Bronson: not an ordinary dog

Serendipity is the faculty of making happy and unexpected discoveries by accident.

Serendipity took shape eight years ago in the form of a handsome brown dog who gratefully accepted a ride to Cedar Key after sitting forlornly from morning to evening beside SR24.

Enquiries as to his background failed and a name was now needed for the orphan. "Bronson" seemed appropriate for this somewhat rugged individual - selected because of where he came from, not because of any connection with Charles Bronson in one of his Tough Guy roles!

Not that he really needed any gentling, for serendipity quickly became serenity as his tranquil and dignified qualities became clear. And this was no doubt because of the happy mix of his illustrious Chow and Sheba Inu forebears.

Bronson suffered from ill health in recent years but was still keen to walk around the Big Dock and schmooze with the tourists, or to take the boardwalk around the cemetery, preferably fortified with some sausage or bacon smuggled out from Annie`s. But he was still, above all, able to open up the lives of all who met him.

Bronson passed away a few days ago. He was predeceased by "Bridge", the Shepherd mix who had previously held his position on Rye Key. He is survived and very sorely missed by his human companions, Linda and Colin Dale, and by his friend Hannah the Retriever.