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This loveable pug with a penchant for Oatmeal and Carrot cookies is a cherished companion of Cinzia JMania of South Carolina.
Now 18 years old, Benjamin Buttons (his nickname) just celebrated a birthday in January and Cinzia said he still has tons of energy.
Cinzia got Benjamin from a high-kill shelter in New York. She saw Benjamin in the shelter as she was surfing the Internet one night. Cinzia contacted the woman who was trying to find a home for Benjamin and was given the name of a rescue group that worked with the shelter. Cinzia then contacted the rescue group and told them she wanted to adopt Benjamin. The group sent Cinzia a contract with a list of questions and also required her veterinarian’s phone number and a few contacts. Cinzia said she was approved to adopt Benjamin a couple days later.
An Angel Through Kennel Cough
Benjamin had to stay separated from Cinzia’s other pug for two weeks because he came from a shelter. Cinzia set up a large crate with a blanket in it in her bedroom. Cinzia said he was an angel for those two weeks. Benjamin did come down with kennel cough during those two weeks. Cinzia said they made several trips to the vet and Benjamin was prescribed three different antibiotics and was pretty sick. But after a few weeks, Benjamin recovered. After getting over the kennel cough, Cinzia said she introduced Benjamin to her other pug and they became best friends.
Quickly became Cinzia’s Shadow
Benjamin was blind in one eye when Cinzia adopted him, but other than that, he was a healthy 8-year-old pug. He quickly became Cinzia’s shadow and would wait for her at the door until she came home from work. At night, when Cinzia took a shower, Benjamin would wait by the bathroom door because he knew when Cinzia came out, it was time for his favorite treat: fresh cut carrots.
Because of Benjamin, Cinzia ended up adopting five other senior dogs from the same shelter: a beagle, another pug, two shih-tzus and a tiny chi. As the years passed, Cinzia ended up losing the senior dogs, but Benjamin held on, despite suffering a few illnesses.
Health Issues But Still Going Strong
Benjamin has a collapsed trachea, kidney disease and high liver enzymes, but all of his illnesses are kept under control with daily medications. He also takes a special eye drop twice daily. Cinzia said she controls Benjamin’s kidney disease with a special diet she cooks for him.
Benjamin’s favorite foods are sweet potatoes, green beans and eggs. When Benjamin wants to eat, he stands at the stove and barks until his food gets served warm (Cinzia says occasionally that happens at 3 a.m.). His diet includes white meat chicken or ground beef, green beans, apples, butternut squash, sweet potatoes and a handful of blueberries. Cinzia prepares Benjamin’s food every three days and Benjamin eats two meals a day.
Benjamin loves riding in the car. His favorite snacks are fresh cooked carrots, cheerios and Gerber blueberry puffs.
Loves His Blanket and Having His Photo Taken
Benjamin is crate trained, but Cinzia said the only time he goes in it now is when they are on the road. Benjamin was potty trained when Cinzia adopted him. He does not have a favorite toy, but he does have a favorite blanket, which he sleeps with every night.
Benjamin loves other dogs and enjoys hanging out with his brothers and sisters, the other dogs Cinzia adopted from the shelter. He currently has one sister: a black pug. Benjamin loves having his photo taken and has a collection of adorable photos (as you can see from the photos on this post).
No Walks Now, But Barks For Cookies
Benjamin barks mostly for his cookies. His favorite cookies are homemade oatmeal and carrot cookies that Cinzia makes for him. Benjamin also loves oatmeal, but Cinzia had to cut him back on it so he didn’t get overweight. When he was younger, he loved his walks, but Cinzia said he doesn’t walk now because his legs are weak.
Benjamin gets his teeth and gums wiped with a warm washcloth after every meal. He goes to the vet for bloodwork every three months to monitor his health.
Benjamin takes an afternoon nap for two hours after he eats his breakfast, then stays up until 10 p.m. Cinzia said he usually eats his supper about 8 p.m. and then is ready for bed shortly after that. Benjamin sleeps on this favorite blanket right next to Cinzia in his own bed. He usually sleeps 10 hours a night and two hours each afternoon.
Cinzia said she has owned both black and fawn pugs and thinks that the black pugs are a little more energetic.
Advice from Cinzia
When asked what advice she would give someone wanting a pug, Cinzia said, “My only advice I would give is to be aware of their health issues and know that you will have a best friend for a long time to come.”
A huge “thank you” to Cinzia and her beloved pug “Benjamin” for letting us feature you on our blog. If you are interested in Pugpalooza featuring you and your pug, please send me (Candy Johansen) a message on messenger or e-mail me at www.pugpalooza@gmail.com.
Photos by Cinzia JMania
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Ohhhhh how I love Benjamin. I’ve followed him for sometime. He makes me happy when I see him. Thank you for show casing this absolutely lovely boy♥️💙😘
Love 💕 this story, Benjamin is an excellent pug….very loved 🥰
Beautiful story
I love this story about Benjamin