Our beloved dog, Braise. Photo taken one month ago…
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CHIEN PERDU
: LOST DOG
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Audio File
Download Chien "perdu" MP3 file
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A Day in a French Life…
by Kristin Espinasse
A terrible thing happened at the breeder's in Marseilles: the dogs escaped.
Jean-Marc
and I arrived at the boarder's (who, I now admit, were not really brothel owners at all–but a
sympathetic couple who run a charming bed and breakfast near the Gare St.
Charles). We had met them–and their dashing golden retriever, Sam–last
year, when we rented a room, chez eux,* for the night. When they graciously agreed
to welcome Braise for the weekend–at the height of her chaleur*–we
couldn't believe our luck.
And now, somehow, that luck has gone
terribly amuck. Sabine, the B&B owner, met us at the door of the
historic building in the heart of Marseilles. That is when we heard the
bad news: "Ils se sont échappés."* The dogs had disappeared.
Sabine
was white with worry, having just returned from an initial street search. "Je ne comprends pas!"* she said. How could the dogs have possibly gotten loose? Sabine & Jean-Noël's B&B, an ancient bonneterie,* is located off the busy street, beyond a
towering row of sky-high buildings which flank La Rue
de la Libération. To enter their home, one has to pass through three
doors, one entry hall and a courtyard. How the dogs made it through all of these barriers, to the street, beyond, is one great mystère.*
There was no time to figure it out. Jean-Marc and I turned on our heels and headed back out the door.
We had this naive notion that we might find our golden retriever–as
one might find a needle in a golden haystack–by sheer chance.
The
"haystack" that is Marseilles is nearly two million inhabitants strong. Stepping
back out onto the Rue de la Libération, I watch, horrified, as the
cars lurch, screech, and speed by. Our Braise, who was reared in the
countryside, is accustomed to dirt roads. The most dangerous "wheels" in our
area belong to tractors–which occasionally putt-putt past by our farm, a haven that she rarely ventures away from.
My God, Marseilles. Of all places to be lost!
Please God, please God…
I begin
questioning the pedestrians. "Excusez-moi… vous n'avez
pas–par hasard–vu des chiens?"* Incredibly, a man and his daughter
have seen the dogs sans laisses*:
"Two long-haired dogs? Yes, we saw them around 3 o'clock. They were headed that way."
I
thank the monsieur, allowing the bad news to register. 3 o'clock?
That was 3 hours ago! Just how much distance could two dogs cover in 180 minutes? I look down the crowded street, innocently
searching for the dogs — before it dawns on me that they had been
headed toward the crowded Canebière on this saturated Saturday
afternoon.
"Come
on!" Jean-Marc says, "We had better take the car." As I begin to cross
the street, I feel my torso jerk backward. Instinct. A car honks, angrily, sparing me. Beyond, more cars reel by, jumping lanes, erratically, ever eager to get ahead of the next guy.
* * *
As we make our way down the boulevard, I notice how hard–at times impossible–it is to
see the sidewalk, where the dogs might still be wandering. The
cars, which line the trottoir,* are packed so closely together that they
block our view of what might lie beyond.
Lie beyond… Oh mon Dieu!* What if the dogs were lying somewhere in the middle of the street?
Our search on wheels begins. Jean-Marc pulls over the car again and again. "Run in and ask the
barman… Hop out and ask the coiffeur*… Go and check with the
greengrocer… There's a policeman!" Meantime he throws his head out the window to question
pedestrians: have you seen two dogs–goldens? On a perdu deux chiens*… Headshake after
headshake, they haven't.
As we drive up one narrow street and down the next, busy boulevard I
see many dogs. Each and every one on a leash–lest it be crushed
by a car or a tram! I look down to discover, for the first time, the chaotic tracks of man and machine. Looking up again I see a tram rushing forward. Even the homeless people, who almost fade into the background of the busy streets, have their scrawny dogs secured with leashes–and for good reason!
