My cherished companion was put to sleep on January 7, 2023. He was a sweet and gentle beagle mix, 11 years old. I only had him in my life for two months. I adopted him from the Fox Valley Humane Association in Appleton, Wisconsin on October 28, 2022. It was love at first meet. He was so gentle and so happy to get acquainted with me. 

He has touched people's lives in just my presence for the short time we had together. I registered him as my Emotional Support Animal. I considered him more than a pet: he was my life companion and best friend. I have learned so much from him. He had such a gracious spirit and so full of a willingness to serve others and go wherever I would go. He took instantly to my husband, Patrick. I have anxiety, PTSD, depression, and get too worried about things I shouldn't. Benny taught me through his gracious humility, quiet wisdom, and understanding that the most important things in life are those little moments. I needed to learn that. I was frustrated about the bathroom accidents in the house. He tried so hard to work with me. He would scratch on the door and look at me to let me know he wanted to go outside. But, as that became more frequent like 2am or 4 am I never realized what he was actually saying. I have learned through this journey, that precious pets such as himself can only communicate to us by showing us. We must learn that every action is a communication for help. He had an enlarged prostate and it wasn't understood just what it was going to do until a few vet appointments later. This enlargement eventually pinched his urethra and left him unable to urinate on his own. I had it drained by catheter twice, once in the pet hospital and once at the vet office. I wish I and the vet clinic would have understood what was happening sooner. 

Benny gave me a model of light to follow. He gave me what a child of light looks like. He showed me grace, humility, compassion, selfless love and service, acceptance, wisdom, and unconditional loyalty. He helped calm a young mom's rambunctious children in the store and let them love him. He gave love to disabled shoppers and brought them to smile. He softened my husband's acceptance to having a pet. He touched the hearts of everyone we met. And, no matter his condition, it never stopped him from living his life to the fullest, he still would go places with us, go for walks, and be here for us continually. When he had to go through medical procedures, the staff said he was so gentle and understanding. I was not the only one in tears the day we put him to rest at the clinic. I got to spend the last precious moments with him until his last breath. The gifts he brought to my life are priceless. I will honor his life by living out everything he taught me. My husband and I are better toward each other now, and I am more reflective of myself and my heart. I do not worry about the small things anymore or stress on life plans. My heart is free from those things now because of Benny. In his honor, after a few days of agonizing grief and anguish, I release myself of feelings of guilt and despair. Benny would have wanted it that way. Thank you, God, for sending this pure spirit into my life. I love you, Benny. You've done well. You're such a good boy. 

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