BullDogmatic — A Dog Blog by Christie Bleck

Angel getting adopted

2012-02-13T11:46:00.003-05:00

My last foster dog, Angel, is finally being adopted. Makes all those months of muddy cars, running away from me and chewing worthwhile. I miss her jumping in the Northern Tail Dog Park pond and swimming carefree.

Getting entrenched in Marquette

2011-11-21T19:19:00.002-05:00

Digby, SusieQ and I are getting used to being Yoopers, although I've been told if you're not born here, you're never a Yooper. Anyway, we are developing favorite haunts, including the Lake Superior shoreline by the Dead River. Could Digby and SusieQ become wilderness dogs? Doubt it. I'm settle for them getting less afraid of the shorelines waves.

Soon a farewell

2011-09-10T11:49:00.002-04:00

Digby, SusieQ and I are moving to Marquette on Sept. 16. So it's good-bye to the Northern Tail Dog Park, which I will miss dearly. In fact, when I make a list of the things I'll miss in mid-Michigan, that's at the top of the list. Angel is in a good new foster home now, but I'll back the little ones in the car. They like it with Dave and me!

The Return of Hamlet Part II

2011-06-17T12:42:00.002-04:00

Hambone still has that Hereford-cow look, with the brown body and white head. He really scoots fast, too, for a Hereford imitation. Brother Bruce wasn't at the park, but Hammy's mom and dad brought a beagle, Copper, that they were babysitting. I want another bulldog...someday. No exclamation mark needed.

Let sleeping dogs lie

2011-06-13T12:32:00.002-04:00

Angel and SusieQ (on top) lounge after a very full Sunday. Digby is in another room. I love scenes like this...placid, satisfying and low-maintenance (for me).

Half Frenchie/half bulldog!

2011-06-13T12:30:00.005-04:00

Two of my favorite breeds, a French bulldog and a "regular" (English) bulldog, have been mixed in the form of Jigsaw, a white hybrid who showed up at the park Sunday with his friend, Fiona the Presa Canario. Jiggie really flew, although his legs were a bit awkward, and played very hard until he finally pooped out and flattened out on the cool ground. Plus, he was all white! Hopefully I'll get a photo sometime soon.

New foster!

2011-05-20T14:50:00.003-04:00

I am now the proud owner, or temporary guardian, of Angel, who happens to be one-third bulldog (the other ingredients are Boston terrier and pitbull terrier). It's quite the combo. She's a sweetie who loves to snuggle and rest her head on my head, sometimes simultaneously snoring. However, Angel's still a bit undisciplined, so we're working on that. After great soul-searching, I decided to close the door of my spare room because it contains too many vulnerable stuffed animals.
Anyway, Angel, Digby, SusieQ and I had a very fun day at the dog park on May 19. They frolicked near the pond that's really full because of the recent heavy rains. Plus, many gray tree frogs and toads were out, spewing their spring songs. Angel played tug-of-war with a vine with another dog and showed great interest in other dogs' rough-housing. More fun to come, I'm sure.

Bulldog blue

2011-04-06T23:39:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry Butler didn't win the NCAA men's hoops championship. Actually, "didn't win" is an understatement, considering the 18.8 percent shooting percentage. Yet, they made it that far. Besides, Blue the bulldog is its mascot. Speaking of blue, I'm really into Blue Buffalo dog food, providing I can find it someplace. It's coming to Soldan's in Charlotte soon, I'm told.

The Return of Hamlet

2011-02-16T00:05:00.003-05:00

Hamlet, the former-puppy-now-adult bulldog, made a return appearance to the dog park Monday, Feb. 14, along with parents and "brother" Bruce. I can give him a big juicy butt rub as I did my Tugboat. I didn't spend enough time with him, but I'm hoping their schedule opens up so he and Bruce can frolic more at Northern Tail.

Tempting

2011-01-26T20:34:00.001-05:00

I saw an online classified ad on the Lansing State Journal Website about bulldog puppies for sale. One was all white, another was mostly white with a dark eye patch and the others were various other colors I can't recall. Boy, did I want one, or two, but not yet. Someday, though, someday.

Cold, early darkness, laziness, whatever...

2011-01-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

...are the excuses I'm using for not having been to the dog park as much lately. The thing is, if there's snow on the ground and a full-stratus sky, you can see fairly well. And it hasn't been that cold lately. So, chalk it up to a bit of laziness (also, I've been out of town a lot lately). However, I did make it to the park Wednesday, and Digby and SusieQ seemed happy to be there. A black pug whose name escapes me also took a special liking to SusieQ, fellow smooshface.

Dark and stormy nights

2010-11-30T15:15:00.002-05:00

The furballs and I haven't been to the East Lansing Northern Tail Dog Park as much lately for various lame reasons: vacation, laziness and it's dark and cold early now. We plan to make more trips soon, however. There usually are folks there after 5 p.m., which is about the earliest we can typically make it on a weekday.

Smoosh-mix makes an appearance

2010-10-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week, Rocco (at least that's how I'm assuming it's spelled) the Boston terrier-French bulldog mix puppy, showed up. I think he's only three months, but he already has the French ears and the Boston body. The brindle coat makes him really intriguing. Digby, of course, gave him a bit of a hard time, but Rocco lived up to his name, not becoming too intimidated!

