A Very Sad Day

Ben

23 April 2007 – 6 December 2017

We all miss him very much

 

 

93 Comments

I’m so sorry to hear of Ben’s death! What a good old boy he was. I know you will miss him terribly … and so will Daisy.

Linda

Reply

Thank you Linda, yes we do miss him. Daisy woke up crying for her big brother in the night. But though we are very sad, he wasn’t ill for long and he had a wonderful life and peaceful end. Lots of wonderful memories xx

Reply

Thank you so much Annette. We are missing him very much, but he was simply worn out and it was his time. A peaceful ending to a wonderful life xx

Reply

Thank you Lisa, you’re very kind. He had a long happy life and a peaceful end. Miss Daisy is missing him terribly, as are we all, but I’m sure in time there will be lots of new adventures to report. After all, life is never dull when Daisy is around!

Reply

Oh Helen, hugs to you and Daisy. I still have my lovely memories of him standing on my toes and him accidentally dipping his tail in his water bowl and wagging the said tail against my legs, and most of all I still have that lovely photo of him

Julie xxxx

Reply

Thanks Julie – yes you’re right – no matter how much I loved Ben – and I did, very much indeed – I have to admit he was one of the messiest creatures I have ever known! Daisy woke up crying last night and is stuck to my side like glue today. She was there at the end of course, but I think she truly believed that her big bro could come back from this one too. xx

Reply
Elizabeth Metz

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing how big a hole such relatively small beings can leave in our lives when they’ve gone. Wishing you all the peace. <3

Reply

Thank you so much Elizabeth – and yes, they do leave a big hole – a super-sized one in my 160 lb Ben’s case! But lots of happy memories to look back on xx

Reply

So, so sad for you Helen – Ben was loved by lots of people all over the world who will miss him very much. What a lovely boy he was and, as you say, you have lots of very happy memories with him.

All our love and sympathy,
Diana, Inky and Echo.

Reply

Thank you so much Diana. He was indeed quite a famous dog in his own way! I shall never forget playing with him on the beach at Lannacombe when a total stranger came up to me and asked “Is that Ben?” somewhat bemused I replied that indeed it was and was told, “Oh, I thought it must be – I have read all about him on your blog.” Sometimes the world feels like a very small place! Daisy is bereft, missing her big bro, but I’m sure in time she will be fine and back up to her usual tricks again! Love to all of you xx

Reply

So sorry for your loss. I love seeing your stories of your furry babies. I hope Daisy feels better soon too. xx

Reply

Thank you Mita, I’m sure she will, it’s just the first few days that are hard – the empty food bowl and lead hanging on the hook no longer needed. But tomorrow I will tidy Ben’s things away and take Miss Daisy for a long walk. xx

Reply

Thank you so much Sheila, Daisy is stuck to my side like glue, I think she is worried that I’m going to abandon her too 🙁 xx

Reply

Oh, Ms Helen, I am so very sorry for your and Daisy’s (and everyone’s) loss. My deepest condolences. I truly will miss seeing his photos and hearing of his adventures. Big hugs to all. XOXO

Reply

Thank you Valerie, everyone has been so kind. I am very sad of course, but also pleased. Pleased that he had a long and happy life, full of love and long walks (often wet and muddy!) did all the things that dogs love to do, and passed away very gently after only a few days illness. He’d been getting very wobbly and frail over the last few weeks but still had such a love of life and wasn’t in any pain. But last weekend he deteriorated very quickly, the vet said his body had simply stopped working, so we knew it was his time. I’m sure there will be more adventures to relate though once Miss Daisy recovers her bounce!

Reply

Awww that was so sweet of you to take the time to reply with all you are going through, Helen. Our pets do become our children. A sad loss indeed.

Reply

I would often report on Daisy and Ben’s adventures to my husband. He couldn’t believe how interested I was about 2 dogs that lived an ocean away. Thank you for all of the lovely posts you shared about
Ben He touched the hearts of readers all over the world.

Reply

Thank you Katie, he was a great dog, a real gentle giant. And I’m sure that there will be more adventures to enjoy next spring as I plan to take Daisy on some journeys to new places! Hope the new places are ready for her! Xx

Reply

So sorry to hear that Ben has passed away. It leaves such a hole in your life. I too lost my Neo-Mastiff 2 years ago. I tried to remember the happy and funny times to heal my heart. Her name was Patience and she was very patient. She was my protector and chased a guy who claimed to be a utility worker from my home…she was after him she knew he was up to no good. When she was hungry she would get her bowl and carry it in her mouth and bring it to me. She was special. I am lucky as I had 2 other dogs at the time of her passing. Wishing you a healing of the loss. Remember Ben with the happy moments.

