On our way back home from visiting Thomas the Train in Chattanooga, we stopped by to pick up the newest member of our family. He was wrinkled and cuddly and if you’d never been around English Bulldogs, you could easily mistake him for a member of the pig family.
A distant cousin maybe.
Little Buddy insists on our three hour drive home that the puppy already loved him and wanted to sit with him. With his blankets all snuggled around him, our nearly three year old son protected our new puppy as if he were made of the finest crystal and might break at any moment.
Nuzzling him from time to time while he continually talked to him like a small friend. Like he was his baby even.
We decided on the name Bubba. It was Little Buddy’s choice as much as anyone’s, I remember. A name the small puppy would later grow into. His personality one of determination and love.
Growing up with a little boy can’t be easy on a dog, but Bubba certainly didn’t seem to mind. Lumbering with his short stocky legs after a faster, more active boy seemed to be his favorite pastime in the beginning. Quickly followed by simply moving his head to watch Little Buddy whiz past him on his bike.
Climbing on the mule to ride with my husband and son to check on the farm became an afternoon tradition. Bubba being the ruler of the roost, overseeing all of the other animals, seeming to make sure to let them know on a daily basis of his presence and his place in the family.
His love of riding didn’t stop with the mule. If you stopped a car and left your car door cracked just a bit, Bubba would use his flat snout to wedge the door wide enough to sneak his way into the car – thinking he might be able to catch a ride for just a bit. And proceeding to grunt and snort at us as we try to coax him out knowing we’ll finally have to just pick him up to get him out of the car.
Some say that dogs are man’s best friend. I tend to agree with them.
To my sweet, adorable, ornery Bubba – we will miss you sweet friend.
Rest in Peace.
About Robyn
Oh, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. What a great life he had though!
I’m so sorry…. so terribly sorry, Robyn.
Hi Robyn, I am so sorry about Bubba. I know the sadness you are feeling. We lost our Dutch this-past Valentine’s Day. He was 11 years old. I hope you and your family are comforted by all the wonderful memories you made together with Bubba. If you have not yet read it, I encourage you to read and print out “The Rainbow Bridge”. I have it hanging in my office and read it often. I truly believe that all of our beloved pets go to Heaven–after all, they are God’s creatures, too. Bubba waits for you now.
oh Robyn . . . my heart just breaks for you and the family . . . i am so very sorry; our pets really are members of our family (((hugs))) dear friends
Hugs…so sorry
Oh no. I’m so sorry. Pets are just as much family as anyone else. Thinking of you.
I read this as my twelve year old dog lies at my feet. She’s healthy…but she is twelve and so when I read of your loss it is so heartfelt, the tears are streaming at the very thought of that day. They are man, woman and children’s best friends and I know you miss your Bubba. Take good care.
Aw I am so sorry
Sounds like an amazing dog.
so sorry for your loss. he looked like a sweetie. I bet you and your family are missing him something terrible. i bet you have lots of happy memories to comfort you.
I’m so sorry, my heart is hurting for you as I read this. The loss of pet is always so deeply felt. My thoughts are with you and your family.
oh Robyn… my heart breaks for you and your family. I have felt the pain of loosing a beloved family friend too many times. Please know he is comfortable and safe where he is now, and you will see him again one day.
We are so very blessed to have such amazing family members- that we get to pick!- but the price we pay for the love, is to loose them far too early.
hang in there. it will get easier. big hugs to you and yours.
~Megan
I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I am at a loss for words
Oh Robyn, I’m so very sorry. Saying goodbye to our 13 year old Graham was one of the hardest days of our lives. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart is just breaking for you and your family. Thinking of you at this time my friend.
Oh I’m so sorry – we lost our black lab this last fall & we still have tears!
Robyn – So sorry to hear about Bubba!
So sorry to hear about Bubba. My family loves English Bulldogs. We lost our Bubba in 2007. We now have Pearly Sue, and Gus. They are so loving and compassionate. I so enjoy your site, thank you for sharing all that you do.
THanks so much, Kenda. Bubba was absolutely a sweetheart. We love English Bulldogs so very much, but after Bubba passed away my husband said he just didn’t think he could have another one. He and Bubba were major, major buddies. I love the names of your bulldogs! So cute!