Where's Gramercy?

2010-09-14T20:37:00.002-04:00

Where's that cute little French bulldog I met a few weeks back? And Hamlet? And Wilma? In other words, all the bulldogs? My life lacks as a result.

Big dog

2010-08-20T21:06:00.001-04:00

Devin, a large if very shy female Irish wolfhound, came to the park today. She tried to hide behind her owner, but that was hard to do.

A Frenchie!

2010-07-29T22:43:00.001-04:00

A cream-colored French bulldog, Gramercy, made it to the dog park tonight. That's what we get for going late (about 7:30 p.m.). Gramercy likes to chase tennis balls, a la SusieQ, and is about a year and a half old. The squishies are taking over!

A Boston bull

2010-07-28T21:46:00.002-04:00

A Boston terrier/bulldog mix visited the park a few days ago. It was mostly white, and obviously a mix of squish-faces. Was a Boston bull once a breed? Interesting to see if it becomes another designer dog.

Blue pitties

2010-07-19T13:06:00.002-04:00

Kimbo and Bella, two blue pitbull terriers, made an appearance at the dog park Sunday, July 18. The owner told me that blue is rare, and I believe it. Anyway, they were so cute, how can anyone not love a pit? We discussed the injustice of apartment complexes not allowing "bully breeds" just on reputation alone. I've been bitten by a German shepherd dog and an English mastiff, so there. As they say, it depends on the owner. Some people might believe pit aggressiveness is inbred now, but I've seen too many sweet ones. The blue pitties' "sister," Tiny the Chihuahua, had much more of an attitude!

Hamlet grows

2010-07-13T15:18:00.002-04:00

I have not seen Hamlet (aka Hammy, Hambone, etc.) in a while, but those who have noted the bulldog's head is getting quite large. I always preferred this type of bulldog anatomy: big head, stout body. Hamlet probably looks like an forward-heavy Hereford cow (white head, brown body). I hope we see him soon! (And his "brother" Bruce.)

A herd of Danes

2010-06-17T22:11:00.002-04:00

A Lansing area Meet-up Group with Great Danes descended upon the park this week. No one was injured. They seemed like great horses, I mean, dogs.

Pug/bulldog mix makes it to park

2010-05-15T22:55:00.002-04:00

A puppy pug/bulldog mix, the name of which is Kiyah, I believe, made an appearance at the park. It will be interesting to see the full-grown version of this, the blending of my two favorite dog breeds!

A trio of bulldogs

2010-04-28T21:20:00.002-04:00

Wilma was joined at the dog park today by two bigger bullies, Biggie and Abby, or Biggie and Abbie, or Biggy and Abbie, or Biggy and Abbey, or whatever. Biggie is about 60 pounds at 9 months of age, and I didn't ask how old Abbie is. Anyway, three bullies at once are great! Now all we need is Hamlet and Jack the Mack to make it a quintet!
Wilma, by the way, played with a submissive boxer named Bailey. Bailey was on her back, being playfully mauled by Wilma, when Bailey catapulted Wilma into the air. She had a bit of a time getting back on her feet, but it was very humorous.

PVMA dog wash set for April 24

2010-04-14T14:27:00.002-04:00

When: Sunday April 25th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center

Michigan State University

D202 Veterinary Medical Center

East Lansing, MI 48824

Why: To help raise funds for Pre-Veterinary Medical Association activities and veterinary-related opportunities
If you have never been to a dog wash before, go to our website, www.msu.edu/~pvma, and check out the page with answers to common dog wash questions.

On a personal note: I can vouch for these washes. The dogs have fun (except for my Digby, who resists these kinds of things), the owners get out and the PVMA benefits. What's not to like?

My latest tribute to Tugboat

2010-04-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

This is a link to the memorial column on my boy:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100402/INGHAM01/4040465/1215/INGHAM

New bulldog at park!

2010-03-31T21:08:00.001-04:00

We met Wilma the female 4-month-old bulldog at the park today. Her brindle is darker than usual, but she still had the piglet walk. Now if we can get her, Jack the Mack and Hamlet together, we will have a bulldog herd! And Tugboat in spirit, of course.

New breed at park

2010-03-21T23:56:00.002-04:00

A few days ago a female Dog de Bordeaux made it to the park. It's the "Hooch" kind of dog. Her name was Ruby, and didn't slobber as much as Hooch slobbered. Anyway, it's another kind of "smooshface" to add to Northern Tail's growing list of such canines.

The rainy season begins

2010-03-13T16:52:00.003-05:00

I go to the dog park in the snow. I go to the dog park in the sun. I go to the dog park in the clouds. I tend not to go when it rains. It's not that I really mind getting wet, although I do, it's just that it's so very muddy.

The Great Unveiling

2010-02-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

This is the portrait of Tugboat by Anne White Jones of Crown Point, Ind. When I receive it in the mail, I will have it framed and hang it in a place of honor in my living room. More immortalization for my Tugboat!

New bulldog!

2010-02-08T22:25:00.002-05:00

There was another bulldog at the park this past weekend: Jack the Mack! He is a young bulldog with a lot of energy and a smaller head than Tugboat. It's good to see another squishface around!

