Billy the Bulldog Meets Mervin the Magnificent

 

Billy the Bulldog Meets Mervin the Magnificent

By Bill Conley  America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

Love often finds us when we least expect it, maybe even on the first hole of life’s greatest tournament. When two hearts share laughter, loyalty, and kindness, every day feels like a victory. True love doesn’t need fancy words or trophies; it’s shown in the way we care, comfort, and cheer for one another. And when you’ve found the right partner, every anniversary is another round of joy to play together.

The sun rose bright and golden over the green fairways of The Players Championship. The grass sparkled with morning dew, and the soft chatter of the crowd mingled with the chirping birds. It was the first hole, the beginning of another great day of golf.

Among the marshals standing proudly along the rope line was Billy the Bulldog, a cheerful, loyal, barrel-chested fellow with a blue cap and an orange vest that read Marshal. He took his job very seriously. No one barked, yawned, or sneezed during a golfer’s backswing on his hole.

Billy loved golf almost as much as he loved helping people. His tail wagged each time a golfer tipped his cap in thanks. He had been volunteering for years, but this day felt different, as if something special was in the air.

As he stood near the tee box, keeping an eye on the crowd, Billy caught sight of someone sitting quietly in the front row of spectators. His eyes widened, his heart skipped a beat, and his tail began wagging so fast it nearly lifted him off the ground.

There she was, the most beautiful bulldog he had ever seen.

She had soft caramel fur, kind eyes that sparkled in the morning light, and a pink polka-dot dress that made her look like sunshine and springtime all at once. On her head sat a white baseball cap that shaded her eyes just perfectly. She clapped politely for each golfer, her paws dainty and her smile warm.

Billy forgot all about marshaling for a moment. His heart raced like a golf cart down a steep hill. He leaned toward a nearby squirrel who was eating a peanut near his foot.

“Who’s that lovely lady?” Billy whispered.

The squirrel grinned. “That’s Mervin the Magnificent, the sweetest bulldog in all of Ponte Vedra. She’s here every year. Loves the tournament. Never misses the first hole.”

“Mervin the Magnificent…” Billy repeated dreamily. “That’s the prettiest name I’ve ever heard.”

Before he could think twice, he trotted toward her.

“Good morning, ma’am,” Billy said, tipping his marshal cap. “I’m Billy the Bulldog, volunteer marshal for this hole. My duty is to keep things orderly, quiet, and pleasant for all our guests, especially for charming bulldogs like you.”

Mervin smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marshal Billy. You’re doing an excellent job keeping everything peaceful.”

Billy blushed so hard his fur nearly turned pink. “Thank you kindly. Would you care to join me for a walk along the course? I can show you the best spots to watch the action.”

Mervin giggled, the kind of laugh that warmed his heart all the way to his paws. “Why, I’d love that.”

And so they walked together, side by side, as golfers drove their shots and fans cheered softly. Billy explained the rules of marshaling, told a few funny stories about lost golf balls, and even shared a snack or two from his vest pocket, a couple of biscuits he always kept just in case.

Mervin listened with delight, wagging her tail the whole time. “You really love what you do, don’t you, Billy?” she asked.

“I do,” Billy said with a smile. “But I think I might’ve just found something, or rather, someone, I love even more.”

Mervin blushed under her hat. “You’re quite the charmer, Marshal.”

By the end of the tournament, the two bulldogs had spent nearly the whole day together, walking, laughing, and sharing stories. When the final golfer finished and the crowd began to leave, Billy looked at Mervin and knew he didn’t want this day to end.

“Mervin,” he said softly, “I’ve seen a lot of beautiful greens in my time, but none as lovely as the one I’ve been standing on today, because you’re here. Would you… Would you let me call you sometime? Maybe we could share a round of golf and some dinner?”

Mervin’s tail wagged like a flag in the breeze. “I’d like that very much, Billy.”

From that day forward, Billy and Mervin were inseparable. They went on golf dates, beach walks, and long evening drives. Billy loved how Mervin always cheered him on, and Mervin adored how Billy never stopped making her laugh.

One day, under a glowing sunset at the very same course where they first met, Billy got down on one knee and said, “Mervin the Magnificent, will you be my forever caddie, in this round of life and every round after?”

Mervin teared up and nodded. “Yes, Billy the Bulldog. A thousand times, yes.”

Years passed, and their love only grew stronger. They built a life full of laughter, faith, and adventure. Every anniversary, they returned to that same first hole, where it all began, and sang their favorite song together:

🎵
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary,
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary,
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy anniversary,
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
🎵

Then Billy would say, “You know, Mervin, every year with you feels like winning the championship.”

And Mervin would smile and reply, “And every year with you, Billy, feels like coming home.”

Poem:

Two bulldogs met where greens are wide,
At TPC with love as their guide.
He wore his badge, she wore her smile,
And love was born right there, the while.
Through every fairway, storm, and sun,
Their hearts have always beat as one.
For love, like golf, requires grace.
And they’ve played it well, at their own pace.

Discussion Questions:

1.     Have you ever met someone who changed your life unexpectedly?

2.     What makes love grow stronger over time?

3.     Why is it important to keep celebrating love, not just once a year, but every day?