The Charlie Bravo Story

RIP, Senor Bull Taco

Dad here; I’m not a bit interested in sharing the gory intricacies of yesterday’s tragedy. Two scriptures in the Bible sometimes seem to not square with each other: Ecclesiastes 9:11 “chance happeneth to all dogs” and Romans 8:28, “all things work together for the good”.

As dad, I want to “fix” things, but I have to realize that some things will never be fixable, or that the fixing exceeds my skill level, not always an easy thing to admit, but here we are,

Wherever “here” is.

But I don’t want to stay here, gotta keep moving on; Bull is gone, but the mission is not.

I can’t begin to explain the level of tragedy that has befallen the Casa del Whackos since this page started, so I won’t even try. Just like Max and Stevie Mae, Bultaco’s time was short and his stature was tiny, but his impact was massive. Let it be known that the joy brought by these little goobers faaaar outweighed the anguish incurred at their passing.

The basis of this page has never been to avoid bad news, but to instead use the bad to focus on the good that can come out of any situation, so I’ll leave you with this:

Yesterday was Take Your Child To Work Day, so I did; it was a beautiful spring day and I had no worries about Bull being affected by the heat, so hippity-hop up into the car he went. On the way back home he demanded a stop at the Taco Bell drive through, and that’s how I will remember him: perched in a sea of crumbs in the passenger seat, demanding that I bequeath upon him the vast majority of my Crunchy Beef Burrito, and that’s where he is riding still.

Chark the freaking diem.

Join the discussion

  1. Lori Stiefel

    Through tears and a broken heart, I am keeping the faith with you Mr. Winingar. Sweet, sweet picture…

  2. Nancy Scheib

    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.

  3. Sarah Louise Champion

    Can’t believe. Higher purpose. Keep moving, yes.

  4. Kelly Cloninger

    Tears…love/hugs…and prayers for peace.

  5. Carol Lynn Tedford

    Beautifully said, Dad!! Chark Diem!! Remember the good times!!

  6. Pattie Mayhew Mongillo

    I am so sorry for your loss, I pray for all the residents of Casa del Wackos and am glad to hear that Bull had a great last day with Dad. 🙁

  7. Mollie Walls

    I’m so very sorry for you all. My heart is with you today.

  8. Marlene Petsche

    So sorry my friend. He was so loved these last few months and that is what is important. The goodbys are the hardest. RIP Little Bultaco

  9. Vicki Efurd

    *crying* I just can’t….

  10. Trudy Simmons

    Bull Taco had a blast at Casa del Whackos…we all grieve with you and your family. Chark Diem

  11. Kathy Eubanks Finley

    So sorry for your loss Winingar family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!!!

  12. Ethel Sleith

    As you said in the shared post that brought this awful news, no words. RIP Senor Bull Taco. Friends around the world mourn your passing.

  13. Rita Wise

    A salute to the littlest dog with a big heart. It is true, good things come in small packages. Your passing brings us sadness but your life gave us joy.

  14. Lori Catlett Shaffer

    Jezus! I am sooooo sorry for your loss. Again.
    What the hell? This has got to stop.
    The police are going to do something about it this time right? Those dogs could end up killing a child too.

  15. Heather Payne Allard

    Waking up thinking how this has happened again!?!?! Heart is broken again for you. So sorry for your loss.

  16. Linda Willis Matthews

    So sorry for your loss. Bull Taco sitting in drive thru with his burrito….waiting for you over the Rainbow bridge. XOXO.

  17. Sandra Fisher

    So, so sad. I am so sorry to hear this. He surely knew love at the Casa.

  18. Carrie Sawyer Baldwin

    Oh what a wonderful life you gave him. Thank you for giving him the love he deserved. Thank you for sharing his and your journey and may your heart find peace in this madness. I am so sorry.

  19. Carrie Reid

    This is the way I prefer to remember this sweet little Bultaco. You were very loved

  20. Ellen Simpson

    He knew and brought love. I am so sorry and will miss this dear little dog….

  21. Janice Mecca

    So sorry to hear this. My heart hurts for you and all at the Casa. The most important thing is he was loved and that’s all they want. RIP Bull Taco.

  22. Carol Lingster

    You are a great man with a heart of gold; keep loving, keep doing the things you love, and know that we all send you our love in this heart breaking time.

  23. Marlene A. Patterson

    I am so sorry for the loss of you little dog. Especially so tragically and so soon after the tragic death of your other dog. I am glad they had a wonderful life of joy with you.

