Name: Ben - approx. 7 y/o
Family Member: Rosemary
How long has Ben been in the family? 8 months
Profession: Production Tech @ a Medical Device Company
Location: Alpharetta, GA.
Nicknames: Big Ben, Benny, Schweepy (don’t ask), Sillyboy, Nips
5 words/phrases that best describe Ben?
Fun
Smart
Loving
Velcro
Survivor
What makes Ben unique? He doesn’t smile much but I know he’s happy. It’s his eyes, really, that make him so endearing. And when I’m upset/crying, he comes over and leans in and stays there until I’m okay.
First time Zoomies!
Rescue Story: I had to put my previous dog, a lab-mix named Dempsey, down in April of 2019 and started considering adopting in early October. I went online to Lifeline/DeKalb County Animal Services and was looking for a senior or urgent dog that needed out. I found a dog named Leon and was scheduled to meet him on a Friday but the day before the coordinator called and said Leon was getting out for the Weekend Warrior Program, which was great for Leon. I decided to go down anyway but as I pulled into the parking lot, I started to get anxiety because I knew I would be overwhelmed by all the dogs that needed out and which one was I supposed to pick. I walked into the lobby and saw this handsome manatee laying on the floor with his temp foster mom, Josie. (His regular foster mom, Charlie, was out of town). For the next 30 minutes, I sat on the floor petting him while talking to Josie. I’ve known for a long time that my next rescue would be a bully breed. Unlike many people, I know how inherently good these dogs are and I was determined to do my part to prove this. Abra Kadabra was a 7 year old, heartworm positive dog with serious skin allergies and he was perfect. We walked out the door, got in the car – changed his name to Ben (easier to spell) and went home.
Ben riding to his forever home!
What is your favorite past time as a family? Ben loves car rides and trips to Cogburn Park or the Greenway near our home; he loves tug of war with knotted ropes. Of course, our favorite thing together is snuggling.
What is life like since you rescued Ben? It’s true…you save each other. I know he feels safe and at home but the biggest change has been for me. Dempsey was a reactive dog who could not be around any animal and in the end, it became too dangerous for both of us. It was a difficult 7 years being outside for walks and I didn’t realize the toll it took on me until Ben and I took our first walk. Sometimes, I feel guilty having this calm, great experience being outside with Ben but I also know I loved Dempsey and did the best I could with my limited resources. Ben has been such a blessing and joy to be around.
Social Media: Instagram: @rescuelifebeganwithdempsey but I really don’t post that much…I’m much more of a follower.
Photographers Note: I met Rosemary back in Nov. of 2018 when she and Dempsey volunteered for Shine A Light. (http://www.shineliteatl.com/new-blog-1/2018/12/8/dempsey-111118). So when I saw she adopted another pibble after his passing I knew we had to go for round two. Ben had some medical issues he needed to clear up before the excitement of a photo shoot could happen, so once he was in good health we got it scheduled. Ben is just a quiet, well mannered, sweet boy, with really the most soulful eyes as Rosemary mentioned. We met up at a small park near their home and we thought we would work to get some action shots. I was ready with the sport mode on my camera and the first attempt was more of a lope then a run from Ben! :) Second and third attempt were much better and full on zoomies broke out. So much so that he basically just bowled me right over in his excitement and glee. Rosemary was just laughing and laughing . After I got home, she sent me an email and said because Ben had basically been home bound for the first 6 months clearing up his heartworms, that was the first time she got to see him really run around and she loved it. I did too, cause the expression on his face was just priceless….that was definitely a smiling Ben!