Last Friday I lost an old friend. After a long struggle with cancer our dog Ben passed away.
Ben was a great dog. He joined our family back in 1995 when he was rescued from a shelter in Austin, TX. The vet figured that Ben was about a year and a half old, he was sickly and the vet was concerned about an odd heart murmur. Fifteen years later Ben still had that murmur, but it was the cancer that did him in. He had lost almost half his weight and his appetite, but it was when he started to yelp in pain every time that he tried to lay down we knew the end was near. On Friday we went to our vet and helped Ben move on down the road. It was a hard night.
Just a few months ago we had lost our other dog, Maggie, who passed away in her sleep one night. Here they are in better times:
Maggie had been with us since 2000 when we rescued her from a very bad life in North Carolina. She had been in a puppy mill, had a litter and was dropped off on the side of the interstate. A friend of a friend watched as she was dumped out of a van and then hit by a car. They took her in and helped her to recover. Our friend knew we already had a coonhound and convinced us to try and take on a second one. We decide to “try it out” for a week and then a decade passed.
These were great dogs and I miss them both. While it is hard to admit a favorite, the passing of Ben has hit me harder. He was an amazing dog and a great friend. The loss is still sinking in. There are so many stories and memories and I am glad that they both were in my life to enrich it.
Ben even inspired some of my political work. Back in 2000–when the Supreme Court made it clear that they would hear Bush v Gore and that they might stop the recount and appoint the President–I decided it was time to show up out in front of the Supreme Court Building to protest this Judicial coup d’Ć©tat. I was there with my sign and a reporter from the LA Times included it in the historic record in a 12-12-00 story:
Dennis G. of Baltimore was walking with a homemade placard reading: “My bluetick coonhound is smarter than George W. Bush.”
The sign included an image of Ben yawning. Once Bush was appointed President that sign came with me as I protested his installation. As I think about all the things Bush did, I am convince more than ever that Ben was actually smarter than George.
Ben has been part of my life for so long that it is hard to think of life without him. He was the ring bearer at my wedding. He was there for a good walk or there for just laying around the house (his favorite activity). I will miss him.
So, farewell Ben. Farewell Maggie. Be at peace.
Cheers
dnegre
Mary G
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure he was MUCH smarter than the Shrub. His heart was also infinitely bigger, too. Also.
indubitably
I am so, so sorry. Blue ticks are such gentle souls, and Ben’s (and Maggie’s) gentle spirit shines through.
RIP, Ben.
TuiMel
Our dogs. Our friends. Losing one is very hard. My heartfelt condolences to you.
KDP
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I can only imagine your sorrow, but I hope it helps to have such wonderful memories of your years together.
Juror #7
What gorgeous pups you’ve shared your life with, Dennis.
My condolences.
KRK
So sorry for your loss, Dennis. I’m glad you, Ben, and Maggie had so many good years together.
pika
I may be facing this road sooner rather than later with one of mine. Even if I weren’t, I would still wish you peace and comfort. This is so hard–when we sign on for love like this, we know that this will eventually come to pass, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I am so sorry for your loss.
Josie
Oh, Dennis, I am so sorry. All we can do is say we really do understand and that we are thinking of you at such a difficult time.
PTirebiter
I am so sorry for loss. I’ve been there more than once and understand the heartache. Ben was obviously fortunate to have found you. Take care.
soonergrunt
Dennis,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I never know what else to say so I’ll leave it at that.
Mark S.
Sorry to hear that, Dennis. Losing a pet is always tough.
Delia
What beautiful, happy dogs. Stories about the passing of a beloved animal always make me cry.
My condolences.
Jules
Condolences on the loss of two wonderful pets.
They are with us for such a short time it seems and for food and a warm place to sleep they reward us with loyalty, unconditional love and companionship.
MattR
Dennis, my condolences. It has been a rough few months for you. IIRC, when you were still at GOS you commented that you were friends with Vic Chesnutt. Here is a video from a memorial show at the 40 Watt in Athens this weekend.
Carrie
Deepest condolences, Dennis on this very difficult time for you and your family.
Gorgeous pups.
Dog is My Co-Pilot
So sorry to hear the news. I know all too well the acute pain that accompanies losing a beloved pet. Thank you for rescuing both pups. They were loved, for sure. You gave them both a great life.
