Happy Birthday Benji!

By Ruthe

Benji is one year old this month. What a wonderful year! He's brought nothing but love and laughter to me. He has made me feel like a mother all over again. I want all of you, especially you Gramma's and Grampa's, to read my story -- maybe you will fix that empty void in your life as I have. Little did I realize how much time in my life was being wasted until this beautiful baby boy (my puppy) came into my home to be my roommate. He was only 9 weeks old -- 4 lbs. of snow white fluffy fur, large round ebony black eyes, with a shiny little black nose, just as cute as a button. This adorable puppy soon became "Benji."

Benji quickly bonded with me and we immediately became great buddies. He left his four brothers and one sister behind, but they eventually found loving homes just as Benji did. He really missed them, and would cry at first, but through my constant love and reassurance he soon become my shadow. Within a few days he was completely weaned from his mama, as well as his littermates.

Benji was a birthday present from my two children and he came as a complete surprise to me. I visited my son and his family a year ago last spring in Seattle. Their new addition was a darling little Bichon Fries puppy -- a beautiful bundle of white fur and guess what? I fell in love all over again. I carried Sammy around the entire time I was there, and made up my mind that I had to have him as my puppy. My son noticed how the two of us were such great companions together. I told them that they should get another one, and I would take Sammy home with me, of course they knew I was kidding...well, sort of.

I soon returned back to my home in Florida, and immediately got right back into my household chores and my usual routine...and put the idea of a puppy far in the back of my mind. I love working in my flower gardens, planting new and different kinds of flowers and foliage. I was outside in the middle of a dirty job, on a very hot day, and my birthday was the furthest thing from my mind when I heard the phone ringing. I ran in with dirt and all to answer. It was my daughter telling me that she and her brother had found a new roommate for me -- and that this roommate is a puppy just like Sammy. I became very shocked, hesitated and started to say no, thinking I was much too old to go through puppy stuff again. However, she convinced me to just "take a look" at a couple of the puppies before making my decision.

A few days later, a car pulled up in my driveway, the door opened and 2 little snow white puppies ran right to me. The smallest one (the runt, I found out later) ran right into my arms, snuggled up to my neck and shoulder with a kiss on my face -- how in the world could I say "no" to this darling little guy who I immediately named Benji.

Benji is a beautiful Bichon Fries. This breed comes from France, similar to a poodle as they don't shed, but less hyper, and a genuine people lover. We bonded very quickly, and really hit it off with each other. He has brought me such joy and happiness. It's hard to believe what can happen, especially as a senior when a little puppy enters your life and changes it completely. Being needed gives you that wonderful feeling of responsibility again, and brings nothing but unconditional love to you. I am truly blessed, and I thank my two children for their gift of love. What a tremendous birthday gift they have given me.

Benji is one year old today as I write my story. He's on my feet at the moment, and won't leave until I finish here. He is smart, completely house broken, and a very proud little watch dog. I trained him from the time he was so tiny and only 9 weeks old. We still have our share of many laughs, along with a few disagreements. They all soon turned into love and kisses, and many "I love yous" -- but also he was taught what misbehavior meant and what a big "NO" means. He caught on fast after getting acquainted with a folded-up newspaper. Through his great personality I've become acquainted with all my neighbors as well as with the garbage personnel -- and every dog in the neighborhood. Benji is invited to all our neighborhood get-togethers, cook-outs, pizza parties, happy hour and many more events -- sometimes he'll ask if he can bring his mom. As you can see he has certainly turned my life around and much for the better. It's amazing what genuine love from a pet can do for anyone and I highly recommend to all of you If at possible find yourself a little true friend.

As I close my story, I will give a progress report.

"Benji on his first birthday" Eating habits -- "A" -- he now eats only two times daily (but he still loves his nightly ice-cream!).

Sleeping -- "A" -- at 10:00 pm he finds his favorite pillow and goes to his bed.

Personal habits -- "A" -- always lets me know when duty calls...he sits at the doorway.

Attitude, manners, conduct -- "C" -- but he learns fast and he sure knows how to work me.

My little roommate and I recently returned from Seattle, where he and Sammy were finally introduced. What a joyful time they had together! They bonded immediately and acted like two little brothers. Now when Sammy is mentioned, Benji starts looking all over and he cries because he can't find his little friend. Everyone in our family in Seattle fell in love with Benji and made us promise to visit often. They all want to adopt him. "HA! FAT CHANCE!" :-)

Truly yours,

Ruthe