“Ben has soul.” Our dear friend Sonny has said this since the very first time that she met him.
And she is exactly right. He is incredibly special. There are times that I think he is an angel in a dogs disguise…
…albeit one with a very specific and unerring sense of humor.
His joie de vivre is off the charts! Remi has said that he can hear me laughing while playing with Ben everyday and that is true…
…but he also gives us both an enormous amount of comfort and peace…
…that is rooted in unending love.
It is amazing to think that he turns nine today. Of course it only seems like yesterday since we brought him home.
He has been through a lot of changes since then. This is his third home, we have moved from city to country and not to mention the boat-rocker that was the adoption of Kipling, to who he has been a loyal companion, one to inspire trust at every level…
…for that is his true specialty. He has convinced people that are petrified of dogs to give them another try and dogs that are petrified that nothing bad will happen in his fine company.
I love his easy smile, liquid deep eyes and sly tail wag. You are such a charmer, Ben.
I tried to take an official portrait of him (see above) but he was too intent on napping in the afternoon sunshine to pose. Who am I to disrupt that? Most especially on a birthday…
Happily there is also this photo, taken on our morning walk today where he was proud to have found an extra big stick for the return trip. It is daily project that he takes rather seriously…
…and is one of the few “typical” aspects of this delightfully unique dog.
I love you, Bidou.
Happy Birthday mon Ben!
I will leave you with two of my very favorite Ben posts:
and the classic
WOW ! Bow Wow !
Happy Birthday dearest Ben, I would love to give you a big kiss on that delicious nose. Heather, you'll have to do that for me, maybe a couple… Have a wonderful day, a special dinner, and a nice big stick to chew on later.
xx
What a sweetie. Birthday hugs and smooches to you, Ben. Just don't try walking through a doorway with a big stick. 😉 I've owned a golden and a part golden and they are just the sweetest. Now I have a border collie mix and she, too, is a stick collector. There is always a pile by our back door. I keep a basket there just for them.
Happy Birthday, dear Ben, and Best Wishes for many, many more! I sure wish we lived closer to each other so we all could celebrate your birthday together. I can tell that you have a huge heart and are full of baloney, just like me and my little brother Bob. Yup, you are beautiful in every way. Lots of love, Henry (13 next February 22), with Bob (my naughty little brother) and our humans Leslie and Scott in Oregon. P.S. I completely understand about sticks (and balls)…wonderful to just hold in our mouths and carry along on a walk, right? And if someone throws them for us, so much the better! And if someone throws them in the water for us, well, that's fetching heaven!
What a sweet tribute!! Happy Birthday, Ben!!!! xxooxoxoxoxo
Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!! He is the sweetest pupper – and I LOVE the photos – the silly ones and the velvet-painting-eyes one and the last one – magnifique! Best. Ever. I can vouch for his lovely soul and silliness, and I'm glad that Kipling's arrival didn't dampen his spirits. I'm so glad for our doggies who bring us so much joy, and for anything that can make you laugh daily! Give him a BIG hug for me, please!
Dearest Ben,
Happy Birthday, beautiful Ben. We admire your sweet spirit and the way you care so well for your Maman, Remi, and Kipling. We hope you've enjoyed a day not only of great sticks but pampering, love, and joy.
Your friends,
Remy and his Maman
He is a truly beautiful dog. Happy birthday Ben … wishing you many more.
Ben is such a handsome boy! Those eyes reflect so much benevolence and love. I have a yellow male Labrador, so I'm very partial to Golden Retrievers, as well. They are just the best!
Happy Birthday Mr. Ben!
Happy Birthday Ben! So pleased you found an extra big stick for your special Day !!! Some days they are hard to find.