Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes for my Grovie...

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Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes for my Grovie...

Submitted by Julia on April 20, 2010 - 11:38pm

Archived General Bulldog Chat

Grover was my best friend.

Ironically, he came in to my life filling a void left by my FIRST foray into bulldog ownership. My first puppy Monster passed away at 4 months old. I was completely traumatized (the creation of my dog bubble dates back to 2000!) Grover's name was picked out before I knew him, to honor Cookie Monster, and the minute I met him I knew he was Grover. He was born March 4th, 2001.

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He was the silliest, goofiest boy. He loved everyone. He loved sailing. He loved digging his beds for hours at a time. He loved honky chickens. He chewed his feet every chance he got. He was a ham for my camera. He loved cheese. I bought him a boat, I bought him a house, I lived my life around him.

My life turned upside down two years ago, and I went to a very dark place. But Grover needed me. He needed routine, he needed to be fed, he needed his usual fussing... he kept me from sinking too far into that dark place. I needed him. He wasn't a snuggler... if you invited him "uppy" on the sofa with you, he was just so excited, he promptly headed for the opposite end, very pleased with his new status. But he became a snuggler for me after that, because I needed him.

My chair hog.
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My mitten thief.

My goofball.

My tubbo.

My tippie boy.

My Cap'n.

My clown.

My turkey legger.

My co-worker.

My zoomie boy.

My co-pilot.

My ray of sunshine.

My chaise lounge stealer

We got through it, everything turned out fine in the end... and we lived our happy little life, just me and my buddy. Out of the blue one morning last September, around 3am, he got sick. He wouldn't stop throwing up. I called the ER vet and they said he must just have an upset tummy. Around 7am, it wasn't better. I emailed Christie. She didn't want to worry me but said that I probably should take him somewhere. I rushed him to the ER vet. They said he aspirated and kept him overnight. BDW stood behind me. He wasn't getting better. I called Sue in a panic. I had to transfer him to a hospital in Rhode Island. I went alone - I just thought we were fighting something off. Grovie was propped up on three beds in my trunk, hooked up to iv fluids, panting, but a trooper. My car went 90mph the whole way.

Once there, the vet informed me he was declining rapidly, losing blood, not getting enough oxygen... results of a mass on his heart and a mass on his lung that the other ER vet thought she could see but wanted the better equipment in RI to confirm, but hadn't told me. And he told me I had to put him down right then.

You can't make the decision to say goodbye to your best friend, ALONE, in a matter of minutes. I was 2 hours from home, with the worst decision of my life in front of me.

I told them no - that I had to bring him home and go to my own vet. I managed to drive home and not fall apart. I documented everything with photos and videos. I made 5 copies of everything, stored in my desk at work, in my car, on back up drives, on disks, but I haven't looked at any of them. He wasn't himself... but I'm a photographer and I needed those photos. I had to have them. There are some I want to share with everyone of the two of us, and I have it all laid out in my head... I had planned on doing it for March 4th, but here I am, still unable to look at the pics and crying as I type this. So another time.

I have photos of him on every surface of my house. I have paintings and sculptures from dear BDW friends up.

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His beds are still here. His leash is in a bubble envelope from the ER vet that still smells like him. His ashes are in a simple tin that actually has a story I will share another day. He's everywhere. His toys are still around... when I first brought Gretl home and she would find something of his, I would have that moment of "That's not yours! You can't have that!" and cry. She's 6 months old now and has wiggled her way right into my heart. I've gotten to the point where I WANT her playing with his things. I love seeing her share that same silliness her "brother" had. Gretl made me laugh again. She gave me someone to fuss over and love on... and she keeps me too busy to dwell on the sadness. She reminds me SO much of him on a regular basis. I suppose it's just silly bullie things, but every now and then I think they're connected.

