chien perdu
Monday, June 15, 2009
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.
* * *
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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My cousin once had her dog get lost about 25 miles from home and three days later he showed up on her doorstep! Let's home Braise is a good "homing pigeon" too!
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Oh No! I hope Braise and her companion come home soon. I'm sure you're worried sick. ~kate
Posted by: ~kate | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:18 PM
"His eye is on the sparrow"...and I believe on those two dogs. I pray they return home safely. ~Dawne
Posted by: dawne polis | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Pray to St. Anthony - he will help you find them. And I will be praying, too. ~ Janet
Posted by: Janet | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Courage,she is with a local dog, he will probably turn up when he is really hungry with her close behind. I hope they are both micro-puced.
Kris
Posted by: Kris Hendrickson | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:26 PM
It is very stressful to loose a member of the family - you probably have already checked but - http://www.spa-marseille.com/ trouve/perdu can help and it looks like you can put pictures up.
Bon chance
Posted by: Tammy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Please tell me you found the dogs! We have had many of these mis-adventures with our dogs who wonder the city and somehow manage to find some nice soul who will return them. Hope they had some type of ID on them. Keep your faith. They will return.
Posted by: Candace Walker | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Kristi, it breaks my heart to hear your news. Fortunately, the French are such dog lovers that no doubt someone has recognized that they are not strays and has taken them safely indoors until notices can be posted. Otherwise, I'm sure Braise's companion will lead them back home and all will be well.
Posted by: Sandy Maberly | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I am hoping that the dogs will pop up any le moment. Two little corrections today on your French. Le mystère and par hasard.
Posted by: Robyn France | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 01:37 PM
Oh Kristi, I am so sorry, I hope it turns out OK. My hope and sense is that Braise and her amour were enjoying their little tryst and decided to extend the fun by going off on an adventure as a couple, and that they will soon return.
Posted by: Jeannette-Marie | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:07 PM
I felt so sad reading this..Maybe Braise went home?
One of our dogs many years ago found it's way back to a home we had sold and moved out of.
I hope by now they are with you as I read this.
Posted by: Monique | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:15 PM
trust the instinet of dogs, they will find you.
Posted by: louis bogue Dunedin,fla. | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Chere Kristin,I am going to call my friend in New Orleans and together we will pray to St Anthony to return Braise safely home to you. My Toutou is like one of my children so I do understand how worried and frightened you must be.
Posted by: Cindy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:24 PM
oh no! I'm so sorry to hear your news! I remain hopeful over here. I once had a golden that ran away when she heard fireworks. She was once gone for 2 weeks! Someone had found her and kept her while checking w/all the vets in the area. It was a very long 2 weeks. Please keep us updated!
Posted by: Lisa Kiely | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:28 PM
I really feel for you and your family - but agree with a previous message in that she is with a local dog. It is agonising when a pet dog is lost. My daughter's dog (she lives in the south of France) has gone missing before but has either returned home safely himself, or been picked up by the police and safely returned. I pray for Braise' safe return - please let us know.
Posted by: Fiona | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:28 PM
This is so stressful and hard. And one's imagination makes it worse. We lost our very beloved cat for three weeks. He returned looking a bit thin, but what a reunion we had. I am thinking of your Braise, and hope the trysting couple returns asap.
Posted by: Sally | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I've only just joined French word a day, thanks to my good friends Anne and Kirk Woodyard, who I know you have just met in person!
I feel so bad for you and hope Braise is safely back with you. I had a dog once who was stolen from us and taken to quite a distant place. He was just a mongrel, but very precious. It took him tree months, but he came home. I pray Braise and companion will do so too
Jill
Posted by: Jill Brackstone | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Miracles do happen. My heart is with you as you wait for dear Braise's return.
Posted by: Judy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Dear Kristin,
My heart was in my mouth as I read of your frantic search for Braise. I can sense your devastation - I would feel the same if I lost my faithful dog, Dusty. I do so hope you find les deux chiens.Keeping you in my prayers.
Bon courage.
Andrea A.
Posted by: Andrea A. | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Oh Kristin, I am keeping all fingers crossed and thinking of you all. I truly hope you are reunited with Braise. Hopefully the power of the prayers of all your readers will help this situation.
with love and care
Chris
Posted by: Christine Dashper | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Hopeful thoughts for the return of your dear golden one!
Posted by: Diane | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Oh my goodness. I am praying too and hope the next post will be a happy one. "Brothers and sisters I bid you beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear" Kipling. How we love them.
Posted by: Cynthia Crane | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I am so sorry to hear that Braise is missing. My stomach lurched when I read the title and I had to read your column right then! (I usually save it to read in the afternoon, to perk up my day...) I had to know if you had found the 'lost dog'. I am very saddened to hear that you have not yet. Me and my dogs will all be praying for a safe return home for your Braise...
LA (and Barnum & Bailey)
Posted by: LA | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:54 PM
Kristen: Please keep us posted as we are all anxious for news. Praying and hoping for the best.