I have never seen so many
people in one place in all my life. If the cubbyholes and pockets of this crowded city aren't hiding our dogs–the people are–via one great human patchwork curtain. The absurdity of our search
settles in–and seizes us. I feel a lump growing in my throat as shock steals my voice, strangles the breath of hope. We continue our search in silence, here beneath the sun that soon will set.
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Continue reading Part Two of this story.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~French Vocabulary~~~~~~~~~~~
chez eux = at their place; les chaleurs = heat (dog's heat); Ils se sont échappés = they escaped; je ne comprends pas = I don't understand; la bonneterie (f) = hosier's / lingerie shop; le mystère (m) = mystery; Excusez-moi… vous n'avez
pas–par hasard–vu deux chiens? = Excuse me… you haven't–by chance–seen two dogs?; sans laisses = without leashes; oh mon Dieu = oh my God; le coiffeur (m) = the hairdresser; on a perdu deux chiens = we have lost two dogs
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My mom, Jules, and Braise playing together last Spring, in the Vauclusian countryside, not a car in sight.
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Oh Kristin, I so hope that the next message you send us will have good news about Blaise. It’s so scary when something like that happens as it is completely out of our control. If the prayers of many count for anything, I’m sure Blaise will return soon. I and my 3 dogs send our love, Candy (that’s me!) Huck, Asha, and CoCo (the 2 loveable muts and the rescue poodle)
What happened to the pronunciation line.
I really liked that.
I see the audio line.
I will be praying for you. God knows where Braise is. Don’t lose hope.
Suzanne, MrsPamplemousse
I’m so sorry! Sending best thoughts and prayers that you’ll find them soon, and well.
I’m a new reader and adore all of your escapades! How tragic, now, to read that Braise is lost. My miniature schnauzer runs every time he gets off of his leash. So far we’ve been able to catch him but I can understand your panic and feelings of hopelessness. I pray that your dear family member will come back to you!
I’m sitting here reading the comments and crying at the outpouring of empathy and prayer for “les deux chiens perdus de Marseilles!” I too am praying to Saint Anthony, knowing that God is blessing Braise and her companion! It is again the lesson of the fox to the Little Prince–that what makes someone special, a dog in this case, is the time spent on and with him or her. “C’est le temps PERDU pour ta rose (ton chien) qui fait ta rose (ton chien) si importante.”
C’est terrible! J’espere que vous avez trouve les chiens, ou ils sont revenus par maintenant. Bonne chance!
How awful and nerve-wracking, Kristin.
Try doing some sort of internet posting about it in the area. Do you know anyone in Marseilles who Twitters and could get the word out?
Just a not to say I hope the wayward lovers return home soon. My heart is breaking for you and your family and I’ll look forward to hearing the updates as the occur! Hang in-Laury Bourgeois
Dearest Kristin,
My thoughts and prayers are joined with countless others as you go through this ordeal. Come home, dear Braise — safe and, perhaps, a mommy-to-be.
God bless,
Jeanne in Oregon
This is terrible Kristin. Good luck with the search.
I hope and pray that you find both dogs safe and sound, that they return home, or are brought back to you by a kind neighbor.. Please let us all know the outcome.
Kristin and Family,
I am so very sorry – my heart aches for you and your family. But I KNOW without a doubt your beautiful country girl will return to you. I’m sure she’ll have some interesting stories, too! Keep your love and heart open, a beacon for her to follow home to you.
You are all in my heart and prayers,
Stacie
Dear Kristin, I remember your earlier posts about Braise as a puppy. Skittering across a street with his leash tangled to a chair, or something very close to that!
Like everyone else I’m praying that he returns home soon and we get to see even more stories about him, though much less unsettling.
Jean-Marc and Kristin,
The moment I read the title of your post I said out loud, “Oh No”. I knew immediately what must have happened. I am so sorry. I lost my beloved cocker spaniel once, but he was returned completely fine. I am sure the same will happen for you. I really believe that God watches over all dogs.
