Big Ben, named for his size, is a flat coated retriever (aka black
"Golden" retriever), is 9 1/2 years young with plenty of life
left in him.  He is very sweet and loving and is a gentle giant of a
4-legged companion.  He was picked up by SCGRRescue.org  2 1/2 years ago after his original owners, who had him since he was a puppy, dropped him at the Inglewood Shelter in LA County due to a divorce and couldn't afford to take care of him any longer.  Ben has chronic bad skin issues, was quite smelly/dirty, had 2 horrible ear infections and was underweight back at that time in June 2017.  The rescue had an angel that immediately went and rescued him from the shelter so he didn't have to be there any longer.

Ben was taken to AMC (vet) in DTLA for immediate care and he was
placed in a foster home for a few weeks.  Due to the foster going back
to work full time, an emergency foster home was needed and that's how I was asked to foster him, which was only 4 days after my beloved
Golden Retriever, Nikko, who passed away at age 16.  I was definitely heart broken, to say the least!

Ben was such a comfort and support to us during this difficult time of
grieving and as you can imagine, a bit rambunctious in a new environment.  Unfortuantely, when the SCGRRescue attempted to adopt him out while I was fostering him, no one was quite the right fit.  One family even went so far as to sign the adoption agreement, load him in their car after a long meet & greet at the park, yet they hadn't even left the curb and came back inside with Ben.  Imagine how confusing that was to Ben and they brought him back inside since their other dog didn't get along with him in the car.  So, he stayed with us while other attempts were made, but ended up not working out.   By that time, we all fell in love with Ben and formally adopted him.  

We have dealt with Ben's behavioral issues, and of course treated the chronic ear issues and skin allergies with a lot of success.  However, at
Ben's recent annual exam, when his anal glands were being expressed,
the vet found a lump, of which I immediately authorized a biopsy that
was sent to an outside lab.  Unfortunately, the results came back
positive and Ben received a cancer diagnosis with the hopes that we
caught it soon enough and hopefully hasn't spread.

One of the biggest hurdles in regards to funding for his treatment is
the insurance companies.  Pet insurance was one of the first thoughts
when asking myself how am I going to pay for everything.
Unfortunately, Retrievers have a predisposition for cancer and Ben's
condition couldn't be covered under these plans and that's why I have
to turn to alternative solutions to raise money.  Thankfully, Ben's
current vet at Banfield Pet Hospital in Rancho Santa Margarita offers a small 15% discount under their "Active Care Plus" pet care plan.

Although there are plenty of pressing issues and graver circumstances
among those in the world, pets have a special place in our hearts,
which is why this means so much to me - to give Ben a chance at
leading an active, long life, like our Nikko did. 

If you have had the chance to meet Ben, you know what a big loving dog he is with people, even though not so much with other dogs.  Or, if you are a fellow dog lover, you know how costly surgery is.  Any donation is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed.  My trust is in the Lord and our family thanks you for any amount you can donate. 

Much love,
Geri, Kendra, Micah and of course - Big Ben