If you can help, call
968-9386.
July 27, 2000
Pets are lost every day.
But sometimes, circumstances make that loss extraordinary.
News Specialist Stacey Butler has such a story.
Ben doesn't speak, but he and his dog had their own way of communicating. The dog has run away from his West Valley City home, and now family members are doing everything they can to find him.
If ever a boy loved his dog, it is Ben Olsen.
Confined to a wheelchair with the mental capacity of a five month old, Ben relies on little Mac. The tea cup poodle has followed Ben's every move since the dog was born five years ago.
Terry Mann, Ben's Friend: "WHEREVER BEN IS, THE DOG IS. HE SLEEPS WITH HIM, EATS WITH HIM."
But last Saturday Mac slipped out of the house and disappeared. Caretakers say since Mac left Ben just hasn't been the same.
"HE DOESN'T WANT TO EAT, HE DOESN'T ACT THE SAME."
Caretakers say Ben would hold Mac and laugh when the dog licked his face. But now he shows no emotion.
"BEN, HERE'S SAM."
"I EVEN BROUGHT ANOTHER DOG OVER AND HE DOESN'T WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH HER. HE KNEW IT WASN'T MAC."
Ben's mother says the loss of Mac is especially devastating to Ben.
Liz Olson, Ben's Mother: "BEN DOESN'T HAVE A LOT, BUT HE DOES HAVE HIS DOG. SO WITH THE DOG LOST IT'S A GREAT DEAL MISSING FROM HIS LIFE."
Friends aren't giving up the search. They're even offering a reward for Mac's recovery.
"IF ANYONE'S SEEN HIM, PLEASE SEND HIM HOME."
Mac weighs about three pounds, he has a blue collar without identifying tags.
If you can help, call
968-9386.