Bon courage.
We lost our cat Dimitri in the mountains of Colorado for 9 days. He showed up dirty, hungry and very appreciative and has filled our lives with joy for the past 12 years. Miracles do happen.
Dear Krisitin and Jean-Marc,
I am so sorry that your sweet Braise has gone off on an unauthorized jaunt with her new friend. What an awful feeling, I am praying for fearless faith for both of you and a speedy, happy and healthy return of both of them and visualizing all of you hugging and kissing Braise…!
Using twitter etc. are great ideas to get the word out.
Dogs have a good way of finding their home.
Lots of love and good thoughts to you.
Oh my! I am just so heartsick and actually nauseous with worry for what you’re going through… It is the absolute worst fear of mine, losing my dog. They are so helpless… I’m praying you find your sweet Braise… Sending you comforting hugs…Chrissi
Kristin –
Braise is in my prayers for a safe return to you and your dear family. Losing a pet is the worst feeling….don’t give up I’m sure she will be found!! Keep us posted.
Lisa
OH NO!!!!! keep me posted!!!!! xoxo L
I am so sick at heart to hear of this incomprehensible thing happening and am praying for Braise and your family. I am so so sorry you are experiencing this. Miracles do happen; stay positive and pretend to be confident that that he is safe and will be found. Don’t forget that God loves Braise too and is with him on this misadventure. Please keep us posted.
Kristen and Jean-Marc – this is terrible. I too am heartsick and I’m so sorry. I am adding my prayers to those of everyone else. This must be so hard for you and Max and Jackie too. Hopefully Braise is making her way safely back from her excellent adventure. Good Luck.
I sincerely hope your next post reads “Chienne Trouvee” or however one spells that…
Wishing you much patience and strength.
Alanna
Hopefully someone grabbed them by the collar and they are both in the home of some kind person who will contact you or Sabine. I have done this many times and I just hope the French have the same compassion. Bon chance. Joie
“Oh Lord, you protect both man and beast.” Psalm 36:6
What gentle hearts your readers have. We all want what you and your family want ~ the return of Braise. And so we pray.
I am hoping that you find your Braise. All my best thoughts.
I find the circumstances of their ‘sudden escape’ odd, if not improbable. Here you have a breeding pair of popular pure-bred golden retrievers that mysteriously vanish.
*squint* Quoted from your last blog entry: “The Madame in Marseilles tells me they’re down to one client: Sailor Sam (the 7-yo Golden Retriever who happens to be a perfect match for our Braise). ”
Either your new ‘friends’ saw a business opportunity or someone else did, by cunning or chance, if the dogs escaped.
Might be coincidence; I could be wrong, of course and she/they weren’t purloined. Hope they had identification collars on or ID microchips implanted.
Good luck in locating the errant duo.
Ohhhh…I so hope you find the dogs! My heart goes out to you…I know how I would feel if it were my dog. I hope to read that they’ve come wandering back soon.
Sandy
Oh,Kristin. I know that hollow feeling you are now experiencing. Our beloved cat was gone for 10 days, and I just knew we would never see her again. Pray to St. Francis. We have a small statue of him under one of our olive trees. As the guardian of animals, he must be watching over Braise somewhere. I look forward to hearing your good news sometime soon. Jeanette
Oh dear. I too got a lump in my throat when I read the subject line and of course had to read the entire post right away. It hasn’t been long so there is a good chance you will find them! We will be thinking of you and Braise and the other doggie. Please keep us posted. Take care!
I don’t even know how your post came through without being smeared with tears.
We JUST went through this with my dog who has seizures and becomes disoriented for a while. She left as dusk approached AND in the rain – destroying all sense of smell she could have used to make her way home. My husband, daughter, son and I went in 4 different directions armed with flashlights and cellphones for communication. A kind soul pointed us in her direction and we retrieved her hours later – all of us drenched with tears and rain.
