Some bonds are so deep, not even loss can break them. That’s the kind of friendship Tiny Tim, a Chihuahua, shared with his much larger companion — a gentle Great Pyrenees named Big Ben.
The two first met in 2016 when Tim arrived as a foster. Despite their size difference, they became inseparable almost instantly.
“Multiple times a day, I’d find Tim fast asleep on top of Ben,” their mom, Jenny Leech, told The Dodo. “Ben was his safe spot, for sure.”
Ben, who was already seven when Tim joined the family, welcomed the little dog with open paws.
Whether they were napping, swimming, or sneaking snacks at the dinner table (with a little boost from Ben’s back), the two did everything together.
For six sweet years, they shared a life full of love and adventure.
As Ben grew older and began facing mobility issues, Tim seemed to sense the change. He became more gentle, choosing to quietly sit or nap beside Ben rather than play on him like he used to.
Then, on Christmas Eve in 2022, Ben suffered a stroke. Surrounded by his loved ones — including Tim — he peacefully passed away the next morning at 13½ years old.
The loss left a visible hole in the family, especially for Tiny Tim.
Their online followers, who had come to love the duo through social media, grieved alongside them. One follower, a woman from Ohio named Beth, sent Tim a thoughtful gift: a large stuffed dog that looked strikingly like Ben.
As soon as Leech placed the plush toy on the couch, something incredible happened.
“Tim immediately climbed onto it — just like he used to do with Ben — and fell asleep,” Leech said.
The toy quickly became a source of comfort. Day after day, Leech would find Tim snuggled on its back in the exact same position he used to lie on Ben, right down to a familiar little curve in his spine.
“It brought back all those memories,” she said. “It’s almost like Ben never left.”
While it’s heartbreaking to witness Tim missing his best friend, Leech finds comfort in knowing the toy has helped him cope. And to her surprise, Tim has been doing remarkably well.
“He’s really bounced back better than we expected,” she said. “I think we’re the ones still grieving. He’s adapting.”
The stuffed dog now has a permanent spot on the couch, serving as both a comfort to Tim and a touching reminder of a one-of-a-kind friendship.
Though Ben is gone, the love they shared continues — not just in Tim’s heart, but in the hearts of everyone who followed their journey.
“There’s something kind of beautiful about it,” Leech said. “They truly had something special.”
You can keep up with Tiny Tim on Instagram or Facebook as he carries on the legacy of love he shared with his best friend, Ben.
