Benny
Our beautiful boy, Benny, our silly, darling dog, has left us. He was sick for such a short time - he went from his cheerful self to being unable to walk over the space of two days. The vet found that he was riddled with tumours and Red and I held him one last time and stroked his beautiful silky ears and told him how much we loved him as the vet put him to sleep forever.
We buried him under the loquat tree on a sunny afternoon with his lead, and a handful of cat kibble. Stolen cat kibble was his absolute favourite.
Benny came to us in 2014, when we fell in love with his sandy eyebrows and lovely brown eyes at the dog shelter. He came home with us and proceeded to create havoc on a daily basis and we discovered what it is to be loved by a dog, wholeheartedly, unconditionally, and without a sliver of judgement. Benny has been our first and only dog, and I didn't realise how dreadful it is to lose a dog. The house is so quiet without the jingle of his collar and the click of his toenails on the floor boards. The couch is so empty without his warm and solid presence and gentle snores.
It's been three weeks today, and this afternoon I finally tipped the last of the kibble from his bowl into the compost. That last meal that he couldn't quite finish. Every few days I tidy up and give away another corner of his life. The dog shampoo from the bathroom, the allergy meds from next to the stove, the treats from the pantry. He is disappearing piece by piece, but his lovely, gentle soul is still here with us, perched in front of the door waiting to go out, leaping up and down in the front porch while I try to wrestle his lead on, snoozing on the couch with his head on my lap. He was always, always there for us, and he always loved us.
Good night, darling boy, and sweet dreams x
Comments
I am holding you and Red close to my heart. Sending you love.
Patricia
Patricia, ah yes, the dog who comes out of nowhere to comfort us in a time of trial. Benny came to us a few months after my ex-husband left, and was there to warm the hearts of two grieving children. Thank you to the Rileys and Bennys of this world. The dogs we weren't expecting who kept us warm when we were out in the cold xx
Kate
Fran, oh those brown eyes looking up at you. And all they want is a cuddle, or a walk, or dinner. No complications in that relationship.
Blueberry. I am hearing you. Maybe one day..
Gretchen Joanna, Benny was very much the best friend to have had. Every single soul is unique, and their flavour is so particular to them..
The tears are streaming again as our cherished little boy left us on March 9th this year. Dogs are loyal, joyous, funny gifts we have in our lives. Many of our friends began as Dog Park People. The best Christmas Party was the Bark in the Park. He loved the park and other dogs and we enjoyed socialising with their owners.
Cleaning away the bed, toys, leads, blankets, it's all hard. Dog are so honest and such good company. Maybe you'll enjoy the company of another dog one day. So lucky to have their company, humour and cuddles.
Deborah
Our little furry friends explode into our lives, and gardens. Yes, canines ideas of gardening differ to our own. They dig holes, tear out plants, knock over retaining walls, and cause general mayhem. To escape from the consequences of their actions, they pull, what is known in the trade as: Innocent Face Number four. This can be differentiated from face number five due to a slightly differing tilt to the head. And as everyone knows, face number two includes that little gleam of trust which may also equally be interpreted as mischief - it says 'surely you'll nary be upset at me actions, will ya boss?' An effective strategy! Always works.
Vale little Benny mate, and may your long slumber be full of the memories of summer days, joyful companionship, and the joys of cat kibble.
Cheers. Chris
I have never had a dog, but I know well how the loss of a beloved pet leaves a huge hole in one's life. I read a quote somewhere, along the lines of "if the loss of a dog causes tears, then the dog's job was well done". Farewell, Benny the Wonder Dog.
Linda in NZ
Chris, Benny was not a terror in the garden. He never dug anything up - his worst crime was sitting on plants and squashing them, because he always wanted to be right next to me in the garden. His most common face was confused. He was not a clever boy, but a loving one. And very loved.
Linda, yes, by that definition Benny was a very good boy indeed xxx