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lonewolf7 Core Member

Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 147
Location: Orpington
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Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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Like Sue intimated, when you arrive at the kennels and Benson is the first dog there looking out at you he's impossible to walk past. Well he is for me anyway. He's the most magnificent looking dog, beautifully proportioned and has such a lovely nature.
I am completely useless trying to put on the harness. Sue assures me I WILL get the hang of it! I entered the kennel today with the harness settings way too small for Benson and had about four or five attempts at getting it on. At which point I bailed out and had to disturb Tina's lunch and ask her to make it bigger. In I went again, and after another three or four fumbling attempts Benson actually gave up and sat in his basket as if to say, "Just take your time there's no rush."
Well we got out - Tina called over to tell me that the harness wasn't quite on right (a minor detail I think ), and she came and saved me again.
Things could only get better from here, and Benson and Christine came out for a fantastic walk in the emerging sunshine. Benson walks so well. He only pulls if something takes his attention, he likes to be right alongside you as you walk and is in no hurry. He is constantly looking up at you for reassurance and has the most amazing face. He looks like he's smiling at you as he walks. He loves the water too, but just a quick paddle and a drink and he's ready for the off again.
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lonewolf7 Core Member

Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 147
Location: Orpington
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:52 am Post subject: |
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Walked Benson again on Friday. He's a great dog. Absolutely fine in the kennels and easy to harness. It was a bit hot for him on Friday so we went for the shorter walk option. He occasionally jumps up by your side, but I think he's just looking for some praise. It was only right at the beginning and he soon settles down if you tell him "no".
Benson absolutely loves the water! He was actually coming out and jumping back in on Friday, then shaking himself like a bird in a bird bath! We stopped on the way back in the shade and he had a crazy roll in the grass then proceeded to lay across my legs and soak me with water. Not a problem though. I must bring Wellington's sometime so we can actually follow the stream! |
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Susiebee The "Dog Measurer"!

Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 729
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 9:50 pm Post subject: |
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Lovely walk with Benson today. When he decides he's going into 'show dog' mode he walks so quietly and gently beside me that I keep thinking he's npt on the lead because they are so light.
Even 'non show dog mode' is still nice because he walks just slightly ahead. He enjoyed Asher's company today.
He's a very special boy with a lot of love to give.
Had a lovely paddle in the stream which is one of his favourite places on his walk. Was very good past horses and other dogs. All this and he's very handsome !
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Charlie+Ted Core Member

Joined: 12 Nov 2009 Posts: 869
Location: Dormansland
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Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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Benson had been on my mind this weekend so I was delighted to be able to walk him today....
Big fun in the stream
What a charmer! |
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lonewolf7 Core Member

Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 147
Location: Orpington
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 9:32 pm Post subject: |
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My old favourite Benson got out twice this weekend! We really need some rain because he LOVES jumping in the stream, but the water is getting a bit low and not that fresh. He likes it so much though that I can't deny him that enjoyment.
He will insist on jumping all over me when we eventually stop and sit down at the end of the walk though.....thus making me rather damp and not so fresh!
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Hoonercat Core Member

Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 1012
Location: Kent
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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Out with the lovely Benson today, he seemed to be a bit uninterested in walking today, I hope kennel life isn't getting him down He's very keen to get out for a walk and loves stopping for a cuddle and having a fuss made, but he doesn't seem to have lots of energy when walking and is constantly trying to graze on the grass. Even when we passed Lynn with 2 RR dogs he wasn't his usual enthusiastic self.
Having said that, he did almost take me for a swim in the river. He seems to have lots of energy as soon as he catches sight of the water
He was keen to pose for the camera though, and really enjoyed being made a fuss of when we stopped off a couple of times. He was very good with the kids, Chelsey was quite nervous of him at first due to his size but she soon saw that he was very gentle, and he's now taken over from Michael as her favourite.
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lonewolf7 Core Member

Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 147
Location: Orpington
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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Benson was exactly the same with me on Saturday, and Sue said he didn't seem his usual self on Friday.
But I agree, when he sees the water he's got plenty of energy. Quite often he doesn't get a walk for a whole week so maybe three walks in three days meant he was happy just to take the treats and attention. I do think he suffers with the heat so maybe it's that. He certainly hasn't lost his appetite! |
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Susiebee The "Dog Measurer"!

Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 729
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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Benson always gives the most fantastic smiley welcome when he sees walkers arrive because his kennel faces the car park.
Had a really lovely time with him today. Benson can give the most loving looks when he walking beautifully beside you. I felt like the best and most loved walker in the world today - Benson was adorable.
Benson had been a little downbeat compared to his usual joyful self over the last couple of weeks so we had a little quiet cuddle time in the field after his walk. He had a spring back in his step today which was lovely to see.
Benson was tucking into a biscuit whilst having a cuddle allowing me to get a quick photo in whilst I had my phone out. He's such a cuddle monster it's tricky to get enough distance for good pictures, he just wants to be near you. Such a lovely, lovely boy.
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Hoonercat Core Member

Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 1012
Location: Kent
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 8:46 pm Post subject: |
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Out with Benson again today, he's firmly established himself as our first walk and the kids can't wait to see him. My ex joined us today and she was besotted by Benson, just absolutely adored everything about him, including his habit of throwing himself on his back whenever he fancies a belly rub, no matter where we happen to be at the time . He's a dog who loves the company of people, which makes it all the more sad that he's spending so long in kennels.
I don't know the reason for it, but you just can't help but feel a close bond with Benson, whether you're an adult or child. Maybe it's the constant eye contact and the way he walks beside you and regularly rubs his head against you. Or maybe it's the way he plays, very gentle and never too pushy. Whatever it is, he's loved by all who meet him, and all who meet him cannot understand why this lovely boy is still in kennels  |
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chrisincrawley Core Member

Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Posts: 723
Location: Crawley
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Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 3:23 pm Post subject: |
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Lucky Benson was out again today, being a model for me today and having a nice walk as well. You have to be a pretty poor photographer to get a bad pic of Benson... (over to sube)
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Hoonercat Core Member

Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 1012
Location: Kent
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Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:22 pm Post subject: |
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As always, Benson was my first walk of the day today. and what an eventful walk it was. Pleased to say he was in full energy mode today so we had a few jogging sessions, an encounter with a very friendly off lead Lab who Benson seemed very fond off (which was quite lucky, given that the Lab came charging down the stream embankment as we were climbing up it, not sure who was more surprised), and an encounter with a horse and rider where Benson behaved very well indeed, despite the horse being only 5 feet away from him.
It was great to see Benson being more energetic this week. I'm normally a real Staffie lover, there's something about them that I just can't resist and bigger dogs don't normally appeal to me. That changed the first time I walked Benson. Whereas other dogs get excited because they're going for a walk, Benson is more interested in the companionship of whoever is taking him out. He can be as playful and as energetic as a Staffie, but first and foremost he just wants to be your friend. He craves human companionship, and this is very evident when returning him to his kennel as he starts to play with you in the hope that you'll stay in his kennel with him for longer. Reminds me of a child playing with an adult, seeing the fun is about to end so they put in an extra effort to keep it going.
Benson will male a fantastic companion. Don't be put off by reference to his size, he's not actually that big, he just seems it compared to the Staffies and Terriers around him in the kennels. He's also one of the easiest dogs to harness and walk, he's pretty much the perfect dog. |
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Hoonercat Core Member

Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 1012
Location: Kent
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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I learnt some new things about Benson on Saturday. We went for a proper sprint on leaving the kennels and he has the most gracious run I've ever seen, so elegant. He also likes to chase sticks, just make sure you're running before he is unless you have an extender lead
Despite being on of the larger RR dogs, he is probably the easiest dog to walk. Once he gets that initial burst of energy out of the way he walks to heel for the rest of the walk, constantly looks up at you and occasionally gives a little lick of your hand, makes you want to pick him up and squeeze, he is such a friendly affectionate dog.
Well, apart from when he's doing this
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Paulak Member

Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 169
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Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 6:04 am Post subject: |
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So sad seeing Benson there week after week when we get to kennels - he really is a sweetie - he seems to have lost his voice this last couple of weeks and his bark is very hoarse. We left him with a nice fresh marrow bone yesterday which set his tail wagging as he tucked himself into bed with it. _________________ A Staffie kiss a day keeps the doctor away |
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Susiebee The "Dog Measurer"!

Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 729
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:35 pm Post subject: |
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Benson had fun in the stream today with Asher ...and nearly me.
If I only I had a sense of balance....but Benson was a good boy and checked on me, then waited when he saw I was following him down rather gingerly knowing Charlie was ready with her camera if I fell in.
Come on in the water's lovely. You can tell by the blur of my wagging tail..
Apologies for the blur ....I would argue it was more tail wagging but just me with camera shake....however I think it still shows his happy face to be in the stream with Asher.
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xxlynne Moderator

Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 13659
Location: Richmond Surrey
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 7:53 am Post subject: |
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Benson on a hot summers day
 _________________ You can't train the terrier out of a terrier..they are their own persons!
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Registered Charity No.1139407 |
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