Originally named Spike, this dog spent the first 6 months of his life tied to a tree outside and beaten with a stick. At about 6-9 months old he ran away from that home. My son Ben found him about a month later after he had been hit by a car. The original owner wanted to put him down then and gave up their rights to him. Ben was working at a vet clinic at the time, so he took on the responsibility for this dog and made sure he got the surgery he needed.
When Spike came to my house, he was a very wild and scary dog. My sister put us in touch with her friend Lisa that stepped in to help us with him. She suggested the first thing she recommended was to change his name, we could not think of one so she named him GENTLE BEN. What an amazing thing a name change will do for a dog. Lisa took Gentle Ben to her house for approximately two years. She worked with him to undo his bad and scary habits, how to behave wih manners and walk on a leash. She also taught us how to work with him. Every time (my son) Ben came around Lisa would point out how Gentle Ben looked at (my son) Ben with such loving eyes and treated him like he could walk on water. The relationship between Ben and dog was a gift to behold.
Gentle Ben lived with Ben for the rest of his life. He was a very gentle, loviing and fun dog to behold. He got along with others dogs he lived with, even my Chihuahuas.
Gentle Ben’s life shows how it took many loving and caring people to give him the life he deserved.
Gentle Ben lived till he was about 10 1/2 years old. He was loved by all of us.

Stephanie Christian