Tuesday 31 July 2012

How Muttley Became Benno And Lived Happily Ever After





Once upon a time a boy and a girl fell in love and because Valentine's Day was just around the corner they wanted to give each other a special present. Life together was shiny and bright and promised eternal bliss. What better token of their commitment to each other than to add a new life to their household, a brand-new puppy, a bouncy, furry, bundle of joy, a labrador, just eight weeks old. Their idyll was complete. They forgot that both of them went out to work during the day, but the boy took the pup out early in the morning and late at night and they were happy with this arrangement. Muttley, for that is what they called their new toy, was less happy; being locked up indoors was very bad for his social training. He never learned to play properly and made no friends.

A year or so later the boy and girl had a baby, and for a little while things improved. Muttley was taken out during the day, together with the baby, but soon the new mum found it quite difficult to cope. Although his owners didn't ill-treat Muttley, they had little time and even less money available to spend on him; he was an extra mouth to feed and, by now, a large presence in a small flat, for he had grown to his full size.

Things got worse, the boy and girl started to fall out of love with each other and there were many rows. Muttley became nervous. The day came when the little family broke up and the girl moved to a room above a Chemist shop in a small town. She took the baby and Muttley with her, which meant that his walking hours became even more restricted; problems multiplied, it was difficult to take dog and baby up and down the stairs, access to green spaces was limited and money got scarcer. Muttley's great size needed feeding, he grew very thin.

Just then Muttley's luck changed and a guardian angel in the shape of a dog rescue lady appeared. She decided that enough quite definitely was enough and Muttley needed a new home. She knew that Friko and her Beloved had lost their own, very much loved, Boris, another great hulking black labrador, a few months earlier, and could probably be persuaded to take him on.  She was right, these rescue ladies know exactly how to coax prospective owners into giving up their freedom!

At the appointed time Beloved and I, in the company of the rescue lady, knocked on the door to Muttley's home and he appeared, instantly made for the corner opposite the narrow entrance and peed; I tell you, he peed and peed, and peed yet more, until the whole area was flooded. I've never seen a dog, before or since, stand on three legs, at an impossibly slanting angle, for that length of time. Automatically we stepped back to save our shoes. When he was finally done, he stood, uncertain what to do next and stared at us.

My first thought was "He's ugly, what a misshapen object!" Overlong legs, a long body with the ribs sticking out, with a small head stuck at one end and a thin, wispy tail at the other. The usual, thick labrador ruff, the cuddliest bit of the breed, was entirely missing. Oh dear me, we had already agreed to take him back with us, we couldn't possibly change our minds now. Besides, I have never been able to reject any creature out of hand. The girl, sad-faced and thin herself, handed us a large bedsheet holding a dozen or more dog toys, all of them originally children's toys, but no food. All she said was that he hadn't been fed or taken out 'today'. Luckily, we knew that we had some of Boris' food left in the garage.

Muttley jumped into the open back of our car without much fuss, but he whined all the way back to Valley's End. When we got home we found out why: he was desperate to relieve himself further. He made for the nearest green space, one of my prized flower beds, and deposited a large turd, probably half a week's worth.  Only then could we coax him to come into the house.

He was very nervous at first, but he soon learned to appreciate the hand that doles out regular meals. Even so, one of his first actions in our house was to steal a loaf of bread. He was absolutely ravenous. Another thing he did was to take up residence under the kitchen table; perhaps that had been the only safe and free space in his previous home.

We hated his name and he became Benno on his second day with us. He absconded only once, following a family with children into the village, but, as the rescue lady had prepared a tag with his address and phone number for him, which he sported on his brand new collar, a nice man brought him back to us. He never tried to escape again, although he could easily have done so. His appearance changed, he filled out and tail and ruff became those of a proper labrador within six months. Benno flourished, his coat grew shiny and his eyes bright. Eventually, he lost his nervous habits and he became totally attached to us. He had his own passport and crossed the Channel to Europe in the back of our car. He never made any doggy friends, although he got on with all of them, but he loved people and was happy to be taken for walks by quite a few of them. On the way back, though, he invariably ran off, leaving them way behind in his eagerness to get back to his own home, his mummy and daddy (okay, scoff, you cynics, I don't care), but most of all, his feeding bowl.