Posted by: Barbara | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:55 PM
My dog got lost at JFK in 1996, returning to NY from France. I got lots of press but never found him. JFK however is surrounded by ring roads with lots of traffic. I lost a friend's dog who escaped from the guard at the Picasso Museum in Antibes but I found her about two hours later. Keep looking. Also contact all the vets, pet shops, animal shelters and the police. People tend to report lost dogs to all those places. Put up notices with your portable phone number offering a reward. I think you have a good chance of getting your dogs back because the male will eventually find his way home. Thinking of you, Catherine
Posted by: catherine stock | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Oh Kristin, this is just devastating. Please, please apprise us all when Braise is returned home safe and sound. This is so very upsetting!
Posted by: Natalie Branchini | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I've been meaning to ask you - does the name "Braise" mean anything?
I'm so sorry to hear about how Braise and her companion escaped. I'll certainly be praying that they will be found unharmed. It would take a little time, but perhaps you could put an ad in the paper and/or signs on lampposts or something, notifying people about the lost dogs, and maybe including a picture. (When one of our cats was lost a couple of years ago, we put up signs and got some calls from people who said they had seen her.)
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Dear Kristin and Jean-Marc,
I do hope those two dogs are still together and that you find them as soon as possible.
I don't have a pet, but pets are like family, too. I know what's it like to be sick with worry for someone who has strayed out of one's safe surroundings. It's nervewracking, all sorts of things go through your mind. I feel for you and your family. Do your kids know?
Some of the comments are more on the reassuring side and think that they'd find their way by themselves. Anyway, my prayers are with you.
Posted by: M | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:22 PM
I do hope you and Sabine get your dogs back. The waiting will be awful.
Posted by: Susan W | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:22 PM
Jean-Marc and Kristin,
I share the same thoughts as the rest of the commenters. I pray for a happy ending. Bon courage to all the people concerned.
Rach
Posted by: R | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:28 PM
I was just so sure your post to day would end comically with the dogs just around the corner at the neighbor's or somewhere else close by. Please let us know as soon as you know anything! We all love Braise and I'll be praying for her safe return.
Posted by: Terry Miller | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:28 PM
I worked at an animal shelter for a while when I was younger and the best chance of finding her rests in getting the word out. Plaster the city with her pictures, offer a reward, and call every shelter in the area every three days like clock work. Walk the area and question other dog owners. They know the local dogs and will notice one who doesn't belong. Take pictures to vet's offices and ask if you can post them in the waiting rooms. When searching, look at natural areas with other dogs like parks and where food can be found, such as behind restaurants and dumpsters.
There were many instances where the lost pets came home after many month's absence and it was usually because some kind person took them in and decided to keep them. In one case a woman came in diligently every week for a year. She finally said she would not come in again and two days later her beloved cat was brought in by a woman and two kids who had found and kept it. What a joyful reunion! I will pray Braise finds her way home to you safe and sound! Don't give up!
Posted by: Holly | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Kristin,
How sad! I have been to Marseilles many times and can't imagine two lost dogs especially one from the country side. St. Anthony is the patron saint of things lost and he has helped us before. My mother was making meat balls and put her engagement and wedding rings in her pocket and then went to the store to get a few things. She lives in a large city in Massachusetts. There was a hole in her pocket and she lost them. When she realized several hours later she called me because she couldn't drive; she was too upset. We went to the shopping mall parking lot praying to St. Anthony the whole way and there right beside a parked car were her two rings sparkling in the sun. May he answer your prayers too!
On a more pleasant subjet I love the pictures of Provence I can sit at my desk and dream of September when we will return for 3 weeks.
Fondly Ellen Gaucher
Posted by: Ellen Gaucher | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I am so sorry to hear that but I think they will return. They must have needed the privacy, they needed to hide. My cat did that once and my husband and I walked the streets the entire night until 4 a.m. until the doodle, totally oblivious, just returned. Oh how painful it was. We pray that they return safely as if nothing had ever happened.
XX
Posted by: Mona | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Thoughts and prayers are with Braise; will keep checking posts today and hope for good news.
Dev
Posted by: Devra Long | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Praying.
Posted by: Kristine | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 03:54 PM
You and your family along with Braise are in my prayers. My puppies send their prayers and love too.
Posted by: Patti Tolar | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Oh Braise, come home.
Posted by: Diane | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Oh, Kristin, I'm praying that God helps you find your dogs well and soon. I'm simply heartbroken over this loss. I can't imagine the feelings you're going through! Many blessings.
Posted by: Tami Dever | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Oh what a worry! I hope Braise and her amour are found soon and are okay. Please post immediately with good news. My dogs have gotten out a couple of times. One will stay within sight-the other runs like a gazelle.
Posted by: martina (and the chiens) | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Je suis desolee. Even though I can't find how to do the accent marks, it seems to express better what I feel for you than English does. I can't imagine losing our big Golden Doodle. (half Golden Retriever and half standard poodle) I will be much in prayer and I know God cares about the details of our lives. Let us know immediately, svp.
