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Ben Stein's Diary
Deaths in the Family
Can any drug, any food compare with the feel of a trusting big old dog against your stomach?
Thursday
It is the fourteenth
anniversary of my mother’s death and I am here in Beverly Hills,
lying on a long blue couch in my sunny office. My wife is sleeping
on the bed in the office along with our dogs, Brigid and Cleo. In
the distance, I can hear kids screaming at a swimming pool. The
sound makes me think that Beverly Hills is a neighborhood and not a
showroom, which is really what it is.
I fell asleep for half an hour and when I awoke, I saw right in front of me some large blowups of photos of my family. They’ve been there for years.
There’s one of my son when he was about eight years old listening to my father play the clarinet in my parents’ bedroom at the Watergate. My mother is resting her hands on Tommy’s shoulders and looks happy and calm. Tommy looks ecstatic.
To its right is a black-and-white photo from about 1958 of my mother and my sister standing out on the deck of our fabulous fifties-modern home in Silver Spring, Maryland. The deck overlooked Sligo Creek Park. It was a beautiful setting. Both women are wearing full skirts, the fashion in that era. They look pretty, but a bit wary of each other.
Just under that is a gloriously colorful photo of my mother in about 1987 sitting on a couch in our home in the Hollywood Hills. Gathered all around her are our dogs of that era: Martha, the nutty Weimaraner; Trixie, spectacularly beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer; and Ginger, also perfect GSP. My mother looks so happy. She loved dogs. She had Irish setters when she was growing up, and always loved dogs. Not as much as I do, but considerably.
Once, I left Mary, the original Weimaraner, with my father and my mother for two weeks when I moved to L.A. in the summer of 1976, while I looked for an apartment that would allow me to have a dog. Mary stayed with them in their apartment at the Watergate. My mother told me it was the happiest two weeks of her life. She played with Mary all day. She sat on the couch and threw a ball for her and marveled each time Mary brought it back to her. Why didn’t she get one of her own? I don’t know. She was apprehensive about many things. Let’s see, she was then about 60. She could easily have had the strength for a dog. It was a mistake by her.
Now, it’s been 14 years without my mother. I lie in my office and I look at those photos. I also have photos in my bedroom of my mother and father sharing a milkshake at the McDonald’s on Route 50 in Maryland on the western side of the Bay Bridge. They look contented with that shared milkshake. They were never pretentious. I can so well recall going to the counter and buying them that milkshake.
I am sure I never imagined a time when my mother and father would have been dead many years. I still get postcards to send them from wherever I am, and keep saving the postcards, as if my parents would reappear. I talk to them at night and through the day.
I hope they forgive my ingratitude and selfishness.
For most of my life, I only thought of what they had done wrong to me. It never occurred to me to think of what I had done wrong to them. Never even occurred to me to thank them on hands and knees for the lush life they gave me after their own modest beginnings and to thank them for how hard they had to work. I wish I had that time back. I thanked them plenty when I was older, but I wish I had done it much more when I was young. How selfish we children are. Or at least, how selfish I was. It’s painful.
God bless you, Mom and Pop. I miss you.
As Wlady would say, “A soul is gone.” But is it, if it’s a soul?
Thursday
A FANTASTICALLY BUSY DAY in
New York City promoting “my” new book,
The Wiley Little Book of Alternative Investments. I
awakened at about six, Eastern Time, which is about three my time.
I was feeling fantastically sick. Just as if I had been poisoned.
But what could it be? I had almost nothing to eat the day before.
Maybe a stomach flu. I drank some of the wonderful herbal tea my
sister taught me about many years ago, Tazo Refresh mint tea. It
helped a lot. It has something to do with the mint hitting some
smooth muscles in the intestines. Anyway, it helps.
I ate a modest breakfast, got dressed, and went off on my rounds along with my publicist, Monique, and my driver, Harold.
