Growing Up Lesson #781: Some Dreams Must Remain Dreams
Background: Years ago I saw the Movie "Secondhand Lions" (a must see) which had a French Bulldog featured in the film. I researched the breed and fell in love. For years now I have dreamt of owning a french bulldog named Yoda (since their ears stick up).
My dad grew up on a farm that always had an English bulldog running around. Each new bulldog they would name Tuffy. My childhood is full of bedtime stories about Tuffy. I used to think I wanted an English bulldog, but as I researched the breeds I came to find that the french bulldog only weighs 12-15 lbs. and doesn't slobber like the English bulldogs (weighing 40-60 lbs) . I am also a die-hard animal lover, so the following story makes me sad to tell.
Story: I have started running at an outdoor soccer park which has a dog park. On Saturday I looked through the fence and saw the CUTEST white "Frenchie". It was the first Frenchie I had ever seen in person before. His tough little manly stance was noticeable from a distance. He was so playful and cute with the other dogs. Last night I went running at the park and ran into the owner who was walking the Frenchie, named Jack. He's white with two black-eye markings. He was just adorable! We left and about an hour later my eyes were so bloodshot and dry that I could barely blink. This morning I woke up and took allergy stuff and I still have super icky eyes and a stuffy nose. I guess since I wanted this breed so bad I was really hoping and wishing to be magically immune to my animal allergies. The reality of this recent finding makes me a little sad, as I know I can never make my Frenchie dream come to pass. :o(
