Every now and then, because of the blog I’m fortunate enough to be able to share an extra special story of a rescue dog and the family who loves him, no matter what. This is one of those stories.
When Peter and Lorraine V. met Benny ten years ago, it was love at first sight. Although he was just a little over two years old at the time, not much was known about his first few years and it didn’t appear he’d had much attention.
“We had always been “cat people” says Lorraine, “but several years ago, perhaps because we were empty nesters, we began thinking about getting a dog. Our cousins from Ohio have had Corgis and on a visit with us here in New Hampshire we got to talking about dogs in general and Corgis in particular. They returned to Ohio and picked up their Corgi from the kennel, which was run by a woman who also runs a Corgi rescue. They met Benny, took pictures and emailed them to us.”
“People ask why we went all the way from New Hampshire to Ohio to get a dog. We had been planning a trip to visit our daughter and her family in Michigan, so it wasn’t that far out of the way. Benny loved the ride home. On a stop at a dog walk area on the thru-way he made it clear to other dogs that we were his people by peeing on Peter’s shoe. We were learning the ways of dogs.”
“When we arrived here he wouldn’t let us out of his sight. As soon as I went from one room to the next he would follow. Peter runs a part-time business from our home restoring antique motorcycles and race cars, but the noise of the engines and workshop machinery didn’t bother Benny a bit. He’s grown to love being wherever Peter is, and especially enjoys it when people come to visit. He only barks when he’s not getting as much attention as he thinks he deserves. No one comes into the shop without rubbin’ the dog!”
“It soon became apparent that he really didn’t know how to play. A bouncing tennis ball at first confused him. We finally discovered that he liked to chase a basketball. Actually, “like” is not the word … it’s his passion. We would throw the ball and he would herd it back to us until we were all exhausted. The game became known as “Benny-ball”. “Ball”, “ride” and “treat” became his three favorite words.”
“Life was pretty good for all three of us until one day in the Summer of 2006. As I was getting ready for work, my heart sank as we heard Benny fall down the stairs … the same stairs he had run up and down hundreds of times. We took him to our vet that morning and he sent us to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist. He was a kind and experienced man who told us that Benny had progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). There was little that could be done. We were devastated. It was so sad to see Benny rub his eyes in confusion.”
“However, he was healthy otherwise and in no time he seemed to adapt. We became his “seeing eye people”. He has found his way around the house and the “bumps” along the way don’t seem to bother him. He still loves to go for rides and he has even learned to play “Benny-ball” again. We use a long leash and he can find the ball by sound and smell and return it to us almost as well as before.”
“We live in a small town and almost everyone knows Benny, the rescue dog who woofed his way into our hearts a decade ago. He’s twelve now, slowing down a bit and spends time in own house with a small fence around it in Pete’s workshop. We know someday he’ll be gone from us, and even though there is no replacing him, we will never be without a Corgi in our lives.”
“Benny The Wonder Dog has enriched our lives far more than we could have ever imagined!”
Benny, you're a doll baby, and love your peeps for so obviously loving YOU 🙂
Love Benny…I had a 13 yr old tricolor…what a character..corgis are the best
As usual a heart warming story and another great way to start the day! Love you Benny! and your folks get a big arooo from the Nebraska folks
Such a sweet story && pretty corgi!!! We adopted our Corgi too and he has changed our lives forever! We will never be without a corgi ever!!!
Benny, you're a great dog with a loving family!
What a wonderful story! Benny you sound like such a wonderful boy. My corgi is the same way when people come over, they need to acknowledge him and pet him before they do anything else. You have to love our corgi's!
I think the big ball thing might be a herding dog thing, because my corgi (who does know how to play) would much prefer a soccer ball than a tennis ball!
As a family friend and customer I can attest that all who enter are routinely reminded by Pete to "Rub the dog" as the first order of business upon entering the shop. Benny really lucked out with his "seeing eye people".
Love all the wonderful Pictures of Benny! Such a beautiful boy! So nice to talk to you both tonight.You sound like such loving caring people, and if all goes well, you will be able to meet our Pattie.
Talk to you soon.
Anne Beauchemin
Swiftwater Corgis
Just read about Benny's passing. You obviously had a very special bond. He was blessed to have found you and vise versa. I've lost two Corgis and dread the idea of losing another, but the wonderful memories will eventually outweigh the heartache.- Holly Clanahan, friend of Daily Corgi
Run free at the Rainbow Bridge. How wonderful you enriched the lives of your family as Corgi's do so well. Hugs to your family as they deal with your passing.
I have owned many dogs in my life, and although each was very special in their own way….there is just something so endearing about a Corgi.
Always sweet, always friendly, and always oh so stubborn if not in the mood to do something. I truly feel every emotion you described in your story about Benny. But despite everything Benny gave to you….you gave him the greatest gift of all….a family to love, and to belong to. RIP Benny.
I have owned many dogs in my life, and although each was very special in their own way….there is just something so endearing about a Corgi.
Always sweet, always friendly, and always oh so stubborn if not in the mood to do something. I truly feel every emotion you described in your story about Benny. But despite everything Benny gave to you….you gave him the greatest gift of all….a family to love, and to belong to. RIP Benny.
Condolences on the loss of Benny. I am a new Corgi person — with two 3 month old pups. I have had many dogs and recently lost my 13 year old best friend, a yellow lab. I will miss her until the day I die, But corgis are special. Bella and Beau send corgi love to your family at this sad time.
So sorry for your loss of dear Benny. Such a wonderful and caring dog who came to a family who loved you heaps. I hope our Connor who we lost in September will great you at the gates and show you around. Love and Prayers. Lorraine & Barry from Australia.