Ben
Ben was born in August of 1996 and came to our family in March 1999. It
was clear almost immediately that he was put on this Earth to be a therapy
dog. After going through training, we aced the Delta Society certification
level - the evaluator pulled me aside and told me, "take good care of Ben,
he is a very special dog." Many, many times (more than I could possibly
count), Ben proved that the evaluator spoke the truth. He brought countless
smiles to people in hospitals and nursing homes during his career. It was at
the Children's Hospital in Seattle that he shined the brightest. From the
smallest toddler all the way to the oldest teens, he happily greeted
everyone and shared his gift. Patients and staff alike took Ben to their
hearts - some of the children hand-made cards for Ben, the nurses would
bring him treats, the doctors would give him pets and hugs. The joy that Ben
brought to the halls there cannot be measured. When he wasn't "working," Ben
enjoyed things most any Labrador does - swimming, chasing tennis balls and
eating just about anything that was even partially edible! He left us in
late May of 2008 and awaits me at The Rainbow Bridge. The world has never
known a kinder, more loving soul; I miss him terribly.
Bob S.
