Reply With QuoteA fitting eulogy for a well loved pet!
RIP Ben.
It is with a very heavy heart and great sadness that I have to inform you today we lost Benny.
In happier times ~ 2007/08
Ben had been found straying in Southern Ireland back in 2004. He was taken to a dog pound and put on ‘death row’.
Which means he had 5 days to be claimed or he’d be in for the chop.
Luckily for Ben a nice lady called Theresa turned up. Her sole mission in life was to get as many dogs as possible off death row (ones that weren’t too ill or aggressive to be re-homed).
She went for her usual weekly check and took Ben with a number of other dogs.
Ben was then shipped off to Wales to “Dasha Dog Rescue” (great people – rescue no longer running, I don’t think).
And this is where we found him. We’d come across him on dogpages.org.uk and made an appointment to go visit him
We took Archie with us (Archie is still going and will be 15 in July….).
We guessed Ben was probably around 2 when we got him. “Anywhere from 1-3 based on his teeth” our vet said.
He wasn’t in great condition when we took him on.
As I said, he’d been found as a stray and had been eating God only knows what and was getting over a nasty stomach condition.
He also had bald patches/scars on his face – from where he’d be muzzled/tied up – outside we think and
it took him a while to work out when we went for walks in bed weather, he would actually get to come back to the warm and dry afterwards.
Also all his life he would cower when he was called and approached people – I figure he’d been knocked about a bit by someone in his early days.
Ben settled in with us well – clearly working out he’d be rehomed by two hopeless dog loonies.
He had an amazing appetite and the speed with which he would get through his food was legendary.
He also used to take great joy in eating _anything_ he found in the garden…
Ben and Archie were walked and walked all over together over the last 10 years.
And we’d be all wistful about “can you imagine what it’ll be like when they’re older and can’t be walked far?”.
Over the last ~2yrs they have slowed down and we’d not take them far at all for their daily walks.
Ben did lose an eye a few years back (and was probably just about blind in his remaining eye).
But carried on with gusto as usual.
In the end it was his old joints and arthritis that did for him. We’d had him on all kinds of meds in his food for a good few years -
(being a ‘mix’ he wasn’t put together very well and was never able to sit straight).
He was fine this weekend just gone. But yesterday after his (short) morning walk….when he got home…he wasn’t able to stand anymore.
I think the pain in his joints had become too much and his front legs especially wouldn’t take his weight.
We got him to the vets yesterday. And they gave him big painkillers. And we got to spend last night with him at home.
I’m very pleased that this wasn’t the end of a long drawn out illness.
He was so full of life and has really lived it with us. But mostly, he really just loved being with us (and eating…).
I’m so very glad that we were the ones who got to rehome him.
This morning’s trip to the vets was as hard as I’d imagined.
We never had dogs as kids, so today was the first time we’ve had to let one go.
It really is the end of an era – Benny was one in a billion.
But the gap that Benny leaves in our lives will be filled with some wonderful memories of good times over many years.
And we count ourselves lucky that we have our other dogs still with us.
Run free Ben.
This morning with his farewell pigs ear:
A fitting eulogy for a well loved pet!
RIP Ben.
Sorry to hear of your loss (I still miss our Cavalier, who was put down a year ago). However, I am delighted that you found one another, what a wonderful story. Rest in peace, Ben.
What a lovely post for a sad time. RIP Ben.
A really nice post for such a lovely companion. RIP Ben.
Not a dog owner, but from what you have written, he was a lucky dog indeed to be in such sterling company! Well done to you for giving him a great life.
Please accept my condolences. We had to let our beloved Schnauzer go last April. Still hurts to think about it.
Beautiful post. Very sorry for your loss.
Sad that he's gone, but he sounds like he was enormous fun to have around and that he found a great home with you guys. Sure he's chasing stuff in the woods now...
Sorry to read this - RIP Ben.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Commiserations to you at this sad time. Losing a dog is so very hard.
Please take consolation in the fact that Ben had a great life, all thanks to you.
Cheers,
Neil.
