benny

BENNY: THE BRAD PITT OF THE SHELTER LOOKING FOR HIS HAPPY ENDING.

We all think our own dogs are the most beautiful dogs in the world. But with Benny, even people who have never met him seem to agree.
The other day, I was walking Benny in the park when a lady stopped us and said, "My goodness! That's a beautiful dog! He is a Hollywood dog!"
And honestly? She wasn't wrong.
Benny is the Brad Pitt of our shelter. That striking mix of Siberian Husky and what we believe may be German Shepherd gives him movie-star looks. He's the kind of dog people turn around to look at twice.
But Benny is so much more than a handsome face.
He has one of those personalities that just feels balanced. He's incredibly affectionate and loves giving kisses, leaning into belly rubs, and curling up close to his people. Yes, this 73-pound boy truly believes he is a lap dog.
At the same time, Benny has an independent spirit. He loves exploring, rolling in the grass, carrying his toys around, and simply enjoying the world around him. I can easily picture him resting his head in your lap one moment and then happily napping at your feet the next.
Benny loves toys and absolutely loves playing fetch. In fact, he's developed his own system: he likes to have two toys and will trade one for another. Otherwise, he'll happily keep his ball for himself. It's part of his charm.
He's also a smart boy who already knows sit, down, and paw, walks nicely on leash, and is very treat motivated, which makes him a wonderful candidate for continued training. Like many Huskies, squirrels, cats, and crows are simply too tempting to ignore, so he'll need someone attentive on walks.
Benny is best suited for an active home with a securely fenced yard where he can play, explore, and be his wonderful, goofy self. Because of his size and enthusiasm, we think he would do best with children ages 13 and older. Sometimes when he's feeling extra playful, he may get a little humpy, but a gentle "Nope" and he immediately redirects.
He has not been formally tested with other dogs and would likely do best as the only dog in the home. He should not live with cats or small pets.
What makes Benny's story especially difficult is this:
He has been waiting in our municipal shelter for eleven months.
Eleven months of watching people walk by.
Eleven months of being everyone's favorite during meet-and-greets, only to hear the same thing at the end:
"He's so big."
And yes, Benny is a big dog.
Big dogs come with big responsibilities.
But they also come with big hearts, big loyalty, and big love.
If you've been looking for a large, intelligent, affectionate working-breed dog who can be both your cuddle buddy and your adventure partner, Benny may be exactly who you've been waiting for.
Municipal shelters become dangerously crowded during the summer months. More than anything, Benny needs a chance. An adopter would be wonderful. Even a foster family would be incredible: a place where this Hollywood handsome boy could finally stretch out on a couch, chase a ball, get his belly rubbed, and happily wait for his forever family.
Benny has already mastered being a shelter favorite.
Now he just needs the starring role in someone's life.