Thursday, November 9, 2017

Gone Too Soon

BEN 5/12/2008 - 11/8/2017

I had to leave camp yesterday ~ a day early.  Just before lunch I received a text from the Kennel that Ben didn’t get up and greet JoAnne (the owner) as he usually does in the morning.  Ben didn’t even get up to eat his food so she pushed the bowls closer, he ate and drank water but didn't get up.   

Later in the morning she wrote saying Ben wasn’t himself, had growled at a customer who petted him and snapped at her.  Said she couldn’t keep him in the future and would I come to pick him up tomorrow (which would be today) as early as possible.  She was assuming it was an aggressive and unprovoked behavior.  

However, I’d provided medication for his arthritis in case he would be in pain from playing with the other dogs.  Said she gave him half a pain pill, which was a vet prescription 

He had been playful with other dogs one-on-one play in September and she sent me a video of him playing with a brown lab named Lucy on Monday.  And on Tuesday sent a photo of Ben with the caption "Ben likes Lucy's mat" as he had commandeered it (below). 

p.s.  sometimes Ben's lip will stick to his teeth and he looks goofy.  Each dog has it's own space but will let two play in one area while cleaning the other 
 
So texted her back saying I was going to lunch and keep in touch.  Came back from lunch yesterday to read that her husband said Ben must be hurting and didn’t think I should let him stay there another day…. could I come pick him up now.  The girls in class and Eric Reed (Betsy’s husband) collected my class room stuff and I went to clear my hotel room.  I'm thankful for the gathering of friendship in a time of need.

Texted JoAnne there was no room in the vehicle with my hooking stuff so would come home, unload then drive the half hour to pick him up so couldn’t be there until around 4.  

After depositing my items at home then texted JoAnne I was on my way.  She said, “good, I finally got him to stand up”.

As I was pulling into her yard could see her walking back to the kennel with an older man and female neighbor …JoAnne was crying.  OMG, my heart sank,  as I figured it must be about my boy Ben.  Ben had died.  His body was still pliable but cooler so had just happened within the span of half an hour.  What a shock!

The two neighbors kindly drove Ben to the vet hospital in Georgetown so I could pay to have him cremated and ashes returned.  I’d never have made it to my vet in Bridgeville in time for closing and what could I do with his body by myself. 
Ben's birth date was 5/12/08 and died 11/8/17.  So he lived a proud Rottweiler active life.  I am so happy to have been part of his life with him as he was fun, gentle, protective of me and my grandson.  

I have a video and a still photo of Ben from this week that JoAnne sent during the days he was happy and active.  

Ben had his senior wellness on 8/31/17 and his blood work was good as were his vitals.  But on November 8th Ben really didn't feel well in the morning.  He was NOT a mean spirited dog who would snap willy nilly.  So think he can be forgiven for the growl and snap as he was obviously not well.  I cannot imagine why he died but he was over 9 years old which is about the life span of a big dog.  

Of course I am grieving and have already shed a bucket full of tears.  But I am a glass half full type of person and look for something good of a situation so as to not go into depression.  

Ben was active to the day before he died, he didn't have a long and/or painful life; fortunately I had the help of JoAnne and her neighbors to assist transporting a heavy dog to the vet whereas if he'd passed at home it would present problems for me.  While I'm sad Ben didn't have the comfort of his mommy at the time, perhaps God was looking out for my best interest and took him early so I would suffer less.

OMG, I will miss him and the silly things he did which made me laugh.  Every time I cut a vegetable and he hears the sounds will come running for the ends of celery, the ends of zucchini and white hard parts of Romaine lettuce ends....and so many other fond memories.

Think he will be my last dog as it will allow me to go to camps without worrying about who will take care of him or her.  My heart is very heavy...give your dogs a big hug and enjoy your time together. 

FYI, tje kennel did NOTHING wrong.  I was pleased and will give references for it with every aspect of her kennel: climate controlled, huge individual runs with doggie doors to fenced in area, plays music to sooth the dogs, has a video camera and voice to speak to the dogs when she is in the house...AND a very spotless kennel.

No more fences for you Ben...run free and play hard at Rainbow Ridge sweet boy.  Please say "hi" to Shumba, Panzer and Shadow for me.

Saundra


25 comments:

  1. So sorry you lost your Ben, Saundra. You gave him a wonderful life with your loving care. He was, indeed, a lucky dog! Take care.
    Robyn

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  2. Aww...I so understand the heartache...been there. Sweet, sweet boy he was to you. You will remember that...