And so endeth the story of my darling Benno-boy, who died yesterday, Monday, of lung cancer. His end was peaceful. The picture above was taken on Sunday evening.


It is purely co-incidental that this post happens to fit into this week's edition of Tess Kincaid's Magpie No. 128

73 comments:

  1. This is a beautiful story. The tears are forming in my eyes as I type this. I know how much you will miss your "darling Benno-boy" in the days and years to come. I am also very happy he had you and you had him for all these years. May you remember the cheer, health, and happiness you both gave each other as you adapt to the days without this beautiful creature.

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  2. What a wonderful story, Friko. I had no idea Benno was a rescued dog. Our Lindy had some behaviour problems regarding food at first, until she realized meals would appear without fail.
    Benno certainly had a safe and loving home with you. I know you loved him very much, and I'm so very glad his end was peaceful, for all your sakes.
    And "bah" to the cynics who scoff. When we adopted Lindy, we both felt we had also adopted "in loco parentis" roles. A rescued dog needs special people, and Benno certainly found his mummy and daddy.
    K

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  3. i rather like the name benno....he peed and peed and peed...what a great introduction as well...good on you though for taking him in...and rescuing him...that is a beautiful thing...

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  4. Oh my good, I am so crying! I have not much to say, it is so hard, so sad, I give you a dear hug instead! You will never be forgotten Benno...

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  5. Friko, I've been following your account of Benno's troubles without comment, hoping he would somehow pull through. I am so sad to hear of Benno's passing. I was not aware that he was a rescue dog, and what a fine rescue story it is. I refer to myself as Buddy's Mama and cannot bear to think of when he might be gone, so I understand just a little how you must be feeling. What a loving home you provided for him, which is everything.

    Hugs to you, Teresa

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  6. Thinking of you
    and thank you for sharing
    the story of your special dog.
    Tears will not stop....

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  7. Oh, Friko, I am so sorry that your lovely Benno has travelled on. I know how hard it is. Thinking of you and your Beloved. Janice

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  8. Sorry to hear of Benno's passing, Friko, but all's well that ends well, and I'm sure that Benno made this passage knowing how much he was loved. What a wonderful life you provided to him. It was a privilege, I'm sure, for each of you to have each other. It's trite to say this, of course, but I know from experience that Benno will continue in his own way to walk at your side for the remainder of your days. Dogs are like that; they never really leave us.

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  9. So sad for you. Oh, but Benno made out like a big dog, as they say, when he was lucky enough to be rescued.

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  10. I know how very sad you're both feeling and just wish that I could help , while knowing that I can't .
    All I can say is that you fed him and cared for him , you made him feel safe and you were his friends , you loved him and he loved you back . And this love continued for the rest of his life .

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  11. It's good to know that his end was peaceful. What a lucky dog - to have been so loved and so well cared for by his devoted rescuers.

    Thinking of you during this difficult time. Hold each other close.

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  12. I am so sorry for your loss. Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, 'Did you bring joy?' The second was, 'Did you find joy? Benno has his passport.

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  13. Hello:
    We are so very, very sad for you.

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  14. So sorry, Friko. It must be a heart-breaking time for you just now. We lost our Sal 13 years ago, and it still tugs.

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  15. You are in our thoughts, and we will always treasure having had the chance to meet Benno. Though the circumstances are sad indeed, we treasure, too, coming to know his "back story."

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  16. What a lovely tribute to a well loved and delightful sounding dog. I am so sorry to hear of your loss but I know you did all you could for Benno.

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  17. You gave Benno a new name and a new life...it doesn't stop it being a heartbreak for you, I know.
    So very sad for you both.

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  18. I was wondering how he was doing. Losing a pet hurts so much. He has passed over the Rainbow Bridge and is waiting for you.

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  19. I am very sorry for your loss. But at the same time I feel glad that it found you, a caring owner.

    Greetings from London.

