Back on 11 Feb 03, Q gave us a version including this verse:

Way down in some dark alley
I heard a bulldog bark,
I believe to my soul my honey
Is lost out in the dark,
He is my man, but he won't come home.

I was reminded of the opening lyrics to "Stagger Lee" as recorded in the 50s by Lloyd Price (I was standing/On the corner/When I heard that bulldog bark..."), and immediately started to wonder if there is some symbolism or traditional meaning to the bulldog's bark.

Any ideas?