For anyone who doesn't know, I met Gretl when she was 3 weeks old, when Grover was still alive. My dear friend Liz jokingly wanted me to take a puppy because we've been friends for so long and have similar holistic approaches and she knew I'd be a perfect home. I'm a one dog person and Grover was plenty! But that night as I was saying goodbye, I asked him if the puppies were brought into my life because someone knew he was going to be leaving me. I didn't get an answer... but I'm glad I had the opportunity to ask. It eased my mind a bit since I really had no time to process anything, it all happened so fast. (The vets all assured me he wasn't in pain until the end - that it wasn't like he was suffering with these masses for years and I had no idea. That helped because in his 8 years, he was never, ever sick.)

My first trip back to visit the puppies after losing him for a little puppy therapy, Gretl had chosen me, even though I didn't know it. Driving home, it was a bright sunny afternoon, and I saw an enormous rainbow. I think he would approve of this little sassy one. I named her Gretl for a variety of reasons (yes, it took me forever!), keeping the "Gr" to honor Grover.

Someday I hope I'll stop crying when I think of him or talk about him... hard to believe he would have only been 9 today. I was sure he was going to be one of those 13 year old bullies, he was so healthy. But it was the best 8 years of my life.

My Lizard Von Hot Rock. My Smoodini. My Diggy McNesterson. My Grovie.
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Website ::: Blog ::: It's Not Over 'Til It's Grover
All photos and designs above copyright Salty Grapes Photography.

Ahhhhhhhhh

Submitted by Vicki and Cami on March 6, 2010 - 7:14am.

Just read this and had to cry with you for Grovie!!

Grovie and Bays were almost the same age and we both lost them at 8. Like you, I was hoping for a 12 or a 13er!!

I'm very grateful that Cami came into my life!

Grover was an aswesome guy!

Vicki

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scribbledpaper/

Sheesh! I'm in tears and my nose is running.

Submitted by Rhonda_Winnie a... on March 5, 2010 - 7:41am.

I have a fear in my heart about Winnie. I worry that I love her too much. That it will be more than I can bear if something happened with her. I've never felt this way about a dog before and I've had dogs my whole life. Thanks for sharing your story, it helps me deal with that fear.

Julia, what a tribute.

Submitted by LDeLeo on March 4, 2010 - 5:59pm.

I didn't know Grover, but he must have been something. I am crying too for your pain. It time, you will be able to think of him and the silly things he did and smile, but there will be times when y will think of him and cry too. I miss my guys so much. It depends of the time of year, but now I am crying remembering my Harley, who left me much like Grover, very fast, brought him to the vet's office, thinking they could fix everything, getting a phone call after they xrayed him telling me he was full of tumors at least 200. I was getting tires for my car, ran out of the store called y parents who came nd got me and I ran into the vets office and was told he had to be put down he was suffering, so withing 45 mins, I lost the love of my life... He was my first and my favorite, but as you did I got others but they aren't him, loved every bit as much but in different ways. Spike now has my heart.

Your baby has been my screensaver since he passed...

Submitted by janetsprague on March 4, 2010 - 5:45pm.

This household looks at him everyday and he is and always will be remembered..what a sweet boy.

Janet & Sluga

Oh Crap...I'm crying now :(

Submitted by DLemons1 (not verified) on March 4, 2010 - 5:26pm.

I know not to read your Grovie posts.

Someday you will cry less...BUT in my experience the crying never ends. My Norbie was so much like your Grover and tears of love, joy, sadness will always be for them because they brought so much happiness into our lives.

Happy Birthday to Grover.

Julia....

Submitted by victorybulldogs on March 4, 2010 - 5:23pm.

What a wonderful tale about how much our lives are affected by our 4 legged friends! Like I have said before, Grover was meant to be your dog. Just like my boy, Spike, was meant to be my boy. I wish my sweet boy could have lived to by 13, but, he died suddenly at the age of 6. His birthday is March 12 and he would have been 9 years old. I still miss him all of the time. I keep his paw print on my nightstand.

Vickie, Lily, Nemo, Nora, JR, Harper, Max and Angel Spike!

Julia

Submitted by Dawn.Stryker.Jayda on March 4, 2010 - 4:54pm.