  24. Fred Baker

    RIP little man. See you on the other side

  25. Vicki Efurd

    I’m sorry Bret and the whole casa

  26. Mark Moore

    As I sit here with my jaw agape, I can’t begin to comprehend the sorrow your heart must feel right now. Losing one furbaby is hard enough but to lose two in such a short time is unimaginable. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the gang at Casa del Whackos.

  27. RaVae Wilhelm Lewis

    Find the softest place with the most pets in Heaven. Dad will know where to look.

  28. Kathleen Ellis Delatorre

    I’ve never met you or the inmates of the casa, but I am so deeply affected for the love you share with us. I’m so sorry and so sad. Thank you for this post!

  29. Debbie Colasante

    Oh no. So sorry for another loss in such a short amount if time. My heart is heavy for you.

  30. Elisa Charleston Robertson

    I am in tears. at least the baby knew love

  31. Sue Robilliard

    I don’t know how you do it, Dad. When I first heard this news, several hours ago, I was just so sad for all of you. Now I am just so angry that those blasted dogs have been, again, allowed the freedom to do to Bull Taco what they did to Max. It’s just not right!!!!

  32. Melanie Stubbs Rogers Smith

    I am so sorry! There are no words to describe it. I’ve grown to love Bull Taco and his stories. He’ll be missed here in Ga too.

  33. Debbie Marine Whinnery

    I am so sorry,he knew he was loved.You are a blessing to the fur babies.

  34. Cathy Bacigalupi

    I have no words…..so very sorry

  35. Laura Johnston

    My heart goes out to you. Not only did i lose my 2 furbabies within a 3 week period but then i lost my husband of 42 years very unexpectedly 2 weeks later.

  36. Iris Maldonado

    Rip sweet taco run free in the rainbow

  37. Rosie O'Grady

    I am sorry for everyone, animal and human, at the Casa. Sweet little Bull Taco will be missed. But I have to ask – what do the neighbor dogs’ owners say? What kind of people let this happen – twice? Can’t wrap my mind around that one.

  38. Guélique Wagner

    No words … I’m so sorry

  39. Cindy Stultz

    So sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you and your family. RIP Senor Bull Taco.

  40. Kim Conner

    I’m so sorry Bret Winingar & Joann. He was a tiny force of nature. Please tell me Sheriff is going to do something this time.

  41. Lanae Rossi

    I’m so sorry for you loss! May your sweet fur baby rest in peace.

  42. Shawn Suriano-Wellden

    What on earth???? I can’t convey how sorry I am. I’m devastated for everyone at the Casa. I hurt with you

  43. Melisa Hill

    So sorry for your loss of your family member. We had one that was a rescued and we had her less than two months before we lost her. From what we understand she had a really hard life before we got her but at least we know that the two months that we had her that she was loved and taken care of. She took a piece of our hearts with us when she left this world. I know that bull taco did the same with your family. All I can say is prayers are with all of your family

  44. Pat Stibbs

    No words that I can say can make things better. Just know I’m praying for peace & comfort at the Casa.

  45. Linda Hubbard

    No one, but No One, should have to suffer through this level of grief in this short of a time. I have worked rescue since 2007 and always had several of my own and fosters around, but never have I lost this many so close together. I know that the Fates will put more joy and, yes, more suffering in front of you. Stevie, Max and Bultaco are all enjoying burritos at the Bridge. So sorry, Bret.

  46. Jody Hess-Franey

    Deeply saddened that the Casa has to deal with another tragic loss, and truly amazed and inspired by your positive outlook. RIP little Bull!

  47. Carol Arellano

    R.I.P Little Bull…Run free in God’s beautiful Garden and Fly high in Paradise with the Angels… I am so sorry for your loss…Sending our Condolences and Prayers and Hugs of comfort to the Casa family

  48. Yvonne Russell Tenney

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how you are feeling. Senior Bull Taco will always be in your heart, he was a sweet little man ❤️❤️

  49. Suzanne Newman

    So sorry……love sent to your broken heart…RIP

  50. Linda Simeone

    Bless you, your family, and little Bull. Rest in Peace, little one. You will always be missed and loved. <3

  51. Marijon Partlow

    NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙁 This can’t keep happening!!!!!!!!!!! This has got to STOP!!!! BEING SAVED TO BE RIPPED APART WAS NOT THEIR MISSION. I don’t know how I can keep following this page, you are literally breaking my heart.

  52. Paula Foresman

    I’m sorry. It doesn’t seem like enough, but I’ve got no words for this.

  53. Deb Brunelle Charron

    My pups (one is a chi) were looking at me puzzlingly as I bawled my eyes out this morning after I read the news about Bull. I feel as I am sure all your other followers that your inmates are part of my family as well. If there is anything I can do, such as messaging your local PD for justice, let me know. Meanwhile I send my love to you and your family.

