Ben is Marcy and Rob's faithful companion who came to them in the form of a canine. How much joy he brought into their lives as well as the lives of all the lagamorphs, felines, and other humans he came in contact with can never be measured. A soothing presence. His breed is known for their love of the chase. Ben, however, chose to snuggle with rather than hunt the recuperating rabbits being fostered at Marcy and Rob's. Who can resist smiling seeing such a big dog curled up with a much smaller long-eared friend in the nook between his legs and tummy? Who can resist smiling looking at his big eyes, floppy ears, and sagging jowls?

My goodness, he loved getting someone to toss him his ball! It didn't matter where or how far or whether the thrower had any aim to speak of. He was very patient. He knew the humans had so much to do and were always short-handed. Marcy and Rob's was rabbit rescue central, a never-ending job. No problem. He waits until someone can't take his intent eyes (and rare barks = "I'm still here!") anymore and takes a break to throw him his ball. Someone will always throw him his ball. Who can resist that face?

When I used to visit Marcy's, I too fell under his gaze and started tossing Ben his ball. I even went on a couple of walks with him and Marcy up "Ass-Kicker Hill." That darn hill left me panting but Ben's ass was not kicked. No way! He kept looking for the ball that would come flying his way, and away he went after it. Marcy's love for Ben was as evident as Ben's love for Marcy.

I haven't been able to visit Marcy's for years now, but my memories of Ben are clear and dear. My heart beat a little faster, felt a little tighter every time Marcy sent out an email saying Ben wasn't doing so well; Ben's cancer came back. I sent him healing thoughts from across the bay. I hope he heard me. I'm sorry I couldn't visit with him these last years. I'm sorry I wasn't there to throw him his ball one more time. Ben, everyone--Marcy, Rob, your multispecies extended family and friends--miss you. You'll watch over Marcy and Rob won't you, just like you always have?

Dear Ben, one last favor. Please say "hi" to my Pecha, Gaburi, Little Three-legs, Panda, Milk Tea, The Big One, Horse-face, King Louis XVI, Apple, Primrose, Opie and all the countless others who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge before you. May you all romp happily together. May there be infinite balls for you to catch.

There is an online Memorial for Ben. It breaks my heart knowing he is gone. It warms my heart knowing he is still here.

"There is work that is work and there is play that is play; there is play that is work and work that is play. And in only one of these lie happiness."
~Gelett Burgess