First stop, Fox News. I got made up, talked to fellow Fox and Friends guest and my great pal, Michele Bachmann, looked at my book, which really should be called Phil DeMuth’s book, because he wrote 99.99 percent of it — he’s listed as co-author but he did all of the serious work on it — and then went on the air. It was a fast, fun show.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
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Handy| 7.1.11 @ 6:50AM
Dear Ben,
To quote Bill Clinton, "I feel your pain." But, unlike him, I truly do.
My animals mostly died in car accidents, old age disease, and other animal fights. Coonhounds, don't you know? Our wonderful cat, Clueso (a variation, because he was kinda a detective) gave up the ghost under the tree on Christmas Eve. Only once have I had to make the tough decision.
I suspect that out of love for Brigid and love for your country, you are giving her one more Independence Day; delaying the inevitable until Tuesday.
Go ahead and have a good cry. For her, and for our beloved country.
lydia | 7.1.11 @ 8:39AM
I am a 28 years old doctor, mature and beautiful.and now I am seeking a good man who can give me real love , so i got a username Andromeda2002 on--s'e'ek'c'ou'ga'r.c óm--.it is the first and best club for y'ounger women and old'er men, or older women and y'ounger men,to int'eract with each other. Maybe you wanna ch'eck 'it out or tell your friends!
If he were human, I sure as hell wouldn't want him flopping about my house, or worse, slobbering on me myself. How is it somehow less revolting because it's a dog?
Handy| 7.1.11 @ 9:37AM
We've all dealt with you enough, and you have had no takers. Guess it is up to me to make your dreams come true, and to finally shut you up.
I am a 61 year old multi-millionaire. Disease and Viagra free. Six feet tall, 180 lbs. Some of my abs remain. I have a couple of bullet holes in me, so that could be a problem, I guess.
If you want to get it on, meet me in the Minneappolis airport tomorrow at 6:00 PM local, Gate 32. Wear a carnation.
Otherwise. Get off these threads!!!
KyMouse| 7.1.11 @ 10:00AM
Lydia, you've worn out your welcome. Do your trolling for johns at the bus station.
I'd rather have a loving dog than a mangy cougar.
Handy will be waiting for you at the Minneapolis Airport. Hold your breath until he arrives.
JP| 7.1.11 @ 11:06AM
KyMouse,
I think Lydia is a bot. No use responding to it.
Occam's Tool| 7.2.11 @ 2:08PM
Mouse, once again you show why you, in solitary, redeem the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Occam's Tool| 7.5.11 @ 12:00AM
Incidentally, we got a new stray cat addition to the family on July 4th. In addition to Cassius and Rocky, we now have Maxie (Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, Light Heavyweight champ in the 20s, and later character actor).
Playboy| 7.1.11 @ 10:57AM
Lydia: I've got just the man for you, and he recently became available...His name is Hugh Hefner and he lives in a mansion in Hollywood.
And he will pay you well....Your troubles are over Dear Dr. Lydia.
Seek| 7.1.11 @ 1:38PM
Actually, Hef lives in Holmby Hills, which is in Westwood and not Hollywood. But of course, we mustn't waste an opportunity to stick it to Tinseltown, the enemy of all things good and pure, right?
Occam's Tool| 7.5.11 @ 12:02AM
Yes, Tinseltown is the enemy of all things good and pure. Hollywood, where I lived for a year during the last of the Reagan years, is a slum, filled with strip shows.
Rip The Jacker| 7.1.11 @ 1:41PM
I am a 24 years old convict, young and randy.and now I am seeking a semi-sleazy broad who can give me a real rockin' & rollin', so i got a username Weiner in 2012 on--s'e'ek' sleazer.c óm--.it is the first and best club for y'ounger lifers and old'er horny low expectation broads, or older long termers and y'ounger nymphomaniacal crazy ass generation X'ers,to int'eract with each other. Maybe you wanna ch'eck 'it out or tell your friends!
Maddox| 7.4.11 @ 10:47AM
Thank you all so much for the humorous replies to the troll that turned tears for my aged, beloved dog into laughter.
