This was Benny. As heartbreaking it is to look at this picture, it is important to see Benny as he was 4 months ago. Benny truly was a forgotten animal. From the time he was born and as he was starting to learn about the world, many people failed him. The day that Benny got into a kind volunteers car and started the 5 hour drive to DRM was probably the first break this little dog had in his young life. While we cannot erase his past, we can certainly commit to improving his future.
Just like many people, I have a busy life. With a family, a job and two large dogs there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. More responsibility is not what I was looking for. When pleas for help fostering would go out, it always fell onto the plate of “others”. There were a million reasons why I couldn’t help. For some reason however when Benny’s plight came to my attention, something changed. He needed me and I knew it. His arrival was not at a good time, as I had numerous work commitments. The holidays were approaching which is always stressful. My husband thought I was crazy to add such a huge responsibility onto my very busy schedule. “Why don’t you wait until summer, when things are quieter” he asked. But I knew in my heart, before I even met Benny, that Benny couldn’t wait for my life to become less complicated. I simply took a leap of faith and picked him up on a Monday at 9:00 at night. I have never looked back or regretted my decision.
Benny has been a project. Before we even began the journey to uncover the mystery of “why his back legs don’t work the way they should,” we were dealing with the common problems of a neglected dog; worms, ear infections and the possibility of mange and/or ringworm. He weighed less than 50 lbs and needed to put on weight desperately. In my opinion however, the biggest challenge for Benny would be fixing his emotional scars. Benny was a frightened little dog. I suspect he came to DRM with minimal positive human contact. I vowed to be at least one person that he could count on. Little did I know that Benny would also amass a huge support network of his own. Coats to keep his body warm were hand delivered as well as mailed to him. Toys showed up on our doorstep for him to play with. Treats were given freely to him. People we have never met have asked about him, made donations to his care and offered their support. I am sure Benny never dreamed that people could actually be so kind.
Four months later, many of Benny’s physical aliments have gotten better. For those ailments that cannot be reversed, we at least have answers. We are choosing not to follow up with any type of surgery for Benny as of now. He currently has a good quality of life and that is what we feel is most important. We do not know what the future holds for him, but for right now he is happy NOT visiting with Doctors. He deserves this happiness.
Benny continues to be shy in many situations, but every day I follow his lead and he is learning to trust. Benny has plenty of food to eat, a safe home and other dogs to help teach him how to do things. Benny is experiencing love for probably the first time in his life. This quirky little guy has captured my heart and because of that he will be staying with me. Benny is now in his forever home.
Please take something away from Benny’s story. Take a leap of faith. Get involved. FOSTER. Educate. Share your talents to make their lives easier. Give what ever you can to these precious souls. Even if your life is busy, find the strength to give a little bit more to these dogs. The reward is priceless and you will make a difference…trust me.
Love,
Benny’s Mom