A little over 4 years ago I lost my golden girl Jenny. She was one in a million and I thought nothing could replace her. But life goes on, and a few months later I started looking for another dog at the Humane Society. At the time I wasn’t in a position to take on a puppy (and Ripley was only a year and a half old), so I was looking for an older dog. After several weeks, there was a big yellow lab looking for a new home. He was about 8 years old (didn’t really know how old, as he was a stray).

I brought Buddy home the next day. I didn’t care for the name so I changed it to “Ben” – he didn’t seem to mind.

Ben fit right in. I’m sure that with golden boy Ripley, and all the Helping Paws goldens that have come and gone over the past few years, he probably thought he was golden too. And as far as I was concerned, he was golden. If Jenny was “one in a million,” Ben was “one in 999,999.”

It turned out that Ben was aptly named, as in “Gentle Ben.” He was the most laid back dog I have ever seen. Nothing fazed him, except for another dog out in the park behind the house – then he barked to show them who was boss. He never asked for much. When he wanted affection, he simply laid his head on my knee. A little bit of petting, a few scratches behind the ears, then he was content and would go lay down again.

As is the case with many large breed senior dogs, Ben eventually developed problems in his hind quarters. Glocosamine seemed to help. Then a couple of months ago he started having problems with his throat. Nothing major, sort of coughing, it was just as if he had to clear his throat once in a while. There was a visit to the vet and some X-rays, but no definite diagnosis. A few weeks ago Ben started to throw up a rather thick mucous (but nothing from the stomach). Another visit to the vet and another round of X-rays, it appeared that Ben had a condition called “megaesophagus.” Basically, the esophagus has problems moving food and water down to the stomach, and stuff collects there. Ben would then have to cough it up. The danger is that sometimes the contents can get into the lungs, resulting in pneumonia.

As it progressively got worse, it became painful to see Ben struggle with this, even though once he coughed it up he was almost comfortable. But after a couple of bad nights I made the decision to help Ben let go. This past Wednesday we had one last walk out in the park and then made our last trip to the vet.

As difficult as it was for me, I feel good that Ben’s last few hours were relatively comfortable for him. He’s at peace and so am I.

John, Ben and Ripley

John, I am so sorry to hear the news about Ben. Helping our beloved kids start their journey to RB is the hardest thing we have to do---but also the most unselfish act of love we can do for them. It's still so fresh for me, as my heart dog, Texas, had to leave suddenly in Sept. and your loss of Gentle Ben has me crying for the loss of both of them.I know my girl was there to greet Ben when he arrived. Ben had a wonderful life with you, and he knew how much he was loved. I'm happy you found each other. He'll always be near you and watching over you.

Godspeed, sweet, gentle Ben

Marcy

We are so sad and sorry to hear about the loss of darling Ben.
He is at peace and pain free now.
Take care
Debbie

John, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ben sounds like he was a wonderful loving dog who knew how good he had it with you.

I'm sure my Amber, Max, Clara and my parents' dog Deke all greeted him with open paws.

Marianne

John,
So very sorry for your loss. Ben had a great life with you and will be waiting at the Bridge until you meet again.

John:
I am so sad to read of your loss. Gentle Ben was well loved and I'm sure he knew it. RB is a little brighter now with Ben's spirit. In time the good memories will be a comfort.
Take care
Bill

John, you've given that most heartfelt of all gifts, letting a beloved dog leave this earth before pain and suffering set in. It surely sounds like Ben had a wonderful life with you and all the goldens, both permanent and temporary pups. I'm so very sorry for the hole he's left in your heart and your home. Godspeed gentle Ben; you've got lots of wonderful company for your next journey.....

Ben's story sounds so much like Phoenix's. Ben had a wonderful life with good care and other canines to share his life. He had everything he wanted.

I hope that he will have the next dance with Texas at the bridge.

Regards,

PJ

I'm so sorry John. It's never easy to let them go - no matter how long they have lived in our homes, I like to believe that they live in our hearts forever. Please be kind to yourself and give Ripley an extra scritch or two from us here in Vermont...

God speed Gentle Ben.

Erica

Ben
we are so very sorry for your loss, we have lit a candle in honor of your sweet and gentle ben....God Speed Sweet Ben....

Tee and Daisy

Bless his heart John. Bless your heart too. Ben was lucky to have a good home with you and I'm sure he's at rainbow bridge bragging about his life and his master.

I know it's never easy. I'm going to light a candle right now for Ben.

God Speed Ben.

Vicki

John -
I believe loving our pups enough to let them go, knowing what a huge hole you'll have in your heart, is one of the kindest and most loving things you can do. I feel for you! Godspeed sweet Ben!
Fidele & Cedar

Bless you for giving Ben a chance at a wonderful life when most people would never consider adopting a dog of his age. Godspeed, dear Ben.

Very sorry to hear of your loss . . . . it sounds like Ben was a great fellow.

Best wishes.

Rick C
www.goldentales.ca

A difficult decision - but the right one. He sounds like such a tranquil, gentle soul. Thank you for rescuing Ben and giving him such a wonderful life.

Sandra & Faith

We send you our prayers and thoughts. We know that Ben is with you in spirit right now.

Trish, Honey and Abby

I am so very sorry to hear about Ben. May all the wonderful memories you have of Gentle Ben bring you peace and comfort.

I'm very sorry for your loss, John. It's extra hard at this time of year too.

John, I just got to the forum and saw your post. I am so very sorry to know that you have lost Ben.

Our Reggie is one of those lab/golden boys who came through golden rescue because one of our transporters could not leave him at the shelter.

Please know that we are thinking of you tonight.

Carol, Reggie, Emma Rose

I'm so sorry to hear about Ben. He sounds like a really special boy who was lucky to have found a wonderful home.

John
So sorry to hear about Ben. It sounds like you gave him a wonderful life. Saying a prayer for him.
Carol

John,

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. After reading your post, it sounds like you and Ben found eachother at just the right time. 1 in 999,999 is pretty darned impressive. I can imagine the stories Ben and Jennu will be sharing as they wait for you at the Bridge.

Take care, and Godspeed sweet Ben.

John,

I am so sorry to hear about Ben. You know that the last years of his life were great. He had love and was able to give it. He is at rest now and another star shines for your Gentle Ben.

So sorry for the loss of Ben.

So sorry for your loss, Ben will be missed.

John:

Please know that we are sending (((GOLDEN THOUGHTS))) to you and your family over the loss of your Dear Ben. It's not easy to lose a family member.

XXOO Peggy Sue, JR, Rainey, Casey, Freeway, Francie adn RB Maggie and RB Dee Dee

So sorry to hear about Ben. It sounds as if he had a wonderful life and was loved very much!