Benjamin: A DOG Among Dogs {An Obituary}

He had many names: Benjamin, Ben, Benner, BearBQ, Blueberry Blue, Benjamin Bear and Bubba; and he was our wonderful smooth coat St. Bernard. He passed away at exactly noon on Wednesday. He was 8.5 years old {which is pretty old for a Saint}. We are heartbroken and adrift in emotion and memories.

To know Ben was to catch a glimpse of God for no one but the God I know would have ever thought to make such an amazing creature. He was huge. He weighed 160 pounds. He had an imposing bark. But those who knew him knew that he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was truly a gentle giant.

Benjamin came into our lives as Ruben, but we didn't think that fit him. He was at a shelter in north central Iowa, having been brought there by the family that had bought him from a breeder just 3 months prior. He was 7 months olds; he was skinny and gangly with huge flopping ears; just like a teenager who hasn't grown into his body yet. And it's a long story as to how we came to know about this precious lovebug.

We soon figured out the reason that the family had given him up and why he was so skinny; food allergies. Once we found a remedy, he gained and grew and grew. He also slobbed and slobbed and slobbed and shed and shed and shed and loved and loved and loved.

We adored him instantly and fell head over heels in love with him. Everywhere we went with Ben people stopped us to pet him, hug his massive neck and take photos with him. He willingly obliged. We quickly got used to the giant muddy paws, the large dog food and vet bills and the slobbery slime forever flip flapping out of his massive jowls onto us, the walls, the ceiling. It was just part of the package deal; and we loved the complete package.

Ben was goofy and good-natured and loved a tasty treat. When he asked for a cookie he sounded like Chewbacca. He gave big, full-bodied, hairy, slobby hugs that I will miss so much. He loved his dog sister, his cat siblings, his human brothers, his mommy and daddy and his grandma. He was the last furry baby to arrive before the human babies, yet he was never jealous of the boys; not once. That just wasn't his style. He did worry about stepping on them with his enormous paws and took great care to never do that.

Last Saturday, it snowed for the first time this season. Ben loved everything about the snow and the cold; it was his favorite season of the year. On Saturday night, I went out to the backyard where he was enjoying the cold, crisp air. He was delighted to see me, as he always was. He sat on my feet and leaned on my legs; he rubbed his head on my thigh as I scruffed his fur with my hands. Out in the dark, cold night with first snow covering the ground, we whispered together in our secret language that was understood by us alone; the kind of language that is felt deep in the soul.

He was so happy on Saturday night; bouncing around like a puppy; as he always did when it snowed. All was right in his world. I'm so glad he got to see and feel the snow one more time. And I'm so glad I had that special time alone with him. Again, I am the luckiest. I am the luckiest for having had the chance to know and love and be loved by this magnificent creature.

He became very sick in early morning hours and we were awaiting the vet's arrival at our home. We were quite certain this was the end for him, given his symptoms and we were so grateful that he passed away on his own terms; surrounded by family, in our room, on his blanket, where he always slept. We are so blessed to have had the chance for each of us to say our goodbyes and hold his hands, hug his neck and kiss his beautiful head in his last few hours.

At noon, Darling 1 had come in the room again and said to me, as I sat there with Ben, "I don't hear him anymore." {He was always a heavy breather and loud snorer}. And that's when I knew he was no longer with us. Today is God's lucky day because today he was joined by my Benjamin.

We will forever love you and miss you, Benner; my sweet, sweet angel boy. The winter won't be the same without you here. Thank you for your love and the wonderful memories.

Anna

 

Comments

[Stephanie Palmer Foster]

Anna.... beautifully written. Ben is in good company. Hugs go you all! Stephanie

[Katy]

Anna, this is so sweet and such a lovely testament to what must have been a truly wonderful dog. My heart goes out to all of you; I know Thanksgiving won't be the same for you. But hope you can still enjoy it.

Love, Katy

[Missy Krouth]

So sorry to hear of your loss, Anna. Sounds like you were lucky to have him in your family : )

[Heidi]

Ben truly was a sweetheart. I'm so sad for all of you.

[Sally]

Anna,
I'm so very sorry about Ben.I know he meant a lot to each one of you.Maybe he's with Papa K who loved him,as well.I can just picture them,playing together.

[Peggy]

With tears in my eyes, thank you for the beautiful tribute to a loving family memeber. You have written for all of us who have loved and lost a pet.

[Mela Kamin]

That is so sweet, Anna - I'm sorry for your loss. I can tell what a special fella he was and how much you all loved him.

[Carrey]

So sorry for your loss, pets are not just pets they are family. Know he is in a better place and playing happily in the snow above.

[TLM]

Thanks, Anna, this is so beautiful and a vivid picture of our dear, dear "Bendemin". Tears are streaming down my face now as they have frequently since hearing of his sweet,sweet spirit leaving us! I loved him so and I, too, loved our alone, all too infrequent, quite times together and holding his giant paw and kissing his cheek and head! He was such a sweetheart! I can't even imagine the heartache you guys feel. But I am glad he is no longer in pain! And glad for your sweet memories and for the blessing of having him in the family!

[darcie]

So very very sorry for your loss.
xxoo

[Jane @ The Borrowed Abode]

Oh my goodness. Just catching up on blog reading now and saw this. I'm so sorry, but I'm glad he found you guys early on, and you were able to fix his allergies and give him a happy life!! That photo of him in the snow is precious.