Jean Otteson, 93, a retired teacher's aide for special education, talks about her best friend, Benji, an 8-year-old Yorkshire terrier.
Benji came into Otteson's life a little over a year ago after a friend helped her find him online at a rescue in Madison. Since then, they are rarely apart.
- Marissa Weiher
Describe Benji's personality.
He doesn't like other dogs, especially large dogs, but he loves people. He's my doorbell. I don't need one because he lets me know if someone's here. He's very lovable really. He doesn't eat a lot; he likes his treats though. He sleeps all night long. I've never had to get up to put him out which I think is remarkable because I've always had dogs that I've had to get up for. I've got a neighbor boy that takes him on walks in the summer. And all the neighbors like him. I don't let him run; I keep him tied up because I don't know what he'd do, especially if he saw a squirrel.
What do you like to do together?
We like to eat and sleep. He likes to take rides in the car. He likes when my sons come to visit and my grandsons, too. His favorite toy is a Fisher-Price bubble mower (children's toy) a friend of mine got him from a garage sale. There's a red ball inside he'll scratch at trying to get. Any other toy, once he gets the squeaker out of them he loses interest.
What has been the best part of having Benji in your life?
Well, it's actually just like having a baby. I don't like leaving him alone if I can help it. It's company, you know. We always had a dog, my family did. It keeps you going. I just feel safe having a dog. There have been a few times, this last year especially, when I'll get tired and lay down with a blanket on the couch, and he comes over and sleeps with me and rolls up like a doughnut.
Benji came into Otteson's life a little over a year ago after a friend helped her find him online at a rescue in Madison. Since then, they are rarely apart.
- Marissa Weiher
Describe Benji's personality.
He doesn't like other dogs, especially large dogs, but he loves people. He's my doorbell. I don't need one because he lets me know if someone's here. He's very lovable really. He doesn't eat a lot; he likes his treats though. He sleeps all night long. I've never had to get up to put him out which I think is remarkable because I've always had dogs that I've had to get up for. I've got a neighbor boy that takes him on walks in the summer. And all the neighbors like him. I don't let him run; I keep him tied up because I don't know what he'd do, especially if he saw a squirrel.
What do you like to do together?
We like to eat and sleep. He likes to take rides in the car. He likes when my sons come to visit and my grandsons, too. His favorite toy is a Fisher-Price bubble mower (children's toy) a friend of mine got him from a garage sale. There's a red ball inside he'll scratch at trying to get. Any other toy, once he gets the squeaker out of them he loses interest.
What has been the best part of having Benji in your life?
Well, it's actually just like having a baby. I don't like leaving him alone if I can help it. It's company, you know. We always had a dog, my family did. It keeps you going. I just feel safe having a dog. There have been a few times, this last year especially, when I'll get tired and lay down with a blanket on the couch, and he comes over and sleeps with me and rolls up like a doughnut.