nicky H Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 (edited) We were contacted in September 2007 about a lovely old man, 12 years old and being rehomed at his age Grandad Ben His mum and dad had moved house, leaving ben with their neighbour. the neighbour was working all day every day and ben was left home alone Les kindly offered to drive up to Blackpool to pick ben up and bring him to mine on Foster. When he arrived he was SO confused and just wanted to go home I still remember the first time he came over for a fuss, i was sat at the PC and he came over to me, stared into my eyes and gave me his paw and i burst our crying I think from then on i knew noone would be good enough and he probably wouldnt be going anywere, they would of had to be extra special to get this lad from my claws! We had a few enquiries (including most of BDRNE :lol ) but i kept saying no, even thought most of them were great homes! In the end i just had to give in and realise that there was no way he was going anywere. He was so confused when he arrived, it took him quite some time to settle in and be comfortable with our routine, But he settled and he was happy, there was no way i was putting him through that again at his age. Ben was a lovable old Gent, he was as stubborn as an ass, but take him to a field/park/beach and he was like a 12 month old puppy again. Turkey on Toast - Xmas 2007 Enjoying his favourite treat EVER - Yoghurt! In August 2008 ben started showing his age. he was slowing down alot. His back legs were getting weak, he was almost completely deaf and had cataracts in both eyes. He also started to develop a cough. The vet thought it may of been his heart, but after having an ECG nothing abnormal showed up. Ben seemed to do ok for a few weeks, but in early September he went downhill again. He went off his food and was constantly sleeping. Ben never improved or recovered this time, i tool him to the vets yet again who basically told me if just have to face the fact that he IS getting old, he was then 13 yrs old, i ripe old age for a boxer. But that still didnt make it any easier. I decided to take him home and enjoy the weekend with him, with the vet coming out to the house on the Tuesday (23rd). But on the 22nd September, i got home from work, ben got up from his bed and seemed very unsteady on his feet, i helped him out to the garden as he needed the toilet. He collapsed in the garden and i rushed him to the vet. His gums were white and he seemed in pain. The vet was positive he was bleeding internally, it was likely he had a tumour in his Abdomen which had ruptured. I agree'd to let the vet send him on his way. He was in pain and I was not putting him through anymore for my own sake, as hard as it was to loose him so soon after Chance i knew it was what was best for him, to keep him here would be cruel and for my benefit only. He had had enough. I will never EVER forget that day and would NEVER wish anyone to go through what i did. Ben left for the Bridge on the 22nd September 2008, just 4 days before his first gotcha Day Sleep tight my gorgeous old boy, one in a million who will NEVER be forgotten Edited January 11, 2009 by nicky H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantan Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 That's a lovely tribute to Ben and the photos are wonderful for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ingipops Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 What a wonderful tribute to your old gentleman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zico's mum Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 (edited) what a wonderful tribute to a very much loved dog.Ben found an amazing home for his last few months,lucky lad.I love the photo with the yoghurt pot Edited January 12, 2009 by zico's mum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Sleep tight beautiful Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yena Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Heart-breaking Ben you beautiful gentleman sleep tight and god bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel n Hardy Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 so lovely, loving and moving sleep tight Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 So sorry for your loss. Sleep tight Ben. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rykat Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 So sorry Nicky That is a wonderful tribute to such a handsome man, and the photo's just echo what life is all about for a boxer, FUN ! No words can make it better, but we're thinking of you x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndwoman Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 A lovely tribute to the grand old chap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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