What started as a surprise two-week 40th birthday trip to England for Travis Hunt ended with a loving expansion of his family from four, his wife, Robyn, and their two boys Braden (22) Gavin (20), to five, with the addition of English bulldog Belle. Robyn’s birthday gift gave Travis a newfound love of both England and English bulldogs, a unique breed with a lovable demeanor.

Belle, who will be 12 years old in October, joined the Hunt family at 11 weeks old and now owns the corner pillows of the family couch. Sleeping and eating are her favorite pastimes. Gavin loved Belle so much, he wanted a French bulldog of his own. The family now has three French bulldogs, Moose (5), Daisy (4) and Nugget (3), but Belle is still the queen of the Hunt pack.

Bulldogs, with their squishy faces, stocky little bodies and waddles for a walk, are one of those breeds you just know when you see them. Originally bred in England as far back as the 1300s, bulldogs were used in the now-banned bloodsport of bullbaiting. Their large heads and loose skin were originally bred into the breed specifically to help them withstand attacks and continue to fight. Once banned, breeders started focusing on gentler, more affectionate traits that have shaped them into the couch loving companions people adore.

Daily exercise for bulldogs, both English and French, is key to helping them remain trim. They enjoy walks, although they are equally happy lazing around the house. These days Belle enjoys her Ventana neighborhood walks from the comfort of a wagon and lets the Hunt family know when she is done walking usually by “pancaking” at the end of their driveway.

Being pet owners is not new to the Hunt family. What was new was Robyn’s career shift from retail to education. Robyn is currently the Dean of Students at American Academy (AA) Motsenbocker campus. She previously taught seven years at the Castle Pines campus when her sons attended school at AA. Robyn used to make jokes about filling the house with pups. “We send one to college, I get a new puppy,” said Robyn.

Bulldogs are known for their loyal gentle and affectionate nature which Robyn and Travis appreciate with their boys graduated and out of the home. Belle’s personality is as unique as her habits. When she is excited, she gives what the Hunt’s call “corn on the cobbing”. She gently nibbles the side of your hand like she is nibbling on an ear of corn. “We really think it’s her way of playfully kissing us,” said Robyn.

Book and breed guides told the Hunts that bulldogs avoid cold weather and overheat easily. Not Belle. She is a snow lover and a total sun worshiper. The Hunts often find her lounging on the sport court or baking herself on a bed of warm rocks soaking up vitamin D.

Belle is more than a pet. She is a piece of the Hunts’ story and a reminder that sometimes the best surprises come with four legs and lot of personality.

 

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Robyn Hunt