Posted by: Dee | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:09 PM
I am hoping it won't be long before we all read about the safe return of Braise and her run away companion! I join the group praying to St. Anthony for your beloved friend to be once again romping in the countryside.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Querida Kristi,
I’m so sorry to hear the news. I really hope that by the time your read this, you are reunited with Braise and both dogs are safe.
My thoughts are with your family.
Besos,
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Kristin
I have followed your post for years and am so saddened at your loss. I'll pray for Braise to find her way home.
Virginia Ward
Posted by: Virginia Ward | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I join many of your friends with prayers for the safe return of the dogs. I know your family is heartbroken, and so I also send prayers for you. Pray, pray, pray. I know that it helps. Nan
Posted by: Nan Morrissette | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:28 PM
I hope Braise returns home soon...animals have a funny way of caring for themselves, and intuitively knowing their way home. That said, I hope to read of her safe return soon!
Posted by: Kate | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Kristin and Jean-Marc,
I am so sorry to hear about Braise, I do hope she is safe where ever she is, and that you find her real soon. My thoughts are with you guys.....
Posted by: Karen Brown | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Désolée. Could someone have stolen them? Is either one chipped?
You are in my prayers.
Barbara in Chicago
Posted by: Barbara Berndt | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Ipray for you! That is the worst feeling in the world.
Posted by: Jan in Chicago former Phoenix resident | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Oh Kristin, how terrible.
I hope Braise and her companion are soon found and home safe and sound.
I assume you've called the police and fire depts, and have put up posters all over?
Keep us updated.
Sending you good thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Candice in NY | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:44 PM
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)
Posted by: Candy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:49 PM
What happened to the pronunciation line.
I really liked that.
Posted by: Jack Barnes | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I see the audio line.
Posted by: Jack Barnes | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I will be praying for you. God knows where Braise is. Don't lose hope.
Suzanne, MrsPamplemousse
Posted by: Suzanne D. Michaels | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I'm so sorry! Sending best thoughts and prayers that you'll find them soon, and well.
Posted by: Misha | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:00 PM
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!
Posted by: JerriLynn in SC | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:01 PM
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."
Posted by: Robert Haine | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:10 PM
C'est terrible! J'espere que vous avez trouve les chiens, ou ils sont revenus par maintenant. Bonne chance!
Posted by: Karryll in San Rafael, CA | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:12 PM
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?
Posted by: Teresa | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:15 PM
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
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:17 PM
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
Posted by: Jeanne Robinson | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:27 PM
This is terrible Kristin. Good luck with the search.
Posted by: Douglas | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:34 PM
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.
Posted by: Suzanne | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:38 PM
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
Posted by: Stacie | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:44 PM
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.
Posted by: janet | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 05:48 PM
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.
Posted by: Catherine, Seattle, WA | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:11 PM
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.
Posted by: Randy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:13 PM
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.
Posted by: Claudia | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:16 PM
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
Posted by: Chrissi | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:26 PM
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
Posted by: Lisa in Naples, Florida | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:30 PM
OH NO!!!!! keep me posted!!!!! xoxo L
Posted by: laura | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:34 PM
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.
Posted by: Violet | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:34 PM
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.
Posted by: Lynette Simser | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:45 PM
I sincerely hope your next post reads "Chienne Trouvee" or however one spells that...
Wishing you much patience and strength.
Alanna
Posted by: Alanna Strong | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:53 PM
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
Posted by: joie | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 07:06 PM
"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.
Posted by: Susie | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 07:10 PM
I am hoping that you find your Braise. All my best thoughts.
Posted by: Melanie | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 07:21 PM
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.
Posted by: Intuit | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 07:46 PM
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
Posted by: sandy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 07:56 PM
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
Posted by: Jeanette Locker | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 08:13 PM
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!
Posted by: Christine Jackson | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 08:22 PM
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.
Posted by: karen | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 08:36 PM
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.
Posted by: Deb | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 08:39 PM
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...
Posted by: Joyce | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 09:12 PM
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...
Posted by: Lynn | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 09:16 PM
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
Posted by: Stacy | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 09:17 PM
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.
Posted by: Shauneen | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 09:50 PM
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.
Posted by: Carole | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:08 PM
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!!
Posted by: Megan | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:57 PM
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.
Posted by: Joyce Hawkins | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Praying for a quick return of Braise and the companion dog. Keep the faith. I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Posted by: Jennifer in OR | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:52 PM
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!
Posted by: Cerelle | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:03 AM
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
Posted by: Patty B | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:08 AM
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.
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:21 AM
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.
Posted by: Leah | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:48 AM
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
Posted by: Tami | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:49 AM
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.
Posted by: Evelyn Jackson | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 01:16 AM
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!
Posted by: Kitty | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Intuit:
I thought the same for a bit but some people actually saw the dogs wandering.
Posted by: karen | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 02:13 AM
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.
Posted by: Rona | Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 03:00 AM