That was simply beautiful. I'm remembering Grover today and thinking of you!

Dawn~Stryker~Jayda
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Such a sweet story. Thanks for sharing Grovie with us

Submitted by jannetteburns on March 4, 2010 - 3:57pm.

and his pictures. Life is a crazy thing.

Oh Julia, your story made me cry too. I too cannot face the

Submitted by MaggieMozeOllie on March 4, 2010 - 3:17pm.

final resting place for my babies. I don't know when I'll be able to. The time will come for you, and for me. But I just know it isn't now. Hugs and sloppy kisses from Maggie, Mozie, and Ollie

Give Gretyl a smoocher for us too!

Schubert Angel
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A beautiful bond

Submitted by Monica-Maude-Gus on March 4, 2010 - 3:13pm.

You and Mr. Grover have a beautiful bond that can never be broken, but it can be extended. I do believe that Gretl is taking care of that for you and Grovie.

Now time to wipe my eyes. What a lovely tribute to a lovely boy.

Love the way you put that, Chris!

Submitted by Tara and the Boys on March 4, 2010 - 1:49pm.

"wouldn't change a damn thing!"

Wow, powerful story

Submitted by Chris and Zeke on March 4, 2010 - 1:26pm.

From one Photographer to another, that was a great reading. These bulls are such special dogs. We have allowed ours to dirty up our house, hair shedding everywhere, slime on the walls, cost of hardwood floors to be put in so the house wouldnt smell like a dog, those now scratched to heck and back, bedspread slimed-eye gunked, etc and we wouldnt change a damn thing.

Love those Bullies!

I cried the first time I read this...so I thought I would gain c

Submitted by Melissa and George on March 4, 2010 - 1:20pm.

bad news.

I read it again and I'l STILL crying.

Beautiful Julia, just absolutely beautiful...

I am in tears

Submitted by TamsenNJosie Louise on March 4, 2010 - 12:29pm.

I know someday this is going to be my story on this board and i am sitting here at my desk crying my eyes out. but as you also said, Gretl is your little goofy girl who BARELY passed obedience training and Josie Louise is the same way. She is the class clown, everyone is there to love her in her opinion, and all these people brought their baby bullies to play with her (she is approx 2.5 - 3 y/o). I love her for reasons that are beyond this plane, and for that I have a true gift. So Julia, my heart breaks with you as well as rejoices in the gift of Grover in your life and now Gretl. thank you for sharing. Tamsen and my big fatty cakes Josie Louise

I need a tissue...what a great tribute

Submitted by Deborah and the... on March 4, 2010 - 12:20pm.

to Grover he was one special guy...thanks for sharing him with us

hugs

http://www.flickr.com/photos/griffin6/
http://www.facebook.com/Deborah075?ref=name

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wow..what a tribute...

Submitted by gusweppler (not verified) on March 4, 2010 - 11:57am.

amazing tribute
well written
great pics
fond memories
and most of all can see how much you LOVED HIM Julia
sorry for the loss of Grover
but can see he will be forever in your heart..
beautifully done

Not much else to say...

Submitted by TillieCamilla (not verified) on March 4, 2010 - 11:53am.

Love you.... I mean that.

Always in my heart....
Mugzy and Tillie

thank you Julia & Grovie

Submitted by ammamom2007 (not verified) on March 4, 2010 - 11:52am.

for a beautiful teary walk down your memory lane, thank you mostly for sharing him,

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the

Submitted by MacknTeaBoneTil... on March 4, 2010 - 11:51pm.

tears never stop. they become somewhat less intense.....and then you realize the spring rains raise the flowers and you smile, knowing YOUR boy was a part of that. living, learning, loving, these guys are amazing teachers even though we fail to realize it right away. i know how much grover was your heart and soul. i know that feeling. some days the mackie boy "rains" come, but i let them flow. i think it is his way of "touching" my foot/face with that Red jolly Ball, just to let me know he is watching and still loving, waiting for tillie mae and me to join him and poppy someday. ain't love powerful in any form? ain't lovin' a bully grand?