Reply

Thank you Brenda, they do leave such a hole in our lives. Patience sounds like an amazing girl and I’m sure you too have some wonderful memories of her. Xx

Reply

So sorry to read about Ben, I loved reading about his and Daisy’s adventures. My favourite story was when he protected Daisy from the horrible dog who was attacking her – you must’ve been so proud of him. Best wishes to you all xx

Reply

Thanks so much Paula – he was a very good big brother to Daisy – even though she used to boss him around terribly! We miss him very much, but it’s a comfort to know he had the best life (and most love) he could possibly have wished for, and his end was very peaceful. xx

Reply

Helen, John and I are so sorry to hear about Ben, he was a wonderful boy and even though we have moved away from Oakhill we still have such fond memories of Ben and Daisy walking on the rec. even Sophie eventually got used to them I think. I can understand Daisy missing him badly, they were so close. You must miss him dreadfully. Our hearts go out to you both,
God bless Ben xx

Reply

Thank you so much Joy, yes I think she did realise he was a friendly chap after all. Hope you’re all well and have a wonderful Christmas. Give Sophie pats from me xxx

Reply
Lindyloufromoz

What a sad time for you and Daisy. Our pets become part of our family and are very much missed when they are not there. So sorry to hear about Ben. Love and hugs to you and Daisy. xx

Reply

Thank you, we are missing him dreadfully but I’m sure one day there will be a new baby brother for Daisy to train! Not for some time yet though xxx

Reply

So very sorry to hear about Ben passing. Having had litter-mate dogs myself I can appreciate how Miss Daisy is feeling and obviously understand your loss only too well. But, as you say, he had the best dog days and lots of love. Good luck in your recovery without him.

Reply

We did, thank you so much Sue. Luckily Daisy is only 5 years old, so has plenty of adventures left to enjoy yet xx

Reply

My thoughts and love are with you. May you find comfort in knowing how much joy Ben brought to us all through your pictures and stories. He was a Very Loved Boy.

Reply

That is so kind of you to say so Exie, he was indeed very loved and I am amazed how many people have sent their best wishes, so kind of you all xx

Reply

Helen. I’m crying for you and Ben and Daisy. They are our furry babies. I know your heart must be broken and there will be many difficult days, weeks and months of an emotional rollercoaster of emotions. Please give yourself time to heal and love and cuddle Miss Daisy as she will also feel the loss. I lost my beautiful Angel last August and there isn’t a day goes by without I think of her, talk of her and miss her deeply. Ben is with all our furry babies over the rainbow bridge. My love and hugs to all of you. Xxx

Reply

Thank you Susan, but please don’t cry. I am sad, but also in a strange way happy, or at least relieved. Happy that he had the best life and the most love I could have given him. Happy that he slipped away so peacefully and wasn’t ill for very long, just a few days. I will always miss him, but his tail was wagging right up to the end, so I know I did the right thing at the right time. He could maybe have had a few more days in increasing discomfort and even pain, but at his great old age the end was inevitable. So sorry for your loss too xxxx

Reply
Sarah Costello

Such a handsome chap…hope Daisy is doing ok… he’ll leave a big hole in all your lives xx

Reply

Thank you Sarah, he will indeed, but we will always have happy memories of”The Big Fellow!” Xxx

Reply

I’m so sorry Helen. You’re heart must be breaking as well as Daisy’s. Ben enjoyed the wonderful life that you gave him. He was such a lucky boy. Big hugs for you and Daisy.

Reply

Thank you Susan. I am very sad indeed, but comforted by the thought of how much he was loved, and he knew it! He would breeze into the room, full of cheery confidence, knock over a few things on the way, then, with a great sigh, plonk himself on my feet all ready for ear rubs and chest tickles xxx

Reply

I was so sad to read the news about Ben and know how much you will miss him. He looked such a lovely boy and I enjoyed reading about him. xx

Reply

Thank you Janet, he was indeed lovely (if rather messy!), was very much loved and knew it! Xx

Reply

Thank you Kate, but please don’t be sad. We miss him so very much but he had the BEST life and a peaceful death at a grand old age (for a giant breed dog). xxx

Reply
Sandy Allen

So sorry to hear this news. I love reading of his and Daisy’s adventures. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed.

