I just filled out an application on my parents’ behalf on
the Westie Rescue of Missouri site. One of the questions asked about any pets
you’ve owned in the last 10 years. And of course, I got to tell the story of
Benji in a fairly short paragraph. I don’t know if the paragraph will tug at
the heartstrings of the folks at the rescue, but it sure choked me up. I was
weeping by the time I got to the part about ending his pain.
In order to truly showcase to the people at the rescue why
my parents would provide a good home to a Westie, I could write a novel that
would rival the length of War and Peace. As I filled out the application, I
remembered bringing Benji home to my parents on October 12, 2002. He was eight
weeks old and basically fit in my hand.
My parents were apprehensive and tentative. I saw the fear
in their eyes. He was so small. He was completely different from anything
they’d ever experienced. He was their first dog. I imagine they were probably a
little apprehensive when they brought me home from the hospital too.
My dad had notions about a dog’s place in the home. “A dog
does not belong on furniture,” he proclaimed. “Dogs do not sleep in beds with
people,” he added for emphasis. It wouldn’t be long before my dad’s feelings
would get hurt on the nights Benji decided to sleep in his own bed, a mere 2 ½
feet from my dad. “Benji, come here my boy… don’t you want to sleep with your
mama and me?”
My mom’s heart melted just as quickly. We’d be on the phone
and I’d be telling her about a particularly bad day I may have had and she’d
commiserate with me until Benji came in the room. At that point she’d let out a
squeal of joy: “Benji’s here! My beautiful sweet boy!” Her first child’s
problems were no match for her second child’s sweetness. I don’t blame her. My
problems were never all that big. And Benji’s heart, personality and compassion
were larger than life.
He filled their home and their hearts with joy. There’s been
a void there since February 25. Now it’s time to find a new furry family member
to fill that void. I think Benji would approve. I await the new arrival with
anticipation. He’ll be one lucky dog to get parents like mine. But, as anyone
who’s loved an animal knows, they’ll be even luckier.