GOD bless America and all who gave of themselves and their families to keep her free. Love it or leave it. Happy Independence Day!
e e parker| 7.1.11 @ 10:22AM
Maudlin.
Two adjectives come to mind when I see the name Ben Stein: pretentious and maudlin.
Tomas| 7.2.11 @ 1:14PM
Would that you were more pretentious and maudlin, e e....
Thanks, Ben. My old friend Bruford - 1/2 Airedale, 1/4 German Shepard, 1/4 black lab - would have enjoyed your company. I still enjoy hers, even 4 years after she shuffled off her mortal coil. And, I believe she still enjoys mine.
Our new dog, Lizzie - Border Collie - has stolen our hearts. I think she and Bruford would have been best friends.
-
Cosmo| 7.4.11 @ 12:52AM
I live in an apt. so I can't have a dog, but I had three cats until this week when my beloved Abby was hit by a car & killed...We called her Abigail Adams for short...Most beautiful and gentle cat you could ever see...I buried her on my patio wrapped in one of my shirts because she loved me so.
Melvin| 7.1.11 @ 7:25AM
Damn Ben, I sit her choking back tears and emotion for two things that you posted that touched me to my very core.
Call it God's payback, or what have you. I miss my father and mother without end, and curse myself for not being a better son.
I didn't get into trouble and the like, I just had the attitude of Mom and Dad was always going to be there.
Oh I'll get around to calling them, or I'll get around to flying home to see them. Then Mom died while I was overseas. She was three months shy of seeing her new grandchildren. I woke up for a while realizing that Mom and Dad are flesh and blood and come with expiration dates.
Calling my dad, or corresponding with him was even worse. It is a burden in my heart that I carry every second, of every hour of every day.
Then my father passed on.
Now I must take God's punishment, Father's day came, and not one of my three children called to wish me a happy Father's Day. I received these greeting by text or Facebook. And one son I didn't hear anything at all.
Texting or posting on Facebook seems to me at least so inhuman, and distant. I just wanted to hear their voices in for just a moment.
I do not fault them, for they are too busy trying to make it in this rat race of a world with their families. It just doesn't make it any easier thats all.
Second I am a rabid dog lover, because growing up they were the only friends I had. Seeing a beloved dog deteriorate is the cruelest form of punishment of the heart.
Because no matter how old or sick they get, they always have the energy to look into our souls, and say, "Hello Friend."
Damn, I have to quit, I'm having a John Boehner moment.
Handy| 7.1.11 @ 8:04AM
"Rabid dog lover?"
Like the kid who had to shoot Old Yeller?
That was an act of kindness, in memory of what Yeller used to be.
ray bob| 7.1.11 @ 8:15AM
my father said years ago, as his dog was vomiting on the carpet after getting into a margarita, Son, have children they grow up and move out, dogs on the other hand just grow old and die, and break your heart. we kids still speak each day to Dad, also our dear mother passed way too young way too many years ago i am so sorry to say. and yes, our 'mutts' will be there too.
Paul Kotik| 7.1.11 @ 8:17AM
Sorry, I just don't understand this business of physical intimacy with dogs. I like dogs well enough, but they should live outdoors and not be permitted inside human dwellings.
I think of a dog as a pal who has some unfortunate habits. He doesn't wear pants, he doesn't wipe himself after he does his business, and he habitually licks his business end.
If he were human, I sure as hell wouldn't want him flopping about my house, or worse, slobbering on me myself. How is it somehow less revolting because it's a dog?
Melvin| 7.1.11 @ 8:25AM
Not so quick about the dog wiping part. I now have a rescue Walker Hound that does wipe himself. I have no idea how he developed it, but once he finishes his business, he scoochs on the ground and trots to the house.
You either have to enjoy a cannine's company or you don't, it has nothing to do with "physical intimacy" as you put it. I'm not having sex with my dog, he or she is providing companionship. A dog provides friendship at a emotional level. No types drool, or slobber.