  54. Karen Ragle

    This is unbelievable! Tears are streaming at this senseless, criminal, and cruel action. I’m not an advocate of revenge but I’m not so sure that I wouldn’t take matters into my own hands if the police do not take care of the situation this time! Sweet little Bull Taco started this adventure with so many strikes against him but with the love of the Casa inmates, achieved his full potential and blossomed into an amazing little guy! Prayers for you all!

  55. Theresa Thomas

    OMGosh…….My heart just broke reading this terribly sad news….I’m so very sorry 🙁 Run free handsome boy.. <3

  56. Sandy Runyon Lough

    You are an exceptional man, dad. I am both humbled and honored to be of one blood. No matter the number of days your critters abide with you and yours at the Casa, the quality and love they know makes every minute golden, not only for them but for we who are along for the journey. We share your joy. We share your loss and heartache. Praying for healed hearts and endless, joyful charks.

  57. Linda Fleming

    So sorry for the multitude of losses your family, human & 4 legged, has endured recently. God bless & I believe we will meet again.

  58. Margie Webb

    I live near you and I am ready to go to your neighbor’s house! I am so sorry and this just breaks my damn heart. I can’t even imagine how ya’ll are feeling. The only comfort I have is that Bull Taco knew true love in his last days on earth.

  59. Sandy Lane

    So sorry, this is so sad and tragic. Poor little guy did not deserve an end like that. Glad you had a great last day with him and he felt the love! ❤

  60. Whitney Wallert

    Angels come in all forms, shapes and sizes… 2 legged, 3 legged, 4 legged. May the heavenly casa inmates shine down upon and protect all of the still earth bound inmates. Prayers for you guys.

  61. Maria Duncan

    Very sorry for your loss

  62. Candi Hedgpeth Schriefer

    I am so very sorry. There must are no words.

  63. Kathleen Kreider

    So sorry for your loss. These are definitely dangerous dogs and something should be done. Hope you all find comfort and peace.

  64. Diana O'Connell

    I have seen BullTaco in his cute motorcycle helmet all night. So sorry this happened, but happy that he knew the love at the Casa <3

  65. Sarah Myers

    Rest in peace little friend, go be with your brother again.

  66. Aimee Hahn

    We indeed be of one blood, ye and I. My heart literally hurts for you with this news. I can’t even, I just can’t. You and all those at the Casa are in my prayers. May the Comforter draw close and hold you all tight during this horrific time.

  67. Pam Rollins

    So so sorry for your sad loss❤️your lovely written humorous descriptions of life at the casa – pups included – made my day. Please know I am sorrowful for you all.

  68. Vickie Harrison Getty

    Heartbreaking. Just lost my little min-pin. He thought he was a Great Dane. Too soon, too tragic. Thank you for loving him and making him know his importance on this earth.

  69. Sam Howard

    Wonderful happy photo, I’m in pain for you and the family. It’s time for a civil suit against these neighbors.

  70. Sheila Davis

    So sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

  71. Deirdre Marie

    Such a tragedy – I”m so very sorry for your family and poor Bull Taco.

  72. Dana Brown Partaker

    I have no words that wouldn’t get me kicked off of Facebook!!!!! So sorry!

  73. Liz Ledsham

    Thoughts are with you. When I lived in Colorado we had a neighbour who would regularly take pot shots at me, the polo ponies I was exercising and the five dogs that I always had with me all belonging to my then boss. I will never forget the anger and hatred on that man’s face, it will stay with me forever. Thankfully he was a crap shot, I can’t imagine the pain and loss which he’s visited upon you. All the best from the other side of the pond x

  74. Heidi Clancy

    With you he new he had a good life. Sorry for your loss

  75. Peggy Webb Moore

    So sad. I pray for you and your family. I pray for a solution to the cause so no more tragedy in this form comes your way. I hope you realize how much you are loved and appreciated for what you do and for the love and appreciation you show all living beings. May the words on this post help heal your heart.

  76. Maite Chaves Penna

    So, so sorry for your loss.

  77. Carole Walker

    So sorry to you and Mum JoAnn for the passing of El Bull. God bless xx

  78. Grace Hsiung

    This is so heartbreaking!!Despite their short time with you, I’m confident it was all worth it at the Casa esp since Stevie, Max and Bull Taco all had you guys to call their humans. Thank you for sharing their lives (and yours) with us!

  79. Amber Gideon

    Rip bulltaco. Thank you for brightening Dad’s world and our Facebook pages!

