I’ve noted in previous posts that I love English bulldogs and have wished for one for many years. Nevertheless, the timing was never right, and I was very picky about what I wanted in my future pet regarding color, facial features, and age…I did not want a puppy. I continued to look even though the timing was still not perfect at this stage in our lives.
Three weeks ago, however, I was perusing the pet section on Craigslist when up popped a creature with a face that only a mother could love. There he was. I messaged the current owner but did not hear back, so I assumed he was no longer available.
The posting remained active for several more days, so I sent another message. This time the owner replied that the Bulldog was available for a small rehoming fee. I called the owner and asked a lot of questions. All were answered to my satisfaction. Kristin, the owner, lived in Easley, SC, about three hours away from Knoxville. I had a lot on my plate at the time, and therefore, I didn’t commit to adopting the dog but told Kristin that I would call again in a week to see if he was still available.
The one variable in this process was Helen. She had said that I could adopt a dog, but not until we were ready to give up the RV lifestyle we both are so passionate about. I remained hopeful that she would come around—after all, back six years ago, she was not eager to be an RVer either. I thought I would broach the subject…carefully.
“Ok, I said, I’m going to tell you something you don’t want to hear.”
“What?” she replied in her “oh no” tone.
“I’ve found a Bulldog that seems perfect for us!” There was a lot of emphasis on the “us.”
When I told her about the discovery and that I promised to check back in a week, her reply almost knocked me over.
“Don’t wait a week. If this is the one, go get him!”
I called Kristin back and said I would be in Easley the next day.
I met Kristin and her daughter at the Tractor Supply store in Easley, where she usually bought food for her pets. I arrived earlier than I planned and, by now, was second-guessing myself about whether this was the time to adopt a dog. Thoughts about the responsibility, the expense, RV travel, and a myriad of other reservations rolled through my head until Kristin pulled alongside in the parking lot. She opened the door and out jumped an adorable (albeit heavy), peppy, very friendly English Bulldog that sauntered right up to my feet, looking for a love pat. All of the reservations were immediately forgotten.
After buying a supply of food, Kristin and I had a long chat about the dog. He is a year and a half old. He is potty-trained and crate-trained, and his diet is dry food (thankfully). Kristin had done an excellent job of teaching him voice commands. He understood “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Registration papers and medical records came with him. She said he only barks when he is hungry or wants to go outside. Kristin raises dogs of different breeds and is currently raising a litter of seven. She had given the Bulldog a home after the first owner became too ill to care for him, but there simply was no room for him now. Her loss was my gain. I loaded him in the car for the return trip to Knoxville. He sat in my lap and filled my cup holders with slobber all the way home—I guess he was as excited as I was.
He had a different name with each owner. The original paperwork gave his birth name as Elvis, an OK name for a Tennessee dog, but not for me. The first owner named him Ozzie, but Kristin didn’t care for the name and changed it to Brutus. I thought about keeping that one, but I had always said that if I had an English Bulldog, I would give him the very English name Mortimer. Mortimer it is. He didn’t seem to care one way or the other.
Once home, Helen came out to greet him and fell in love as well. We borrowed a crate from our friends up the street, walked him through the neighborhood, fed him, walked him some more, then let him explore the house. I put him in the crate at bedtime, fully expecting a nighttime howl until dawn, but never heard even a whimper…only snoring.
The next morning, I was up at 6:30, something I only do on church days, to walk Mortimer around the neighborhood. He had slept well with no accidents in the crate. At first, I wasn’t sure about getting up this early every morning, but the more I thought about it, I thought a morning walk would be good for me, also.
The remainder of the first week consisted of more walks, a trip to the vet (ouch), and a trip to Walmart and Smartpet for crates, bowls, treats, and toys. Once those steps were complete, Mortimer was ours for the long haul.
In week two, we decided we better try him out on an RV trip to decide whether the RV stays or goes. Helen booked three nights at our favorite campground in Cherokee, NC. The weather forecast offered perfect temperatures, and the wildflowers were reported to be in full bloom, so we loaded up Mortimer in the back seat of the truck and took off. He handled the ride over exceptionally well and sat by our side in front of the firepit as Helen and I did some long sought-after creek sitting. He spent the first night in the RV like a veteran camper—no incidents, barking, or whining. I guess we can keep the RV.
