“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
Happy birthday to your sweet, soulful boy!
Happy Belated Birthday, Ben! What joy you bring Heather and Remi! You are so photographic – but, I must say, some of the credit must go to your Mommy! I love that far away look in your portrait! You are so handsome!
Having met Ben, whom I think is actually a human in disguise, I think you two are made for each other. Big birthday scratches to Ben!
Happy birthday Ben! Be always healthy and make your maman laugh!
Happy Birthday Ben, Every now and then, us dog lovers are lucky enough to be adopted by a very special dog. Ben is one of them. You can see it in every one of his photos.
We have had quite a few dogs. All of them were special. For the past 8 years we have been so blessed to have Lucy, a Brittany Spaniel. She is the smartest, the sweetest, the most loving dog we have ever had. Wish Ben could meet her.
Happy Birthday to Ben !!! Give him a big hug from me!! He is so lovely! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures! Truly beautiful my dear Heather! xoxo Greet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely Ben. I fell in love with you even before I knew "Lost in Arles".
Via the google image search for the Cap Bénat I found an image of Ben in front of the sea. And the one thing that told me this photo was that here is a dog who deeply loves and trusts the person who took the photograph.
Nine is already… lets say "agé" for a dog? In German we would say a "proud age". May he be well and with you for a long, long time!
Did anybody mention he is also a VERY handsome dog! (;
Ben is an angel! Many dogs are angels ! And sometimes they return to you!!! What a lovely, appreciative and magical dog!! He knows how lucky he is!!!
Happy Birthday Ben!
The big stick is hilarious!
Every time I see Ben's photo I feel happy.
Thank you for sharing him
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN.