There is nothing– nothing on earth and in this world– Nothing! more painful than to have to say “no” to your child, particularly when this child is your only child.
I shared several months back(http://killinmesoftly.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/walk-and-don%e2%80%99t-look-back/) that my then six year old son pressed me for a bulldog. We were too financially unstable to accommodate his oft repeated requests during those years but I never forgot his audacious perseverance. We got two cats instead.
Now my son is grown and on his own. He has a life and I couldn’t be more happy and relieved. He’s found his niche here in Southern California. Me, I don’t belong here, but I’m trapped, so I must stay in faith, keep positive, believe God is in control. Several years ago I began to search in earnest for two bulldogs. I have always wanted two.
I have the Power to stay in Faith. I have the Grace to overcome every disappointment. I have the Strength to stay in Peace. Power. Grace. Strength to stay in Faith and Peace. ThatOne . ThatOne daily affirms my occasional waning resolve to be happy and to enjoy this day.
I remain connected to the human race because of ThatOne. The goodwill I receive because of him is more than I have ever received, experienced or enjoyed in my entire lifetime. I meet people and have conversations with people who are genuinely interested, attracted to, curious about and drawn to him. Then they turn to me and ask questions or ask to pet him or take his picture or tell me about their pet or that they know someone who owns an English bulldog. I am grateful for each and every one of these experiences.
I have even written the Obama’s to encourage them to at least consider the English bulldog. They are just GREAT dogs. Loyal. Funny. Lovable. Beautiful. Owning an English bulldog is like having a two year old toddler forever. They are wonderful, wonderful dogs and companions, and more than that, they are the very epitome of the definition of a friend:
“A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.” Prov 17:17
I was aimlessly surfing the net one evening 18 months ago when ThatOne’s picture just appeared. The post was dated several days before I’d stumbled upon it so I was certain he’d probably already been sold but, since nothing beats a try but a failure, I left a voicemail message anyway.
To my shock and surprise, the owner not only returned my call but volunteered the dog was still for sale as well. I told him right then and there I would take him.
“He’s my dog!” I enthused.
The next day, armed with my MapQuest hardcopy and the asking price in cash, I showed up at the owners home in Oceanside, California. They had what seemed to me like a kitchen full of bullies. I immediately focused on another bully that appeared to be about the same age as the dog the family was selling. I decided I wanted to take them both.
“Oh.., I’ll take this one and that one” I gushed.
“Well, you can’t have this one,” He said.
“Ok, then I’ll take that one,” I responded. And ThatOne is his name-O.
I joined bulldog meetup group that I stumbled upon online: (The Afternoon San Diego English Bulldog Meetup Group).
Today, I donated Science Diet to the Animal Friends of the Valleys (29001 Bastron St., Lake Elsinore, CA (http://www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com/).
Every time I feel like checking out, ThatOne keeps pulling me back in. And there came to be morning and there came to be evening. Yet another day. (Gen 1:31).
ThatOne, this post today is dedicated to you.
People let me tell you ‘bout my best friend
He’s a warm-hearted person who’ll love me to the end
People let me tell you ‘bout my best friend
He’s a one boy cuddly toy my up my down my pride and joy
People let me tell you now he’s so much fun
Whether we’re talking man to man
Or whether we’re talking son to son
Cause he’s my best friend now
The theme to the Courtship of Eddie’s Father | 1969-1972 | Harry Nilssen