Tugboat to be immortalized in art

2010-01-26T22:18:00.003-05:00

I've commissioned an artist/friend from Crown Point, Ind., Anne White Jones, to make a portrait of my Tugboat. Can't wait to get it, and, of course, I'll take a photo of it and post it here!

Happy New Year

2010-01-21T21:25:00.002-05:00

...belatedly. Tugboat's spirit still reigns throughout my kingdom, although I have Digby, SusieQ and foster Zoey to keep me company in a tangible -- and loving-- way.

A short hiatus

2009-12-30T15:22:00.002-05:00

Because of the weather and me being out of town for the holidays (and the dogs in a kennel or a babysitter's home), we haven't been out at the dog park much. SusieQ's little paws don't seem to take well to ice and snow, so I might not bring her along every time. If I do, I might have to hold her for a good deal of the time.
Good thing she weighs only about 16 pounds, at last weigh-in.

video link

2009-12-22T00:11:00.002-05:00

This is great and a viewing I highly recommend.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/the-orangutan-and-the-hound/1234581161

Temperatures going south

2009-12-04T14:56:00.002-05:00

Update on previous post: It's about a month later and a lot colder. Here in mid-Michigan we've had a fairly warm fall, but winter is coming. However, as long as I play "A Charlie Brown Christmas on CD" I think I'll get through it.
Another thing: It gets dark so soon, and unless I take off from work early, which I can't always do, sunny weekdays at the dog park might be history for a few months. A full moon, a snow blanket and a full-stratus sky help in lightening things up. The dogs don't seem to mind, though. SusieQ can follow a bouncing tennis ball fairly well in the darkness.

A good day at the dog park

2009-11-08T21:29:00.003-05:00

I know, when is any day NOT a good day at the dog park. However, it was a Sunday, the weather was warm and sunny and lots of dogs were out. I hated to leave. Who knows when we will have such good weather again? However, if we all bundle up, we can have fun in the snow and stop off at Tim Horton's for hot chocolate and a shared peanut butter cookie on the way home.
Two Boston terriers were here today, and I got to rub Hamlet's forehead! All in all, not a bad day.
It's nice to have a positive outlook on things for once!

Busy time at dog park

2009-10-20T23:16:00.001-04:00

The busy time at the Northern Tail Dog Park seems to be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Of course, this will change, I presume, when we set our clocks back. Don't you think DPT (Dog Park Time) should stay the same? Now if I can just get the earth to quit tilting on its axis...

Josie column

2009-10-07T22:48:00.003-04:00

My column on Josie:

2009 hasn’t been a good year for me, dog-wise.
First, I lost Tugboat, my bulldog/baby/love pig/big juicy in February. It was one of those “sudden illnesses” you read about in obituaries. In this case, it was a heart that just gave out.
The only other personal dog death I experienced was my pug Tonka in 2007. He died following dental surgery. As another brachycephalic (flat-nosed, squishy-faced) dog, it was a difficult go. He inhaled too much air afterward, which inflated his stomach and stopped his heart.
My latest heartbreak was last week. On vacation in Illinois, I received a call from the kennel. I learned that my Boston terrier Josie had developed an eye problem and had to be taken to the vet.
I knew she had some eye issues anyway, but they seemed to improve over the week.
Anyway, a return phone call resulted in me learning Josie had to go to MSU for further diagnosis.
I figured, well, the worst that would happen is that she’d lose one eye. Dogs live with one eye all the time, and even completely blind dogs have decent lives.

#A tough decision
I was sitting in the rain with my dad and sister on vacation in Illinois, watching my nephew’s football team lose. But that’s beside the point.
MSU called back with the worse-case-scenario news. I figured, well, do you what you have to do.
However, the cost to treat her was well into four figures. Considering some other health issues and Josie’s advanced age, it was decided it was time to let her go.
“Let her go.” Now there’s a euphemism, right up there with “put her to sleep” or “end her suffering mercifully.”
However, I suppose they all fit. Loving dog owners usually don’t make these decisions easily.
I’m pretty good at keeping back tears, but I couldn’t this time. As with Tugboat and Tonka, I didn’t have time to say good-bye.
I would have placed my hand on her little brown and white head, kissed her failing eyes and said, “Good-bye, sweetheart.” Because that’s what she was.
Josie had a difficult start. Best I can tell, for about six years she lived in a Missouri puppy mill. Puppy mills are awful places where dogs are kept in cages and allowed to breed like cattle. Their main purpose is to pump out puppies, not live a decent life enjoying grass, sunshine and hugs.
My mom and dad rescued her from the Animal Placement Bureau, for which I am a volunteer. Josie was one of my many foster dogs over the years, and my mom just thought she was the cutest thing when she saw her. (Josie’s a BROWN Boston terrier, a highly unusual color for this breed.)
My parents had Josie for about five years until my mom died last August. I decided I’d keep her in the family, so Josie became part of my household.
Three dogs ain’t easy, but Josie was fairly low maintenance. She had the annoying habitat of barking until you played tug-of-war with her, plus she scratched at my face when she wanted affection.
But I figured she didn’t get many charm-school lessons in her puppy mill.
I still fostered dogs, one of which was an adorable little pug named SusieQ. When Tugboat died, I decided to keep her.
So, instead of the Big One and the Little Two, it was the Little Three — Josie, SusieQ and Digby, another rescue dog that actually has a muzzle (he is a beagle/Chihuahua mix).
It was a nice little trio, one that fit at the end of one of those tri-leashes that latch onto one main long leash.
There were a few skirmishes. Digby is more than a bit alpha and likes to have first couch rights when it comes to nestling beside Mommy. However, the three cohabited well for the most part.

