Benjamin

Description

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, July 11th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event.   All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $700 Benjamin Benjamin is an approximately 6-8 month old, 9-pound Terrier mix with a scruffy face that belongs on the cover of a dog magazine and a personality that's even bigger than his adorable ears. If you're looking for a dog who will make you laugh every day, keep you on your toes, and then melt into your lap at the end of the evening, congratulations...you've just found him. Benjamin believes life is meant to be lived at full speed. A tennis ball? Amazing. A puzzle toy? Challenge accepted. A walk around the neighborhood? Best day ever. A couch with a human already sitting on it? Move over...he's coming up. He's the kind of dog who somehow manages to be adventurous, hilarious, affectionate, and ridiculously charming all at the same time. One minute he's proudly carrying a toy around the house like he just won the lottery, and the next he's demanding attention in ways only Benjamin can. He has absolutely mastered the art of making people fall in love with him. A Rough Start, Fully Behind Him Benjamin didn't have the easiest start. When we rescued him from the shelter, he was suffering from a painful eye injury caused by a foxtail that had become lodged in his eye. Although the foxtail had been removed, it left behind an infection and ulcer that required multiple veterinary visits, medications, eye drops, and a foster willing to become a full-time nurse. Today? You'd never know it. His eye has healed beautifully, his cone is long gone, and he's ready to leave that chapter behind forever. We took care of the veterinary bills, the medications, and the recovery. All the hard work has already been done—now all that's left is for someone to enjoy this incredible little dog. Brains to Match the Charm Benjamin isn't just cute—he's smart. He's incredibly food motivated, loves learning new things, and genuinely enjoys figuring out puzzle toys. Training is fun for him, especially if treats are involved (and honestly...who can blame him?). He already knows sit, is learning household routines quickly, sleeps quietly in his crate at night, and is making wonderful progress with his housetraining. He's the type of puppy who wants a job. Teach him something new, take him on an adventure, or give him a challenge, and he'll happily show off just how clever he is. A People Dog Through and Through Benjamin loves his people. Not in an over-the-top, velcro kind of way—but in the sweetest, funniest way imaginable. He'll lean against you. Stretch himself across your legs. Quietly curl up beside you during movie night. Or casually back himself into you as if to say, "Excuse me...I believe you stopped petting me." When he first arrived in foster care, he worried that his foster might disappear if he wasn't watching every second. Thanks to patience and reassurance, he's blossomed into a confident, happy puppy who finally understands he's safe. Watching that transformation has been one of the greatest joys of fostering him. Playtime, Pups, and Kids Benjamin absolutely loves to play. He currently lives with another small dog and would happily convince them that every hour is playtime if given the opportunity. He's learning that not every dog shares his unlimited enthusiasm, and he's getting better every day at reading when another dog says, "I'm done." He can be vocal when meeting unfamiliar dogs, especially on leash, often trying to convince everyone that he's much larger than his 9-pound body suggests. His foster has already been working with him on positive introductions, and he's making wonderful progress. With continued guidance, we fully expect that confidence to continue growing. And kids? Let's just say Benjamin recently joined a young boy in an impromptu soccer game at the park...and had the time of his life chasing a soccer ball that was nearly as big as he was. We're pretty sure he thought he made the Olympic team. His Ideal Family Benjamin is looking for a family that's excited about having an active young dog. He'd love neighborhood walks, training classes, weekend adventures, backyard games of fetch, and plenty of opportunities to keep both his body and brilliant little brain busy. Most of all, he wants to be included. Whether you're making dinner, watching TV, working in the yard, or heading out for a weekend adventure, Benjamin's favorite place is wherever his people are. Big Things, Small Package Benjamin is proof that the very best things sometimes come in very small packages. He's funny without trying. Smart without showing off. Affectionate without being needy. Playful without ever losing his sweet nature. He's already overcome the hardest part of his young life. Now Benjamin gets to focus on what puppies are supposed to do—playing, learning, loving his family, and making everyone around him smile. If you're looking for a little dog with a huge personality, an even bigger heart, and enough charm to keep you laughing for years to come, Benjamin is ready to pack up his toys and his goofy grin...and head home with you.