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  3. We love them so much but these hard days eventually come. I'm sorry for anyone who has to go through this grief. We lost 2 senior dogs within 18 months. It is just hard. Take care and hold onto your good memories, and know that you gave him a good life.

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  4. Oh, Saundra. I am so very, very sorry. My heart aches for you. I hope he stops by and says hi to Ellie and Loocie.

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  5. I am so very sorry it is so hard to lose those loves. Lucky Ben got to have you as his mom and a good life.
    Cathy

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss of Ben. Its always a sad shock as they age to realise their short time on this earth is nearly gone. My 14 yr old Irish Setter is in his final weeks as he can barely walk, eat or get up. My wish was for him to die in his sleep but unfortunately that doesnt seem to be his way to go.

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  7. Dear One, I am so sorry to read of Ben's passing. It sounds like he was enjoying his time at the new kennel. So glad they were watching close enough to know to call you. Remember all the good times and always hold him near your heart.

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  8. I am so sorry to hear about Ben, I know your heart is breaking right now and mine for you. It is hard with larger dogs and it sounds like he may have had a heart attack or stroke with such a sudden change in behavior. I am glad he was with such good people who cared enough to watch him and help you through the process.

    Debbie

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  9. Oh my gosh Saundra, I'm so very sorry about your loss. It's so unexpected. I know how you love him so much and having lost many pets over the years, I know how painful it can be.

    I'm glad you had someone who cared for him with the best care. It was his time and I'm sorry it had to happen. I know it will leave a big void in your life.
    Remember the good memories.
    Warm hugs, Julia

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  10. I am sorry to hear about Bens passing. Sending hugs for you.

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  11. I am so sorry! I was in shock. If anyone follows your blog they have followed Ben. You two were blessed to have each other.

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  12. Dear Saundra,
    My heart aches for you right now and please know that you will be in my prayers!! Your boy Ben was a special boy and I know you will miss him!! Thank you for all the times you shared him with us!!!! May all those wonderful memories bring you comfort!!
    Sending Love and Hugs to you~
    Julie

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  13. How very, very sorry I am to learn that Ben has passed. So glad that he didn't suffer. Will be thinking about you in the coming days. I gave my german shepherds an extra hug this morning...

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  14. Oh Saundra, I am so sorry to read this, my heart aches for you this morning. Ben was very special & was so lucky to live with you! Cherish your memories & remember the fun times you had together. Hugs my friend!

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  15. My heart aches for you Saundra...I know he took a big piece of your heart with him...hugs

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  16. Oh, saundra,, what a shock!! Soo very sorry! He is such a big big part of ur life!
    Glad he did not suffer much,,,,
    Thinking of you,, and happy memories, ,,,♡♡♡

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  17. Dear Saundra,
    It's so very hard to read this having just lost my beloved Smokey a few months ago. I know Ben had a very very good life and you made it so. May he run free now and may your heart heal in time. Keep those memories strong and know my prayers are being sent for you. Big big hugs!!
    Cathy G

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  18. Oh Sandra I am so very sorry to her about Ben . He was a special guy and will be greatly missed. My heart aches for you. Crossing the rainbow bridge he will meet lots of special friends and will look forward to being with you again some day . Take care....

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  19. Aw, they are our family. Thoughts and prayers.

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  20. I’m so very sorry for your loss of Ben, Saundra. Our Zoe has been kenneled for over a month while Brian is in hospital and we miss her terribly. They are like our babies. My heart goes out to you. Sending our condolences and prayers for peace in your loss. Lori

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  21. I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious boy Ben. They are our constant loving companions. I'm also grieving the loss of my little girl Tulla who passed a few weeks ago. Breaks your heart... :( Someday you'll be together again.

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  22. Saundra, I just checked in and learned about Ben. My heart aches with you. He had a happy and wonderful life with you but he really was gone too soon.I remember going down to the barn to feed and came back to find my Westie dead on the sofa. He was small enough I could still hold him and cry. His pain is gone but his presence will linger long. Imagine that tightness you feel around is me sending you a giant hug. Trisha

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  23. My heart goes out to you. He will always be in your heart providing loving memories. God Bless You, Kat

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  24. I am just now catching up on blogs after being at a show recently ~ how very sad I am to read that Ben is no longer with you. I know what a good life he had, how much you loved and cared for him...and how he loved you best. Until you meet him again, fondly remember him with love in your heart <3
    L

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