You obviously have a disdain for dogs and I could try to explain till the cows come home, but unless that you have been raised and appreciate our four legged friends, it is hard for you to relate.
I will say this though. Your missing out, because dogs provide many things that humans appreciate.
Paul Kotik| 7.1.11 @ 9:06AM
I had a dog for 17 when I was young. He had the run of the house, sat on sofas, beds, etc. It's not like I don't know dogs.
"Physical intimacy" doesn't have to mean sex - it's true it's a euphemism shy people use when they mean sex, but I'd say sex if that were what I meant. It wasn't. I just wonder what the appeal is of feeling a a big old unwiped, butt-licking, untoothbrushed buddy on one's stomach, per Ben.
It's possible, sir, that my years in the Middle East account for my views on this. One learned the habit of quickly adding "Not referring to anyone present!" when one said the word "dog" in conversation. The Arabs do loathe dogs. Had a huge dog for a while there, but he was never permitted in the house. He lived in the yard. He was happy as could be, and a fine watchdog until he was stolen. I have to believe they silent killed him in order to take him. His name was Ahsh.
buckeyeman| 7.1.11 @ 9:16AM
"The Arabs do loathe dogs"
'Nuff said about that!
Occam's Tool| 7.2.11 @ 2:07PM
Yup. And there are many, many other good things that they loathe as well, such as bikinis. And monogamy. And waiting until puberty to have sex with girls.
Melvin| 7.1.11 @ 9:22AM
Hmmm, I guess I can relate to that Paul. I will admit, It is not always possible on American Spectator to tell who is from overseas or in your case spent allot of time there. Because expressions in language are definitely different.
Where a particular phrase means one thing there, can be taken out of context here.
Yes Arabs do consider dogs unclean. But on the flip side of the coin I have met many persons of Middle Eastern Ancestry that could fall into that category as well.
Your point is taken and appreciated.
Occam's Tool| 7.1.11 @ 2:52PM
It is the feeling of having a completely trustworthy creature who absolutely adores you and always will cuddling with you no matter what's going on outside, Paul.
Jews are much more disposed towards dogs. The Canaan dog is a native of Israel.
Drunken Sailor| 7.1.11 @ 3:37PM
After a bad or stressful day, your best friend, wife, or girlfriend may not have time for you. Your dog always has the time and is happy to share it. Unconditional love is what the faithful hounds represents.
Frekki| 7.1.11 @ 8:46AM
So you don't like dogs as much as we do. Who asked you to pee on our parade?
Frekki| 7.1.11 @ 8:51AM
Sorry, that was a little extreme. Let me say it another way.
Why do Ben's articles some times bring out the downers. You've met them, the people who just have to see the worst in everything. A field full of flowers to them is just a bag of sneezes and a runny nose, a dog is just a mess to clean up. You know the type.
Paul Kotik| 7.1.11 @ 9:09AM
Ben Stein is a wonderful guy, and one of our own. But he'd be the first to agree that he's got lots of deep, deep psychological problems. I'm certainly not suggesting that a love of dogs is per se a psychological problem, far from it. But in a particular instance it could be, in its degree and in its particular expression. I got to say Ben's chronic odes to canines always seemed to me a bit morbid.
Melvin| 7.1.11 @ 10:38AM
Being 53, and a dog lover. I guess I can relate to Ben, sometime as we age, a dog provides the companionship when we have no one else.
Occam's Tool| 7.1.11 @ 2:57PM
Melvin, you're a great guy. Take care, and may you and your dog live long and prosper. (My kids insisted on a Black Lab girl named "Bama." She is completely sweet and adorable.We keep thinking of getting a boy and naming him "Al.")
Melvin| 7.1.11 @ 3:41PM
Thank You Occam's Tool. I also had a Black Lab named Snoopy, the greatest heater in the dead of winder. One night I abruptly found myself on the floor.
Snoopy was facing the wall and he stretched, and subsequently pushed me off the bed. As I looked up I saw this big wet black snoz hanging over the bed, and he saw that I was alright lifted his big black furry head and went back to sleep.