Reply

Thank you Sandy. We do miss him, but he had the best life he could have wished for. I’m sure there will be more adventures to relate next year – goodness knows what mischief Miss Daisy will get up to without her big brother’s steadying paw! xx

Reply

So sorry to hear about Ben. I really enjoy reading about your furry family members. We have a tradition in our small neighborhood. When a furry family member dies, we plant a tree. There are eleven trees that have been planted in the twenty years we have lived here. The children in the neighborhood can tell you the name of each tree and the animal it was planted for. My daughters are grown and have continued the tradition. One of them was living in a rented house and asked and received permission to plant a tree. It’s a small way of recognizing the love of our furry family. We also donate items or money to a local animal shelter in the animal’s name. Thank you for sharing the joy and grief of Ben’s life with us.

Reply

That’s so lovely Kelly. I have been reading back over my old blog posts – the whole of Ben’s life is online – and I am wondering about putting a little something together in the new year to raise money for our local animal rescue. Ben was so much more fortunate than many other animals. He participated in fundraising during his lifetime and I think it would be perfect if his memory could help just a little too. More news after Christmas. xx

Reply

I’ve always loved seeing pics of him and his sister. I gasped when I saw your headline. I’m sorry for your loss and grateful to read the end was peaceful. Sending you love, hugs and a gentle pet for sweet Daisy.

Reply

Thank you Sue. Yes, his ending was very peaceful – he was simply too old to carry on. I’m glad I was brave enough to make the decision while he still had a few tail wags left in him so he had only a few days of discomfort at the end. And his very last day – I knew his appointment was late afternoon – we went on a very short walk – he couldn’t manage much at all – but in the 15 minutes or so we were out, he met and was able to say farewell to all his doggy friends too.

Reply
Patricia Livingston

So sorry for you and Daisys loss. This is the news I hoped I never would hear. I don’t know any words to make you feel any better but am sending loving hugs to you and Daisy. Xxx

Reply
Angela van der linden

Sorry to hear that Ben is no longer with you. You must be very sad. He was no doubt a beautiful loyal companion to you & Daisy.

Reply

Thank you Angela, yes I am very sad indeed, but also relieved that he was only unwell for a few days and his ending was so peaceful. xx

Reply

This is very sad news, indeed. Such a big boy will leave a big hole in your life. My heart goes out to all of you.

Reply

I am sorry to hear that Ben is no longer with you. I have loved the photos and stories about him all these years. He brought so much joy to so many people around the world and that is quite an accomplishment for these times. Take care, Helen, and remember the joy of Ben.

Reply

Aw, that is a lovely thing to say, thank you so much Karin. I will indeed remember him, he will always have a piece of my heart xx

Reply

I’m so sorry to hear about your sad loss, you must all be devastated. I love seeing photos of Ben and Daisy up to their antics, he’ll be missed in blogland {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Reply

Thank you Andrea, and I’m sure Daisy’s antics will resume once she recovers her usual bounce! After all Ben only wanted to be a VERY GOOD DOG (which mostly he was), but Miss Daisy only wants to have LOTS OF FUN!! xx

Reply

I read today about your loss. I’m so, so sorry. I know how it hurts to lose such a special friend. He was one of the reasons for me to come here and read the blog. Even though there are no words that can make one feel better, please, allow to say that I believe he was very happy while he was with you and Daisy. One could tell that by reading your posts and watching the photos.
Thank you so much for sharing your life, Ben and Daisy’s too with all of us.

Reply

Thank you so much Teresa, it does hurt, but we have such happy memories of our times with our furry friends. And I’m sure there will be lots of adventures to come once Daisy recovers her bounce – and perhaps a new baby brother for her one day – but not just yet xxx

Reply

I’m so sorry, Helen. I know that you have wonderful memories of Ben, and because you kindly shared his life with all your followers, he also touched our hearts. I will miss him.
Loving thoughts to you and Daisy,
XX Linda B.

Reply

Thank you Linda, yes he did indeed have a wonderful life – the best he could have wished for I think. He was a very cheerful sort of canine, right up to the last day when he really went downhill in only a few hours. We miss him very much xx

Reply

So sorry. My heart goes out to all of you. It is so difficult when our fur babies leave us.