The next day, we took him to Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to check out the wildflowers. As we walked through the parking lot, several groups of ladies came over to say hello and pet Mortimer. One lady dubbed him a “Chick Magnet” (hmmm–a factor I hadn’t considered). A lovely young Park Ranger also gave him a stamp of approval.
He loved drinking from the creek so much that he even sat in it as if he was afraid that it would disappear.
So, he passed the RV test, he’s a “chick magnet,” sleeps all night, snores softly, slobbers in my cup holders, and is a dyed-in-the-wool love sponge. What’s not to like about that? I guess we’ll keep him. He’ll be Easin’ Along with us on the road less traveled…for the long haul.
Well that is an almost perfect story. Mortimer may well be a perfect fit for y’all. I’m excited for all of you. You needed this!
…and he needed us. A match made in heaven! Great to hear from you!
Joe, Mortimer is SO awesome. He will bless your retirement every day! Just as my pups (yes, all 5) have done for me— They’ve kept me physically strong and mentally fit. Congratulations on finding the perfect dog! My love to Mortimer 💜
Hello, Gloria,
Although we weren’t quite ready for another dog (have had 7), I was persistent in looking for the right dog for me, and Mortimer suddenly appeared. Things have a way of working out, and I couldn’t have found one that has worked out any better than Mortimer has so far. GREAT to hear from you. Hope you’re doing well! Joe
Oh, Joe, that’s wonderful news!! Mortimer is adorable, and his name suits him well. He’s going to have such a great life with you and Helen…how fun that you’ve already introduced him to the joys of RV travel! He’s clearly already bonded with you. That last photo of you two says it all. :-))
Good morning, Laurel,
I guess we’re pretty much joined at the hip by now, especially since he passed the RV test. Can’t wait for Magnolia to meet him…he loves dogs and cats! Have a great week! Joe
Perfect in every way!!!
Hi, LuAnne,
So far, it’s been a great match!
You lost me at ‘slobber in my cup holder.’ Seriously though, you guys seem like a match made in heaven. Remember that ceramic door stop you found on your travels? Must have been an omen. I guess Churchill was too obvious?? Congratulations to you three. May he add much joy to your home.
Hello, Suzanne,
I suppose I could have left out the slobber reference, but I just tell it like it is. I grabbed the Bulldog statue, thinking that the real thing was a long way away. You’re right, it probably was an omen. So far, it’s working out. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! Joe
Welcome, Mortimer! Perfect name for an English bulldog.
I am sure he’s loving being part of your family. As for the “chick magnet” part, I think the underlying rationale is “if he’s kind to dogs, he must be a good guy (i.e., probably not an axe murderer!)”.
He will have lots of adventures with you and Helen.
Hey, Carolyn,
We weren’t ready for a dog, but this loveable love sponge has worked out much better than we expected, and he passed the RV test (very big deal). Thanks for checking in. Hope to see y’all soon! Joe
Mortimer is blessed to be yours. Have fun. Take care.
Anne-Todd,
We’re equally blessed. He’s been great so far. Hope you’re doing well!
Joe
Oh my gosh, I love this! So glad you found “the One”! Seems like a great match for you and Helen – as long as he doesn’t mess with the jigsaws! Miss you both. Much love
Good morning, Katie,
He hasn’t figured out jigsaws yet, but he’s very trainable. We miss you bunches. Say hi to Beth for me. Have a great week! Joe
Oh my, he is adorable. It sounds like he fits right in. 🙂 We’re headed over to Bodega Bay this week. the weather looks lovely. On our way home we’re stopping at our ‘new’ favorite place( thanks to you), Napa Rv.
Hi, Christina,
I would love to take Mortimer to Napa–it’s so beautiful there. Be sure to make reservations for the wine tours. We missed a few because we failed to do that. Great to hear from you. Safe travels! Joe
We’ve done Mumm already and went to Caistoga on our last trip. Since we live close by it’s a fun trip to take. Be sure if you’re back to go to Oxbow market and Model Bakery. Best wishes to you and your family.
Congratulations on the new addition. Seems Mortimer has fit in perfectly and am very glad to hear you won’t be giving up the RV anytime soon. Enjoy the new partner in crime 💌
Good afternoon!