May you and your family have a happy Fourth of July.
Occam's Tool| 7.2.11 @ 2:05PM
Thanks, Melvin. My wife and I were ALWAYS amazed at how much bed space my miniature schnauzer could take up.
RCV| 7.3.11 @ 7:11PM
I guess "Allah" wouldn't do!
Occam's Tool| 7.1.11 @ 2:13PM
That's Ok, Paul. Dogs are great because you can tell them all your secrets and fears and they will never, ever betray confidences. They will also greet you with a snuffle in your ear no matter what type of day you've had.
But some people don't like 'em, and it takes all type. By the way, Dominiques Strauss Klein is now free from house arrest and his bond has been returned. There are further investigations proceeding, but it appears his accuser is a serious liar.
Someone who regularly writes here and has a dog named Brigid and has large ears and a droning voice is owed an apology.
NoLib| 7.6.11 @ 3:48PM
DSK was running out on paying a hooker, OT; I ain't gonna apologize for any thing I said about him! Ugh.
Gary| 7.3.11 @ 11:29AM
So, Paul, should we pass a law?
Stormzeye| 7.1.11 @ 9:08AM
Ben, though a frequent critic of your writing (not to mention your position on tax increases) I have to admit that you hit it out of the park with this fine piece. I believe that God gave us flowers to teach us beauty, animals to teach us compassion and people to teach us patience. You captured those thoughts in this article. Thanks for expressing your feelings so well today.
Jean| 7.1.11 @ 9:23AM
Mr Stein...my condolences to you having to give up you beloved dog. I have been there myself and for those of us who love animals we cannot understand those who do not.
Sandra| 7.1.11 @ 10:03AM
Enjoy the last few days and give her all the things you with held. I really think that dogs are sometimes very special creations of the Creator, on par for why we have mothers, to remind us of the Divine Presence. To be loved by a dog is a very special thing, and to return that love puts into clear focus the relationship we ought to have with our Creator.
Stormzeye| 7.1.11 @ 10:28AM
It's not an accident that God's name spelled backwards is dog. It's a reminder of the power of unconditional love.
Highlander 747| 7.1.11 @ 10:31AM
Well said Sandra, well said.......
OLDRAY| 7.1.11 @ 10:52AM
Ben is great. Dogs are great. Courage and loyalty. When I was 12 I has a Boston Terrier That was not too smart b,but brave. He attacked German Sheperds and MOTORCYCLES. The vets were always sewing up his torn body. But he never quit. Later ,when I returned from 3 and a half years overseas (WW2), my Eskimo-Spitz. flew at me , licking my face and that evening ,as I sat in the living room with my dad, he (Teddy) would come racing into the room and jump onto my lap and lick my face to express his joy. Dogs are loving and loyal. Ben Stein has it right.
Joseph | 7.1.11 @ 11:12AM
Ben,
Kudos for your commentary a few weeks ago about the RUSH TO JUDGEMENT on Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Now of course the shrill liberal gaggle is throwing out impossible theories to support the "victim", violating Occam's Law, rather than accepting that this was a con, scam, etc, by criminals.
Occam's Tool| 7.1.11 @ 2:14PM
Indeed, I noted and was vilified at that time myself for cautioning against the rush.
Paul from SA| 7.1.11 @ 11:22AM
Ben Stein wants to harm me. He wants me to suffer.
It's time to take Ben Stein, the liberal, off this website. He wants to harm America with higher taxes and more redistribution.
Taxes destroy wealth. Higher taxes punishes the employers, producers, the successful, the hard-working, the investors, of America.
Move this evil liberal to the Huffingtong Post!
Cpm| 7.1.11 @ 12:31PM
Ben Stein has been a contributor to The American Spectator for more than 30 years. Maybe you should be the one moving on.
Paul from SA| 7.1.11 @ 3:58PM
30 years!
Why should I go to the Huffington Post? I'm a conservative American.
