Ben- (Tailends 16.10.2006 – 20.03.09)

Ben - was a little terrier cross who arrived at Tailends on 16th October 2006. He came from Rochdale dog pound where he had been taken after being picked up as a stray by the local dog warden. Apparently his owner had kept him tied to a washing line in the garden and he had escaped! She did not want him back. Ben was fourteen years old and in a dreadful state. His back had large bald areas which were the result of a longstanding untreated flea allergy. He was completely infested with parasites. He was also leaking urine so we took a sample to the vet when he went to be examined. He had a urinary infection which was easily treated with antibiotics, and an ear infection which was soon cured with drops. He also had a huge testicular tumour which was immediately removed – castrating him at the same time. Blood tests also showed that Ben was anaemic. What a sorry little chap he was. How can people leave their animals in such a condition when treatment is so simple! The large charities provide help for those unable to afford veterinary treatment so there is no excuse! Ben was pathetically thin and weighed just 8 kilograms. The next time he was weighed at the vet, he had put on nearly 4 kilos and was looking so much better. His hair almost completely grew back and the skin was soon no longer black, greasy and smelly. When he arrived he was very traumatised and could not rest or settle for more than a few minutes - even after good walks over the dunes. Within six weeks he was fully adjusted and socialised with the other dogs here. He then slept peacefully cuddled up to the other dogs and hardly stirred when he settled down on his fleecy duvet next to my bed at night. What a massive difference some loving care and appropriate veterinary treatment made to change the life of this little old chap.

Ben soon weighed over 14 kilos and was a happy little chap, though we were aware that he had a heart problem and failing kidneys. Ben was found to have Cushing's Disease. It was thought to be the pituitary type which is not curable but could be kept under control. (It is caused by a tumour - usually benign - on the pituitary gland in the brain.) Unfortunately Ben did not respond well to the treatment for Cushings so we discontinued it on the advice of our vet. We could not imagine being without this funny little boy who was so independent but simply adored his mum and followed her everywhere. Ben did very well in spite of all his health problems. I had him sleeping next to me at night and this seemed to make him feel more settled as he is not getting up so much to go out. He was still a feisty little lad who liked nothing better than being with me in the kitchen while I prepared all their meals. He had his own portable bed which moved into whichever room he was in. He did prefer to make a nest out of the washing which was waiting to be put in the machine.

Ben had a bout of pancreatitis last year and was immediately put on a drip for 48hrs with nil by mouth. Thankfully he has made a good recovery and was soon home and back to normal. He had to have a very low fat diet and this was not easy as he had very definate dislikes with food. He hated fish and spat out some Hills ID which was recommended. He ate scrambled eggs and turkey breast which he did like! Ben continued to be monitored closely as it was likely he would get further infections. His immune system was being suppressed by the Cushing’s Disease but he was a tough little chap and was happy and glad to be here.

Ben also had a scan and x-rays which revealed general liver enlargement, caused by the Cushings' Disease and early heart disease causing raised blood pressure through the liver. Happily there was no sign of pancreatic cancer. The x-ray did show lots of spinal arthritis and we therefore treated him with anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve any pain. He ate well and enjoyed limited walks. Dear little Ben was a very old chap from a very deprived background but we continued to hope that he would be enjoying life at Tailends for some time yet.

Ben’s health has been deteriorating in recent weeks but he has fought all problems with his usual courage. It is always very difficult in this situation but I normally find that the dog themselves will tell me when their time has come and life is really too difficult to go on. Ben has been eating well and wanting to go on his very limited walks. He has been enjoying the sunshine and spending time pottering around in the garden. However there was a distinct change in him on the morning of the 20th March. He did not seem to want to get up in the morning whereas normally he would be the first to jump up and head for the garden. He did not want to go out or have his breakfast and I could see that his poor old legs were just too weak to support him anymore. His little feet were ice cold showing very poor circulation even though the weather was warm. I could not let him go on like this. It was time for me to let my dear little boy leave this world. I rang the vet to come out and at 4.20pm my dear devoted little Ben left his old worn out body to fly with the angels. I miss him terribly. He was always with me and now I have an empty bed in my study where he should be. He was part of my life for nearly three years and it is so hard to be without him. Goodbye for now my old friend. I am so glad that I was privileged to share some time with you and provide the love and care that you had never had. You have gone so soon after my dear Gloria and poor little Chloe and the pain is so hard to bear. You were very precious to me and your spirit will live on here at Tailends.