We’ve partnered pretty well so far. Not sure I would have parted with the RV, but now I won’t have to. He’s a good dog. Great to hear from you! Have a good week! Joe
Aww, I’m crying tears of joy for you, Joe! Mortimer is the sweetest and I’m so happy he is a little older, well-trained, and ready to roll in your RV! I got emotional because we were “thisclose” to getting another dog–the one that I visited two months ago with the snooty neighbor who didn’t want any of the pups. I had reached out to the owner to tell her I had featured one of the pups on my blog and she said one hadn’t been adopted yet. Chesapeake Bay retrievers get BIG, so when she told me another family was coming to see her I told her to go ahead, but call me if they didn’t take her. They did, so I’m off the hook, but it was an emotional roller coaster that just strangely culminated with your post. Congrats on your new love bug–he is such a happy and lucky dog!
Hi, Terri,
I understand emotional…When I first laid eyes on this fellow in the parking lot, I got a little emotional myself. He just wants to be loved and is a sweetheart. I’m sorry your Chesapeake didn’t work out; maybe it just wasn’t meant to be right now. We have not had a dog in our household in ten years and had doubts that this was the right time, but Mortimer fell into our laps (literally), and we fell in love. Loved your post this week. Thanks for stopping by, and please stay in touch. Joe
Great job, you’ve managed to track down the perfect dog. Sounds like his previous human, did a marvelous job training him. And now you have your HS alma mater’s mascot. Does it get any better! Congratulations Joe!
Mike
Thanks, Mike!
Mortimer is a jewel to have around and would have made the perfect BHS mascot back in the day. Maybe I’ll take him to a football game this fall, LOL! Thanks for checking in. Joe
This news is so exciting. I am very happy that you all have found Mortimer. Enjoy !!
Hi, Debbie,
Thanks! He’s a good boy and fits in very nicely. I would love for Rick to teach Mortimer to hunt, but I’m afraid he’s a lover and not a hunter. Great to hear from you. Hope all is well out there. Joe
Oh, Joe, this is SUCH a wonderful story! Congratulations on finding your real life Mortimer!
Fate is a fascinating thing, don’t you think? I know he has already brightened your lives but, honestly, this dog has no real idea yet as to how wonderful life with the Bruners will be. Wait until the grandkids get a hold of him, too. You, my friend, are looking an awful lot like a kid on Christmas morning.
I’m so happy for all of you!
Good morning, Mary,
Look what I found in my Christmas stocking! He’s such a joy to have around, and I can’t wait for y’all to meet him. We had a wonderful visit to Cherokee with him, and he passed the RV test with flying colors. He goes to Charleston in August to meet the grandkids, and they’re already excited. Have a great week, and give our best to Alan. Joe
Love your Mortimer story. Have fun. Ginny
Thanks, Ginny!
Want you to meet him. He’s a very good dog! Say “hi” to John for me! Joe
Congratulations to you three! You and Mortimer look very happy together. It’s so great that he fits right in with your RV travel. Have a great weekend!
Good morning, Natalie,
You can imagine how apprehensive we were before we made that short trip to the mountains. Nevertheless, everything worked out better than we hoped, and Mortimer is going to be a camper. What a joy (and a relief)! Thanks so much for stopping by. Please come back! Have a great day! Joe
Hi Joe,
That, indeed, is a face only a papa could love, lol! Loved hearing and seeing your recent adventures. The flowers at the Bellagio were stunning.
Dan and I are on the road, traveling FL to NH for the summer, by way of TN. We are currently in Montgomery, AL at a great Army COE campground called Gunter Hill. We have a site overlooking the Catoma Creek offshoot of the ALabama River. Huge sites here! FHU for $15 a night with the Natl Parks Senior pass. Hard to beat. Next stop Nashville for a week at Seven Points…we have the boat with us too so there will be fishing as well as sightseeing (tix for Grand Ole Oprah 5/9) and then over to your neck of the woods at Cherokee Dam Campground for 3 nights. Dan is determined to catch a TN catfish after watching hours of “Catfish Dave” on YouTube!
Enjoying the journey…Nancy
Nancy,
Great to hear from you! Thanks for the information on the COE Campground. We plan to take some shorter trips this summer, and that place seems to fit the bill. I’m unfamiliar with the Nashville campground and would love a report. I am familiar with Cherokee Dam Campground. Tell Dan that there are State Record Stripe Bass (Rockfish) in Cherokee Lake. My fishing buddy caught three weighing over 40 pounds. If he hooks one, he’d better hold on! Enjoy! Joe