Bens life in pictures

Born 4th April 2006 in Brittany France a tiny black dog 

1 of 11 in the litter Aged just 10 weeks

With his 10 brothers and sisters

I think he must be amongst the most photographed dogs. 
This is a shortened version of his life, mostly in pictures.

Arrived in his new forever family May 2006 

in Brittany France.

We thought we had obtained a little black Labrador

He was eager to learn and please 

Ben had his stupid moments 

In fact he had many, many stupid moments.

He didn't get the hang of walking to heel for some time.

Especially when he got his eyes on his Dad.

This was a regular walk along the canal in Brittany where we lived.

He had his own passport and travelled regularly 

to England, Scotland and other areas of Europe.

This was as walk along the river by the Humber Bridger,

we were staying with my sister and family Ben thought it was water he was getting into, 

and it was the most smelly sticky mud ever.

Sorry Jen and Dick for the stinky animal who had to travel home in your car. 

At Home 

 Watching for Brian coming home, and spying on the neighbours

Ben didn't like to be too far from Brian. 

Along the canal in Brittany.

Cruising along the Canals. 

He liked to be comfortable 

and this is about the time when we 

realised he wasn't a black Labrador

He loved life, running and playing he loved people and other dogs.

and he was up for anything any time.

  Back in England when he first saw snow.

He spent ages hunting the snowballs we threw, Silly dog 

He looked so handsome even when he was covered in snow

 This was 2010 when we moved back to England and it was the worst snow for years.

Ben just loved it.

He hated gun shots and fireworks

Ben loved to travel, 

and he loved water, any water.

Some of the places he visited.

The Northumberland coast, in April 2010 Druridge Bay

 The Isle of Skye

Near Loch Ness

The chef here fell in love with him, he gave him steak for his dinner.

Seaton Sluice almost a daily walk after we moved back to England

Plessy Woods near Morpeth

 Walk to Blyth and back, Ben did the whole walk some 2 or 3 miles in the sea.

We walked back along the path so we could dry him off.

In the sea at Cullercoats with Connor

Crossing on the ferry to the Isle of Wight

I know what he was thinking,   Swimming ?

Isle of Wight holiday,  back in the sea

Caerphilly Castle 

Managed to stay out of the moat, 

It was here that a young man asked if he could take a  photo of his wife  with Ben.

I wonder what they did with it 

Walking in Deri in Wales

Not much water here for swimming

Visiting the Selkies in Scotland 

 Near Grasmere, Cumbria

The Lake District 

Back in the water this time at Coniston Lake with Connor

Seaton Sluice I think he liked you to paddle with him. 

He would always shake himself next to you, perhaps to make sure you where wet as well.

We just knew he was going to go in, he couldn't stop himself.

Holywell Dene another regular walk and dip.

Kielder Reservoir on holiday with Honey 

Ben loved to have another dog to play with.

Scarborough

A walk along Newcastle Quay side, no dip in the water this time.

Baurton on the Water where he managed to have a paddle 

A little town called Slaughter, which was lovely 

Kirriemuir in Scotland enjoying the views 

A visit to a castle near Kirriemuir, no water here for me to plodge in.

Looking after Connor when he broke his arm

And the time he stood on some glass, he was very brave.

Leazes Park in Newcastle 

Ben was lovely with younger pups.

Meeting Buddy a new best friend.

And then Minnie

He enjoyed Culture 

as long as there was a walk and some water.

Somewhere between Seaton Delaval and Cramlington 

An art trail, very nice walk.

Nice walk with Bens good friends.

Druridge Bay

A pub in Scotland named after Ben ?  we didn't name Ben after a pub.

Fort William, Scotland

Typical walk on the beach at Seaton Sluice.

Click on read more below for more pictures.

Ben stayed in some posh places 

Trigony House Dumfries

And we came across these strange folk in the fields.

Blenheim Palace

Broadway Tower 

We came across this concrete sofa while out walking one day.

He did some work for Guide dogs for the blind

With Condor on the moor in Newcastle

Condor, at the time was a guide dog for a blind lady who lived in Newcastle.

We took Condor for a walk once a week, where he could have a good run. 

Ben and Condor got on very well together.

Condor is now retired and has returned to live with his family who originally 

looked after him as a trainee guide dog. He is enjoying his retirement back home in Scotland.

Visiting the Care Home where my mother lived.

Ben enjoyed his weekly visit to see my mum in her care home.

She loved to see him, and he was so gentle with her.

He would also go and visit all the other ladies and gentlemen who lived there.

He wasn't perfect though, he knew he would be able to swipe some biscuits from somewhere.

Meeting other animals 

Just relaxing at home

Big soft hairy cuddles 

 Lion in the shade in the garden

 Relaxing on the deck 

 Cuddles with the lovely Lottie

 I think he was going off the snow a little. His face just says it all.

Those lovely big Amber eyes that everyone remarked about.

Like a great apes eyes.

Ben was more than a dog to us, he was a big part of the family. He travelled all over Europe with his own pet passport. He travelled through the Channel Tunnel on numerous occasions.

He loved his family and friends and was always 
pleased to see everyone.

From a little black dog who we thought was a Labrador, 
who loved to chase plant pots and at times cause mischief,  
he turned into this lovely fluffy gentle giant.  

He is going to be missed so much. There is a huge space in our lives, and our home. Miss you loads.

So until we meet again, have fun with your doggy friends 
run free again my loyal friend like you did in the past.

We will love you always Ben.

xxx

 

We would like to thank Francis and all the staff at 

Vets 4 Pets North Tyneside 

for all their support and help they gave Bens with his health care. 

Especially during his recent times of need 

over the last couple of years., and in his final days and hours.

Your help, kindness, compassion and understanding, 

as well as your professionalism and going that extra mile is very much appreciated.

Thank You everyone

from 

Bens 

Mum and Dad

XX