Exurban Mom
Losing a beloved animal is so difficult. My thoughts are with you over these difficult days. How good that you could be with him and help him through the worst of it.
As Chris Clarke so wisely says, “The last gift, of course, is taking on the pain of separation for your dog: your dog would grieve so much more were he losing you.”
Anne Laurie
Condolences on your loss, Dennis. It’s obvious Ben & Maggie thoroughly enjoyed their lives with you, and that is the only return we can make for all the joy our animal companions give us.
Ruckus
My condolences.
Always hard to lose a long time friend, let alone two of them in a relatively short time. So sorry for your loss of your friends.
MTmofo
Sad to lose a good-looking dog and friend.
veralynn
my beagle was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 30th. she is 13 and has been with me for all but her first 7 weeks. my sympathies are with you and yours.
beabea
I’m so sorry, Dennis. To lose one is hard enough, but two just a few months apart–unimaginable.
That picture where Ben and Maggie are sitting in the car–look at those smiling dog faces. What a good life you gave them.
Unlike with Maggie, with Ben you had to make that toughest of decisions that all of us who have pets are confronted by at some point. And you made the courageous choice to release him from his suffering, and take that suffering upon yourself for a time. A fitting thank you for all he brought to your life.
Take care.
JD Rhoades
We lost our old Golden Retriever a year ago this month. It still hurts.
I’m sorry for your loss, Dennis.
You Don't Say
I’m so sorry. They look like such great dogs. That couch photo is classic.
I am going through something similar: my cat Jean Luc died suddenly on Christmas. Probably a heart attack and not totally unexpected as he had an enlarged heart. But he made it to about 13. And now his brother, Duncan, has a bladder tumor that he is having removed tomorrow and the prognosis is not good.
And I know what you mean about being more upset with Ben. I adored Jean Luc and was terribly sad when he died, but the thought of losing Duncan and being animal-less is breaking my heart.
CatStaff
My deepest condolences, Dennis. I lost my 19-year-old Siamese (rescued at age 10) on Palm Sunday last year, and then my 20-year-old tabby (adopted as a kitten) on Easter Sunday that same week. There is a lot of history bound up in our animals, and the best we can do is learn to live with their absence from our lives, but never from our hearts. You’re in my thoughts.
We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our own
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.
Irving Townsend
Violet
So sorry to hear of your loss. They look like they were such wonderful dogs and friends and members of your family. Deepest condolences. They were lucky to have you and you them.
Dee Loralei
My deepest condolences Dennis.
And my best to you and yours.
Dee
Litlebritdifrnt
I would say something intelligent right now were I not blubbering like a baby. There are no words. Never can be. Only know that life was heaven on earth with you. They know that. They always will.
Omnes Omnibus
My condolences, Dennis.
Yutsano
They say you’re not supposed to say this for non-humans, but a rabbi can just beat me senseless for it. Baruch dayan emet Ben. I hope you and yours will be okay after losing two great loved ones.
noweasels
I cannot tell you how sorry I am.
Blessings of peace and comfort.
Bad Horse's Filly
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost 2 of my Danes 2 weeks apart. That was two years ago this Christmas and it still hurts.
They were beautiful and they look very happy in those photos. You gave them the best gift of all – you loved them, cared for them and they knew they could count on you. And in return, they gave you unconditional love. May your grief lessened just a bit by all the wonderful memories of them.
merrinc
Words fail, Dennis. But the heart knows. Thank you for rescuing Ben and Maggie and giving them love and companionship. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Truffle
So sorry about Ben. I don’t care how corny this sounds, but a beloved pet always stays in your heart and never leaves.
WaterGirl
Dengre, so sorry to hear about Ben, and no one should lose two friends in such a short time. My heart goes out to you.
Love the photo at the end. Bookends. Sweet.
Oh, and I love your story about Ben and that he was yawning in the picture. How cool that Ben is a part of history.
Adam Collyer
So many condolences, Dennis. You wrote a fine tribute to the both of them. God bless.
