Benji looks and acts a bit older than the three years that two different vets have claimed.  We think he's had a hard go of life so far.  We know that he spent the last year as an outdoor farm dog.  He was very cold and his good Samaritan worked very hard to get him into rescue and in out of the cold.

He's friendly in a guarded way.  Humans haven't always treated him in a manner worthy of his complete trust.  Benji gets on well with the other dogs in rescue, and we're sure he'd like a calm and loving child to pal around with.

This is a very nice boy who is grateful to be indoors.  He is low-key - not a wild child at all.

This update from his foster mom dated 3/9/10:

Benji is a sweet timid little guy who takes some time to get comfortable with new people and places. Once he realizes that he is in a safe place, he wants to get up close and personal.  When I get on the floor or bend over to give pets and rubs, he runs over for his fair share.  He still stiffens up when I try to pick him up, but once in my lap, he does relax.  He probably hasn’t had many things in the past that belonged to him, so he is still learning that life can be good and loving doggie parents will protect him and keep him comfortable.  No more being alone to fend for himself like when he was on the farm outside Baltimore.  He is just learning that toys are good and fun things.  He pounces on the tennis ball, but when I roll it away, he still just watches it go.  Once it stops he pounces again.  He will carry the plush toys (or what is left of them) once in a while when he gets the chance and his greedy siblings let him have one. 

Benji is a smart guy and is learning to go to the bathroom outside.  He has mastered the dog door and will sit on command (with a treat in hand).  Benji often comes when called, but needs work to respond consistently.  He isn’t a noisy dog, I haven’t seen him digging and he doesn’t chew things up.  He is laid back and doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body.  He does play with the other dogs at times, but often watches when they are wrestling in the family room. He bounds around the yard as if he is enjoying his safe space, and doesn’t seem interested in going beyond the fence.  He will go in his crate to rest in the evening, but requires a treat to go in upon request at other times. 

Benji is a young guy that could benefit from loving guidance.  I think he needs someone to introduce him to the good doggie things in life.  If you want to make a big difference in one little guy’s life, consider adopting Benji.  He is definitely worth the extra effort, and it will be exceptionally rewarding to help Benji discover the good things in life that have just been out of his reach so far.  

Adoptive Status:  Neutered, UTD on shots and micro-chipped.

Dream Home Minimum Requirements: Just needs love and a human to love him.

Owner Aptitude Level:  Beginner.