with her brother. they know you love them both and neither one of them want to see you beating your self up. they don't want their Daddy upset. i am so sorry this happen.

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Karonelaine

CathyandZimmer's picture

So very sorry....

for the loss of your sweet girl, may she rest in peace & prayers you find peace & comfort.

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Cathy & Zimmer

www.midatlanticbulldogrescue.com

 

 

Kymberlee and Dreadnought's picture

My heart is breaking for you

I know words are so hollow at this time.  I'm so incrdibly sorry for your loss.  

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**********"Life is far too short not to have a little umbrella in your drink"**********

The obvious miss

The obvious miss was a Pool Safety Fence within our Lanai.  I am at a loss as to why I didn't put it in.  We are now putting one in.  Kind of like closing the barn doors after the horses have left the stable.  But we have a two younger kids so if anything this needs to be corrected for them.

Has anyone dealt with drowning.  I feel bad and stupid.

If anyone has had a drowning, please PM me.

wow - im so sorry

:(

ArchimedesMommy's picture

(( HUGS!! )) So very, very sorry!!! Please

please try not to be so hard on yourself----I know it's easy for me to say that, but I REALLLY hope you

can forgive yourself.....Mabel was a precious baby who knew you loved her----you made a quick, NORMAL

human mistake----((( hugs ))).  I really, reallly wish I could take your heartbreak away----Praying for you and

all who are missing Mabel.  Oh, and I believe we WILL all see our furbabies again--we WILL!!!, and Mabel

is sooo happy now, up in Heaven,  looking down at you with total love, and she cannot wait to give you kisseshhh

again!!! 

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Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!)    ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And  SOPHIE  Bubbles *Rapscallion*   (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!