Josh Huaco
Sorry for your loss. I never understood the whole ‘pets are part of the family too’ thing until I moved in with my girlfriend and got to know her schipperke. My thoughts are with you.
mr. whipple
Man, that is brutally tough. Sorry. Hang in there.
burnspbesq
Sorry for your loss. Hang in there.
Dennis G.
@MattR:
I was just looking at a photo of Vic sharing a laugh with my daughter earlier this evening. His departure has left a hole in the universe.
Cheers
PurpleGirl
So sorry to hear of your loss. You have many good memories of Ben and Maggie and I hope they comfort you.
Reading the post and comments brought tears to my eyes as I remembered how I felt when my friend’s Dobermann Pinscher died.
Evolutionary
So sorry, Losing your dog/friend is one of the worst feelings and most people just don’t understand.
Take care,
Dead Ernest
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Dennis. The grief can be overwhelming when our dear pets pass, especially since it is these dear friends who often provide the greatest comfort during painful times.
It’s been over a decade since Bugs, my best friend of 17 years, died. To this day I still find comfort when I close my eyes and re-live the sense of my hand in his fur.
Our grief is a testament to how dearly we treasure them.
Jay C
So sorry to read of your loss, Dennis- the pets we lose are never “just dogs/cats” but part of our lives, and their departure always leaves a hole. Condolences.
exmearden
I’m sorry, Dennis.
I find I can’t think clearly without a dog around. Much less write. Many of my “new” documents start with “aaaaaaaaaaa” across the page because I forget to lock my keyboard, and Porkman the pugapoo will start the writing for me with very talented paws.
Peace to Ben and Maggie.
Desargues
So sorry for your loss, Dengre. Thank you for sharing with us; be strong. Farewell, Ben and Maggie.
woody
The House Dog’s Grave (for Haig, an English Bulldog)
by Robinson Jeffers
I’ve changed my ways a little; I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you,
If you dream a moment,
You see me there.
So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you’d soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.
I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no,
All the nights through I lie alone.
But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to readā
And I fear often grieving for meā
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.
You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying.
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope that when you are lying
Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, dears, that’s too much hope:
You are not so well cared for as I have been.
And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided…
But to me you were true.
You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.
Kobie
Very sorry to hear about your loss. Those are beautiful dogs.
bystander
Nothing but sympathy from me, Dennis G… Only the condolences shared among those of us who have chosen to share our lives with lives more fragile than out own.
[…]And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me ofāØ my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold meāØ gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon ofāØ
eternal rest and I will leave you knowing the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. -Beth Norman Harris
Stiv Bator
My dog’s name is Ben also.
Dog’s are indescribable best buddies, make you laugh, make you incredibly hurt when they go.
RIP your Ben.
ed_finnerty
My poochie is just starting his struggle with cancer – hopefully he will have a long and mostly healthy struggle like Ben did. I am imagining what you are going through
DougL (frmrly: Conservatively Liberal)
So sorry to hear of your loss Dennis. Losing a pet is like losing a beloved family member. You spend all those years around each other to the point that you each know what the other is thinking. You ‘talk’ to each other and build a relationship as a family and then one day it’s ‘over’. It takes time to heal the soul when you have lost someone near and dear to you. It’s a sad time yet it’s also good time to reflect and remember the times you shared together over the years. They don’t call the dog a man’s best friend for nothing.
Best wishes.
Yutsano
@Dennis G.: Call it a feeling, but I’m getting the sensation Ben isn’t about to be your last bluetick. Especially since you’ve had two that have fulfilled your family’s life so richly.
Xenos
Coon Hounds… it has been 30 years since I read “Where the Red Fern Grows” and I am on the verge of tears just thinking about it.
Condolences to you, and hoping there is more doggy love soon for you and yours. How did Byron put it? All of man’s virtues, and none of his vices.
Dennis G.
@DougL (frmrly: Conservatively Liberal):
Thanks to you and to all the folks here. It helps.
Cheers
dengre
Citizen_X
Condolences on losing what look to be a truly noble pair of friends.
Angela
Sometimes I think the worst mistake God made was that animals life’s are so short. Two many losses, too short a time. Thanks for writing about Ben and Maggie. Hugs.
inkadu
Thanks for sharing that. I know losing a dog is tough, but it also makes me happy to know that a dog was rescued and had a wonderful life with loving people. Here’s to Ben. +1
cbear
Terribly sorry for the loss of your pups. Peace.
