A year and a half ago, a sweet little dog named Benny was rescued. He was all alone after Hurricane Harvey hit the country and was adopted by his new family in Washington state. From the moment he first arrived in his new home he had a special bond with his dad, a man named Scott Ballenger. The pair were instant best friends and spent every single moment of their time together. Benny was scared of men when he first arrived but his family did not know why or know anything about his background. But he loved Scott and was the first to hear his car approaching each night when he came home from work. Benny was fearful of many people and many things, but he loved and trusted his dad Scott without question.
Scott and his girlfriend took Benny everywhere with them and the man and his dog couldn’t have loved one another any more. In late August, Scott was admitted to the hospital and was in very serious condition. Benny was confused and sad because his dad was suddenly no longer around. So, Scott’s family brought Benny to see his best friend in the hospital so he could see and be with his dad. Benny really didn’t know what was going on, but he was happy to see Scott, sniffing his face and hands and lying next to him in his hospital bed. It was clear Benny knew what was happening and he refused to leave his side. He sat by his side all day, snuggled up next to his dad and lying his head on his dad’s arm.
Sadly, the following day Scott passed away. It was as though Benny knew what was happening and after all the time they spent together Benny wanted to be by his dad’s side on his final day. Benny has really struggled since his dad died. He roams the house trying to find his dad and cries for him at night. He is confused, but he is lucky: Scott’s family is there for him every step of the way to snuggle and comfort him as they all grieve their loss.
