At 18½ years of age, my very special best friend, Benjamin, endures like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. Wrestled from the streets of Warsaw as a pup, he has endured a life with me that has taken him half-way across the world and then to Canada’s North and then again half way across Canada. Two weeks ago, I thought he was leaving me very soon — but he continues to endure, continues to fight the fight of his life.
© Dale Schierbeck 2014
© Dale Schierbeck 2014
© Dale Schierbeck 2014
See more of from other’s submissions to the Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Endurance.
See more of my own photography here ….
And read about Ben’s beginnings here ….
LaVagabonde says
I was just recently wondering how he was doing. He’s such a lovely boy. What an amazing life he’s had. He doesn’t want to leave you. I’m dealing with the same thing with my rabbit, though she’s a lot younger.
Dale says
Thanks Julie. That means an awful lot. He really is. A few days after these pictures he scared the crap out of me as he endured what we can only assess to have been a mini-stroke (TIA). He’s bounced back from it and looks again like he did in that picture, but we are certainly on a difficult journey that will end with a lot more tears …. Hopefully not for many more weeks, but he’s preparing me for it, I know. I wish you strength with your rabbit. Difficult days, indeed.
LaVagabonde says
Wishing you much strength, too.
Tina Schell says
Beautiful photos obviously made with love. Amazing how much comfort you can derive from a 4-legged friend. My dog was my constant companion as I navigated some troubled waters and was with me for 15 years. I’d never have made it thru without him.
Dale says
Thank you, Tina. There is undoubtedly a bias in my own eyes when I look at them, but, yes, all I see is love in them.
I’m sorry for your own loss of your companion, but you’re so right about the comfort and strength they bring to our own lives. Thank you.
seeker says
Lucky dog. This is exactly what I posted as well, the endurance of dogs.
Dale says
Thank you. I have no doubt in the world that the endurance Ben and I share feeds from each other. They are magical creatures when we let them into our hearts ….
sixdegreesphotography says
How blessed you two found one another.. almost 19 year, that in itself is amazing.. such a cute doggie!
Dale says
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more with your words. He is a miracle in my life.
Puhy007 says
Benjamin is beautiful dog and I am wowed by his age. 🙂 Not sure if if he is 18 on those pictures, but he looks like a puppy
Dale says
Thank you. Your words are very kind and warm my heart. He is for me an enormously gorgeous creature. The pictures were actually taken today as part of a photo shoot just for this post. He defies so many predictors and prognoses: it’s hard to know what to believe anymore.
Puhy007 says
Omg I am just stunned by his age and his look. Just believe in that little fellow 🙂 they never let us down and bond between humans and dogs outlives everything 🙂 Sometimes I wish I could understand my dog as good as she understands me…
Dale says
How true are your words. Anyone whoever bet against this guy has never won a penny. He stuns me as well and I’ve been there for the whole crazy ride. 🙂
Puhy007 says
He is a true champ 🙂 I wish you both many years of this craziness 🙂 Who said crazy is not good thing? 😉
Dale says
Thank you. No, I wouldn’t change a thing about our ride. It’s been ours and amazing.