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  20. Oh Friko - I'm so sorry. It must be so painful for you.That was such an inspiring little story and the last years of his life spent with you was dog heaven for Benno. May he rest in peace.

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  21. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. You well memorialize a wonderful friend who we all came to love as well.

    Funny how synchronicity works. I recently published a similar post as you know.
    For a while, our home was too full of grief & memories to make room for a new start.
    But as you shall soon read, the time came full. . . well, tune in for more later. . .


    We love you, Friko


    Aloha from Waikiki
    Comfort Spiral
    <(-'.'-)>

    > < } } ( ° >

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  22. Such a heart-tugging post, Friko. I have been thinking of Benno these last couple of days. You have been such a loving nurturer to him and I am glad he was so loved till his last minute. So sorry for your loss, please do take care.

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  23. What an excellent tribute to man's (woman's) best friend. I love him and never knew him. You brought me up close and personal. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I am sure that while Benno did not make a lot of noise, the house seems exceptionally quiet and empty these days. My thoughts are with you.

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  24. A wonderful addition to the family and a garden fertilizer as well. Sounds like a win-win to me. Beautiful post Friko. Would you like to have an aging Dalmatian?

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  25. So sorry to here that your precious Benno is gone
    thank you for sharing his life with us, and thank you for opening your heart to this wonderful dog....bless you Firko

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  26. how wonderful you were to take benno on and i'm sure he knew how you loved him...i think tess must have known something,making my way around the other 'maggers', writings quite a few seemed to have lost beloved pets this week...sending you a hug and thanks for sharing...x

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  27. What a beautiful tribute you have written, dear Friko. Benno surely was a family member for a very long time, both loving and loved.

    xo

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  28. Ah, Benno, didn't you have the very best of all dog lives! Not many dogs are lucky enough to know how lucky they are, but you knew, didn't you. And that made you extra contented. A good, happy, long (though never long enough for the humans, is it?) life full of friends and walks and comfort.
    When you reach the other side of that bridge that people talk about (I hope it's true), please say hello to my Max and Marly and Chase and all their doggy friends. Godspeed, Benno.

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  29. Dear Friko, what a wonderful background story to Benno's being. May you and Beloved find some small comfort from your Blog friends and dear Benno, rest in peace old fella you've earned it.

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  30. Dear Friko, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good dog.

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  31. Dear Friko, I'm so sorry for your loss. I read these wise words just the other day "Once you've had a dog in your life, you'll never walk alone again"
    RIP Benno, May your Food Bowl never be empty.XXX

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  32. And the price of love is paid off in some grief, but oh, what a beautiful, if bittersweet, story. ~Mary

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  33. I'm glad his end was peaceful, even more glad he found your home. I've just been to Susan's place, watched the video portrait of you and Beloved several times, and took a good look at the pictures. What I saw considerably softened the somewhat intimidating picture of you I had somehow formed in my mind.

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  34. I am so sad reading this. What a truly wonderful life you gave him and I shall really miss him meeting me excitedly at the door with a random slipper:(

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  35. I'm so sorry he's gone, but what a beautiful story and what a lovely life he had.

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  36. Ahhh, I had a feeling when I read the title of your post on my GR today. He went peacefully and he never went hungry for food or love with you ... those are the most important parts of his story and you and Beloved were totally the reason why he had such a good life. Big hugs to you both. Happy travels, Benno X

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  37. Oh, Friko, I'm so sorry to hear of Benno's passing, though I knew from earlier posts that it was coming. What a blessing you were to him -- with your love and nurturing enabling him to blossom into a beautiful Lab and know that he had a loving, forever home. And what a blessing he was to you. It was simply meant to be. I hope, in time, you will choose to open your hearts and your home to another wonderful dog who needs you so much -- and has so much to give. In the meantime, I'm so very touched by your beautiful tribute to Benno.

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  38. I am sorry for your loss. Our animals become part of the family and the loss is a great as with any family member. He had a good life, well lived. Treasure the memories.

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  39. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your darling Benno-boy, Friko. I hope that the emptiness you feel right now will eventually be filled with all the good memories and love you both shared with him.

