With heavy hearts we had to say goodbye to our beloved Benji today. He was actually a gift from us to Linda’s Mother (Dorothy) for Christmas back in 2008. We thought it would be a nice way to keep her company since the passing of her husband. She was so excited, telling everyone we were getting her a puppy that year and already had his name picked out before got there!
Benjamin (Benji) Barton
12/4/2008 – 11/21/2024
Hit the jump to see a few more shots of this happy-go-lucky puppy.
Benji was actually a designer breed half Poodle and half Bichon Frise. Apologies to the Bichon owners out there, but clearly that side won out in the brain department. Cute and cuddly as can be, but let’s just say not the most ambitious ha. Definitely not the energizer bunny powerplants that fuel our pure Toy Poodles, but absolutely a perfect disposition for Linda’s mother.
“Wanna go for a walk Benji – nah, how about I just roll over and give you the privilege of petting my soft underbelly!”
For 8 years Benji was always by Dorothy’s side – especially whenever she was sitting in the chair or sofa, living the comfy life.
In a classic example of genetics over exercise, Benji actually grew to be one sturdy and strong dog. No one could have predicted that transformation from those early puppy stages. At the time, this was a new breed for us and we didn’t really know what to expect. He actually came from a Clinton, IA breeder we had purchase one of or other Poodles from- Kerberos (Kerby). Our Poodles stay in the 4 to 7 pound range and Benji eventually grew into his full frame of 14 or so pounds.
After 8 years, Dorothy’s health began to fail and was unable to really take care of a dog that strong – we were always afraid that Benji would overpower her if he saw something on a walk as there was no way she could have wrestled back the strong muscles under that curly Poodle hair. When the decision was made that Dorothy would need additional care, Benji packed his little bag and came to live with us. I can’t say our Poodles actually agreed with that decision, but eventually they learned to get along. Benji immediately claimed one end of the sofa, nestled in and got back to watching the world go by.
On our many visits to Dorothy, we always brought him along and he’d get the biggest smile on his face whenever he would see her. If only puppy kisses could have helped with her health as much as they did her heart.
Not sure Benji heard the part about all the dogs in Linda’s house have to earn their keep. His lounging days didn’t last very long before Linda had him enrolled in obedience and agility classes. Days of sitting all day in a lap watching daytime soaps was over ha. Unfortunately, the Bichon block was hard to get through and going from a sedentary life to one of performance was quite the challenge for Linda. To her credit, she did manage to get him titled – I remember the day Benji got to show off his awards and ribbons to Dorothy.
As Benji got up in the years he earned his right to stake out his spot back on the couch. Clearly bonded to Linda from all the training (and feeding), he would always be by Linda’s side (preferably on the couch) and would always make sure he had at least one body part touching her whenever she went to sleep. Our other dogs learned to accept Benj and Raven eventually became his best buddy – admittedly this may have a lot to do with the fact that the Poodle hurricane named Ruger had entered into the household and they bonded over the commiseration of having to deal with his antics.
We will definitely miss our nearly 8 years together little buddy, but it makes our loss feel better knowing Benji is back in Dorothy’s arms and giving her oodles of Poodles (and Bichon) kisses.
Life Intrigued 