Hey hey, it's my birthday!

Happy Bday!
Today we celebrate Ben, who turns 11! When I brought home this lively 8-week old pup, I thought I was ready for everything. Ha! He showed me! One of the greatest gifts that Ben brought me was patience, and a constant remember to slow down and take time to smell the roses. Everyday this dog warms my heart golden. Happy Birthday to my best boy!

I dug up a few journal entries to share from Ben's "Puppy Ben" website from 1998. Enjoy the antics of vintage Ben!

Week ending July 4,1998
Weight: 8.2 lbs

My First Week: My first night in my new home was a long one. I cried for an hour. But I have my own little hideaway. My crate is comfortable, and I have a warm red blanket and lots of fun toys to play with. My sheepskin bone is my favorite. It squeaks when I bite it and it makes me all excited!

New Neighbors: Within a few days, I met Jazz, a German Shepherd puppy, two weeks older than me, and Blue, a huge 11 month old Mastiff "puppy," and finally, Hoby, a 7 year old West Highland Terrier. And they're my neighbors! I'll always have playmates!

Nickname: My person makes fun of me sometimes and calls me "devil dog." Cuz' when I play and roll over, the whites of my eyes show and my lips pull back to show my sharp lil puppy fangs!

Week ending July 18,1998
Weight: 11.9 lbs

Good Puppy: I walked into my crate all by myself to go to sleep for the night!

Curious Object: Jezebel, the sheep, is really neat. I'm still kind of scared to go up to her. The last time I tried, she tried to head butt me from the other side of the fence! What was that about?!

Unpleasant Experience: I had to go to the vet this week cuz' I felt sick. I didn't feel like eating, and when I did I would spit up everything. It turns out that I ate something bad and it upset my tummy! Whatever it was I ate, I hope I don't eat it again!