#A change
The last month or so, though, I noticed a change. Josie was becoming more affectionate toward me, wanting to be by my side more. And Digby was even starting to allow it!
I’m becoming more and more convinced that dogs sense a change in their essence — and possibly when their time on this earth is drawing to a close.
Unfortunately, as Josie’s eye was starting to worsen, she was unable to communicate to me in English how she was feeling. Sometimes a dog’s issue is noticeable, sometimes it’s not.
In this case, I thought it might be allergies, especially this time of year. Alas, that was not the case.
When I picked up my other two dogs from the kennel, I was handed Josie’s leash and empty collar. Boy, if there’s something sadder than an empty dog collar whose wearer is no longer among the living, let me know.
I’ll never forget Josie, just as I won’t forget Tugboat or Tonka. I hope she’s frolicking — with two good eyes — in a big field now with them, and my mom can hop in anytime she wants.
It’s something I hope to do when my time comes.

Christie Bleck is editor of the Ingham County Community News. She hopes to sometime foster another Boston terrier.

Josie R.I.P.

2009-10-05T22:22:00.002-04:00

Josie went to the Rainbow Bridge this past weekend, when I was on vacation, of course. She had a very bad ulcer, and considering her age, it was decided it was best to let her go. I wish I could hug her once more. I miss my brown Boston terrier very much. This hasn't been a good year for me, dog-wise. First Tugboat in February, now Josie on my birthday weekend. I hope they are playing together now!

A day in the park

2009-09-14T09:49:00.006-04:00

I still find it difficult, with basically a point-and-shoot camera, to catch fast-moving dogs in focus. However, I did manage to snap pics of Molly the muddy St. Bernard and Tia the poodle. Of course, they weren't moving quickly at the time. Anyway, I wish I'd taken a better photo of Elmo the bigger St. Bernard. I'll try to get him to pose next time.

Mosquito alert!

2009-09-06T00:22:00.002-04:00

There are lots of them at the Northern Tail recently, so don't forget your spray!

The Mall at Partridge Creek

2009-09-01T22:12:00.002-04:00

I highly recommend this open-air, dog-friendly mall in Clinton Township. There are doggy-bag posts of course, plus lots of actual dogs, outdoor music and some stores that I believe allow dogs (might want to stay away from bringing them in the Swarovski store, though, with all that glass).

Two little bulldogs

2009-08-31T23:02:00.002-04:00

There were two puppy bulldogs, 4-month-old Hamlet and 5-month-old Harley, at the Northern Tail Dog Park today. What are the odds? Made me really miss Tugboat, particularly when he was that piglet-sized. Harley got into the spirit eventually, and frolicked with Hamlet, who really likes chasing (at a quick speed for a bulldog) the other dogs. Along with SusieQ, two pugs named Lily and Louie (not sure of the name spelling) and a boxer of unknown moniker, it was a brachycephalic night. That translates to lots of squishy-faced dogs!

Business cards

2009-08-16T00:27:00.002-04:00

I had some business cards printed with this blog's URL so folks who frequent Northern Tail can post announcements, rave, complain or whatever here. It has Tugboat's precious face, of course! Anyway, the announcement for Aug. 15 is: It's skanky on one end, but dry at the entrance! Plus, a few tennis balls have survived last weekend's rains.

When will it stop?

2009-07-29T00:19:00.002-04:00

I still cry over Tugboat. When I think of him and the goofy things he used to do--writhe on his back like a overturned crab, bark at the bathtub faucet until I turned it on, sit under my big shrub like a jungle dog--I tear up. I still can't believe the Tugboat Years are over.
There better be a Rainbow Bridge!

Josie and Pigeon

2009-07-15T11:42:00.003-04:00

Josie is buds with Pigeon the pitbull terrier. Here at the Northern Tail Dog Park, they are looking at something--I don't know what.

Dog park photos

2009-07-15T11:36:00.006-04:00

It's hard to shoot photographs of dogs at the Northern Tail Dog Park. They move too quickly. Still, here are a few: SusieQ, safe in a "cave"; Boris the Airedale terrier; and my Sloopy. Certain dogs connect better with other dogs, such as my Josie with Bella the French basset hound and Sloopy with Sassy. I haven't quite figured out the doggie dynamics yet, but my research continues.
Other regulars at the "Tail" are Pete the Clod, the Labrador retriever who is unaware of his surroundings and is always knocking into someone or something; Carter the Labradoodle who resembles a large sheep; Aramis the Belgian sheepdog who covets his tennis balls; Bella the French basset hound (one of Josie's faves) and Bella the Wheaten terrier, who resembles her owner; and The Goose, who's just...The Goose.