Alan
It’s so sad to hear of your loss. I understand how you feel about stating one over the other as your favorite. You love them both but one had a special (longer) history. It is difficult. You know that day will come, but you’re never prepared for it. Be thankful for the time you had with Ben and with Maggie, though it can never have been long enough.
Beej
Condolences on losing your wonderful Ben. I know how hard it is to make the decision to spare them further pain. Our Sheba cat is almost 16 years old and healthy still. But we can’t help thinking that it’s not going to be that long.
Does anyone here watch “The Dog Whisperer”? It seems Ceasar Millan’s right-hand-dog, Daddy, passed away at 16 on Friday too. He was a pit bull who proved that it’s the owner who makes the difference in a pit bull’s behavior. He was a gentleman, kind and calm.
Who was it who said that heaven is the place that when you get there, every pet you ever had comes to greet you? Wouldn’t it be loverly?
SIA
Let me add my condolences to all the others here. Our dogs are family, only better. We lost a beautiful girl last September, I still think of her every day. Blessings.
mai naem
Condolences. They look like they were both sweet happy dogs. Just remember when you die they’ll be running to you whatever next plane you end up in.
valdivia
So sorry Dennis G. Beautiful dogs both Ben and Maggie.
ceece
My condolences, Dennis. We animal lovers know how deep the connection is, and how deep the loss when they’re gone.
You gave Ben and Maggie such good lives, bless you for that.
suzanne
***hugs***
Losing furry friends sucks.
You’re in my thoughts.
Backbencher
I’m sorry. Taking in rescue dogs is the work of a saint. Thanks for doing it.
Genine
Dennis, I’m so sorry for your loss.
May your friends rest in peace.
asiangrrlMN
Dennis, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the lost of your Ben and Maggie. It’s so hard to let them go. You gave both of them a wonderful home, and I send a white light so Ben can journey safely to the other side and be reunited with Maggie.
tisalaska
Okay …am sobbing now..
What a wonderful tribute to two great beasts…they left some big footprints thats for sure….
trollhattan
Very sorry about Ben. He was clearly a noble representative of Canis lupus familiaris and anybody who’s been lucky enough to share time with a similarly worthy pooch understands a bit of the loss you’re feeling.
My respectful condolences.
Jinx
Sad news indeed Dennis. My thoughts are with you and yours. My beloved Emma who passed 2 years ago was the flower girl in our wedding. Our plans were for our other dog, Buddy, to be our ring bearer but he died a few months short of the date. We included a dedication to him in our program.
Good Dog Ben.
wonkie
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story of the years of love with us. Love hurts. But it’s worth it.
CaseyL
Oh, Dennis; I’m so sorry.
You rescued them and gave them long, fantastic lives full of love and adventure. I hope knowing that gives you some comfort.
EEH
I’m so very sorry for your loss. They were beautiful dogs.
I know that pain all too well.
moe99
All of us dog lovers know exactly what you are going through, Dennis. Maggie and Ben, what wonderful pets. My deepest sympathies to you and yours.
DonkeyKong
I put my cattledog Ally to sleep last October. She had fallen off my bed in a freak accident and injured her spine.
Our family talked about buying her a cart to get around. I would take her for short walks holding her hind quarters with a towel. It became obvious that this was not right, not her. She was a sweet and dignified soul.
I decided to put her to sleep.
At the vet she was always the center of attention from the staff. Always eager to wag her tail and sit at attention for treats.
She was paralyzed and couldn’t wag her tail, couldn’t feel the needle go in.
I was holding her to tell her she has a good dog, the best. She was licking my nose. Totally unaware. She ubruptly took a deep breath and she was gone.
My ears rang and I couldn’t say anything. The staff let me leave.
I still think about that moment sometimes.
Don’t let anyone tell you they are just dogs. They teach us so much.
Always strive to be the person your dog thinks you are.
electricgrendel
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. :( It’s a blessing to have such companionship in one’s life. You brought a good life to both dogs, and it sounds like they gave you much love and joy.
Batocchio
Condolences.
Darkrose
They’re beautiful doggies. I’m very sorry.