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  40. You live whole oceans and continents away, & of course we've never met, but oh how I feel the sweet empty place that Benno left behind. I know this place too. Yet you managed to write a sweet and uplifting story & for that...thank you. Benno was a lucky boy to have spent his life with you. Treat yourself gently.

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  41. Thank you for sharing the story of how your Benno came to be such an integral member of your family. I followed each word, somehow knowing how your story would end...and yet, not wanting it to. Our lives are so enriched by our furry companions and Benno's life was equally so in living with you and your Beloved.

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  42. Oh this is not what I wanted to see tonight. I am so deeply sorry. I don't know what else to say. xxoo

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  43. I am sorry for your loss, Friko. Benno was lucky to have you (that is quite a story), and in turn, he enriched your lives immeasurably, as all of our four-legged family members will do for us if we allow them to. And you did. His spirit will live long in your house--and garden.

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  44. I am feeling your hurt, Friko. But there are so many happy memories that you have that keep Benno alive in some way and will always make you smile through your tears. How good to know that he was loved, we don't always get that chance.

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  45. I'm so sorry that you lost your Benno. That's such a difficult heartache. What a joy that you made one another so happy. Still, it's always so hard to lose them. Warmest thoughts to you and Beloved.

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  46. Poor you! And poor Muttley - while he was still called that. I am happy for him to have been rescued by you; you turned his life around and made him a happy, healthy dog up until old age and cancer took their toll. Dog heaven is probably not much different from the home he has had with you.
    It makes me very angry to hear of people like the young couple who so thoughtlessly and irresponsibly took him in as a puppy when they were both working full time. Why aren't those people who sell or give away dogs more careful about who their dogs go to? They should only ever been given to people who have the necessary time, space and money.

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  47. I only met Benno once but he was so calm and chilled I never thought he had been a rescue dog. In my experience they are often nervy even when successfully rehomed. That is a real tribute to your care.

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  48. Sorry you lost Benno Friko, but with his recent health I am sure it was for the best - Dave

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  49. A touching tribute to a dearly-loved friend and it has brought tears to my eyes for your sadness and loss, Friko. Benno was so lucky to have found you and you gave him a wonderful life and peaceful death.

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  50. Dear Friko, I am so deeply sorry the time came to say goodbye to Benno. It is clear you were meant to be together and I know the hole in your heart must be large indeed and ever so sad. I found with the loss of Gypsy that even saying goodbye before to a dearly loved pet does not make saying goodbye to this one any easier. Perhaps it is all the harder. Although his end was peaceful, my heart breaks for you and Beloved who were such kind and loving "parents." This piece is a beautiful tribute. I know there must have been tears in your eyes as you wrote. Many hugs across the sea.

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  51. So very sad, Friko, to lose a devoted companion. You have written eloquently about your dear friend. Please accept my condolences.

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  52. So sorry for your loss, and indeed for the difficult times you have been having in general. If it's any comfort, it's quite clear that you and Benno made a good life for each other, and that is something to hang on to.

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  53. Benno's life changed the day you entered that flat, and at some level, like many rescue dogs, he remember that all he life. What a good life he had with you and your Beloved. I know how much Benno will be missed - a dog like Benno must have been a large presence in your house. Thank you for letting us know the end of his story. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  54. So sad Friko that you lost your dear Benno who you obviously loved so much. My thoughts are with you.

    Anna

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  55. Being the last or near the last to check in, I have little to add. Except I know what it is to give up a dog owing to a nasty divorce and moving into an apartment, and what is is to have a dog who has lived with you for 17 years die.

    Oh why do we do it? Take them on that is. Whenever we form a new relationship, we set up the day when the relationship will end. The only cure is to find another dog to love, which I did. I got another male black puppy dog. The new dog never replaces the old dog. I remember every dog I have ever had.

    Such a bond we have with dogs, and its only 50 million years old. I see heaven as the place all of them are waiting for me. I will have my own 'forever' dog pack.

    I am happy to hear his end was peaceful. That's all any of us can ask. Love to you Friko.

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  56. Sad to come over for one of my erratic visits (sorry! you can tell I'm on my school hols) and find you so sad, with good reason. I cried my eyes out when we had a gerbil die so goodness knows how it feels to have such a good friend go.