Local dog parks

2009-07-15T00:53:00.003-04:00

I hear Meridian Township is working on a dog park at Legg Park off Van Atta Road. That's a bit far for me, but variety is good, and if I'm on the east side, it might be worth checking out. I think Twitter has some information on it, coolcitydogs if I remember correctly.
Haven't been to the Soldan Dog Park lately, but might be worth a visit soon. There are more dogs there than my regular haunt, the Northern Tail Dog Park by the East Lansing Aquatic Center, but more amenities, such as potties for humans, a pond, an actual walking trail and a drinking fountain. Still, Northern Tail is much closer for me, plus really, all I want are an enclosed area, a pleasant natural setting, dogs and responsible owners.
However, a gazebo and coffee kiosk would be nice. Maybe someday I'll write my bestselling novel and buy these attractions for the park.
More later...

Four dogs in a car.

2009-06-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

Four dogs in one vehicle, even little canines, is a bit much. However, I drove through a carwash this evening, and little SusieQ got nervous, having to nestle in my lap. Digby was in the back seat, Josie was a little more alert and Sloopy, I think, enjoyed all the extra noise. Figures.

Sloopy

2009-06-16T11:51:00.003-04:00

OK, I changed Snoopy's name to Sloopy because Snoogy, dang it, is a beagle's name!
It has been determined that Sloopy, after being groomed, is probably a schnauzer, not a cockapoo. Sloopy, although adorable, still is rambunctious.

Snoopy

2009-06-02T14:42:00.002-04:00

Snoopy, a cockapoo (not a beagle), is our newest foster. He is friendly to the point of being underfoot almost ALL the time. Unfortunately, Digby is jealous and growls at the poor dude ever time he gets close to me, particularly when we're sitting on the couch. Not fully tapped into Digby's psyche, I assume he's very protective of me and/or wants me all to himself.
This is my main challenge now. Also, walking four dogs on leashes makes for a few tangles.
More updates to come...

New photo of SusieQ

2009-05-12T12:44:00.003-04:00

This was taken early this morning. I swear, her eyes bugging out this much makes me nervous.

Back from kennel

2009-05-04T10:47:00.001-04:00

I'm picking up the girls and boy at the kennel today. I wonder how three little dogs fare in one pen. They seem to do all right in short spaces. However, being in a different environment adds a kink to the mix.
Tugboat always loved the kennel...doggy camp!

Full house

2009-04-06T13:01:00.002-04:00

I'm babysitting Otis, a puggle that gets along very well with SusieQ. Digby, the new alpha of the household, isn't taking to him much yet. Well, it's only a week. I look at SusieQ, and think, "Oh, there's a half-Otis!"

My column on Tugboat

2009-03-24T12:51:00.002-04:00

This is appeared in the Ingham County Community News a few weeks back:

SEVERAL WEEKS AGO I didn’t expect the sight of my right kitchen chair would spur tears. Sure, the wooden rods sometimes slipped off, and it was hard to dust between the spokes. Still, it wasn’t a major tragic occurrence in my life.
Then came the early morning hours of Feb. 17.
Tugboat, my beloved 9-year-old bulldog, was quite chipper the previous evening at the Northern Tail Dog Park in East Lansing. He even was getting “amorous” with other dogs and wobbling about like a brindle-and-white Jell-O mound just released from its mold.
Then around midnight he started getting chest congestion, followed by a nasty rattle and vomiting spells. Tugboat had been ill before, except he didn’t have a rattle, and that worried me.
I contemplated taking him to a 24-hour veterinary clinic, money be hanged. I didn’t like to see my poor boy suffer.
I felt a little elated when Tugboat hopped into the bathtub for a drink. Tugboat never did take to drinking out of the water bowls on the kitchen floor, preferring to sip from the very hard but very c ool running water from the faucet or the spigot on the outside of my house.
After getting his drink, Tugboat pushed himself out of the tub and walked to the hallway.
Those were his last moments.
Tugboat then collapsed on the hardwood floor. Picking him up, I saw that his eyes were open and he wasn’t breathing. In a moment of total denial, I hoped it was temporary and that I would be able to shake him out of it. I remember saying, “Tugboat, wake up! Wake up!”
It didn’t happen.
My lifetime of a happy, sometimes goofy co-existence with the love of my life was over in an instant.
Tugboat’s big heart just had enough.
And no longer would he rest his big head on the bottom rods of my kitchen chair, cooling his expansive belly on the floor. No longer would I see his pudgy, crossed back legs sticking out from under the table.
Even if he were in deep slumber in that chosen sleeping spot, which he often was, it was enough to know he was in my house and part of my world.
Heartsick
I was told later that it was good Tugboat went quickly and with me near him. I still couldn’t help but second-guess myself. What could I have done differently?
If congestive heart failure caused his respiratory problems and eventually stopped his heart — which is what I think happened — there was little I could have done. It was just Tugboat’s time to pass over the Rainbow Bridge, a term people use to describe a poem about “doggy heaven” and the fact they’re waiting there, healthy again, for their owners.
My neighbor hauled Tugboat’s lifeless body to the backseat of my car, and several hours later I transported him to my vet to be later cremated. One of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced — and probably will experience — was leaving Tug physically as he lay there on the table.
I knew that after I left the vet, I never again would touch him, or wrap my arms around his sturdy, barrel-like physique.
When he was alive and I sat there with Tugboat on numerous occasions, on my lawn, the living room floor or whatever, I contemplated that someday he’d be gone and I wouldn’t be able to caress him again. I knew that I’d long for the chances to experience these “Tugboat moments” again.
Unfortunately, I can’t burn these moments on a CD and relive them. And as much as I have these memories seared in my memory, it’s just not the same as actually living them.
Now I’m seeing and hearing things differently, post-Tugboat … the last time I heard this song, Tugboat was alive; the last time I drove past this building, Tugboat was alive. It’s like there’s this imaginary dividing line in my life, a before and after.
Now what?
I hope Tugboat and I will be reunited again, because I miss him terribly now and my grief is sometimes almost unbearable.
In strict anatomical terms,Tugboat was just a dog, 73 pounds or so of flesh, bone and fur and surprisingly not that much slobber.
In more humanistic terms, he was my soulmate, the dog who was with me when I was in despair one night after losing a longtime job. The dog who as a puppy reportedly fell asleep on a bag of pretzels. The dog who until he got used to riding in a car barked “Yowit! Yowit!” (Translation: “I don’t like it! I don’t like it!”)
I have several other dogs who will continue to keep me company, so I won’t lead a dogless existence.
However, I don’t plan to clean my kitchen chair anytime soon. There are a few drool marks on it, marks that contain my Tugboat’s DNA.
If there’s any more precious substance on Earth, I don’t know what it is.
Christie Bleck can be reached at (800) 543-9913, extension 504 or cbleck@gannett.com. She will continue to talk about Tugboat at www.bulldogdays.blogspot.com.

