Bulldogs World

At one time I owned a LOT of Bulldogs. Every time I bred I kept a "show hopeful" for myself. After all, that was the main reason I bred. My pedigrees were impeccable and I bred and raised a lot of champions. Of course not all my hopefuls turned out to be show quality but by the time I determined that, they were "mine" and I couldn't part with them. However it finally reached a point where I began to question the fairness of keeping so many Bullies. Those that I showed and bred received a lot of attention. The others were well cared for and I selfishly loved them but they did not get much hands-on love. Difficult as it was I finally made the decision that I really needed to find new homes for some of them. It was the hardest but one of the most unselfish things that I have done.
One of the girls was a brindle bitch I called Teresa. Her mother had been one of my favorites and gave me several champions. I had hoped Teresa would be another but although she had a gorgeous head she was too long to win in the ring. So I found her a new home with an older couple who had a older male Bulldog and had recently lost his "sister" and wanted a new Bulldog to love and keep him company.She was 4 or 5 at the time. They spoiled and loved her from the get-go. I received emails telling me of her progress. She was renamed Blossom--which upset me at the time. Then I realized how perfect it was because she certainly "blossomed" under their care. They had her for only about 4 years and then found she had cancer (the same day they discovered her cancer, her "daddy" was diagnosed with cancer also. God at times is not fair) She was put to sleep several moths ago. Her "mother" was finally able to write something about her and I received the following email this morning. It is a beautiful tribute and I would like to share with you. Blossom had a better life and more love from them then I could have ever given her. Sorry about the length but hope you enjoy the story

Hi Mariam,

I'd like to tell you a story of one of the sweetest, funniest and bravest dogs I've ever known. You can be proud of her! This may take some time to compose as the pain is still here with us, but this needs to be known.

I can remember when we realized that if she came running full steam ahead, that we had better open the door before she hit it...I remember her slamming sidewise into the refrigator. Scott and I learned to lean into the wall outside as she came flying around the corner of the house. We learned very quickly that once she began to run, she was like a locomotive...not that she meant to run us over but that she didn't realize her own strength. Like you said...she can keep up with the big boys and very soon she taught Buddy to have a little respect where she was concerned. There was only one fight and that was because he had a bit too many harmones. One paw and he was down and yelling. Scott asked him if he wanted to go outside and I swear he raced him to the door as if to say...damn dad, I had no idea that she was so forceful! From that day on there was peace in the house and they began to be the best of friends and he knew who was the boss.

She loved to go out and chase the rabbits out of the veggie garden and Buddy would root her on as he could no longer do it. Blossom would sit by me and watched while I picked the veggies...I had to be careful of the zucchini as they were her favorite and when my back was turned, she would grab one and trot off to where Buddy was laying under the Aspens and they would both have "lunch". Had to watch her as she was tricky and Buddy would just lay in the grove just watching for his "portion" which she always gave him.

One day I got Buddy's leash on and ran back in for Blossoms as I had forgotten it. Well when I got back out, neither dog was in sight. I called for them both and got a bit concerned when I couldn't see them but I knew that the gate was closed so they couldn't be far away when I spotted them walking down the way...she had his leash in her mouth and poor old Buddy was just following along. I had to laugh at that one. She decided to take it upon herself to walk him. I guess she couldn't wait for me.

When her time came...she couldn't get out of her bed and walk down the stairs but she had heart and did it anyway. I called the vet...told him that it was time but I couldn't get her to the car. She knew and heard me crying and with the strength of a giant...she walked to the car on her own...she climbed up the steps and into it. I don't know how she did it but she knew and had the strength of a Lyon. She did it for me.

There are so many other cute things that she did that I can't begin to tell you...but know this....she is still my love and we will always keep her in our hearts.

I just thought you needed to know about our girl you raised a winner even though she never won a ribbon in a show.

Linda and Scott