Luckily it's your choice to support a big-gov't, big-tax hiker like Stein.
Cpm| 7.1.11 @ 6:44PM
So what did this have to do with taxes or big gov't?
Ben was here first. You call yourself a conservative but Ben's bonafides as a conservative go way back and are much better than yours. You don't have to go to the Huffington Post, but then you don't have to come here either.
Occam's Tool| 7.2.11 @ 2:02PM
Dear Paul:
I don't care for Ben a lot of the time, too. I also don't care for Nat Hentoff a lot of the time. But occasionally, both are right---Ben on Strauss-Kahn's presumpton of innocence, and Nat Hentoff's support and encouragement of campaigning AGAINST Barack Obama for Alan West!
This is an article on dogozoids. I have had two great doggie loves in my life---my 1st awesome schnauzer John Cade (there is a psychiatric history lesson contained within the name---look it up), and my current Black Lab puppy Bama.
Personally, I encourage Ben to write more on dogs and less on hotel rooms and attractive female guides and tax hikes. Let him go gently into that good night, and not rage, rage against the dying of the light. (To paraphrase and twist)
mike w| 7.4.11 @ 12:55PM
Anyone who saw Stein's performance on O'reilly last week can never look at him the same again. Laura Ingraham was the guest host and she tore him to fairly adequately but he still showed himself for the flaming lib he is. He doesn't belong on this site.
Paul from SA| 7.5.11 @ 12:14PM
mike w, thank you.
I saw the same episode and I was floored. I've listened to Stein for years and he has been pushing higher taxes for many years, but after that show, I saw his true colors.
He's a big-gov't, high-tax liberal.
Kilgore Trout| 7.5.11 @ 1:30PM
His point that there is "no data" correlating lower taxes on "the rich" and higher revenues is contrary to ALL I've ever heard on this subject.
Ben seems a nice old guy who loves his dogs, but ALWAYS REMEMBER, he was for Al Franken!
Dan D| 7.1.11 @ 12:09PM
Condolences, Ben. German Shorthaired Pointers are the best, they are God's gift of love to those who care for them. Don't try to count your blessings, they are too numerous. May Bridgid have the peace she has earned.
Don| 7.1.11 @ 1:13PM
I love reading Ben Stein - he's like an old friend - so personal - I first discovered him in the 70's when he wrote a piece in the WSJ about bunk house logic and moving to the west coast - God bless Ben
cuban pete| 7.1.11 @ 4:25PM
Because I was distracted with baseball in my youth I never devoted the effort necessary to train a dog. Hence I did poorly with the two my parents got for me.
As a result my sons never had a dog. I told them they could have pets that could live in bowls or cages.
Now my older son has a delightful mixed breed dog,Stella, who is very friendly with me. When we visit I look forward to taking Stella for her daily walks.
So I guess it is never too late.
Andrew Branca| 7.1.11 @ 5:23PM
I've always enjoyed Ben, but his tax increase rampage is sorely disappointing. The taxes he suggested raising could, even at confiscatory levels, raise money only on the order of the low billions. The country's overspending is on the order of low trillions--that's three orders of magnitude difference, something I'd expect an economist to grasp intuitively. While we'd all love to have more revenue, increasing your annual revenue from $50,000 to $55,000k while living a lifestyle of $5,000,000 a year is not going to solve your underlying fiscal problems.
It's the spending, stupid. :-)
Andrew Branca| 7.1.11 @ 5:49PM
Indeed, my example demonstrates only two orders of magnitude difference--between $50,000 and $5,000,000. More reflective of the current situation is a case where someone earning $50,000 a year was trying to better afford a $50,000,000 lifestyle by increasing their income to $51,000.
When you count the zeros, it just doesn't make sense, does it?
voted against carter| 7.1.11 @ 5:24PM
Ben,
Sorry to hear about your dog.
But after watching your INSANE rant about RAISING taxes on O'Reilly last night ,.. I have come to the conclusion you are a senile old fool.
