Benny is a "special needs" boy who has been with us quite a while. He has been diagnosed with Addison's Disease which thankfully, is treatable with medication.
It took quite a while for the doctors to come to a definitive diagnosis. As mentioned above Addison's is treatable and Benny is currently on medication to control the disease. He has improved dramatically and seems to be his old self again.
All of us at the BAAC know how important it is to make a lifelong commitment to an animal and believe that each animal's life has intrinsic value. Afterall, how could we turn our backs on a dog that exudes such personality and uniqueness?
Benny has always been a little insecure around strangers and he isn't the best little boy when being groomed. But he is worth the extra effort put forth to help him feel secure because when he does, he is such a cuddle bug!
For example, someone at the BAAC noticed how Benny just loved his squeaky hotdog and wouldn't put it down for anything. Knowing that he has been a little irritable when being groomed, they decided to allow Benny to have his hotdog during his next bath and grooming. Hence, Benny sat through almost 2 hours of his grooming session, holding his hotdog in his mouth, never growling or snapping at anyone!
During Benny's illness, staff and volunteers spent many hours with him, giving him love and support. Benny would cuddle and hide his face in their lap, looking so sad.
We were all thrilled to hear the doctors say recently at the end of his last hospital stay, that his blood pressure was back to normal, and the medications he was receiving had begun to improve his condition. They have every belief that with his medication, Benny can live a comfortable, happy life.
As you may guess, Benny would not do well in a home around young children as their fast movements can easily startle him. He would do wonderfully though with a quiet couple or individual who can give him the time necessary to feel comfortable around them. He is primarily best with the female gender but has done well with the men who work at the BAAC and have given him the time he needed to become relaxed around them.
**If you are unable to adopt Benny but would like to contribute to help offset the large expense incurred with his treatment and care, you may donate via several ways:
By Mail to the BAAC (with a note indicating that you would like your donation to be put towards Benny's care):
The BAAC
For Benny
P.O. Box 1023
Charles Town, WV 25414-1023
Or you may use our online donation page on this site by clicking here. Just choose the Bread and Butter (General) donation and in the comment section put, "to help towards the cost of Benny's medical care."
Or better yet, stop by the BAAC at 3791 Berryville Pike (Route 340 south of Charles Town) to make your donation and take a tour of our facility!
Thank you for taking the time to read Benny's story.
