Barton 2001-2008
June 19th 2008, by GQ
Thank you to everyone for the messages of support following the tragic death of our great little dog, Barton. For those friends and visitors to Bauduc who haven’t seen the news in our Gazette in the post, we are sorry to report that he was killed on 18 May.
For the first time ever, a family brought a dog with them to stay in the farmhouse and we had made it clear that we had two (harmless) dogs. Their dog, an obese dalmatian which had apparently come from a refuge, attacked and mortally wounded Barton as soon as they let it out of the house by mistake. He died in Angela’s arms as we drove him to the vet.
It still seems incredible to us that a dog lover could bring a dog, knowing it was a danger to other dogs, all the way from Rutland to Bordeaux by car, only for it to savage their hosts’ much-loved pet. They had barely unpacked before they left, mortified, just as we were burying the little chap. Added to which, we haven’t heard a word from them since. No flowers, no note, no email.
Barton, so named because his sister had gone to live with the Bartons of Château Léoville-Barton, never said boo to a goose and was an institution at Bauduc. He will leave a big void for such a small fellow, and will be missed not only by us but also by so many visitors - especially those he welcomed to the farmhouse. Looking through the visitors’ book, there are more comments thanking Barty for his good humour and hospitalty than anyone else.
8 comments
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Anthony Brewitt replied:
I truly feel for you all, as a dog owner I understand how they quickly become part of the family.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm. Permalink.
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GQ replied:
Thanks for that Anthony.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm. Permalink.
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Rami Hafid replied:
Découvrant votre blog aujourd’hui, je me permet de vous dire que la perte de Barton a été aussi pour moi triste par le fait qu’il était adorable, gentil, calme et toujour là pour nous accueillir. Je me doute de la tristesse que cela a été pour vos enfants, car ma fille Dounya est elle même trés attachée à son chien.
Je tiens également à vous féliciter sur la création de votre blog, son contenu est complet, les photes superbes,tout y est précis et donne envie de venir voir et visiter le Chateau Bauduc.Hafid
June 24th, 2008 at 9:04 pm. Permalink.
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Lisa replied:
I read of Barton’s death in your newsletter yesterday with absolute sadness for your loss and utter disbelief at the irresponsibility and insensitivity of the other dog owners. It’s heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet, but so suddenly and under such circumstances must have been devastating. You can at least console yourselves with the knowledge that he lived the most idyllic of dog days, roaming the vineyards with the sun on his back.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 am. Permalink.
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Roger and Lois Hale replied:
Our annual visit to Bauduc was sadly marred by the news of Barton’s death. We feel devastated for you because a week before our holiday in June we also lost our little dog and a week into our holiday we lost one of our horses. Both losses were dreadfully sad but our dog was 15 and our horse well into his 20’s so neither met the tragic end which Barton suffered. We were sorry to have visited whilst you were in Cornwall but we were well received by Monique and the Labradors. We look forward to our visit next year.and we shall top up our supplies again with aan online order. With our kind regards, Roger and Lois.
July 19th, 2008 at 6:34 am. Permalink.
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GQ replied:
Dear Lisa, a belated thanks for your note and Barton did indeed live a great life in the vines.
Hi Roger and Lois, sorry to have missed you and glad you were well looked after by Monique, who came back from maternity leave in the nick of time for us to take a week away. Sorry to hear about your recent losses of both dog and horse but it does sound like they had a good, long innings.
July 21st, 2008 at 12:44 pm. Permalink.
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Graham & Tina McKie replied:
Gavin, it was with great sadness and dismay we learned of the loss of Barton. During our rather wet stay last August it was the memory of carrying him back in the pouring rain which came into my mind. Such was his impact that the children (James & Lucy) who were with us have not been told the news yet. As former owners of Rottweilers we are disgusted that any dog owner would not have control of their pet and would not show total remorse in a case like this. Our boys were as friendly as could be but that did not mean we took that for granted! Particularly when visiting new places and meeting new people and dogs.
So please accept condolences from the Franklins (Alan & Mandy), the Seymours (Johnny, Liz, James & Lucy) and ourselves. Although it will never be the same I’m sure his spirit still roams the vinyard and rests on the back of his favourite chair in the farmhouse.August 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm. Permalink.
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charles Hansard replied:
just come across your web site and wondered if you are the same person who bought a terrier from Penny Lindsay Fynn born 28/5/08? We did and she is a beautiful little b/t bitch with a huge character and much loved. Will send you a picture if you like. Sorry about Barton, sounded like a charcacter and no wonder you uwanted another
October 7th, 2008 at 11:32 am. Permalink.