When He Got Sick With Cancer This Dog Never Left His Side. Now His Tribute Has Touched The Hearts Of Millions.

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Ben and Denali lived on the road, side by side, for a long time. They lived in a van and took each day as it came. It was a lovely and free life, but nothing lasts forever.

Throwback to 2002 in Indian Creek, during the three years I lived on the road with Denali. I’m looking for old images of Denali and I that anyone has hiding in their archives, for a short film that is in the works about our time together. Any and all photos are welcome, especially between 2001–2005, while we were traveling in the van and during my battle with cancer. Please email them to ben@benmoon.com, thanks so much! Photo: @lisahensel

Ett foto publicerat av Ben Moon (@ben_moon)

June, 2004, Ben got serious cancer and was hospitalized. Denali never left his side and refused to leave the room where Ben was lying. During surgerys and treatments, Denali was always close and his healing power was a big part of Ben’s recovery.

It’s been a year since Denali passed on, I still miss that guy! My mom snapped this photo of us in ’04 while I was in the hospital after cancer surgery. Denali never left my side during that intense year, and I was so grateful for his companionship and to the nurses who let him stay with me. #mansbestfriend

Photo published by Ben Moon (@ben_moon)

In the beginning of 2014, Denali too was sick with cancer. Ben promised to never let him suffer. He wanted one thing from Denali: Survive at least one more month. So Ben could record a tribute video with him.

Rather than posting another “it’s snowing in Portland!” photo, here’s a #tbt in honor of Denali, an image of he and I reuniting in 2003 after my two month trip to Kauai, one of the rare instances when we were separated for more than a week or two. We both seem pretty stoked! Thank you all for the calls, texts, comments and messages of support this week–it means a lot and it’s a testament to how many lives Denali truly touched. #mansbestfriend

Photo published by Ben Moon (@ben_moon)

Exactly one month after they had found out about Denali’s cancer, the dog started to cough really bad by midnight. The next day, Ben and Denali was playing at the beach. The morning after, Denali gave Ben that look – it was time to go. Denali died at the age of 14.

For me the holidays tend to bring about a lot of reflection… here’s to embracing growth, transition, and getting out there in the upcoming year! (throwback to a couple of winters back on the Oregon coast)

Photo published by Ben Moon (@ben_moon)

This is the emotional movie with Denali and Ben.

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