Sad to read this, but it seems he had a full life and an easy way out. I hope they'll say the same for me one day. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Very sad news indeed - my condolences to you and yours, they really do become a family member (and likeable ones at that!) - RIP Ben
Heartfelt condolences Tom. We lost our 4yr old Springer Willow last month to an Adisonion Crisis, knocked me sideways.
Rob
What an interesting life he had. Looked like a happy old warrior at the end. RIP
Gray
Really sad news to hear of the loss of one of your team, sounds like you've worked well together for a number of good years,
Ben,,, I salute you, RIP.
Sorry to read of your loss.
Life's a long song. But the tune ends too soon.... Sorry to hear about old Ben, yet glad you managed many a happy year to provide happy memories.
So sorry to hear this, losing a dog is very hard, I know from experience.
Remember all the good times and the fun you had.
Best Regards - Peter
I'd hate to be with you when you're on your own.
RIP Ben - a fine dog who had a fine owner.
I saw this on a blog once - if you have a favourite walk and know regular walkers then I think it's a good idea?
That must have been a difficult post for you to write.
Glad you've still got Archie to keep you company.
All the best.
Fine words indeed.
I'd say Ben was a lucky chap to have found such a friend!
Hopefully the happy memories will help to see you through these sad days.
jeff
A very sad day, RIP Ben.
Sounds like both Ben and your Family were very lucky to have found each other and shared many happy times.
Sorry for your loss,
Sleep well Ben.
very sorry for your loss, and having never lost a pet before, this must be hard.
thoughts with you and yours,
A fitting post to what sounds like a wonderful life for Ben and family. My thoughts and feelings are with you.
-flugzeit
Sounds like Ben had a wonderful life with you all, which is lovely considering the start he had. He will love on in your memories, and as you say he is no longer suffering. Very sad for your loss.
Every time I read one of these and there been a few over the recents months it gets me every time. We lost our last dog 3 yrs ago now but I still got the horrible jolt in the stomach reading this.
Dogs get in to our hearts quite unlike other pets and losing one is crippling, you have my sincere condolences.
FFF
Perhaps wrong to say but I've felt less compassion for the loss of someone I know than I have for the loss of a pet. They give their love and trust unconditionally, unlike many humans. I'm sure you gave him your best.
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
nice one....
Blub... Sounds like you gave him a lovely life... I have made the same trip and it was really really tough, but, console yourself that it's the right thing to do...
I have had my two pooches cuddled up to me on the sofa looking after me, whilst I try to fight of man flu... They just make a huge difference in your life..
Ben
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Once you've been through it yourself you can never read a sad post like this without it all coming back.
Cherish the memories.
A beautiful post.As an owner of two I know how much they affect your life.R.I.P Ben.
Sorry for your loss, as has been said already, a lovely tribute to Ben. RIP.
I was so saddened to read this story and it reminded me of my cat the wife bought me for a wedding present. The sense of loss is heart breaking and although they are pets they mean so much more. I am so sad for you loss, but it's important to remember him and celebrate his life....God speed.BEN.X
Pets really do become part of your family..
Sorry for your loss, he sounded like a fine fellow
A great post and tribute to what sounds like a great dog who was well loved - RIP Ben.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
A fine chap (both of you)
I'm not sure I've got much to add to what others have posted. That sad my thoughts are with you and all those that loved Ben.
Very sad about your loss. You will no doubt have some wonderful memories of him that will make you think back and smile.
All the best, Gerry
Sorry to hear your sad news. Sounds like he had a great life with you. RIP Ben.
Sorry to hear about your loss, RIP Ben.
He is waiting for you on the other side of rainbow bridge….
Was I a religious man, I'd be inclined to believe this.Originally Posted by arthurDALEY
Very sad news. When I lost my boy 2 years ago I was more upset than I've ever felt before.
From your post though it's easy to see that every day that you had him he was loved and cared for, which was brilliant seeing what could have happened to him.
I imagine there's a huge hole in your day this morning but time will heal the pain.
Lovely but sad post,
Neil
It's their unconditional love, querkyness, strange habits and mischievous nature that makes it so hard when we have to say goodbye. My thoughts are with you. RIP Ben.
Many, many thanks for all your kind words. Very much appreciated.
So sorry for your loss.
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