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Hi there. My name is Ben and this is the story of how I went from being a vagabond wandering the streets of Tehachapi to having a new home with a loving couple. What a difference two weeks makes!

There I was wandering along Valley Blvd., minding my own business and looking for my next meal, when someone stopped. It was Mike who worked at Canine Creek Dog Wash. He picked me up and took me to work where I was whisked inside (it sure smells great in there) and treated like a king. Needless to say, I was the guest, so I behaved impeccably. Susie called her friend Leslie at Canine Canyon Ranch Rescue and asked “Is there was room at the inn?” There was, and the rest is history.

I stayed there for almost two weeks while they waited to see if someone would claim me. If they’d just asked me, I could have told them I’d been out wandering for quite some time. I got my dreadlocks cut off and every day the lady brushed me. The Collie Rescue didn’t have room for me so she started looking for a new home. Some people LIKE older gentlemanly dogs, you know.

People answered an email and helped to raise money for my surgery-I have a large cyst on my tail, several smaller cysts, I’m getting neutered (whatever that is), will have all required shots, and if there’s enough money I’ll get a microchip. Dr. Billingsley will be doing my surgery on Monday, January 7th, thanks to everyone who contributed. My foster mom tells me that it will be a lot more comfortable sitting down from now on (I’m not sure what’s up with that?).

My new home will be with a couple who just lost their older male Shepherd a few months ago. Here’s a photo of me with my new Mom, Louise, taken right after Susie at Canine Creek spent almost two hours giving me a bath and brushing me out. Even though they live in a small trailer that moves around, they will be wonderful guardians for the rest of my life, and I will guard them right back. We are going to leave Tehachapi to be campground hosts very soon! That will be fun and I’ll get to make lots of new friends and help them have a great time on their vacations.

Well, that’s about it for now. This next week should be really exciting for me, so I wanted to tell you my story now before things get crazy. Thank you to everyone that helped out with my vet bill and I’ll try and send a postcard soon. And if you’re looking for a dog, don’t forget to check out the rescues first-they changed my life forever!

Love and slobbery kisses,

Gentle Ben the collie

This big furry old dog has been rescued from the streets of Tehachapi and has a new owner ready to love him.  But, before he is officially adopted out, Gentle Ben needs medical care.  Contributions would be greatly appreciated to help pay for his surgery with Dr. Billingsley on January 7th.  If you would like to contribute, checks payable to "Dr. Billingsley", with Gentle Ben in the subject line, can be dropped off at Canine Creek.  Thank you for any assistance you can offer!