Benson came to us as an 8 week old jet-black puppy. We raised him and his half-brother Hansel for the first four months of their lives. Hansel eventually went to live with our sister. The two boys loved to get together for "play dates". They turned in to puppies every time they were together. Benson was the best "good boy" we've ever experienced. Such good manners, he would NEVER take food off someone's plate, nor take treats without the proper permission from mom or dad. He loved to play "toy", usually in the form of "fetch" with a ball. His favorite game to play with other dogs was to entice them to chase him. He usually slept on the living room couch, eventually rolling over onto his back - his favorite sleeping position. He loved to give hugs and kisses. He thought dog parks were just "ok" unless his brother Hansel was present.....then he loved it! One of his favorite places to go was Home Depot. The employees there got to know him, and couldn't wait to be the one who got to give him treats, and get a kiss and hug. He was diagnosed with a liver disease at age 4, and passed about 5 months later. The veterinarian thought it was genetic, but we've not heard of any of his siblings having the same illness. A post-mortem examination of his liver found very high levels of copper present. Apparently his liver could not process it. He has left a big hole in our hearts, but also lots of fun, funny, and loving memories.