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Friday, March 9, 2012

Goodbye, Ben


I loved Ben. Perhaps because he loved me. He was my friend.

He died today, in Cape Town.

He still managed short walks when we were there. He looked happy. He followed us as much as possible. When we left he went off his food.

He was very old. 14.

I wish I had been there. I am so sad.

Tot siens Ben. Soet hond. Ek het jou lief.

at

26 comments:

  1. flwrjaneMarch 9, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    Oh God I had to choose this moment to get on line for the first time all day.

    Now i'm in a puddle of tears. At work.

    Such a handsome, good dog will surely be missed.

    My condolences.

    xo Jane

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  2. JohnMarch 9, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    I am so sorry to read about your loss of Ben. It is so difficult to say goodbye to the old, sweet ones. I wish peace to you and your family.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    How very sad. We said goodbye to our lab Daisy last May. Saying goodbye to any of our dear ones is painful. Bye Ben. I know you'll be missed

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  4. AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    Diane said...

    Some tears from Kansas too...but I do recall reading your first post about Ben and thinking, "What a lucky, lucky doggie!"

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  5. IkaikaMarch 9, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    We are so sorry to hear that sweet Ben has left his family for the Rainbow Bridge. We send comfort and gentle purrs.

    Run free at the Bridge, Ben doggie ...

    Keli'i and 'Kaika

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  6. IkaikaMarch 9, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    We are so sorry to hear that sweet Ben has left his family for the Rainbow Bridge. We send comfort and gentle purrs.

    Run free at the Bridge, Ben doggie ...

    Keli'i and 'Kaika

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  7. AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Przychodzimy, odchodzimy cichutenko, na paluszkach...

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  8. Karen thisoldhouse2.comMarch 9, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    I'm new to your blog, but not new to the pain of a loss such as yours. My sympathy to you for this difficult loss. They really are family.

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  9. frankMarch 9, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    Very sorry. Ben looks like a great dog.

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  10. PamMarch 9, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    If only they could live forever, and never grow old. I understand your sadness. You loved him and he surely loved you.

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  11. KarenMarch 9, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    Oh, Anonymous, what a lovely sentiment (once I translated it from Polish):

    "Come, come away very quietly, on tiptoe"

    I'm sure it touched Marie's heart.

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  12. webbMarch 9, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Marie,

    I am so sorry - so very sorry.

    There is no way to measure what a dog brings to our lives. I'm so glad you had a visit with him so recently. You will always carry the sound of his bark in your head, the feel of his fur on your hands, and the kiss of his tongue on your cheek - forever.

    You and your parents are in my heart. xo


    RIP in peace, Ben.

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  13. FloridagirlMarch 9, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    So sad for you and your Dad. I thought the picture of him and your dad was wonderful. I'm glad you got to see him again before he went on.

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  14. dinahmowMarch 9, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    There are dogs. And there are special dogs.

    Our thoughts are with you and your family.
    Di, Peter and the Rascals.

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  15. Chris Kreussling (Flatbush Gardener)March 9, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Sorry for your loss. He looks like he was an old soul.

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  16. Vicki ChavisMarch 10, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    What an amazing photo of Ben. I see his gorgeous old face and also his heavy heart. He didn't want to leave you just as much as you didn't want him to go.

    This is how it is...the same gigantic pain for every dog we love and lose.
    But in loving, we are gifted beyond what we deserve.

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  17. MarylynnMarch 10, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    Ag, no. Beautiful Bennie. I'm so sorry, Marie.

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  18. Anne BoleynMarch 10, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    How blessed your family was to have had those years with Ben! And he was blessed as well. I still miss the feel of a Lab's heavy head against my leg, so many years since the last one. Your photographs will be treasures!

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  19. UnknownMarch 10, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    oh wow, what a handsome boy! I lost my black lab mix 2 years ago and still think about her every day. Sorry to hear about Ben.

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  20. Denise at Autumn SkyMarch 10, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    I am sorry your old friend had to leave. It would be so much better if they could stay with us always. He lived a good long life and I am sure you will all miss him.

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  21. Jennifer HessMarch 10, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Sweet beautiful dog. I'm so sorry, Marie. Condolences to your whole family. xo

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  22. RosieMarch 11, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Aah, sadness. Love to you and your family Marie x

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  23. Porque a la tierra siempre se vuelveMarch 11, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    Sorry I know what it's that. I lost the female dog of my father last monday Beba she was too small and she have more of ten years.

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  24. jelliMarch 11, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    So sorry Marie,for your family's loss...you are in our thoughts. Dreading, dreading the time for my 15 1/2 yr old collie to go :(

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  25. wildbansheeMarch 12, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    Such beautiful wise eyes.

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  26. Jeanie Baxter (jbaxter7@nc.rr.com)March 12, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    Rest in God's arms dear Ben, he will be with my departed friend Poochki..who still inhabits my heart, I think he will forever, with his unconditional love. Why can't people love like that? Oh well, the search continues for that puppy-like love.

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