My Newfs
In Memory
They will not go quietly, the dogs who have shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think we hear them at the door.
Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be,
And sometimes, coming home at night we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts belongs to them...and always will.
Our bond started immediately in September 2003.
2005 River King Water Test
Benson let me do anything to him. I told him I wasn't laughing at him, I was laughing with him.
Benson did carting, obedience, therapy work and water rescue. The water was his favorite activity.
Benson on his fifth birthday. Little did I know it was to be his last birthday with us
Treasure every moment as though it is your last. Life is precious!
Benson's Story
Golden Oaks Moon Shadow CGC, TDI, CD, DD, WRD
July 22, 2003 - April 13 2009
Benson was my first newfie. I waited a long time for him. After doing research on some kennels we visited Golden Oaks kennels. While there, this one special puppy picked me out and we started on an incredible journey.
I was able to bring this puppy home when he was 10 weeks old. I named him Benson. Knowing he would outweigh me someday I enrolled him in a puppy class. This was a first for me. I had never formally trained a dog before.
Benson learned things very quickly and we both enjoyed the classes. It was fun working with him and meeting other "dog" people. Our 12 week class was soon over and Benson graduated with honors. I immediately signed us up for the next level of classes.
During our first winter together, we worked very hard on sits, stays, come and heeling patterns. By spring I had our first goal in mind, a CGC title and a Therapy Dog title. We signed up for a CGC class and Benson earned his very first AKC title at 10 months old. He earned his TDI (Therapy Dog International) title at 11 months old.
Benson was a natural when it came to working with kids. Whenever children approached us, he would lay down. Many times while we were out, children would come up to him to give him a quick hug with frantic parents running behind them only to tell me their child was normally afraid of big black dogs.
When we opened our home to Benson we also joined the regional Newfoundland Club in our area. It was through Great Lakes Newfoundland Club that I was able to meet other people and their newfies.
I found a few people who lived fairly close to me that wanted to do water training with their dogs. We started training together and Benson and I began another journey. A journey of water, friendships, glorious successes and wonderful learning experiences.
Benson and I entered our first Newfoundland working event in the fall of 2004. It was GLNC's water test. Benson was barely a year old and passed all but one exercise. I didn't care if we didn't earn the WD title that day. We had so much fun and I was so proud of him. I received much encouragement from the other exhibitors and judges. I knew we were close and that we would be back to try again.
Over the course of the next four years I set goals for us. We accomplished them one by one. The titles were nice to add to his name but the bond we built between us, the adventures we had and the friendships we made are what really mattered the most.
During the year of 2007-2008, Benson started limping. After many consultations and a few months of restricted leash exercise, it was decided that Benson needed cruciate repair surgery. We had it done on March 17th, 2008.
It was a very difficult time for both of us. I hated seeing Benson down and in pain and I know he was frustrated. After the first four weeks of recuperation, we started rehab and though I know it must have been painful for him, Benson did everything I asked of him. He was just that kind of dog.
We worked very hard at getting the muscles built back up in his legs. He became quite popular at the rehab center and developed a strong bond with his physical therapist.
We had a set back in July 2008 when Benson started limping again. We went to a couple of different specialists and received confusing and differing opinions regarding Benson's leg. In the end, I trusted my gut instinct that he was still in the process of healing and with the help of a good holistic vet and a very understanding surgeon, we decided to hold off additional surgery, keep exercise very restricted and see how Benson would heal over the winter.
We had a quiet, careful winter on restricted leash exercise. He brought in the mail for me, still tried to sneak food off the counter and was happy to cuddle up with me at the end of a long day. Benson was healing and was walking with only a very slight limp. Things were looking very promising.
On March 31st 2009, while on leash, Benson slipped on our frosty deck and fell hard. He couldn't get back up without help from me. A frantic trip to the vet assured me there were no broken bones or blown knees
We did canine massage and chiropractic treatment. It would help him for a few days and then he would struggle again to get up. He wouldn't give up trying but I could tell it hurt him.
The second week after his fall, the vet found a mass just above his left hock. X-rays confirmed her fears. Benson had osteosarcoma. It was riddled throughout his left leg and hip bone. There was danger in it breaking. Amputation and chemo treatment were not an option as this was his good leg. His other leg would not support him.
I made the gut wrenching decision to spare Benson this final indignity and pain. The day before his final appointment, on Easter Sunday, my good friend and training partner offered to get her boat out of winter storage so we could take Benson and her newfie boy, Oz for a final boat ride.
Ozzie trained with Benson for water, draft and obedience. These boys traveled and roomed together for many, many water and draft tests. It seemed fitting for these two friends to have a day together in the spring sunshine by the water.
Benson exceeded all expectations I had of being owned by a Newfoundland dog. All our newfies are special to us. Each tug at the heart in a different way. Benson was my heart and my soul. We had reached the point in our relationship where we found a way to communicate with one another without a word or woof being spoken.
Cissy Sullivan caught this very special moment at the 2006 North Central Newfoundland Club water test in Wisconsin. The judges had just finished announcing Benson had earned his WRD title.
Words just can't express the feeling of pride I had for this boy. He was magical for me and for everyone who met him.
I made a tribute to honor Benson and our time together. Here is a link to the slideshow. Benson's Tribute