The only word for this situation is PANIC. If only you could send out an alert from above to stop everyone in their tracks so that she could be found.
I pray that this is part one of a two part story with a very happy ending.
Kristin, I got sick to my stomach reading your post, knowing how you feel. I got home from work last week to find the front door wide open. I couldn’t imagine how far my two goldens had gotten. And the fact that the little one won’t allow herself to be captured, even to the lure of leftover roast beef offered up by a kindly neighbor. Thankfully, they were in the family room, oblivious to their path to freedom. I hope you find your dear fur children.
As like everyone who has made a comment I know how painful losing your “friend” is… hopefully you will find her soon…
Please, keep us all updated so, when it happens we can breath a sigh of relief with you. My prayers are with your family. And the dogs…
Yes, please keep us updated. I know, it is such a stressful, panic filled situation – our pets are so much a part of all our families.
Will send prayers your way for Braise’s return…
I can’t find the words, dear Kristi, to let you know how sorry I am to hear this news. Please know how whole-heartedly I pray for Braise’s safe return to her loving family.
Much Love, Stacy
You poor souls and that includes Braise. I know the stress and panic you are felling at the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We found a lost dog in St Jean Pied de Port, well it found us really as it moved into our garden. We took it in ang asked around if any one had lost a dog. Then when no-one claimed it, we noted the tattoo code and went to the police. The family from Toulouse were delighted to be re-united and I pray the result is the same for you.
All is not lost.
I hope you have already found your beautiful dog. We have a golden retriever who is dear and recuperating from an operation. I believe your dog has a good chance to return with the city dog to the city dog’s home or her will come to you. Best wishes to her and to you.
She is so pretty! She looks so nice and brushed. Our goldens, well, one in particular, hated to be groomed. Much prefered rolling in dirt.
Anyway, hope you find her!!
This is so terrible! I feel the loss of a dog almost as much as if it were a child. I hope that you have found her by now.
Praying for a quick return of Braise and the companion dog. Keep the faith. I’m so sorry to hear about this.
Oh Dear Kristin, I know just how you feel, and believe me I have tears in my eyes for you and Braise. One time, when I was very young and we didn’t even need to lock our doors here in Phoenix, and dogs played loose without a leash..my dear toy terrier disappeared. After ten long days of searching and praying, he appeared at our screen door early in the morning. We could not believe our eyes..and he lived for many more years. May you be so blessed! Have you checked the newspaper ads? Perhaps someone it taking care of the dogs for you. We keep you and your family and dear sweet Braise in our prayers!
I am so,so sorry that Braise is lost. As a dog lover, I know how painful this is. I also will pray for her speedy return.
Patty
We will all wait for news from you, but strongly believe they will return… they will show up. I sense that the local dog may do this alot.. travels out and comes back or goes to favorite locations. Someone will see this and will call you. God Bless.
I have faith in Braise! Hoping that you’ll be reunited soon! There are many happy endings in the comments today to give you and your family encouragement.
I’m on edge for you. My heart feels completely how you must be feeling right now. Don’t give up hope yet. I really hope to hear about your reunion soon
I hope by the time you read this that Braise has returned. There’s no worse feeling in the world than to lose something/someone that you love.
So many of us know the fear and worry that you are all enduring as your beloved rascal Braise explores the great city with her paramour. We have been there, and so many of us do know the joy of the prodigal’s reappearance; take hope from that. We’re praying earnestly for their very prompt safe return to their families, with tales you only wish they could tell you!
Intuit:
I thought the same for a bit but some people actually saw the dogs wandering.
Mon Dieu! You must be heartbroken. My Maxie and Zoe ( 2 mostly chihuahua rat terrier mix sisters ) have gone off for a while and mysteriously reappeared on the front porch. I hope Braise’s companion knows his way home and leads the way back to its comforts. I know the panic you are feeling and wish for the best possible outcome.