We first saw Ben running around a farm yard near Merrickville and it was love a first sight. The white patch on his back really set him apart, and, having read all the "puppy books" we picked him because he seemed curious without being overly timid or aggressive. Although we'd promised my husband's sister, who was living with us at the time, that we would absolutely NOT bring home a dog.... well, you know what happened! I can tell you, it did not go over well, and caused tension for some time. But, what did I care, I had the new love of my life in a little black and white fuzz ball who had barfed in the car on the way home and hated being on any surface except grass (from back on the farm).

Ben was easy to toilet train, smart, and very cuddly (I loved that part!). Full of energy we exercised him three times a day in a large park near our house. My entire goal before I left for work was to exhaust him so that he would sleep the whole time we were gone and not get into any mischief! I started obedience classes once he'd had all his shots and was introduced to the Border Collie Club through Art Newman at All Dogs. Well, this was perfect. We quickly started Ben in Flyball and in the process met a bunch of great people who loved their dogs as much as we did. When the K-9 Cup started, we were there with the Borderlines, and learned agility through Frank Amyot, Finnegan and Riley. Rita and Hendra were there with obedience classes, and before we knew it, Ben and I were out three nights a week! Ben was also official mascot of two mixed baseball teams right up until last summer when his arthritis prevented him from going to the games. (Actually he still would have gone, but we had to keep him home because he would hurt himself trying to go after the balls!)

He was a great family dog, tolerating the kids when they were babies, but actually accepting them into his "pack" once they were old enough to throw a ball, stick or Frisbee. As he got older, the massive amounts of exercise he required turned into walks to school and back. I was either my kids mom, or the lady with the nice dog. That was fine by me.

Loosing Ben to cancer was very hard and to come home and not have him waiting by the front door for me was a big change. I have had strangers and neighbors come up to me on the street and tell me that they have seen me walking Ben and how well behaved he is. I was always very proud of him, and the best advice I can give to anyone thinking of getting a puppy is that if you invest time and energy into your dog when they are young then you will reap a lifetime of benefits of a happy, well-adjusted and obedient dog. Truly a member of the family.

Ben will be sorely missed by the whole Menchetti family.