Benji

Gotcha Day - 1/25/2015, Chosen Birthday - 1/25/2009

Maltese/Yorkie/Pekingese, 6 1/2 Pounds

Hello Friends, I’m Benji. I was originally rescued from the LA County Shelter, after being turned in as a stray, by a loving woman from Recycled Love Dog Rescue, She fostered me until one day when Mommy found my adoption listing and fell in love. Mommy, Daddy, Joey, Pebbles and Bruiser drove out to California to meet me, and I drove back home to Arizona to join the family!

I am deaf and blind, and have been for as long as anyone knows. But, do not worry, I am the most resilient pup you will ever meet! I do not let my missing senses hold me back. I love life! I explore, walk, adventure and most of all, I sniff! Experiencing this world in ways you could only imagine!

One of my favorite things to do is sit outside and smell the world!! When the breeze is blowing, my head turns from side to side and you can see my nose twitching away. There’s nothing I love more than smelling all the smells! I’m also known as the Master of Zen! I’m very calm and relaxed; only strange smells that catch me off guard will get me worked up and barking. Most of the time, I’m happy to just sit and soak it all in.

While going on adventures can be challenging for me, I never get left behind. Mommy will backpack me on hikes, Daddy will carry me when there are too many obstacles, or I get to ride in my chariot stroller! But, the ultimate is when there’s a wide open space and I can just explore and explore! Mommy says, I’m so brave! Without hesitation, I will just head off to explore, following my nose, whether we’re at the beach, at the park, even on walks around my neighborhood. I know the path very well, and have even walked half of it without a leash or any guidance.

I’m quite adept at finding comfy places, even in new places I’ve never been! If there’s a good pillow, bathmat or dog bed to find, I will find it! I also love to keep Mom and Dad on their toes by finding good hiding spots! Since I can’t hear them call me, and don’t respond to lights, my hiding skills are quite impressive!

When it comes to posing for photos, the perfect set up is to have me facing into the wind. If that doesn’t work, then Mommy and Daddy will use treats to guide my nose in the direction of the camera. Depending on the other competing smells, this can be an easy task or a more challenging task…and sometimes Mommy has to use the extra good smelling treats!

I love belly rubs, but I won’t just stay on my back…you have to be actively rubbing my belly! I love to sit in laps, but I don’t like to be messed with. Scratching my chin, or rubbing my head or back is okay, but don’t try to touch my legs. I will grumble at you. I know what I like, and I know what I don’t like, and I’m not afraid to share! Yes, I can be a little bit independent and stubborn at times!

Even after all these years together, Mommy is constantly in awe of the things I am capable of doing! She says all the time, I am a constant reminder that there’s no such thing as can’t and that anything is possible. The other thing I’m good at reminding everyone of…stop what you’re doing, be present, enjoy the moment and take in every smell…it’s worth it!