Platonicspoof
My sympathy for the loss of your friends, Dennis, and I share your appreciation for all that dogs can add to our lives.
jackmac
Sympathies to you and yours on the loss of both dogs — in the photo they looked so active and full of life! And we share your pain. Illness claimed our family dog last year we miss him. Dogs really do add so much.
debit
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ash Can
Belatedly adding my condolences. They were obviously great dogs, and you gave them a great home and a happy, comfortable life. My sympathies.
HRA
I never realized what a sorrow it was to lose a pet until I lost my first one. I was the one who was always the strongest during family deaths until I lost a pet.
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Dennis.
Kristine
Such beautiful dogs. You gave them a great life.
She had been in a puppy mill, had a litter and was dropped off on the side of the interstate. A friend of a friend watched as she was dumped out of a van and then hit by a car.
The people who do things like this to animals…the karmic payback can’t come quickly enough.
mandarama
I’m so sorry, Dennis. Ben looks like a noble boy, who got the wonderful life he deserved with you.
Remember November
True friends never really leave us. Sometimes they come back in dreams. He and Maggie will be there waiting . Dog is God spelled backwards for a reason.
Libby
Condolences. So hard to lose our furry family members.
Annie
I am so sorry for your lose. You can tell in your voice how much they were loved, and how difficult this time will be. Keep writing. Your memories/stories are awesome….
Very Reverend Crimson Fire of Compassion
Know that we are holding you in our thoughts.
Gus
My sincerest condolences.
Emma
Such beautiful doggies… and you loved them and took care of them. Many blessings.
gogol's wife
My condolences on your loss of such beautiful, soulful dogs. I love the GWB story.
Paul in KY
Beautiful dog. So sorry about your loss.
Barry
My condolences; it’s gotta be rough.
Lisa K.
As the past keeper of many well-loved pets who exited before me-and the current benefactor of four cats and a dog, all of whom I am likely to outlive-I can only say how sorry I am for your loss. I have felt it and will likely feel it again.
RIP, Ben & Maggie. Rest well knowing you were loved and missed.
Joy
So sorry about your loss. Your dogs look so happy and I’m sure they made your life full. It’s so hard to lose loving friends.
Will
What beautiful dogs you had. I am sure they made wonderful friends and family for you throughout the years. My condolences.
Carnacki
My condolences on the loss of your friend and companion.
Liz
Aw Bless. I’m so sorry for your loss.
licensed to kill time
To lose two dogs so close in time is just heartbreaking.
This is just fabulous:
Sympathy and kudos, Dennis G.
MikeB
Condolences for you loss. We had to put one of ours down on Friday. Reading this post and the comments helps with the coping.
Thank you for rescuing these animals.
Shawn
:(
stinger
Deepest condolences.
Scott
My sympathies. I lost my beloved tortoise-shell cat Nevada last summer after 17 years. I still tear up (and am even as I type this).
There’s no sugar-coating it. It’s just very hard.
Waynski
Very sorry, man. Just lost our 22 year old cat a few weeks ago so I know how it feels. I had to have him put down. One of the hardest things I ever had to do. Sucks.
Kurzleg
Condolences, Dennis. Those of us who have first-hand experience with having to put down a canine companion can relate to what you’re going through. Hopefully the pictures you posted will be as great a help to you as ours were to us.
We have an 11-year-old Alaskan Malamute named Yukon who’s been a terrific dog – all 110 pounds of him. He’s a rescue too, and he did pet therapy at a nursing home and spinal cord injury hospital. He’s getting up there for a dog his size, so we’re trying to brace for the inevitable.
Take care,
Jon
Dennis G.
@licensed to kill time:
Yeah, that was a great moment. Ben’s inspiration for that sign kept my humor up during some of the darkest moments of the Bush years.
Cheers
Loon juice
My condolences as well, we had to put down Zac last Friday, a 13 year old hound/shepherd mix, and our Dane isn’t looking well at 10.5 years old. Every time we have to put down one of our pets I keep looking for the missing member of the family, expecting to see him or her in their regular place.
Fleas correct the era
Deepest sympathy. The two of them must have been beautiful happy hounds — I can see that in their pictures. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Jimbo
Dennis – So sorry for your loss. It’s not fair that a good dog is with us for only a short time…