Celebrating My First Year With Benji

One year ago, I drove out to a home in Queens to pick up my foster dog Benji. As soon as the front door opened, Benji ran right to me, affectionately jumping up like he knew he was coming home. In that moment, I knew too–this was my baby.

It didn’t take long after he stole my heart for Benji to confirm that we are kindred spirits. Like me, he loves to eat, sleep and travel. And how we have traveled together! Over the last 12 months, we’ve been to Delaware, Maine, Ohio and Las Vegas. Whether we’re going by plane, train, ferry or car, Benji takes it all in stride–something that rarely go unnoticed.

Every time we hit the road, especially while in flight, at least one person remarks in astonished awe about his calm, easy temperament. Not a bark or a peep during 5+ hours on a plane! His only request–to come out of his carrier so he can sit on my lap and look out the window. Watching him enjoy the sky-high view has quickly become one of my favorite things.

Of course, we’ve gone through our share of trials too. From food poisoning and eating a toxic chestnut to surgery on his front right leg, Benji has braved it all with grace and courage as I have been a nervous wreck.

I often wonder what Benji’s life was like before we found each other. Who was his family before? How could they have abandoned this extraordinary creature? Then I think about how grounded, affectionate and well behaved he is and I know he was loved by whoever had him first. And I thank them for taking such good care of him until God decided it was our time to be together.

Much has been said about the healing powers of animals and I know why. No matter what challenges life may bring or what kind of day I’m having, seeing Benji’s sweet face makes it all disappear. Just before I adopted him, one of my best friends said he would fill all the spaces. Indeed he has, in ways I never anticipated.

Until I brought Benji home, I viewed my life in two very different parts–with and without my parents. Their painful loss is, thank God, no longer what defines me. Now, I think of the timeline of my life as being before and since Benji. There are no words to describe what this changed perspective has meant for me. Though I will always miss my parents, the heaviness in my heart has finally lifted, replaced by the soul renewing comfort of having Benji. He is my best friend.

French poet Anatole France said until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. Truer words were never spoken.

Happy Gotcha Day, lovebug!