The Benjamin Texture Collection
Tue, December 21
Hello my sweet friends
I am guessing you may have seen this coming! :)
On this Texture Tuesday, I present to you......
The Benjamin Collection.
'sigh'.....
I'd like to share a little story with you all.
There was once a girl named Kim...... She had the sweetest beagle she could have ever asked for.... His name was Andy. She loved him like her third child....for 13 plus years they were side by side...rarely apart.... But sadly, Andy became very ill and it was time to let him go. Her heart was broken....and she believed there would never be another baby that could fill that hole in her heart....
Flash forward 3 months later..... Kim was asked to babysit her brother's Labradoodle....Sophie..... and her heart opened...opened to the possibility of loving another puppy... The very day Sophie was going home...she received an email. Her cousin was desperately seeking a home for her Goldendoodle.... And she thought...is this a sign? Is this meant to be? Oh YES...YES...it must be.... and after a little chat with her hubby...an email was sent back saying...'pick us, please.....'
And after several weeks .... a sweet new love came into Kim's life.... It was truly an instant connection. The heart melted and open wide for this fluffy white little angel.... His name is Ben. He had only been with Kim and her family for a few months.....when one day.... Kim opened the door to see if Ben's Auntie and cousin were in the drive to pick them up for the trail..... in an instant Ben was out the door...and headed straight for a truck coming up the road.... a truck he believed to be his pick up for the trail. It wasn't Sophie. It was another vehicle going straight on ahead.... who didn't see Ben right in front of her wheel.
In an instant...everything changed...... 'sigh'
Life can be like that.....
Gone was that walk on the trail...that romp with Sophie, that digging in the snow..... it was off to the hospital he went.... bravely I must say....very bravely....
The injuries were far worse than expected...Kim was devastated. Her heart ached as they sat in the very room that Andy was put to sleep in...and listened to the vet give them the crushing news.... Ben was injured very severely.... Surgery was the only repair for his particular fracture.... But before they could do the surgery....he had to be monitored for nerve and organ damage.... tick tock...tick tock.... a few days later... he was out of the woods...and the surgery was a go.
The cost of the surgery....was much more than the vet originally predicted...... How on earth could she say so long to her new companion... her bestest friend.... a light in her life..... How can you put a price on love?
So the surgery was scheduled.... after some conversation with her hubby.... who struggled a bit with the idea of such a huge sum of money... Kim assured him.... I will figure it out.... So many love Ben....
And so.... paint, splatter, scrape, glue, paste, stipple, stamp..... The Benjamin Collection was born.
The End .....or hopefully just The Beginning......
Okay my sweet friends... my sweet lovers of life and love..... I have been working on this collection since Sunday.... I have to say my heart and soul went onto the canvases.....
I hope you will love them...and feel my heart in them...
Ben needs your help.... I need your help..... We need your help.....
The Benjamin Collection includes seven - 12" x 12 " 300 dpi handpainted textures.
The price is $10.00. The funds will help cover the cost of Ben's surgery....which will be approximately $3000. This does not include the follow up care, the trips to the city 3 1/2 hours away etc..... We are in for a long ride.. my friends...
I can not wait to see what the bigger picture in all this is? I believe....everything happens for a reason.... 'sigh'
So I'm asking for your help....
Click below to order today's textures....
We are off to the city tomorrow morning at 6 am. Ben's surgery is scheduled for 12:30 pm central.... So please continue your warm thoughts and prayers......
I can't thank you enough for all the beautiful messages. I feel so blessed to have a community of such amazing support....
Ben is pretty good.... He seems sad...more than anything.... poor little bumpkin. I can barely stand the thought of leaving him at the clinic tomorrow... But as the vet told me yesterday....'Kim, sometimes, you gotta be cruel to be kind......'
Much love to you and yours....
I will have my laptop with me....so I will post a follow up on Ben's condition.....
Deep Deep Sigh.....
xxo, kim
Kim Klassen
An Update on Ben
Dearest Friends......
I have no words to express my deepest gratitude. Please accept are most sincere thanks for the love and support. My family and I are completely overwhelmed.
You know the saying it takes a village to raise a child? well... it seems....it takes a blogosphere to raise a pup.... 'sigh'
truly speechless.... truly grateful!
My connection is poor in our hotel.
But I wanted to let you know that Mr. Ben... Benjamine, Benji Boy, Bennigan, Gentle Ben....made it through the surgery. The fracture was severe and the vet was unable to make a 'perfect' correction.... But he is confident with lots of TLC .... at least 8 weeks.... Ben will be up and running again...
I expect a long road ahead.... he can not put any weight on his back end....so it will be a lot of lifting, carrying supporting....etc.... I better get doing some pilates.... or my back will be toast....
