I have a very special announcement to make: I’m HOME and better yet, I’m HOME for Christmas. I was adopted by Santa and Mrs. Claus!
All my hard work paid off and my dreams have come true. I waited for a year and a half only to realize that I was right where I needed to be all along.
You see, my foster parents are the perfect Mr. and Mrs. Santa. They often help the real Santa at the North Pole with all kinds of things all year long.
We got to talking last night and decided to make it permanent and official. All I can say is that I’m so happy and beyond blessed!
After all this time in rescue, I think it’s safe to say I have a following out there! Right? It sure has been a pleasure singing to you and corresponding with everyone! Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me and cheered me on. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m safe, I’m happy and I’m home.
Folks, in the spirit of Christmas I’d like to say please be kind to each other and be kind to the animals. Make the world a better place.
In closing, I think it is poignant to sing to you one of the most beloved and beautiful Christmas songs ever…“I’ll Be Home for Christmas!” I’ll be home for Christmas
Bulldog friends it’s me Vern, and today is the best day of my life. Earlier in the week I was picked up by animal control, and it was so hot that day. Seriously I could barely breathe. I had no idea why I was out and about. All I knew is that I could barely walk on the hot pavement.
I call myself a senior bulldog and I have a limp when I walk. The vet at the shelter called it arthritis, I just call it old age. My nose is running, and the shelter vet says I have a UTI. All I know is I just feel bad.
But guess what made me feel better? A bath! Yep, I had a bath today. There were suds everywhere and it felt so great I just laid down. All I know is warm water was running all over me. You should have seen the dirt that was washed away. I sat stoic, I never wanted the bath to end. I really felt like it was a dream and I might wake up.
I wandered around Hollywood Feed because I never knew there was such a cool place. I was like a Star. Everyone wanted to pet me. It was exhausting. I stayed away from other dogs in case what I have is contagious. My new rescue friend diagnosed it as kennel cough. Could be. I was in a kennel, and I am coughing.
Shout out to rescue that came for me. Old lives matter and I am proof of that. My name is Vern and I am a senior bulldog.
8/8/22 Update: Remember me? I was that other senior stray found wandering around town in 100 degree temperatures.
That excursion nearly cost me my life and landed me smack dab in the middle of an animal shelter. It was scary there, but thank God, I didn’t stay there long.
Some nice people realized I really didn’t belong there and I found my way to rescue and Dr. Larsen’s lap.
She checked me out in places that haven’t been checked in years, both ends matter a fact.
She pulled a bunch of my rotten teeth and then some, if you know what I’m talking about. After 10 years, I was neutered and you know what? That’s OK. I don’t need them anyway!
I’m ready to retire. I need a nice couch where I can relax, have some good meals and maybe the company of a lady or two.
This weekend, I made it from the vet clinic to Grandma’s couch for meatloaf and mashed potatoes! It tasted divine and Grandma was the sweetest lady ever. I think she’s already in love with me.
I’d say my weekend was fabulous and my new life in my foster home is off to an awesome start! Stay tuned for more updates from the couch.
9/6/22 Update: I am looking for my forever home! Have you seen it anywhere? I am very excited to tell you: I have a meet-and-greet today with a lovely Bulldog couple I met last weekend at Hollywood Feed. Paws crossed and stay tuned!
9/13/22 Update: It’s me Vern! Just wanted to let you all know that my meet and greet last week went ok, but we are all going to think about things for now. So you could say I’m on cruise control! Good news is, I am still available and looking for my forever family! If you see me driving by in my little red wagon please give me holler or a honk so I can slow down for a visit. I’d love to meet you and have a snack or two!
9/19/22 Update: I’ve been on the move looking for my forever family everywhere! Have you seen them? I’ve been looking high and low! If you see them, please let them know I’m awesome and I’m waiting right here.
9/26/22 Update: Sorry, I came and went in a blink at Hollywood Feed today! I decided crowds and chaos aren’t for me. I do love attention from my people but crowds of dogs – NO THANKS!
I left and headed to my foster grandma and grandpa’s house, parked it in my cozy bed and thought a peanut butter sandwich sounded better. Hope I didn’t disappoint anyone. I just prefer to be your one and only in a nice quiet home I can call my own! I would even share my peanut butter sandwich with you if you promise to rub my belly.
Well, time for a nap! I’ll be in touch later this week.
10/3/22 Update: It’s me Vern and I am getting a workout with my foster grandparents at ReBalance Physical Therapy in Frisco Tx. I am staying in great shape thanks to trainers Milo and Justin! If you are looking for a great work out buddy look no further! I’m your man!
10/17/22 Update: Thank you for the invite to Campisi’s this weekend! The food sounds divine, but my apologies, I won’t be able to attend. You see, I prefer a more intimate atmosphere when dining and playing. So, I’ll miss you. Once I find my furever family, I would love to share this tennis ball with them and perhaps split a meatball as well. Until then…
11/1/22 Update: Trick or treat! It’s me, Vern, it’s Halloween and I’m bad to the bone. My hog is roaring and ready to go! Come ride away with me into the moonlight tonight.
