Benji

From Benji’s Final Refuge foster:

Little Benji was the first dog “liberated” from a local shelter in 2022.

Medically, the shelter reported early kidney disease, hip arthritis, cataracts, terrible teeth and an ear infection. We received information that he arrived at the shelter a matted mess with heavy flea infestation and resultant anemia from blood loss. It is uncertain whether Benji has been neutered or not. If not, he is looking at some expensive surgery to get the job done!

Benji moved right into his Final Refuge home. It took two weeks to finally get his intake exam – the vets are so busy!!! Meanwhile, he arrived looking for scraps on the floor and eating anything that was put in his bowl. He is an accomplished beggar but with all his health issues, we are pretty strict about his food.

The first week was a bit intense because he didn’t seem to be house trained and he peed everywhere all of the time. We found that the best technology at our house was diapers – in our case, doggie wraps. Fortunately, with a regular schedule and frequent trips out doors, Benji seems to remember his training.

He loves the yard and patrols there, constantly barking at nothing in particular. We think he might be missing his previous housemates.

Benji took an immediate liking to Phil (Dad). He follows him everywhere and sets up shop on his side of the bed every night. He even prefers a pillow on the couch to his comfy doggie bed, if Phil is around.

Benji is a little large for a Yorkshire terrier. We are wondering if he might be a Silky Terrier. His coat, what is left of it, is gorgeous. They shaved Benji’s backend at the shelter because of the mats and fleas but he has gorgeous long hair around his head and neck. There are some lingering balding spots and will see what happens with those. When we bathe him it fluffs out and he looks so like a lion with a huge ruff and sleek back end.

He is such a sweet little dog. Although he was picked up because of neglect, he must have been loved at some time previously, because he has a lovely interactive nature. Per his vet visit, the ear infection is gone, no sign of fleas, and most of his skin sores have healed. There is still some uncertainty about whether he has been neutered. An ultrasound is in his future.

We are very grateful to Old Dog Haven for making sure this little fellow gets the veterinary care he so needed. And we will supply all the love and care for the rest of (what we hope is) his long life!

 

 

Benji is sponsored by: