Vicaroo1000
"Slug Assassin" and PBS Gardening Dweeb
- Jun 23, 2011
- 5,775
- 389
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Beefeater's Buxom Beatrice and Lord Harrington's Bodacious Beauregaard
On our walks each day, we run into all kinds of folks. One day about a month ago, a fellow I'd never met before (who reminded me of Uncle Fester in a big way) came out of his place pleading, "Can I pet the bulldogs?" Sure. Of course you can. While Bea and Bo are swimming in ecstasy at this sudden font of attention, he goes on to tell me that he used to have a bulldog years ago and he wants to get another one. He says that he's seen us all walk by, day after day, and that morning he'd put a deposit down on two EB puppies from an online breeder in Florida. (My heart sank, but I remained silent as he continued). He told me all about his old bulldog and how awesome he was and how his Schnauzer is 15 and quite geriatric and how I "inspired" him to seek a bulldog in his life again. We talked about all the major upkeep of an EB and how wonderful they are. He actually got misty eyed when speaking of his old friend. After we'd talked for a time, I said, "Can I ask a favor of you?" He seemed eager to help me with whatever I wanted. I said, "Please, please, please be careful when buying a pup online...and let me tell you why...". And I did tell him why, sharing all the heartbreaking stories we've heard here over the years.
Last Monday, we again walked by his place and he was out mowing the grass. He stopped the mower and came over to see Bea and Bo. He told me, "I want to thank you. I cancelled getting those two pups from Florida because of what you said." He continued, "Another person posted that they got pups from these people and they arrived dead." {*anguish* I felt my heart breaking right there in his petunia patch.}
We talked about local breeders and the many, many deserving dogs at rescue and I told him if he needed my help, just let me know.
A small victory for sure, given the bazillions of backyard breeders and puppy mills out there, but a success nonetheless.
Last Monday, we again walked by his place and he was out mowing the grass. He stopped the mower and came over to see Bea and Bo. He told me, "I want to thank you. I cancelled getting those two pups from Florida because of what you said." He continued, "Another person posted that they got pups from these people and they arrived dead." {*anguish* I felt my heart breaking right there in his petunia patch.}
We talked about local breeders and the many, many deserving dogs at rescue and I told him if he needed my help, just let me know.
A small victory for sure, given the bazillions of backyard breeders and puppy mills out there, but a success nonetheless.