11/14/22 Update: To all veterans, human, canine, equine, to all who have served or are serving in the US Military…
Thank you for your service and sacrifice! You are honored and never forgotten!
We are forever grateful to each of you.
God bless you all and God bless America!
I am here waiting to serve along side you! Adopt me and you will have a brave-heart and loyal comrade forever!
11/21/22 Update: We had the pleasure and honor of meeting photographer, Ms. Sheila last week. She is a compassionate and generous soul with a heart for rescue! We loved her and Vern just adored her and her camera. It was like his own Hollywood set and he made himself right at home.
He was very food motivated of course, but he had her wrapped around his little paw! After every picture, he would run out to her for a treat and give her a big slobbery kiss. It was a lot of fun and very heartwarming to watch the joy in Vern’s face.
What a blessing Sheila is not only to our rescue, but to many in the area. She devotes so much personal time to helping rescue dogs find forever homes through her photography. What a special gift. We are deeply grateful to her. May God bless her and her work and her mission to save those in need.
As Thanksgiving approaches and always, may our hearts be grateful and find joy in what matters most. We pray God continues to bless each of you, your friends, families and your beloved furbabies in heaven and on earth forever and ever. Amen.
11/30/22 Update: My foster mom was working in the hospital on Thanksgiving, so we just celebrated last night. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, and I have so much to be grateful for, most especially the angels that found me and saved my life, my foster parents and big family at Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue and Bright Star Veterinary Clinic.
12/5/22 Update: I’m on the move. I’ve gone west to Azle, Texas, this week! Shout out to Ms. Stacy and Mr. Devin for taking me in while my foster parents are away taking care of my foster grandparents!
I’m staying in a lovely home and having fun watching all the reindeer and checking out all the Christmas decorations.
I’m looking for Santa so I can sit on his lap and let him know what’s on my Christmas wish list.
If y’all see him, please tell him I’m still looking for my forever home! If he can help me find the perfect home, I promise to leave him extra cookies! Ho Ho Ho!
12/26/22 Update: Season’s greetings, y’all! It’s the 12 days of VERN. Tis the season to be Bulldog! Stay tuned for your daily holiday pic of me through the new year. I’m still looking for my furever home! I told Santa it was top on my Christmas wish list.
Day #4: Merry Christmas to everyone!
Well, here I am with Santa this morning after our big night! We flew all over the world the last 24 hours delivering gifts while looking for my furever home. We saw several homes and families that looked very promising! You know who you are, so I hope to be hearing from you soon.
I traded in my reindeer antlers for this soldier hat. Santa actually gave it to me! He said I earned it working so hard, just like a soldier. In fact, he told me I would make a great “working class dog” or business entrepreneur. I love going out places, working, socializing and helping others. So if you are looking for a business partner or have a shop that needs a mascot or manager, look no further I’m your Bulldog!
1/4/23 Update: Happy New Year! It’s the 12 days of VERN and today is the 12th day.
Today, I’m back at the gym again at Rebalance Physical Therapy in Frisco, Texas. Look at me! I’m doing the treadmill and playing basketball at the same time!
I may be an older gent, but I can still bust a move when I want to. I’m staying committed to my 2023 resolutions: finding my furever family and losing some of the Christmas cookie fat I gained over the holidays.
Thank you so much for spending the 12 days of VERN with me! I know I’ve become an internet sensation as of late and you’ve become accustomed to seeing me every day, but all good things must come to an end.
Now, don’t worry. I’ll be back on social media in between my workouts with Milo and Justin. Just wait until you see my Valentine’s Day pictures.
In the meantime, here’s to happiness, good health and prosperity in 2023! Cheers!
1/19/23 Update: Did you miss me? I bet you did! The 12 days of Vern had you hooked, didn’t it? You got used to seeing me every day and then I went offline! No worries! I was just playing a little hard to get.
I am still available and right here at Starbucks going through applications in hopes of finding my furever family in 2023!
Maybe you’d like to meet for a drink sometime? I’m buying! Better yet, drinks on the house! Come on, y’all. Let’s throw a few back!
1/24/23 Update: I got to go to my foster grandparents’ home and help make some Hungarian pastries.
I heard them talking about apricot rolls and nut rolls! All I know is the house smelled so delicious and it all tasted divine! Foster Mother started calling me the “roll troll!”
I was fascinated with all the baking, but equally fascinated with the granddog magnet on their dishwasher and the new rug they got in their kitchen. It was a rug of my fellow canines cruising in a van!
I love cars and going for rides as much as I love food! You could say they are my top three hobbies!
So if you would like to go cruising with me and eat some snacks, give me a call and let’s get rolling!
2/7/23 Update: Bonjour and bonsoir, my valentines!
Get ready for seven days of romance with me ! That’s right, starting February 7 until February 14, you can be mine and I can be yours.
This will be an online affair, full of handsome photographs of me! If you like what you see, please post a special valentine message for me. I would love to “meet”you! Maybe we can meet over an elegant dinner with rose-petaled tablecloths, champagne, fine steak and maybe even a white chocolate-covered strawberry or two for dessert.