I miss my boy.

2009-03-24T12:48:00.001-04:00

The residual sadness is beginning to kick in. I keep thinking, when I'm at certain places, how Tugboat would have liked them. And I really miss giving him his "hello butt rubs" when I came home from work.

More on The 'Boat

2009-03-09T11:42:00.002-04:00

Tugboat's remains have been returned to me, and they rest in his memorial room in a wooden box. What also "tugs" at me are the many bulldog statues in the room's "bulldog shrine."
I decided to keep SusieQ, but no dog will ever really replace Tugboat in my heart. It's like Dorothy Gale saying goodbye to the Scarecrow: "I think I'll miss YOU the most."

Tugboat 1999-2009

2009-02-23T12:01:00.002-05:00

My beloved baby died early the morning of Feb. 17. His big heart just gave out. Since he will live on in my memory, I will continue to post about him. I will write more when I'm not so heartsick.
Oh, the "curse" of loving a short-lived breed. Bulldogs tend to live between 8 and 10 years, and Tugboat was about 9 years and 3 months.
I hope he had a happy life. I know he made my life much happier.

New foster dog

2009-01-27T14:37:00.003-05:00

A new little foster pug, SusieQ, has entered our household. Tugboat is fairly oblivious but Digby is a bit jealous. He will have to deal with that.
I have to break Tugboat of his habit of wanting to drink from the outside faucet in the dead of winter. I got it open last night, but had to ask the neighbor to turn it off as it became stuck. Outside faucets are OK...as long as it's the warm season. The bathtub will have to suffice for Tugboat's drinking needs during the winter.

The greyhound story

2009-01-13T15:41:00.001-05:00

I saw Candi the greyhound at the Northern Tail Dog Park a few days ago. I tell some people that Tugboat used to be a greyhound but ran into a wall, became compacted horizontally and was unable to exercise, hence his porcine, unstreamlined appearance. Got a laugh out of Candi's owner from that tale.

Tugboat update

2009-01-08T16:38:00.002-05:00

I haven't updated this blog in a while because I'm too busy playing Pac-Man! Anyway, Tugboat has been gorging himself with the Monterey Jack/colby Kroger cheese combo I feed him (and myself). Digby and Josie like it too. But what dog--or human--doesn't like cheese?
Anyway, I might have to make a cheese run tonight because we're out of it!

I like Joe!

2008-12-25T21:42:00.001-05:00

Joe made an awesome blog: www.mojoe-man.blogspot.com.Visit it soon!

Kennel time coming up

2008-12-23T19:41:00.001-05:00

I will miss the 'boat dearly over the holidays, but three dogs is a bit much for my sister, who's hosting our family. With her dog, that makes four. (Three plus one is four, right? Hey, I'm a journalist--a word person, not a numbers guru.) Tugboat also is set to have his nails cut. I'm not sure if they have to hog-tie him, but they are starting to curl. Anyway, his nails are not easy to cut.
But Tugboat should have a merry Christmas anyway. And Happy Holidays to the thousands of BullDogmatic readers!

Bulldozer season

2008-12-08T13:20:00.001-05:00

Tugboat doesn't mind the snow much. In fact, he likes to push his flat face in it and eat the white stuff. When not consuming snowflakes, he plows right through it. It's easy sometimes to follow in his footsteps as he's blazed a snow trail for me. Yes, Tugboat is quite the bulldozer or snowplow.

Heating vents

2008-11-19T13:09:00.000-05:00

Tugboat's not going to help me win any energy-conservation awards anytime soon. He likes it when hot air from the bathroom heating vent blasts on his belly, and will grumble until I crank up the thermostat. However, I save energy elsewhere.
He also prefers to swill water from the outside spigot (even in the dead of night in winter) as opposed to the water dishes on the more comfortable (for me) kitchen floor.
Ah, the things I do for him!

Oh, the pain, the pain...