Reply

Thank you Anne, it is hard, but they do bring us so much love and happiness in their lifetimes xx

Reply

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my beautiful chocolate labrador Rooney at the end of April and I am still heartbroken. He was my baby boy and there’s a big hole in my heart where he was. I know we will be back together one day. He would have been 13 in June so he was an old boy too and really not well so like you i had to make that decision but you probably are the same although you know you have done the right thing you still question yourself. I will be thinking of you because I know exactly how you feel. Sending hugs your way, best wishes, Mazzie xxx

Reply

Thank you so much Mazzie, and I’m very sorry to hear about Rooney, but how wonderful that he had such a lovely long life. I must admit though, regarding Ben, I am not at all in doubt it was the best, indeed the only, thing to do. He would not have recovered and on his final day he began to lose the ability to swallow – it was time to let him go, though like you, my heart was breaking. xxx

Reply

I am very sorry to hear of sweet Ben’s passing. I know Daisy and you will miss him very much. Remember all the happy adventures you had with him and know that he is in heaven making friends with many other animals, pain free and having lots of fun while always looking out for all of you.

Reply

So, So, So, sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. Thank you for sharing stories and pictures of Ben over the years. My thoughts of kindness and hugs to you and Daisy.
Take care,
Gina

Reply

My Dearest Helen and Daisy girl! Words can not describe how my heart hurts for you both in your loss of Ben, your Best Friend. Always loved stories and pics of Ben and Daisy adventures. Hugz n Luvz to you both in your loss. 🙁 My heart breaks for you both.

Reply

Thank you so much Deb, you are so kind. And though we are sad now, I’m sure there will be lots more adventures to come next year xxx

Reply
Pam MacLennan

Hi Helen, I have just turned my computer on after being away for a week and have read your sad news. I too have tears running down my face from way across the oceans in NZ. They become such a huge part of our lives and although Ben was ‘your’ dog I am pretty sure all your followers out here in cyber land considered him ‘ours’. Poor Daisy she must miss him terribly.
I had my 12 year old Border Collie put to sleep in April and while 12 wasn’t that old, Bounce had also had a great life, lots of misadventures and a heap of love. His arthritis was simply too much for him. And as a responsible furry baby owner we have to make those decisions tough as they are.
Take care, hugs to Daisy and yourself xx

Reply

Oh Pam, please don’t be sad. He had the best life, lived to a good old age and died peacefully. He was only ill for a few days at the end. I miss him dreadfully, but it was his time. I’m sorry too to hear about Bounce, what a great name! I know it’s a cliche, but that final trip to the vet is indeed the last act of love and I’m sure that, like me, you know you did the right thing, hard though it is. Sending you love and hugs xxx

Reply

Oh Helen, I was so very sad to read about Ben. I loved following his antics thru your pictures. I know he will be sorely missid by his entire family and all his friends. I know from experience, they aren’t pets….they are fur babies and deserve all the love we can possible give them!! Again I’m sorry Helen and I grieve with you!! Hug Daisy alot as you can both help each other!

Reply

Thank you Linda, and for the poem too. It helps to know Ben had the best life and most peaceful ending possible too xxxx

Reply
Rosario Valenzuela

And even from here, São Paulo, Brazil, Ben was really loved, we will miss his pictures and adventures. A huge hug for you Helen and family, …. really sad !

Reply

Thank you so much Rosario, we miss him too, but I’m sure there will be lots of new adventures once Miss Daisy has recovered her bounce!

Reply

Helen, I have followed you and Ben for many years from here in Granbury, Texas. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful old soul and his life with you was so much fun to follow. I am sorry I am so late posting. I’m behind on my emails but I couldn’t let the passing of Ben go without a word on how you have brightened my days many times with his antics and your love for him. God bless you and Daisy as you move forward into 2018! I have a big feeling your Ben is there in Spirit!

Reply

That is so very kind of you Lacey, we are missing him very much, but he had a wonderful life and a peaceful ending, so though I’m sad he’s gone I know he had the best that I could give him his whole life long. I will be getting Daisy a new baby brother, but not until next year, we need a little time to ourselves before welcoming a new puppy into our family! Hope you have a wonderful New Year 2018. xx

Reply

I have followed your blog for a long time,have loved the posts showing the dogs,being a Dog Walker and lover of all animals.Can well imagine your heartbreak,and how you must be missing the wonderful Ben.I’m sure he was a good teacher to Daisy and will be watching her as she grows up.Sincere Hugs to you all.xxxxxxxx

Reply

Thank you for your kind comments Lee, I do miss him very much but he had a great life, and reached a good old age for a giant dog so that is some consolation xx

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.