If you have any suggestions to make ths whole process easier.... pretty please send them my way....
Who woulda thunk...... just a few months ago.... we didn't even know Mr. Ben.... and here we are today ....
Before I sign off....I just have to say.... I know that there are many of you going through so much more than this...... I am so sorry .....truly, deeply sorry....
I promise I willl put all of this amazing love back out into the universe..... with all my heart....
love to all.... talk soon.... xxo, Kim
Reader Comments (114)
Best wishes to you and Ben! Hope all goes well.
I will be lifting you all up. Hang in there.
Kim, I am about to talk to The Man about Ben.... I have a very strong feeling that we will be buying the textures JUST to support Ben. we JUST went through a rough time with our Dutchess. AKA Doodle Bug, AKA Poppy. I will do everything that I can to save Ben!!
oh dear girl...my thoughts are with you and your sweet, sweet ben...these textures are full of soul..
My thought are with you and Ben. I am wishing Ben a very quick and speedy recovery. The texture are just great and I'll think of Ben every time I use them.
Positive thoughts coming your way!
Oh Kim! I have been there, it is so hard, you just can't put a price on love, but then, still, you have to pay that big bill. We went through this with one of our cats earlier this year, he had just shown up as a stray, we barely new him, and something attacked him and he came home in need of surgery. We are so glad now that we did it, he is such a sweetie.
Heading over now to buy the textures, I will tweet about it, too. Do keep us posted, sending hugs and light.
Kelly
I really truly hope everything works out well (I'm sure it will, of course & like you said everything happens for a reason...). Your textures are beautiful, as always.
I hope Ben is home for Christmas!!!
Oh Kim! I have not stopped in to read your posts since before Ben's accident. I am so sorry. I am sending forth good wishes & positive energy for his full recovery.
When I read your post about his accident I felt physically ill. I can only imagine what you must be going through.
Our four legged friends are so much more than just pets,they are family.
Best of luck with the surgery. Give him sloppy kisses.
Hi Kim, I just purchased the set and hope it can contribute to Ben's bill. I hope all goes well with the surgery and that he will recover soon. Sending prayers and sweet thoughts to you during this difficult time.
deb
Thoughts and prayers from us and our furry friends are being sent to Ben for a speedy and complete recovery!! xo
Dear Kim, I've just learned of Ben's accident from your email. When I began reading the update my heart skipped a beat - I saw the photo of Andy, and that story broke my heart, so I am so so relieved that Ben has survived the initial trauma. My heart goes out to you, as I have come to love this dog as if he were my own, and I've never even buried my face in his neck or kissed his wet little nose. And that is surely what I would do if I had him for just one moment. I love this dog. I know his sweetness because it's written in his eyes. I can almost hear the thump of his tail on the floor - the closer someone gets, the faster it goes. I support your decision to do everything possible for his full recovery, as he is worth this and more. His spirit has rubbed against many hearts; it has taken up residence there, and it's way too soon for him to leave us. Ben and you will be in my prayers, my novena, along with you every step of the road. Peace and love and light. Miss Becky
Hi, I only wish my brother was here for you! He was a Veterinarian for 33 years.
He did work for people for very little or nothing, just to help the pet out...
I wish the best for you and your friend, Ben!
Cindi
Oh Kim - you have been through so much in such a short time. My heart goes out to you and Ben. And here is my little bit to help.
Oh Kim! How terrifying. I am so sorry to hear of this accident and poor you and poor poor Ben! My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Keep the hope alive. Before you know it, Ben will be back up to speed and chasing the breezes again. Hugs
Well of course I bought the textures and I hope you sell lots. I had to let a dog go a few years ago because keeping her alive was too much for me to afford...and I know how heartbreaking that is. But she was 13 and I had a daughter's wedding to pay for and there were no guarantees on final costs or end results. Life is hard. I wish you all the best with Benjamin. xo
Textures have been bought! Didn't even talk to The Man. Ben is just as important as my Dutchess was!
Sending you positive thoughts. Wishing Ben a complete and speedy recovery. Hope everything goes well. Beautiful Benjamin textures already took their place in my ever growing Kim Klassen texture collection.
All the best...
love and well wishes for Ben and your family, love your textures and so glad I can help out.
will be happy to help after you set me on the path of Photoshop elements and I am loving it to bits. Hope Ben is OK.
It is an answer to prayer that they are able to help him...soon he will be on the mend and before you know it he will be getting around again. I have made my purchase for your sweet Ben. Looking forward to the update..Prayers continue for you all.
I just read this. I knew about Andy, but haven't been keeping up other than I knew you had gotten a new pup. Cried as I read this. Of course I ordered! Best of luck with the surgery. Hope all goes well.
