Bennett

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Original: “In short, ‘he is the non plus ultra of dogs’ according to his foster mom.”

“In April of 2020, as COVID lockdowns were beginning, the Warwick Valley Humane Society contacted MAESSR regarding 11 dogs that they had seized from an irresponsible breeding situation in Orange County, New York.  The shelter was trying to limit the number of dogs in its care due to the pandemic, and they asked if MAESSR would be able to find foster homes for these dogs until the case went to trial.  Of course, MAESSR said yes, and the trek began to get those dogs out of the shelter in New York and into foster homes all up and down the east coast.  Because MAESSR volunteers are amazing at what they do, this was a seamless process, and the dogs were quickly settled.

“Because of the pandemic, the courts were very backed up, and the trial did not begin until January 2022.  There were hearings and appeals, and more appeals, and after what seemed like forever, on April 22, 2023 Lauretta and Daniel Duthie of Laurdan Kennels were convicted of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance in violation of the State Agriculture and Markets law.  They were fined $1,000 and were required to register on the Orange County Animal Abuse Registry (https://www.orangecountygov.com/934/Animal-Abuser-Registry), prohibiting them from owning animals for the next 15 years.  It wasn’t until March 8, 2024, that they registered, and the dogs were turned over to MAESSR at that time.

“Due to years of neglectful veterinary care and poor breeding practices, virtually all the dogs needed treatment for medical conditions, including dental disease, mammary tumors, deafness, blindness, untreated ear infections and allergies, among other things.  Each dog needed grooming, vaccinations, and most of all the love and attention they desperately wanted.  Where indicated, surgeries were performed for the tumor removals, dental cleaning and extractions. The total cost to provide needed veterinarian care for the 11 dogs exceeded $100,000, which MAESSR shouldered and to date has not been reimbursed by the owners, as was intended during their prosecution.

“Of the 11 dogs that were seized in 2020, these seven, Tara, Eliza, Bennett, Gracie, Nelson, Electra, and Harrison remain in MAESSR care thriving in their foster homes and preparing to be adopted now that the case is closed.  Star, Cameron, Hunter, and Winston crossed the bridge, but spent their last days knowing love and compassion from their foster families.  

“We cannot change the world for all the dogs, but we can change the world for the dogs that come into MAESSR’s care.  We are honored to have been called upon to help and fortunate to have the means to provide what these babies needed.”  

—Debbie Lipcsey, MAESSR President

. . . and now from Bennett’s foster and now adopted mom—

Bennett arrived at his foster mom’s house on April of 2020, with big “paws” to fill and a very big job.  Three days earlier, foster mom’s treasured 8 yr. old male ESS died on the operating table from an aggressive pancreatic tumor.  He was buried at home the same day.  Two days later, his adored 13 yr. old female ESS partner was diagnosed with the same cancer and only given a few days to live.  This old girl, however, seemed otherwise fine except for diminishing appetite and cataracts.  So, Bennett was to help her through her last days.  Additionally, Bennett embodied several of his foster mom’s dogs who went before him and brought so much that was needed with him, that he helped heal her shattered heart.  

His foster mom has found Bennett to be kind, respectful, clean, and a quick learner.  Initially, he needed an invitation before realizing he was welcome on some furniture.  He doesn’t bark, except at her to hurry up with breakfast or dinner.  He treasures his soft toys and is good with other dogs– not at all aggressive.  When he first arrived in foster care, the resident female jumped Bennett twice because he was new and wasn’t her kennel mate. Kind and respectful, Bennett made no attempt to retaliate.  When it comes to riding in the car and visiting the vet, Bennett is a champ.  In short, “he is the non plus ultra of dogs” according to his foster mom.

Although he was not housetrained when he came to his foster home, this quick learner mastered the complicated dog door system with the resident female’s example and soon learned to relieve himself outside in the fenced back yard.  Wanting to be neat and clean, Bennett would only poop along the fence line or in a small wooded area within the yard.  In only a few days Bennett learned his name and basic commands: “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “leave it,” “wait,” and “down.” 

Foster mom became aware of Bennett’s love of soft toys when she rolled a pair of mismatched socks into a ball and gave it to him.  He was so proud and carried his present around and even slept with it.  Unlike foster mom’s previous dogs, Bennett does not destroy his toys.  He still has that sock ball, but now also has a lamb (his first “real” toy), Santa, pumpkin, two foxes, a raccoon, and two squirrels.  He rotates among them so none are neglected. 

At first, Bennett shook when he had to go somewhere in the car.  However, the family car is a 1958 Chevy Biscayne with real front and back bench seats, and in only a couple of trips, he was fine with riding in this comfortable classic.  He likes to stretch out on the front bench seat with head on mom’s lap and go to sleep.  Even the long trips of ninety minutes to receive his specialized ear treatment is a non-fussy, calm ride.  He’s so good at the vets’ offices that both the regular doctor, the specialist, and their staff just love him. 

Bennett’s health has been an ongoing challenge.  He arrived with ear infections in both ears which turned out to be chronic and ultimately life-threatening.  In late August 2023, his breathing was so compromised that his foster mom thought she was going to lose him.  A trip to emergency veterinary hospitals started the medical journey they are still on.  Bennett has made much progress with an ear flush and specified medicines for each ear, but the need for regular checks, specified medicine, and care continues.  The infection in his left ear nearly filled that ear and has destroyed his ear drum so he is deaf in that ear.  He also arrived from New York with a broken canine tooth, a fractured molar which was since removed, and teeth the color of old walnut furniture.  After a dental cleaning, his teeth are now white. 

After spending four years together, Bennett’s foster mom was able to adopt him and he is living a happy, secure, and contented life with her.