I don't know if you will find this strange or not, but I'll tell you my story anyway. I volunteer at a local animal shelter by my house. As you can imagine in meeting these various dogs you can grow close and form attachments to certain ones. I connected with one about a month back. He was an older dog that came in as a stray. He was large and looked close to your Ben, but with a little more shepherd look to him. He was flea bitten missing the hair on his ears, a bit underweight and very frightened of this new surroundings. He was older and quiet, and I was worried that he would not catch the eye of perspective adopters. For a month I walked him, gave him a bath, and sat with him in the greeting area trying to get him used to being around people and give him a chance. I work on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and each time I came in I would go straight to his kennel hoping to see him, but also hoping not to see him. Last Saturday I walked to his kennel and he was gone. The team leader told me he got adopted by an elderly couple the night before. I was so happy for him, but also sad I never got to say goodbye. His name was Ben.

I wish you the best in this difficult time, and hope you soon find your next "Best Friend"!

Todd Barrett
#5068-91
Ramona, CA