2008-11-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

I have a headache. Do bulldogs get headaches? I think Tugboat's head is larger than mine, not that it would make any difference.
BTW, the above headline is in reference to Dr. Zachary Smith's often-used lament in "Lost In Space." And yes, I'm dating myself.

Bulldogs in general

2008-10-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

I am very thankful for Panalog. Not only does it keep Tugboat's ears clean, especially his dirty-icky-brown one, it keeps his nose-to-mouth fold clean. Otherwise, it clogs up with the nastiest dark junk whose composition is a complete biological mystery.
He does have a continuing problem with a crusty nose. I can add Bag Balm, but I have to keep it up, and Digby tends to immediately lick it off him. Besides, you really need a some sun to bake the Bag Balm into Tugboat's mud-flat nose. However, the vet told me it probably doesn't hurt him. It's just unsightly. That's OK. Tugboat's handsome otherwise.

Tugboat/Cat in the Hat scenario

2008-09-16T13:04:00.001-04:00

What does my boy do when I'm away? Ride on some sluppalumpp thing out of Dr. Seuss? Sleep? Wish he were eating? Wish I were with him? It would be interesting to install a Webcam or videocamera to see Tugboat Home Alone (With Digby). I bet there's not much action, though.

Tugboat at Monday's dog park outing

2008-08-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

I think it's called the Northern Tail Dog Park, but whatever — Tugboat, Digby, Sassy (the new foster) and I had a good time Monday. We went after work, which apparently was a hot time as the place was hopping, literally. A young collie, an Airedale, a beagle and other canines filled the park. Tugboat mostly went up to people to get his bum rubbed, but Digby and Sassy engaged in more active pursuits, such as chasing and being chased.
We will try to go again today.

Tugboat at Aviation Day

2008-08-18T15:56:00.000-04:00

Tugboat had a good Sunday, or at least it's what I think should have been a good Sunday. I took him to Aviation Day at Mason Jewett Airfield, where he enjoyed mingling with the crowd, sharing a steak dinner with me and lying down and panting by a soybean field. I wish he could have taken a helicopter ride, assuming it could have gotten off the ground!
Later in the day Tugboat, Digby, foster Sassy and I went to the East Lansing dog park where there were two other bulldogs! Both were much smaller than Tugboat. He showed interest at first, then was indifferent. It might have been too hot, but there was plenty of water and shade around.
Later at night at home when I was trying to watch the Olympics, Tugboat showed his gratitude by annoying me and barking almost every time I sat on the couch to relax. I didn't take it well. I feel bad when I become angry with him, but dogs are like kids. You love them, yet they have the propensity to annoy at the worst times. Well, we all settled down at last.

Wild at night

2008-08-12T12:03:00.000-04:00

Just when I think Tugboat is really slowing down, he doesn't, especially some nights when I'm really slowing down for the day. Our biorhythms aren't always in sync, but we make adjustments, especially when I yell "Shut up!" Then I feel guilty. I like it when Digby can get him to play. But I must remember that someday when he's gone I'll miss being pestered. Maybe not every single time, but I'll miss rubbing his wrinkly forehead.
I think I will have to give him a forehead rub when I get home from work.

Tugboat with new foster

2008-08-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

Sassy is a 10-month-0ld border collie/terrier mix that has weasel-like tendencies in that she can squeeze through a 5-inch gap in the door and run away. Tugboat can't catch her, but doesn't try anyway. Therefore I have to go after her.
However, she is good at getting Tugboat to play and can be rougher than Digby. It's good for Tug's big heart!

Tugboat is home from the kennel

2008-07-23T18:23:00.001-04:00

Tugboat loves the kennel, aka doggy camp. He was treated to two belly rubs this time while I visited Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Tugboat would have liked Lake Superior, but I wasn't up to bringing along dogs). I picked up Tugboat and Digby Monday, and promptly got a flat tire as I left the kennel. A call to AAA and I was on my way, although I had to buy four new tires. Something new that Tugboat can mark if he wants.

Tugboat on the Fourth of July

2008-07-07T16:39:00.000-04:00

We opted not to go for the fireworks in Mason, Michigan this year. Since they were out of town, I decided I didn't want to wait the hour and a half. Maybe next year; last year was fun.
Anyway, Tugboat was a big hit at the Fourth of July parade. I spoiled him with cheeseburgers and bottled water, and he got to lie down in nice sod, or at least grass that's a lot lusher than our lawn.
He also only barked a few times during a cannon rededication ceremony.
As usual, people stopped me to ask about him. Since the mascot of Mason High School is the bulldog, kids made note of that.
I take Tugboat to as many of these events as I can (cheeseburgers and a cool sidewalk are a bonus).

Tugboat and fireworks?

2008-07-03T14:47:00.000-04:00

Tugboat still isn't his usual perky self, but maybe taking him to a Fourth of July fireworks display will help. Last year he wanted to attack those little fountains that people set off in the parking lot. It might have stressed him a bit, but he likes the company of people. And I think he will enjoy Mason's Independence Day parade as well, and people will enjoy him. After all, the mascot of the local high school is the bulldog.