After a romantic dinner, my limo could pick us up to ride off into the sunset and make beautiful memories together.
Stay tuned and get ready for Bulldog love like you’ve never seen before!
Bonne nuit for now! Vern
2/10/23 Update: Bonjour my valentines!
It’s seven days of valentine romance with me, Vern! Every day, for seven days in a row, you will see a handsome picture of me.
Today is day #3 and I have on my red hot valentine sweater! Ladies, I’m single and ready for love. I will keep you warm on those cold nights, so let’s cuddle!
You will feel a warm burn with Vern.
2/14/23 Update: Bonjour my valentines!
It’s seven days of valentine romance with me, Vern! Every day, for seven days in a row, you will see a handsome picture of me.
Today is day #4 and it’s Friday night, which is “ladies’ night” at the Bully and Babe Dance Hall!
We have two eligible handsome bachelors right here. This is my younger foster brother Joey. If you would like to double your pleasure and double the excitement, we would love to meet you for some dancing tonight. All interested ladies, please call up your friends and let’s go on a double date. Let’s dance the night away!
3/10/23 Update: Sorry, it’s been a while since I connected with you! My foster grandparents have been sick and in and out of the hospital, so I’ve been busy helping take care of everyone.
I had a special opportunity to visit a dear family friend and World War II veteran, Lt Col Joe Turecky.
He’s 101 years old and a military hero! He was a C-47 pilot serving over 20 years in the United States Air Force. He told me all kinds of war stories. He was part of the invasion of Normandy in World War II. He dropped paratroopers and supplies behind enemy lines on D- Day. His plane came under heavy artillery fire, and he lived to tell about it!
He’s been so lucky. In fact, he wrote a book called, “I’ve Been Lucky.”
It was such an honor to meet him and so inspiring! Perhaps I should enlist and follow in his footsteps? Can you see me as a pilot? They say the ladies love a man in uniform. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on the sky!
4/4/23 Update: Sorry it’s been so long! I’ve still been so busy helping take care of my foster grandparents who have been sick.
I did want to let you all know I’m a good caretaker. I’m great for “pet therapy.” I think that’s what they call it? Patients just look at me and instantly feel better while petting me! I know it makes me feel better!
I even have my own personalized bandana. A very kind and talented Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue volunteer, my foster auntie Stacy Peek, made it just for me! She’s an amazing lady. She has blessed many with her bandanas. Thank you for making me look handsome, feel special and making the patients who see me smile because of your handywork. Bless you!
Everyone, please take care of yourselves out there and let me know if you need some pet therapy! I’ll be back in touch when I can.
5/2/23 Update: They say tip toe through the tulips, but I’m bottoms up in the Texas bluebonnets! Nothing more beautiful than a Bulldog in the bluebonnets.
And in case you didn’t know: the bluebonnet was designated as our state flower in 1901…. Learn from Vern! That’s the theme of the weekend.
Alright folks… stay beautiful and next time you see bluebonnets, think of me!
5/5/23 Update: Well, after my stroll through the wildflowers last week, I ended up at the Starbucks drive-thru! I really charmed the beautiful barista ladies. So much so, they gave me a free drink!
How about some coffee talk? So, what’s everyone’s favorite drink? Do you want to guess what mine is? If you guess right, next round is on me!
5/30/23 Update: Dear American soldier,
This Memorial Day and always we think of you, pray for you and your families and honor you for your service and sacrifice.
You answered the call of duty knowing all that may be asked of you. You faced the enemy with courage and fought with valor for what was right. You paid the ultimate price with your life and because of you, we live in freedom.
We are deeply grateful and will never forget you. God bless you and God bless America. Sincerely, Vern
7/25/23 Update: Ahoy, mates! It’s me, Vern. Yes, I’m still here!
Thank you to my fans who inquired about my well-being and my foster grandparents! I’ve been very busy looking after them.
I’ve also taken a weekend job for the summer in New England as a lifeguard on Amity Island! As a matter of fact, I met up with Police Chief Brody and a seasoned US Navy sailor and fisherman named Quint and we are about to launch SHARK WEEK tonight!
My advice to you… if you are in the ocean and hear “duhnuh duhnuh dun dun dunah” and see dorsal fins…….. GET OUT OF THE WATER Stay alert! Vern
8/11/23 Update: To all my snackers out there: I’m counting carbs, but I’ve lost count! I just ate a whole pan of mashed potatoes. Don’t tell my personal trainer!
8/22/23 Update: It’s a great day for a Sunday drive in Texas, only with the windows up, the A/C blowing and I’m driving! Headed your way right into your heart. Maybe we can share a snow cone together?
9/21/23 Update: I’ve gone to Hollywood… Hollywood Feed, actually, and got my name on the “Walk of Fame.”
So, it’s official now: I’m famous and folks will remember me for years to come!
After a few autographs and photos, I found lots of yummy snacks while mingling and making lots of new friends.
Next stop? 2023 Bull-O-Ween. Hope to see you there! Love, Vern