And on that note I would suggest you stick to writing about your dogs and leave the real world to the adults.
Rodney Walton| 7.2.11 @ 1:25AM
Dear Ben - I've been reading your comments in American Spectator since the 80's. I remember the loss of your parents and other things you have written. A dear friend of mine that also enjoyed your writing died 3 years ago at 85 and I so miss coresponding to him about your comments. I just want to thank you for all your writings over these years. I have my third rescue dog with me today, Picabo. She likes to stick her nose in my ear when it's bedtime, but damn she snores! I'm 59 & hope to be reading your comments for a long time to come, even after Picabo is gone. As I will immediately find another rescue dog.
Best regards - Rodney Walton
Joergen Olsen | 7.2.11 @ 1:41PM
How can you not love the writings of Mr. Ben Stein? Always compassionate and full of love for life and nature! A true american!
Like Melvin the story brought tears to my eyes. We must all remember, and appreciate the love our parents, whether departed, or still alive has given us. I deeply regret that I never had the time to tell them how much I loved them. It would only have taken a few seconds, or maybe better to have written a letter.
As to dogs, right now my wonderful extremely good looking black labrador/vieszla/broholmer (a Danish breed) wants my attention. I could never disappoint him, he has never disappointed me.
Best regards to all you wonderful americans from
Denmark - Joergen
Occam's Tool| 7.2.11 @ 2:04PM
It should be pointed out that the Danes have many good qualities, among them celebrating American Independence Day as an official Danish holiday.
Michael L. Hauschild| 7.2.11 @ 6:45PM
Eleven years ago, my neighbor complained to me about the dog he had beaten, shock collared, and locked in a four foot by four foot chain mesh pen with the only shelter a “clamshell.” His quote was, “She won’t hunt, I’m going to have to kill her.” The dog, Bonnie, had been specially bred, half Chesapeake half chocolate lab to be some sort of super “water dog,” (we both lived on the Platte River). I had hunted the river for years and had never even though about owning a dog for anything other than a pet. I had lost my Sheffield Collie several years earlier and knew the dog to be gentle so I took her. She was gun shy; thunderstorms and fireworks would cause her terrible distress. That distress was relieved by “contact,” the only time she got on the furniture was during these episodes, and then only if you were there to lean on.
She simply was the best dog I have ever owned, she taught eleven grandchildren what dogs should be. She was a fierce defender of the home, never ever biting anyone, but certainly causing strangers pause. She liked mailmen, meter readers, and knew the difference as to “OK” people and “not OK” people. Her last years were spent across the street from a Catholic school. She would sit in the yard, actually trembling waiting for recess, when the children would come out on the lot she would look at me (she knew about streets and cars) and never make a move till I told her it was OK. The dash across the street and the resultant “gang pet” was a part of her regimen and she would then come back when I called and never leave the yard. She was the only dog I ever owned that never needed a leash.
I have had the same vet for decades. I have kept him in SUV’s and he has provided me a lifetime of canine companionship. We have a deal, I know nothing of dog physiology, and he is my conscience. Last fall I was doing work at my desk, Bonnie at my side, and she simple fell over and had a seizure. She recovered, but about an hour later had another, the second longer and the recovery less. I called the vet when she had the third at about midnight. He said, “Mike, its time. I will meet you at the office. I held her as he did what he had had to do. Eleven years I partnered with that dog and I just do not have the heart to get another as yet. When I do, it will be a lab.
The bastard that had beat her for the two years before she found my family; his wife divorced him, he sued my other neighbor over a right of way and lost his property to a lawyer; he is simply the most miserable bastard I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. The only thing I know that he did right was give me that dog. Irrefutable proof there is a God.
Kilgore Trout| 7.5.11 @ 1:40PM
Mike, you choked me up. Good for you that you had that great friend. Get another RIGHT AWAY!
He or she NEEDS U and U need him or her.
