The Story of Ben

Ben arrived here on 7th February 2010. He journeyed home in a cardboard box. He stuck his nose in the corner and made it soggy.

He started out shy, but soon came out of his shell.

He made friends with the other dogs. Here he is with Sheila and Fly:

He was a beautiful shade of brown.

He enjoyed tractor rides.

He loved to play. He seemed oblivious to any growling noises Sheila made when he got too close to her toys.

He was a handsome chap.

He had a majestic Sprollie silhouette.

He tried to do some work sometimes, but it wasn't really his thing. (See Ben the Sheepdog for an adorable video of Ben making friends with a lamb.)

He was my main subject for my art GCSE in high school. This is a clay relief of Ben in his box.

He enjoyed long summers playing with his friends and family.

He liked being in the kitchen.

He loved his little half-sister Pip very, very much.

Many family portraits were ruined by Ben's wandering tongue.

He was handsome in all weathers.

He loved spending time with his little sister.

He enjoyed days out because he got to meet new people and dogs.

He made friends with the next door neighbours, Lady and Samson.

All of the dogs loved him lots and lots.

Ben may not have been the ideal sheepdog, but he was very gentle with the lambs.

And I'm glad that, in his final few months and as his health deteriorated, he was able to care for his "puppy", Nobby, and extend his family even more.

We loved Ben. He was a good dog, and we all miss him terribly.

Goodbye, Ben.