Ben’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary

12/30/2023

Gone But Not Forgotten: Maddie

Maddie is the dog who, more than anything, inspired me to start Ben’s Place. This is her story.

12/30/2023

One of the amazing things about living with dogs is watching the pack dynamics; how they change and shift and have a life of their own.
Frankie, my Miracle Boy, becomes more loving and more of a cuddlebug every day. Lately Remy has been sleeping in Frankie’s little den, and the two of them are best buddies❤️

12/20/2023

Welcome Julian!

Our newest pack member arrived today. Wasn’t too interested in the blankets I put down for him, instead he spent the whole trip back from Syracuse in my lap.

When we got here I kept him in the large crate to keep all the bigger dogs from overwhelming him. Stella came, gave him a sniff, and parked herself right in front of him, then later shared her chair with him. . .and Stella doesn’t share with ANYONE!

He’s still checking things out, lots of sniffing and pacing, but he’s settling in just fine.

Thank you, once again, CNY SPCA for all you do for these sweet souls.

12/15/2023

Dear Suzie,

When next we meet, my eyes won’t recognize you.

You’ll come running out of the water toward me, young and strong and full of Labrador Retriever energy. You’ll drop a tennis ball at my feet and bounce and bark until I hurl it back into the lake, and you’ll go sprinting off and take a running leap off the end of the dock. . .

My eyes won’t recognize you.

But my heart will.

Go in peace, Dear One, and know that you are loved.

12/14/2023

Some dental work next week, then little Julian comes to his forever home with us on Wednesday 12/20.

Merry Christmas little guy!

12/08/2023

Happy 3 month Anniversary Frankie!

It’s been 3 months since Frankie came to us from Susquehanna SPCA.

Here’s an update on how my Miracle Boy is doing.

12/08/2023

This is Julian.

His person had to go to the hospital and it doesn‘t look they’re coming home. It was just the two of them.

Julian is being cared for by the wonderful people at CNY SPCA for now, but hopefully he’ll be joining us soon.

Hang in there, little guy.

You’re almost home.

11/29/2023

Who doesn’t love a lazy winter morning?

11/23/2023

11/21/2023

Meet the Pack: Stella

Stella (formerly Bella) came to us in August. She’s stubborn, affectionate, funny, happy, and is just a joy to be around.

Thank you SPCA of Tompkins County for all you did for her and all the great work you do for the animals in your care.

11/10/2023

I’m pretty sure in his former life, Charles wasn’t allowed on the furniture.
That’s not how we do things here.
And Charles?
He seems OK with that.

10/31/2023

Rescue Day!
Charles is the newest member of the pack. Thank you CNY SPCA for caring for him until he could join us here. He is a sweet old man and is a great addition to the sanctuary.

10/26/2023

Meet the Pack: Kevin

10/17/2023

Here’s an update on how Frankie’s doing.

09/09/2023

Say hi to Frankie.

Not every rescue is smooth and easy. God knows what these sweet souls endure before their rescue, but safe bet it’s traumatic and stressful.

I suspect that’s especially true for Frankie.

He came from a hoarding situation. HIs previous home was a plywood box. Mud. A chain. I doubt he’s ever been in a house before, or slept on a bed or curled up on a soft blanket.

He seems unsure of this new place. Nervous. Tired.

He just seems tired.

Time. Patience. Love. That’s all he needs. And that’s what he’ll get, now that he’s home.

Better days ahead, Old Boy.

09/07/2023

Tomorrow is Rescue Day!!

Frankie is coming to us from Susquehanna SPCA tomorrow at noon.

So exciting!!!

08/28/2023

Gone But Not Forgotten: Isabel

08/25/2023

Dear Tommy,

I can see it so clearly.

Beyond the Bridge is a snow swept field. Granite-faced mountains in the distance, forests along the edge. A huge dog steps out from the woods. His thick full coat is radiant white, his eyes a brilliant ice blue. He lifts his nose to the wind, smells the familiar scent of home, of family. His bushy tail wags and he trots, then gallops. . . long lunging strides through the snow, mouth open, tongue wagging, eyes shining with joy and light and love and he runs, he runs, he runs. . .

He . . .is you, my sweet Tommy.

And you will never be old, or sick, or in pain, ever again.

Go now Beautiful Boy.

Go now and know how better we all are for having known you.

Know, too, that you are loved. And you are missed.

08/22/2023

On Pet Loss: When They Leave

So much of what goes on at Ben’s Place is uplifting, but the flip side of rescuing seniors is how quickly they leave us.

I rescued Maddie in March 2022. She died that September.

When she left, the idea of this video formed in my head and heart, and wouldn’t let me rest until I gave it life.

I hope anyone who struggles with the grief of pet loss finds solace in knowing you’re not alone.

I struggle too.

08/16/2023

Stella and I needed to have a conversation.
Sitting beside me in the chair: Encouraged
Stealing my spot and refusing to budge the moment I get up: Not so much.

08/15/2023

Meet the Pack: Tommy

08/10/2023

Meet the Pack: Suzie

08/09/2023

Welcome to Ben’s Place.

08/05/2023

More images from Stella’s Rescue Day

08/05/2023

RESCUE DAY!!

Stella (formerly Bella) has had a rough month.

She lost her home and family when her owners surrendered her and her brother to the shelter.

Then she lost her brother when he was adopted.

She was stressed, sad, and shut down.

But today she came to live with us at Ben’s Place, and after a ten minute “sniffari” of the yard/house, she settled right down like she’s always been here.

They know.

Welcome to Ben’s Place, Stella.

08/02/2023

Dear Isabel,

I read somewhere that when you’re angry, or stressed, or sad, all you need to do is take a deep breath and envision the eyes of the one you love the most. Not just their face, but the deep vivid color of their irises. See that and hold it in your mind’s eye and your heart can’t help but calm and soften and love.

I just want you to know that. . .every time . . .it was you. It was your eyes I saw, your eyes I looked into. For calm. For softness. For love.

Go now, Little One. You don’t have to be sick any more. Go be with Maddie and Ben and the rest of the pack on the other side of The Bridge.

I love you forever.

08/01/2023

Suzie can’t go down stairs (her eyes).
Tommy can’t go up stairs (his legs).
Building a ramp off the porch had to happen.
Fortunately, I’ve got helpers!

07/31/2023

The algorithms seem to know I need a laugh this week

07/30/2023

It’s been a hard week, but this made me laugh.

07/27/2023

My beloved Isabel.

You fought and beat tick fever. Then heartworm. Then S. lupi. It’s no wonder you have little left for this final fight.

Tell me what to do, Little One.