Update on Benji (formerly Tank)

Dear Group:

 

I am not great at posting updates but thought I should let you know what has been going on with Benji.  I originally talked my husband into fostering with the hope that we would become savy foster parents and help many bostons in need find their new forever homes.  I still would like to see this happen one day but I am a strong believer in the fact that things happen for a reason.

 

I was asked to consider fostering "Tank." who was found at a garage sale with a sign around his neck free.  Luckily a woman with a good soul took him knowing he was in a bad situation.  This young woman was in the process of raising two very small children and going through a divorce, yet she know that Tank needed to be saved.  According to her it appeared that he had been living out of this families van.  The economy has hit many people hard and unfortunately Benji was given the short straw.

 

After I brought Benji home it became apparent that not only was he in need of some medical attention, but that he definitely did not want any parts of getting to know my other two dogs.  He had a dry eye and an infection in that eye that needed care as well as some badly rotting teeth.  Thank goodness my home check volunteer Alexis recommended getting a baby gate and considering using the laundry room as an aveune for separating the three dogs because I would have never of guessed that this process could be so difficult.

 

My mother in law had been living by herself approximately 20 minutes away.  Although she is in good physical condition, she is on a fixed income and really should not be driving any longer.  She recently lost her spouse 2 years ago and most recently her dog.  I saw this as a perfect opportunity to allow her to stay with us and help us care for Benji.

 

The relationship began to grow through their daily walks around the house.  Benji is very overweight at 30 pounds and my mother in law would do laps around the house with him as a form of exercise. 

 

Most recently Benji has gone through his dental appointment and had 3 abcessed teeth removed.  He is on doggie prozac and is now running free in the house with the other two dogs.  I am not saying every day is perfect but for the most part the three dogs are living together without problem and Benji seems like he is trying to learn how to play.

 

I am optimistic that Benji will continue to grow in his comfort zone and feel loved as he lives through his senior years.  I have learned so much from this fostering process and look forward to doing it again in the future.

 

Robyn