Brenda| 7.2.11 @ 7:30PM
Ben, I remember when your Mother died because it was just a few months after my own lovely Mother passed away, and I was feeling what you were feeling. I guess I stopped reading you when I encountered heath problems that lasted for many years, so I didn't know anything about your Times gig and subsequent firing. But I did see and enjoy your movie on Intelligent Design. Thanks for doing it. And thanks for sharing all the stories about your life. I'm glad to find you again. Having finally gotten a dog, I can now understand your great affection for your beloved friends. Pay no attention to your critics; they haven't a clue.
Gary| 7.3.11 @ 11:35AM
I agree with Brenda. Pay no attention to your critics.
Gretchen| 7.3.11 @ 8:17PM
Ben, I'm so sorry about poor Brigid! She has obviously given you many years of joy and unquestioning, unconditional love. Even when you do get a new dog, it will never "replace" her.
I enjoyed your reminiscences about your parents. I never knew your dad played the clarinet, he never mentioned it when I was his secretary at AEI -- he knew I had also been a professional musician, (opera singer and harpist). I didn't see your Mom all that often, although we often spoke on the 'phone.
All the best!
terrywalsh| 7.3.11 @ 10:17PM
I love you Ben, thanks for putting into words what I cannot. My dear Yogi(17 y/o) is my Brigid. I am as happy as she is every morning when she wakes up and is waiting for me as I exit the shower, such love is an uncommon thing, it makes my life better.
Chef Schnauzer| 7.4.11 @ 2:35PM
After God and AA - Miniature Schnauzers have saved my life. I make every attempt to repay that eternal debt every day. The little joke I share with God every time I hug or kiss or rub one of my dear Schnauzers is, "Lord they are so kind so beautiful - If I were God I would have stopped at Miniature Schnuzers..... and God relies, "Chef - how do you know I didn't" Any way my one human love made off with a house and an Escalade - the value of which I gladly would give to care for my Schnauzer rescues.
bruce| 7.4.11 @ 3:21PM
Mr. Stein, thank you for a very touching article. My father died last December, and my dog died the following February. I very much felt the emotions you described.
weddingdress | 7.5.11 @ 4:15AM
I enjoyed your reminiscences about your parents. I never knew your dad played the clarinet, he never mentioned it when I was his secretary at AEI -- he knew I had also been a professional musician, (opera singer and harpist). I didn't see your Mom all that often, although we often spoke on the 'phone.
All the best!
Eduardo| 7.5.11 @ 12:29PM
Ben, your most moving line from today's piece in regard to your parents:
"I hope they forgive my ingratitude and selfishness."
Like you, I talk to (and pray for) my Dad every day, now dead for 11+years. I make it a point to ask G*d to let dad know I'm thinking about him, miss him, love him. I also ask the Good Lord to let Dad know I'm sorry I wasn't a better son, and to let him know how grateful I am (and should have been) for all he did for me and our family. For some reason, I think more about him now (even though he's dead) than I ever did while he was alive.
Marcus_Soperus| 7.6.11 @ 2:34PM
Thanks so much, Ben, for giving credit to your co-author during an interview. This is a rare event in media, and deserves to be copied by others.
Tim Singleton | 7.7.11 @ 1:24PM
Yes, I suppose it is nice to remember past times in a Beverly Hills mansion and that Beverly Hills is a neighborhood.
I just wonder how many of your neighbors are Progressives who, while enjoying their sparkling lifestyle, continue to vote to raise my taxes in order to placate those poorer neighborhoods into which Beverly Hillian would not step foot on a bet. You guys are even too frightened to go after Obama's clearly illegal presidency because you want to keep those other neighborhoods quiet.
My ire today is sparked admittedly by not your article but by so called Republicans who continue to be Progressives at heart while closing ranks to keep a true conservative out of the race.
Dawn| 7.7.11 @ 5:06PM
I am in totally empathy with you, Ben. I lost my own "wet nose" after 16 years a long time ago, and I never replaced him. It was very painful. Maybe someday I'll be fortunate enough to have another.