  80. Laney Painter

    Love to you and may time somehow heal this ….:*(

  81. Risa Burgess Platt

    I am so sorry… i cant imagine the grief, the frustration, and the heartache that you feel right now. My prayers are with you, your family, and all others who have grown to love your canine community. Especially this larger than life, all-in dude who never failed to bring a smile to my face… <3 <3 <3

  82. Leigh Pevreal

    Love to you all ❤❤❤❤❤

  83. Toni Paredes

    So sorry to hear more bad news!! Tan lindo Bull Taco!! Casa de wacko deserves a break!!

  84. Rose Upjohn

    What can we do to help? Can we call your Sheriff’s Dept? What’s the phone number? Can we build you a fence? Can we picket your neighbor? Put an ad in the local paper labeling him a dog killer? There has to be justice. Can you sue the living daylights out of him?

  85. Jennifer Mandin

    Obviously law enforcement isn’t doing anything about those dogs and their owners if the dogs have already killed two of your dogs in your own yard in such a small amount of time. Surely you can take them to court, or something? Their dogs entered your property and killed your dogs. Just keep a very close eye on Charlie’s and the rest of your dogs, because who knows if those dogs will end up attacking them next time they’re outside.

  86. Jeannine Prince

    I can’t believe another sweet life has been lost because of the neighbors and their dogs. Can we get the sheriff’s number and address? Your followers need to inundate them with demands that this be taken care of. NOW!! Before any more innocent lives are lost. If I don’t find out on your page, I’ll try looking up the info.

  87. Kelly Stegenga

    I’m sorry for your loss, may bull taco rest in peace.

  88. Jeannine Prince

    No words to convey the deep sorrow for you all.

  89. Kathy Moody

    So sorry for you to have to go through this again. And horrified that it was allowed to happen again. What can we do to bring pressure on the local authorities to see that this is resolved? You have a good heart and deserve better.

  90. Jana Blackwood

    I’m so sorry. Bultaco was really a loving little dog.

  91. Laura Palmer

    Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear – you made his last few months here the best. RIP sweet little man!!!!

  92. Diana Handros

    I would gladly chip in the get your property fenced. I know you like it open but that may be the only answer as your neighbors certainly do not care.

  93. Stacey McDevitt Dailey

    So very sorry…, it is truly heartbreaking

  94. Lynn Powell

    I am so sorry. Prayers and hugs.

  95. Gia Bullock

    So sorry – hugs again from Down Under.

  96. Robin Lindell Coe

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤ I am so sorry. That little buddy brought joy. I sure hope the sheriff does something. Your neighbors need to better control their animals. So sad. I am so sorry…..you are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤❤❤❤❤

  97. Tracy Nelson Lambrecht

    Bret, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear this! My heart aches for you all! Sending hugs!

  98. Terry Coriell

    NOOOOO OH Bull I am soooo sorry

  99. Cynthia Finkbeiner Glazier

    I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for all of you.

  100. Tracy Christine Whitcomb

    My heart and love goes out to the whole Casa clan….

  101. Betty Merrell

    RIP little one…. and to your family i am so sorry for the loss of your baby

  102. Marcy Oliver

    PLEASE PRESS CHARGES AND START A GO FUND ME PAGE FOR A FENCE THEY WILL NOT STOP YOU HAVE TO STOP IT. YOUR FOLLOWERS WILL CHIP IN AND PAY FOR A FENCE SO THE REST WILL BE PROTECTED

  103. Louise Howe

    Nooooooooooooo!!!!! :'( :'( :'(

  104. Nancy Moore

    I’m so sorry for your loss! Remember the good times and he will be with you always. You loved them all ❤️

  105. Brenda Broy Childress

    This breaks my heart.. nothing will bring him back.. keep your memories alive and I pray that justice will be done

  106. Joalynn Barnhart

    this is so sad im so sorry for your loss

  107. Amy Langan

    My heart is breaking for you. My Chi is, without a doubt, one of the greatest loves of my life (if not THE greatest). I’m so very sorry for your loss.

  108. Michelle Melvin

    There is no good bye Bull Taco there is only love and see you one day. R.I.P. little dude

  109. Andrea Collette-aka Boots Jones

    Sending virtual hugs. So sorry for your loss x

  110. Kathleen Glenn Pfeifer

    Omg !!!This cannot go on because with such I such heart breaking news ….I could not bare it if something happened to CB ….Maybe we all should send letters to the Saline Deputy’s Office or your neighbor.? What can we all do to help stop this horror? I know what I would do if I lived close to you !

  111. Terry Steele

    We are so sad to hear this. It is truly not fair. He was loved by you and by all that follow you. Thank God for people like you that love and help the little ones.

  112. Vicki Eshleman

    heartbroken to read this…

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