Mack 'n' TMaeMack

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Julia

Submitted by onslowsmom on March 4, 2010 - 11:46am.

I'm not sure if I've ever told you this but Grover was the MAIN reason I got hooked on bdw. The first time I came on and saw his Rubber Ducky picture I fell in love with him just like so many others here and kept coming back. It's hard not to cry with you today after reading your post. Those pictures of him are wonderful. Much love to you today.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. ~Confucius
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beautiful.

Submitted by riconrockysmom on March 4, 2010 - 11:42am.

nm

Kara, Rico and Rocky

Thank you for sharing, unlike probably 99% of BDW Bella is my fi

Submitted by chrissyBella on March 4, 2010 - 11:41am.

so afraid for something to happen to her b.c. I don't know how you can go on but hearing all the stories here I know that you do go on but never forgot your special babies. I am happy that you have spicy little Gret to help you heal. God bless you I am sure today is a very hard day for you.

Hope everyone has a great day

Beautiful tribute, Julia...

Submitted by Tara and the Boys on March 4, 2010 - 11:34am.

You can see your love for him through your photos.
Much love to you today

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Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories.

Submitted by B_Tracey on March 4, 2010 - 11:10am.

I am presently sitting at my desk at work crying my eyes out... time to go shut the door. What a special bond you and Grover had.

It's amazing isn't it how something comes into our lives (Gretl) and although we don't know the reason why it is obviously meant to be. My kitty arrived as a straggly little stray on my doorstep 3 weeks before I had to let my bunny rabbit pass on. I think she was there to ease my pain and give me someone else to focus on. Although my kitty is not a cuddler, sometimes she crawls up and lays with my just like my bunny used to do and I swear I can see him in her eyes.... I never used to believe in all that hoodoo voodoo hokey pokey stuff, but I'm a believer now.

Sending wonderful thoughts your way on this hard day, oh how we miss them.

I'm teary now

Submitted by Sue-Bear on March 4, 2010 - 11:10am.

what a wonderful tribute to him. All of my fav pix except for Grover elephant and Grover suitcase, but I know you have some chopping to do on that one.

Of all the dogs on the boards thru all my 13 yrs as a bulldogger, he will always have my heart like he was my own. Sweet, silly, goofy Grovie will always live on.

And I KNEW Gretl was yours from that day you and mom went there, I even told you so. And Grovie knew it too.

Happy birthday sweet boy !!!

Sue

All photos are my property and cannot be used without permission !!

http://www.youtube.com/bulliemommy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bulliemommy/

Re: Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes for my Grovie...

Submitted by Kymberlee and D... on March 4, 2010 - 11:02am.

Ya know how some bullies and people on this board just touch your heart? You and Grovie did that for me. I just love that Boy and seeing ya'll's adventures through your beautiful pictures makes me smile. Thank you for sharing him with us. He was certainly a special little man!

Nice going, Juilia!

Submitted by Céline and Ange... on March 4, 2010 - 10:56am.

Now, we're ALL going to be crying!!

Beautiful testimonial to a beautiful soul. And to the new rising star in your life.

I wanted to let you know...

Submitted by LuvsTibiGracieD... on March 10, 2010 - 12:41am.

when my boyfriend and I received your christmas card this year with Grover's picture we were smitten but my boyfriend absolutely loves him!! He brought your card to work to show everyone and even kept it on his desk... He absolutely loves that picture! When I showed him your new puppy Gretl he wasn't aware that she was owned by Grovers owner and he said wow That bulldog and the mittens bulldog are the two most awesome bulldogs I've see ( including our baby ofcourse lol)I just wanted to tell you how special Grover is to us!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes for my Grovie...

Bulldogs World Forum Archives

These archives contain a copy of the contents of the old Bulldogs World Forum for reference purposes.Posting is disabled in the archives.Click here to visit the active Bulldog Forum

These archives contain a copy of the contents of the old Bulldogs World Forum for reference purposes.Posting is disabled in the archives.
Click here to visit the active Bulldog Forum