Benjamin

Benjamin is a St Bernard. We are not sure about his age but would guess it was somewhere between 12 – 18 months. Here is our amazing story.

We read an article about Save a Pet in Animal Talk – what the people do there for the animals touched our hearts and we decided to donate some food and blankets to there organisation. On one of these trips we came across Benjamin and my eyes are still filled with tears when I think about it. He was just lying there, like an old bag filled with bones, no life in his eyes. He didn’t even bother to look up, only attempted to growl weakly at the strange voices. From somewhere my courage overtook my senses and I went closer, knelt by him and then gently touched him, stroking his head. Then our eyes met and at that very moment something amazing happened, something he and I immediately experienced – we had a connection, we bonded for life!

It wasn’t that easy though as Benjamin was already claimed by a new owner. I felt a huge amount of loss, and also a bit of anger, why had they not taken him home yet? We were then told it was an attorney but that he would only take Benjamin home once he was healthy.

I just could not get Benjamin out of my mind. We went back the very next day and I rushed to Benjamin. The people from Save a Pet helped him to stand up as for him to walk around a bit but he could barely do that. It took real effort and strain from his sore body. And then another wonder took place – once he was standing up he pressed his head against me. All I could do was pray that the people would notice the special bond between Benjamin and I.

We went home just to return the next day with more food and blankets for animals. I could not wait to see Benjamin and spend more time with him. He allowed me to gently stroke his sore body, even walked with me while listening to my soothing voice. In the meantime my husband spoke with one of the ladies from Save a Pet as to see if they cannot make a plan for us to take Benjamin. That evening they called with the good news – we can have Benjamin! I was in tears! I wanted to go get him immediately!! It was one of the longest nights of my life.

Early the next day we went to pick him up. One could gather that everything was strange for him and we had quite a struggle to get him in the car. We immediately went to our local vet. He weighed a mere 26 kg – St Bernards should weigh between 60kg to 80kg! The reactions from our vet as well as other people were those of amazement. Nobody could imagine taking in such an ill-treated dog. Funny enough he was kind of aggressive and wouldn’t allow any stranger to touch him.

When we got home we immediately fed him and made him comfortable. He couldn’t get enough of the food and water and it was clear he did not know it at all! Afterwards he just slept and slept and slept.

Benjamin’s initial owners only fed him onion peels! His water he got from a toilet! It is such a sad story – he did not even dare to bark because he was hit and screamed at if he dare make a noise. Save a Pet had a fish hook taken out rear inner leg; it had grown into his skin. He could not sit down comfortably as the fish hook pinched into his private parts. It seems these owners kicked him regularly on his hips as he is very sensitive there. He also had a huge bump on his head where they must have hit him with something. The heartbreaking fact is that it now seems Benjamin has problems with his eyesight. One cannot imagine how people can be so cruel towards helpless animals.

Benjamin was making very good progress! He was barking again and his tail was permanently wagging. He became very playful and followed me around like a shadow. He discovered he is a boy and was very proud of his success in lifting up his leg and marking his territory. The other huge discovery for him was his voice and the fact that he is allowed to bark. One could see how shocked he was at his own voice! At first he was very uncertain but once he discovered there is no hitting, kicking and shouting he started to bark more freely and it is music in my ears! Him and our other dog Jorsie became friends and were playful with each other. There was only one rule – stay away from my food and my water bowl! He still had nightmares though, softly crying while sleeping and then suddenly sat up. But with all the love and attention my family and I gave him I believe the nightmares became a thing of the past.

We were truly happy to have Benjamin and each day that went by was a blessing! We were thankful for the opportunity to give something back to a dog with a heart of gold and to show him that not all humans are monsters! And I am sure it was meant for our paths to cross. Benjamin was my silent healer after the loss I suffered having to say good-bye to my other doggies.

(Benjamin died September 2005. His first owners never bothered with any vaccinations – he contracted the Parvo virus and died.)