Dog of the Month, February 2019: Asher

How could you resist this scruffy little face? It’s made to steal hearts, which is why this little pooch is the Rainier Veterinary Hospital Dog of the Month.

Asherton Eugene Vincent von Tripod III, Esq., commonly known as Asher, is a roughly 18-month-old, 10-pound wonder mutt from the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) shelter. He came to the shelter as a stray with a leg that was so badly damaged, it had to be amputated. Luckily, the shelter was ready to get Asher the help he needed and work to find him his new forever home.

“When RASKC told me about his leg, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to adopt him,” remembers Brandon Benson, Asher’s dad. “An amputee dog, especially one so recent, sounded like a lot of extra work. But when I saw him spinning and dancing around on three legs, only two days post-surgery, I changed my mind pretty fast. When he jumped in my lap and licked my face, I was sold. I think he chose me before I chose him.”

Asher’s name came from a family friend. It is a Hebrew name meaning “blessed“ or “fortunate.“ His nicknames include Ash the Wonder Mutt, Little Cujo, Tripod Boy, Buttmonkey, and Stormageddon: Dark Lord of All.

“I’ve only had Asher a few weeks, so his full personality is still coming out,” Brandon says. “I can tell you he’s an unstoppable little bada*$. Just two days after his amputation, he was running around like it was no big deal. He’s just a happy, hyper, bouncy little puppy. He’s also the sweetest, most affectionate dog I’ve ever met. He’ll lay flat on his back for as long as you’re willing to rub his belly, and lick your hands until they’re dripping with dog spit. He’s a total lapdog, and once he gets to know you, he’ll climb right into your lap and let you pet him while he gives you kisses.”

Asher’s favorite toy is a big “Tagg the Cave Squirrel” that came in one of his monthly Bark Box shipments. His favorite treats are turkey, cheddar popcorn, and Zuke’s minis. He also loves MudBay’s Turkey Jerky, although it gives him the farts something fierce, so the family limits his intake.

Asher is new to the Rainier Veterinary Hospital team. He was first brought in on January 7, the day after he was adopted, so Dr. Colleen Beestman could take a look at his incision and give his family important information on how to care for him post-surgery. Dr. Beestman gave Asher a comprehensive wellness exam as well as fit him with a better cone and some additional pain meds to help make him more comfortable. Of course, Asher had a lot to say about it, and he barked at everyone he met. Brandon notes that Asher definitely has a lot to say about all things.

“Asher is doing great now, especially considering everything he’s been through,” Brandon says. “He’s settling into his new home, his stitches are out, the cone is finally off, and he’s healing up great.”

Asherton Eugene Vincent von Tripod III, Esq., welcome to your new amazing life!

About Our Dog of the Month Program

How our Dog of the Month program works: Each staff member provides a nomination for the distinguished honor, and then we vote. The highest vote wins! Any pup who visits us during the prior month is eligible.