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  57. They wind their paws deep into our heart strings and take a piece of us with them when they go. I am so sorry for your loss, and so happy that Benno found a haven with you.

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  58. Dear Friko, I don't have my own words to tell you how much I feel for you and your husband as you grieve Benno's death. But years--1989--when Dulcy, the cat with whom I'd lived for 17 1/2 years, died, she gave me the following words that begin "A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story." So I share them now with you in your grief and sorrow: "At the end, all that matters is love, my love for my human and hers for me. I have planted the memories of our life together in her heart, she will find them there when I am gone and they will comfort her." Peace.

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  59. What a beautiful life you gave Benno, and he you. I am so sorry for your loss, Friko. How your heart must ache and your home feel empty. Thinking of you.

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  60. ... ach, es tut mir so leid für Benno, Dich, Beloved und doch... er hatte ein schönes Leben mit euch, er ist so wirklich alt geworden, trotz seiner empfindlichen Gesundheit und das möchte einem Frieden geben. Ich kann gut nachfühlen, was Du jetzt empfindest, liebe Friko und meine Gedanken und mein Mitgefühl sind ganz und gar bei Dir. Es wird eine Zeit dauern, bis die Trauer sich legt und vielleicht hilft es, wenn Du weisst, dass so viele Menschen jetzt in Gedanken bei Dir sind!
    Ich wünsche Dir Kraft und Frieden (...und ich selbst versuche, Dir am Wochenende zu schreiben)!
    Alles Liebe von Renée

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  61. What a blessing that Benno's passing was peaceful, and that he had you.

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  62. Friko, you and your Beloved gave Benno a wonderful life. Blessings to you all.

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  63. Dear Friko, Those who have been loved by a special dog are lucky indeed. Benno had a dog's dream life with you. Hugs from CO.

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  64. Oh gosh, 64 comments! What can I add? Except I think I know how you feel. And I love how you loved that dog.

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  65. Dear Friko,
    I am so sorry, but Benno is at the Rainbow Bridge patiently waiting for you. What a beuatiful write-up, I am in tears. I hope beautiful memories will sustain you. Thinking of you my dear....Heidi

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  66. Oh, Friko. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so grateful that you shared Benno's story with us. I had no idea he had been rescued. What a gift you gave him, and he repaid you a thousand-fold.

    That first day, Benno surely produced more pee than I have tears on his behalf - but not by much.

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  67. I know every ending is only a new beginning but that doesn't lessen the sadness of losing a beloved fur person. I imagine Benno left a huge, dog shaped hole in your heart. And I know, too, that the hole will mend eventually but for right now? Sending virtual hugs.

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  68. So sorry to hear about your Benno. I know how a pet's departure leaves a vacuum. Each one has a unique personality that makes remembering them special. Your Benno had quite a life and was so lucky to have joined your household. Sounds like you thought you were lucky to have him -- perfect for all.

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  69. What a happy life Benno ended up living. Now he's romping in heaven waiting for the day you all will be reunited.

    He looked like such a sweet fellow.

    FlowerLady in s.e. Florida USA

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  70. It's so hard to lose your dear friend. I've lost many of them during my life. Our dog Aku is now seven years and has started to get old. I try to enjoy of our common time so far it lasts...

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  71. Dear Friko .. I saw mention of Benno on another blog and have been meaning to email and get across to you ... but being unable to comment from home, needing the library computer to enable embedded comment blogging - I finally got here.

    Gosh I still cry after 'my baby' bull terrier in South Africa - so quite understand how you feel .. I am just so pleased he didn't suffer at the end - and that will have made both your lives easier at that point ... but for the coming weeks, and still now, missing him hugely.

    I've been thinking of you - so with many thoughts and hugs up the Roman Roads of England .. I hope life is adjusting ... Hilary

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  72. I'm so glad that you were able to give Benno a good life with love and caring. I wish all dogs could have happy homes.
    I lost my sweet Monty to lung cancer and miss him every day. Your tribute was lovely.
    Sue

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