Ben meets his match - well, sort of... {long story}

[RottiMomCT]

Tonight had to be one of the most challenging visits we've done as a Therapy Dog team. We went to a local shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. After meeting our contact at the local police department and signing a confidentiality statement (for obvious reasons - can't tell anyone where it is, if I know anyone, etc...), we took a short ride to our destination.

Everyone was gathered in the 'play room' (which will be getting a much needed makeover thanks to the local AHL hockey team and Booster Club) and Ben and I made our entrance. A collective 'gasp' went up when everyone saw Ben was a rottie, and I expected it, but Ben wasn't put off by it at all. The kids giggled at his lack of a tail, and a few 'I can see his butt' comments were over heard...

One young man, maybe 10 years old, had a very hard look on his face and Ben seemed to be determined to win him over (I'll call him Bubba :D ). He was sitting away from the crowd of people, but seemed very intent on everything we did. I asked the employee's about him and he said he was a good kid, just terrified of making friends with any new adults because they usually leave him.

I talked to the group and answered questions (where did he come from, how old is he, does he bite, etc...) and then did a quick obedience routine and asked anyone if they wanted to help me train Ben with a new behavior (not really but they didn't know it ;) ). Many of these folks only know Rotties in the way they see them on the streets - protecting drug stashes, dog fighting, etc, so for them to see Ben all silly and sweet (the way they are supposed to be!) was quite a surprise for them. Most of the adults were then comfortable enough to let the kids to the talking, petting, etc and just hung back, so Ben really got to shine - showed off his training and his silly tricks.

All the while, Bubba wanted nothing to do with any of it, and looked quite lonely, but he was so focused on Ben that I had to find out why. I asked his Mom about him and found out he wanted a dog but his Mom was afraid the boys Dad would take out his anger on the dog instead of them, so they did without. We then went over to Bubba and started talking to him, asking questions, etc. Turns out Bubba knows quite a bit about dogs and wanted to pet Ben and interact with us but he was afraid to because he knew we would leave and probably never come back, and he didn't want to make friends with someone he'd never see again.

OK, I'm just about in tears at this point in the visit, and Ben had decided he'd had enough of being ignored by this boy. Bubba was sitting on the floor, his Mom next to him, Ben and I sitting on the floor in front of them. Ben decided he should wedge himself between Mom and Bubba and at first, Bubba refused to pet him. I quietly told Mom to let Bubba make his own decisions, but that Ben is a persistent bugger and few people can resist that face :D .

I then leaned over and told Bubba that Ben is VERY good at keeping secrets and is probably one of the best listeners I've ever met. Bubba smiled a very small smile and put his hand on Ben, at which point Ben literally rolled into Bubba's lap and Bubba began to pet him. Most of the folks had left the room by then so we had the play area to ourselves.

I asked Bubba if he wanted to go with me to take Ben out back to go potty and then we could have some 'quiet time' with just Ben, Bubba, me and Mom. He answered 'yes, please' and out we went.

Bubba told Ben that he wants to be a vet...he wants to work in an animal shelter...he wants to save the dogs that nobody wants and those that need his help. Bubba is a straight A student (tutors and home-schooled now), despite having been beaten by his Dad several times to the point of hospitalization.

Ben sat quietly next to Bubba and listened to everything he had to say, looking at him with great interest (it helped that Bubba had cheese and ham treats). It seemed that at just the right moment, Ben would lean over and either sniff Bubba or paw at him, as if to encourage him to keep talking.

Bubba occassinally whispered to Ben and at least once, Ben shook his head as if to say "No way", and Bubba actually laughed.

We were there for about 2 hours - at least half of that spent with Bubba and his Mom. Mom told me that Dad is in jail for drug possession and other stuff so they will be leaving the shelter soon to go live with family in New York, and that she will definitely encourage Bubba to keep working with animals, and asked if she could keep in touch with me. I gave my info to one of the employee's and promised Bubba that I would be back before they left for New York. As fate would have it - I had a picture of Ben in my car and ran out to get it while Bubba and Ben played a final game of fetch in the play room. Bubba just about cried when I gave it to him, and Ben gave him one of the sloppiest kisses I have ever seen. We made plans to go back in two weeks, and Bubba said he's going to tell all of the people who did NOT meet Ben what they missed so they all come see him the next time.

