Ben is a beautiful 1 year old boy who was surrendered to the shelter because his family couldn't afford to treat the skin disease he has been suffering from. The type of skin disease he has is demodectic mange, sometimes called Demodex mange as it is caused by the Demodex mite. This type of mange is found in young dogs or dogs with depressed immune systems. It is NOT contagious to humans or other dogs, although a mother could pass this to her pups.
AUGUST 2011 UPDATE: Ben is doing fabulously. The medications are working and his hair is growing back. He went to the ocean last week with his foster family and absolutely loved the water. They also went to the dog park and he loved it and had a positive experience. Ben loves people, but is nervous around some. He likes to watch over his foster mom, but as soon as she tells him it is okay, he becomes a curious pup. He met a friend who is deaf and at first he was nervous, but then became mesmerized and would offer his paw without being asked!
He loves doggie day care his foster family has gotten very wonderful feedback about his behavior there. He does have a penchant for stealing shoes occasionally, but this is getting better with consistent training and learning more commands. He sits before everything and now he knows to "wait" before he can eat. In fact, he has gotten go good at waiting that even when given the "okay" command to release, he keeps on waiting! He usually follows his foster dog brother's lead. His foster family is working on door manners as he thinks it is fun to try to squirm around humans and push it to open. They want Ben to be safe so are working diligently on that.
Ben is an absolute charmer snuggle bug who wants to get to where his beloved people are. He is a beautiful, sweet boy.
To continue to help Ben get his gorgeous white coat back, please visit his fundraising page
here to contribute. No amount is too small and progress is being made!
you!