A tough couple of days

2008-06-26T12:49:00.000-04:00

When Tugboat can't keep down his evening meal, something's wrong. That's what happened Monday and Tuesday. Fortunately, Wednesday was fine. However, he keeps hacking at night...wheeze, wheeze, wheeze, HACK! I hope it's just a temporary thing, like those insidious "bugs" I catch now and then. You never can tell with bulldogs.
However, we sat out at dusk at the end of the driveway, just the 'Boat and me, like the good old days when it was just us two. Tugboat seems serenely happy in these moments. Plus, only a mosquito or two dive-bombed me. I think mosquitoes leave Tugboat alone, or he just likes the attention and ignores them. And yes, he's on heartworm medication.

Another bulldog tale

2008-06-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/home_garden/19625844.html

This is a very heartwarming story. The things we do for our bullies!

A Tugboat moment

2008-06-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for work this morning, I looked down and saw Tugboat sitting by the bathroom vent, one of his comfort zones in my house. I decided it was time for a forehead/ear rub, so I obliged. Tugboat then gave me one of those eyes-closed, highly appreciative looks, which made me kiss him on the lips. Sometimes he makes a soft sigh or I-like-this grunt. Anyway, I hated to leave him this morning.

The household gets a new addition

2008-05-28T16:58:00.000-04:00

Sherwin the cocker spaniel is our latest foster dog. He has an old-man face and a summer haircut, which I plan to let grow out. Sherwin used to be called Flame, but that name, to me, more aptly describes a flashier breed, or at least one with a red coat.
Sherwin is very friendly, but is an incessant whiner and barker, and I'm not always sure why. He's a bed hog, though, so that means Tugboat probably won't be sleeping with me anytime soon (three dogs and a human are a tight fit on a twin bed).
I plan to work on the whining/barking, but it might stop as Sherwin gets used to his new digs.
Tugboat and Sherwin each is a bit on the alpha side, but Tugboat usually wins. Make that always wins.
More later ...

Tugboat comes home

2008-05-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

Tugboat and Digby just came home today from a four-day stay at their "doggy camp," a nearby country kennel. Tugboat was treated to two "extras" — sessions in the Belly Rub Club, of which he should be a charter member.
Digby was less certain of the place when he got there; I had to take off his leash instead of making an employee do it. However, although he was extremely glad to see me today, he eventually warmed up to the staff.
Even though I'm pretty certain Tugboat loves me, he doesn't always want to go home. This leads me to suspect he gets extra special treatment at the kennel. That's OK by me. It's hard to love the 'Boat too much.

A sad day

2008-05-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

I volunteer for the Animal Placement Bureau as a foster mommy. It's very rewarding, but the sad part is when a foster to which you've grown attached (and really, is there any other kind?) is to leave your home for its "forever home." Today I will say good-bye to Augie, a mix of Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu and something else. Augie was a sweetie, a cuddly Ewok-type dog that simply enjoyed being in the same room with me. Not everyone can say that!
Tugboat and Digby seemed to like him except for the occasional skirmish over food and couch rights.
I will miss him but plan to visit.

Tugboat-of-War

2008-05-02T13:19:00.000-04:00

Tugboat gets into all sorts of trouble with his propensity to hanging onto things, preferably swings. He flipped out a mother and her dogphobic girl a few years back by jumping onto her swing (the SWING, not her), which resulted in Tugboat having his mug shot taken by the police. (However, the officer took one look at him and laughed.) Anyway, I have to keep him on a short rope in the company of swings.
Last night we visited our neighbor's fenced-in backyard, which has a swingset. When Tugboat's in the vicinity, we keep the swings out of jowls' reach. However, he got a hold of one swing and hung on so much the other neighbor thought he was caught on the swing. Although Tugboat would have loved that, I had to get him back down so he wouldn't tear the swing.
All this, I presume, comes from bulldogs being raised way back when to hang onto bulls' noses during a fight; that's why they were bred with folds--so the bull's blood would stay out of the dog's eyes. Yuck. And why they have flat noses.
This was barbaric, but it resulted in the breed being the mutated blob we all love so much today.

Tugboat begins the month of May

2008-05-01T14:24:00.000-04:00

Tugboat is all caught up with his heartworm medication (which I have to hide in his food bowl). His eyesight failing, one of his greatest joys is sitting in the front yard watching what little world he can see pass by. Since I don't have a fenced-in yard, I have to be out there with him.
He's not to be trusted, though, since he has been known to waddle off down the street. However, since the weather's getting nicer (albeit slowly in Michigan), I don't mind being out there with him for the most part (unless there's a Cubs, White Sox, Red Sox or Tigers game on TV inside).

Hey this really works!

2008-04-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

This blogging stuff is fun. Maybe I can get Tugboat to make an entry. A hunk of cheddar cheese would be a good bribe.

Welcome to Bulldog Days

2008-04-30T16:57:00.000-04:00

Greetings to you. You have either accidentally stumbled upon this, my inaugural blog, or did a search for "bullldog" and found it that way. Either way, welcome.
I am the owner of Tugboat, a bulldog who's been on the planet for 8 1/2 years. Bulldog years are more like computer years than dog years. They aren't the longest-lived of breeds, given their plethora of health problems, so making it to double digits is more than swell.
Tugboat passed through the doors of my former apartment at about 7 weeks old, resembling more an overgrown rabbit than a bulldog puppy. He also soiled my bed right away. No surprise there.
We clicked right away, though, and it's been an enjoyable, if somewhat exasperating at times, journey.
More later on the 'Boat.