It's not every day that I get the chance to do something like that. Bubba was truly afraid of even touching Ben fo fear that he'd like the dog and then never see him again. I can't imagine ever having to face a life like that, but Bubba opened my eyes, and I think Ben helped Bubba open his heart, if just a bit.

Thanks for letting me share...Ben is sacked out on the sofa, and I'm gonna be following close behind him, except I am going to be in the BED!

[carolynnl4]

I have tears in my eyes...that is so inspirational.
Thank you so much for all you and Ben do.
Carolyn

[mmgy]

Great story!!!!! :) :) :)

Mary Mac

[DNeff]

What an amazing time you and Ben must have had. Thanks for showing the world what a wonderful caring breed the rottweiler is.
Therapy work has to be one of the most powerful skills our dogs have. Keep up the great work.

Dawn + Osa
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[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by DNeff

What an amazing time you and Ben must have had. Thanks for showing the world what a wonderful caring breed the rottweiler is.
Therapy work has to be one of the most powerful skills our dogs have. Keep up the great work.

I think one of the most rewarding things was getting this young man to open up to SOMEONE/SOMETHING. I was told that he was usually off by himself, not wanting to be involved for fear of the friends he may may leaving.

It also certainly helped to show the folks what a Rottie is REALLY like - not those huge 'beasts' they saw in their neighborhoods out with their 'owners', on huge spiked collars with huge chain leashes....

I think, if Bubba realizes that he will make friends and some of them will have to leave him, he'll be fine - other than that he's a really great kid...sharp sense of warped humor - just like me :D ..no wonder Ben liked him!

[Luvs]

What a great story! You and Ben are a great team and an inspiration! :)

[cucciolone]

What a moving story. Thank you very much, to both you and Ben, for touching that poor little boy's life.

[damp]

I bet you and Ben made a difference to that boy!

Keep on your good work!

[Burnsway]

Way to go Ben and Anne........ :D :D :D

[debbiej]

what a wonderful, caring pair you are. Your wonderful guy just pried open a closed door with his soft eyes and pushy nose!

[mmgy]

Originally Posted by RottiMomCT

I think one of the most rewarding things was getting this young man to open up to SOMEONE/SOMETHING.

I don't want to hijack your thread, but we did something similar Tues. with my beagle. She and I go to Holy Angels, a Catholic "nursery" for the severely retarded. It was our first time to see a twenty-something man named Brad, and he was totally enamored with Maggie. They said that he typically didn't care much about the rottie and shepherd that have led the group for years. When we left, his head dropped to his chest and he closed his eyes. The staff has especially requested that Maggie come back just for him.

Isn't that a neat feeling?!? :)

[MontanaRott]

Anne you just gave me the biggest lump in my thoat and brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful gift you and Ben gave to Bubba. What a great thing you and Ben did for that boy. What a humbling experience.

[moondog]

When moments like this occur, the world changes in a big way and in the right direction. That little boy will never forget how Ben made him feel. :)

Kudos to you and Ben! :D

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by MontanaRott

What a wonderful gift you and Ben gave to Bubba. What a great thing you and Ben did for that boy. What a humbling experience.

Yup, it certainly was humbling to know how fortunate I am to spend every moment of my life that I can with him and not be afraid to make friends for fear they will leave me or I will have to leave them.

I got a call this morning that they will be leaving on March 1st for New York, and I have a very busy weekend next weekend so won't be able to go say goodbye, but will only be about a 2 hour drive to NY for me, so I will be visiting a few times. I think Ben and I will make a mid-week trip to see Bubba and his Mom before they leave.

Bubba asked the case-worker to tell me he wants to get a dog when they get settled in NY and asked if I would help him pick out a new friend, and he insisted that Ben must be friends with his new dog so they can play together.

I'm sad thinking about them leaving but realize this is such a great new safe start for them and Bubba WILL make new friends and acheive the goals he sets for himself...Ben certainly doesn't realize what he's done for this kid, but I certainly do!

[Brooke&Ryan]

Anne--

I have tears in my eyes also. What an amazing gift you gave to that little boy. I'm sure that he'll remember it for years to come & when he becomes a vet he'll retell it to all of his patients.

Brooke