Howard Benson and his dog, Dutch, walk together every morning at Riverfront Park — for exercise and for Benson to pick up trash left on the grounds. Dutch, a 12-year-old golden retriever and Irish setter mix that previously belonged to a neighbor, moved in with Benson and his wife, Mary Benson, about six years ago. Since, Benson said, Dutch has had hip problems and is now forced to climb in and out of Benson’s SUV on a ramp. After their walks, Benson and Dutch sit to rest and Benson gives Dutch his daily dose of medicine in a spoonful of peanut butter. Benson said he and Dutch have been constant companions for these six years and, “We don’t know what we’ll do when he’s gone.” (Meredith Spencer*The Vicksburg Post)

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