Dogs are so amazing! Don't lose hope, its a struggle at first but you won't regret it for one single second. We went through a horrific experience like this actually TWO, and my dog taught me the best lesson I have ever learned in my life through it all. Try to find the good ♥ its in there some where. HUGS & PRAYERS
I asked hubby if I could purchase these textures for Ben. He said YES YES YES! We are praying for your puppers healing and for you heart to be able to handle this. My girl Kassie sends puppy kisses to Ben.
Kim!
My heart goes out to you, your family & Ben. I am also ordering those beautiful textures you've made for your beautiful dog! I hope that his surgery is successful and that he recovers quickly!!
So glad that I found your website but wish the circumstances were better for you :( ... I'll be sending up some prayers for sweet Ben,
Best Wishes,
Juls~
Kim, I've just purchased your Ben set and will be using them with love while I send Ben healing prayers through his surgery and recovery. Blessings to you...your love for Ben shines through.
I love dogs, I love your beautiful textures, I love your inspiring words and photos. Decision made, textures purchased, prayers said for Ben today!
My hopes are and prayers are heading your way. I think those love-inspired textures are a great gift for me and my neice who is just learning photoshop. please know how much you have touched your readers.....
I just bought the textures - sending all my love to you and Ben!
Kim, thank you for putting your heart and soul onto these textures. I'm glad to be able to help and hope that our collective purchase will contribute to Ben's medical bill and full recovery. Will continue to pray for Ben.
my thoughts are with you and ben. i just have been going through a similar story, not with a dog, but with my sweet flori cat. he has not been hit by a truck, but fell very ill and i had to care for him day and night, for months. my lil guy was incredibly brave and thankful. i'll be happy to help you! big hugs!
I will say a prayer for sweet Ben tonight, Kim and for you.
I hope this little bit helps, and we are keeping Ben in our prayers.
Oh poor Ben and poor you, but so glad there is hope-and I completely agree, you can't put a price on love. One of our cats Lily had to have a £500 operation last year and she is worth every penny! Off to buy Ben's textures now-and lots of luck for the operation. x
How could I not buy these gorgeous textures to help you with dear Ben. My darling white cat lost her ears to cancer anas she is getting on the vet bills seem regular, so I feel your pain. But what can you do? They are such a special part of our lives.
Sending healing wishes your way and also wishes for a SAFE and Happy Christmas!
Greta
Wishing you and Ben the best as he goes through his surgery. Lots of positive energy coming to you from Italy right now!!
Kim, I've bought the textures - how could I possibly not? The cost of surgery and vet care is high, but the value of a loved one's life can't be counted. The very best to you both; thinking of you.
Oh my heart aches for you Kim. I am asking for His blessing for Ben's safe recovery.
Thinking of you, your family and of course Ben. Thanks for the beautiful set of textures. Will be looking for your updates.
Dearest Kim.. When I read the e-mail and then headed here.. oh gosh, please know you are all in my thoughts.
Prayers and sunny positives sent from my animal loving heart to yours and to your family. I am happy to learn that there is something that can be done to help Ben. Tula Dot (paws) and Princess P (claws) also sent fur covered wishes for the best.
My heart knows the fear when your pup bolts out the door unexpectedly. Will be praying for you and Ben for a successful surgery. Sending my angels to look over both of you and purchasing your beautiful collection.
Oh Kim. Such a sadness in my heart as I read your news. My heart goes out to you and Ben. Every time I use these gorgeous textures I'll be thinking of the two of you (and lots of times in between of course!)
Ann
may all of your online friends here be a source of love when your heart feels sad. may our love help you, your family and especially Benjamin through the pain. i bought what i could right now. i'll be back and buy again and again as my money situation permits. hang in there and let your heart feel the rivers of love coming to you and Ben...kisses on Benjamin's nose and big heart-felt hugs for you and your family.
oh gosh......that had to be so hard....sending prayers your way!
Hi Kim, I bought the textures today and they are wonderful. I will keep positive thoughts for sweet Ben. You are so generous to us and I really enjoyed the Skinny Mini class. I can't wait to play with these textures...try to enjoy the holidays! Hugs...
Kim,
I'm sending loads of thoughts and prayers, and many puppy hugs your way for Ben's speedy recovery. I can only imagine what you and Ben are going through and hope only for the best. Each time I use one of these textures I will think of the love you put into them as they were created. Take care, you have a wide circle of friends praying for you and sweet Ben.
Praying, hoping all goes well, thoughts are with you.
Kim, oh my.....we have a little Ben too...a rescue from Seattle Humane Society...i can't imagine life without him. my prayers are with you and your Benjamin....I love the new textures....I'll be getting a set.....blessings, Linda