Rebecca, Irena Farm Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Well, I'm well known for being rather bored with discussions of dog's birthdays (first birthdays are an exception as it's always interesting when a puppy passes into supposed adulthood). So I'll eat a little crow here for Ben's benefit - in light of recent events, it seems appropriate to celebrate a birthday that we came close to missing. A year ago we were caught up in our own little problems and I totally missed Ben turning the big 1-0. His first birthday, nine years before, was spent at a herding clinic - the very first time we were on sheep. I'll never forget how happy he was. I have a great picture of him sitting outside the training pen with this big goofy grin on his face and I look at it and remember all the big dreams that were in my heart. Time passed and Ben got the worst of my ineptness at training, and our lack of ability to find help, and my getting too caught up in rescue, and several bouts of illness of course, and several family disasters. Until last summer he had practically fallen by the wayside - then we moved and Ben stepped up and showed what he was made of - all sheepdog with a ten year old heart that was ready for anything. But when he disappeared earlier this week, it wasn't the wonderful things he did for the farm last year I thought of. It was all the years before when Ben was just Ben. I'm so grateful now that he's here for his eleventh birthday. Dogs have no concept, I don't think, of "special" days and special treats are just jackpots that fall from the sky unless you go out of your way to charge a particular event. But Ben got homeade organic chili for breakfast (he loves spicy food) and he's getting a yummy meatloaf tonight - the "people" are getting meatloaf but none of the other dogs are, so that will make it special in a way, I imagine. And of course, except for a little simple work being done by Rocky, Ben's the Main Man again here while Cord recovers from his mystery injury. Happy birthday, Ben, and many more. Enjoy your meatloaf - I'm enjoying my crow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Here's to Ben! May he enjoy many more 'meatloaf' birthdays as the Main Man at Irena Farm!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenlion Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben, glad you made it home to be pampered. You brought tears to my eyes Becca. Toni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Oop Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy B-Day Ben! Well said, Rebecca. Wishing him happiness on this special day (and may you all be able stand being in the same room with him tonight after he eats chili for breakfast and meatloaf for dinner. ) Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keegan's Mom Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy B-day Ben!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Crazies Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben! Enjoy the goodies. Yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy, happy day Ben. Made extra special since you are back where you belong. May you have many more good years. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmetteabrakai Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Rebecca what a wonderful tribute to Ben! May he reign supreme through meatloaf and all the oraganic chile he can handle. Oh and be careful flossing the feathers out of your teeth. We all have to sucumb some time Andrea D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc friend Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy birthday, Ben! I'm sure his most special present was simply being home again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Have a Happy Birthday "at home", Ben! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bailey44 Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Rebecca, You are always so eloquent when you write--you need to write a "Border Collie Stories" book. Blessings to you and your family--and Happy Birthday to Ben! I'm so happy that he is home safe--a very special birthday indeed! Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Fergie wishes her friend Ben a Happy Birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca, Irena Farm Posted February 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 By the way, to Ben fans who sent funds to the Ben reward fund - we'll be picking up a new rescue tomorrow and we'll use the money to fund that trip (100 miles one way). Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyrasmom Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben, I'm so thrilled that you're all able to spend it together. Maria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoku's mum Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 What a great tribute to a great dog. Enjoy your meatloaf and chili, and may you have quite a few more good years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK dog doc Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Doubly sweet, to be able to celebrate an eleventh Bday in any event - but especially one that was so near to being missed. Happy Bday to Ben from all of us (especially Pepper, who is ALSO turning eleven today, 2/2/07... hmmm, could they be littermates? Pepper DID come from the east coast... VW, I think, but I'm not sure. Heh. It would be HILARIOUS if they WERE littermates!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat's Dogs Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Happy Birthday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoBC Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben! And have many more to come. I like spicy food to, but I don't think I could handle chili for breakfast, and meatloaf for supper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben! Rebecca, after all that has happened, I am sure you will not be held accountable for this "slip"! What an especially wonderfull BD for the main guy! Give him a big ol hug and scritch from all of us! And a Happy Birthday to Pepper too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Happy Birthday, Ben! I'm so glad you're back home to celebrate the big day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvlucy Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 what??? no cake? i always give my dogs a littie cake for their b.d. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth G Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben and glad you're back home again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted February 5, 2007 Report Share Posted February 5, 2007 Happy Birthday Ben!! I heard about his little "adventure" and am glad to hear he's safe and sound back home! -Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotobridget Posted February 6, 2007 Report Share Posted February 6, 2007 Happy B-day Ben, Rebecca, I read the thread about Ben and was so releived to hear he had 'mysteriously' come home! I had the same thing happen to my baby cat. I rescued her eight years ago and she was an indoor cat. About four years ago I had to move and my parents agreed to keep her for a while. (She has a border collie escape artist brain) She managed to get out one day. Exactly (and this is weird) one year later I pull into my dad's driveway and as I am shutting off the engine--a little peach cat wanders up to meet me at the front door. Doubting that it is my little baby at first because she if filthy and scrawny. I noticed she was still wearing the collar I had bought her. Needless to say, I grabbed her and carried her inside. Then we went home to Mommy's new apartment that had a no pet policy. I still have my little girl--still possessing of the same snotty attitude! I am glad you didn't have to wait that long to get your baby back!!! It makes you cherish them more than ever to be without them even a day.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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