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My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)
Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut
Age
6 years 6 months old, Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
20 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
He may be a tad shy when he first meets you, but Benji is a lovebug first, last and everything in between! If you're kind and patient, it won't be long before he's snuggled up next to you and inviting a good petting.
HISTORY
Benji came to us from a quasi-hoarding situation. His previous owner lives in a rural area outside Prosser, where many dogs are abandoned, at risk of being shot by local farmers, hit by a car, or eaten by coyotes. She takes them in and cares for them as best she can, but many - like Benji - end up in a kind of limbo, spending years in a small run or on a chain. HART is working with this person to rectify the situation.
She took Benji in during 2021, and he lived with several other dogs in a run. He has been in a HART foster home since August 2023. The breed information given is our best guess, based on his appearance.
SOCIALIZATION
Once Benji knows and trusts you, he'll unfailingly greet you with a happy prance and a wagging tail. He's still learning ta trust strangers and may be barky and scared on meeting new people, but he wants to be friends and warms up if they're patient and kind. He likes older children who are calm and gentle, but would find it uncomfortable to share his home with little kids who are still loud and unpredictable.
He's timid with dogs he doesn't know, and with larger dogs he can be defensive and growly. But once he feels safe - especially with friendly little dogs - he relaxes and will play. He doesn't like other dogs near his food bowl, however, and sometimes gets growly if they invade his space around his crate or when he's claiming the cuddles. But his foster is working on this, and he's learning that sharing resources doesn't mean he gets less.
He's not too sure what to do about cats. Generally he avoids the cat in his foster home, but he would probably chase a cat that ran from him. His foster home also has a cavy in a cage that he enjoys watching, and chickens that he will chase if he has a chance.
GENERAL TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOR
Benji is an affectionate little guy, whose favorite place is next to you on the couch, gazing at you with big doe eyes and maybe occasionally touching you with his paw to remind you he's there, being cute and needing pets.
Until we took him in, Benji's life didn't include things like toys, so he doesn't really have much of an idea of how to play. Energetic play - roughhousing, throwing things, and so on - scares him. He's starting to figure playtime out, but really he'd rather just hang out and keep you company.
He likes casual walks around a quiet neighborhood, and he enjoys going out and about in the car. But he's a pretty low energy guy who won't mind too much if you decide to have a lazy day at home, as long as he gets to spend it with you.
But while he's generally a quiet boy, Benji is alert and will let you know if strangers approach your front door.
TRAINING
Benji's house manners are generally good. He's quiet unless there's a reason to bark, he isn't destructive, and he knows the difference between what's yours and what's his. He likes his crate and will sometimes put himself away in there for some quiet time. He never steals food, and although he may jump up on you when he's excited, he's gentle and responds to "off" when told to stop.
He is 90% house trained - he'd prefer to potty outside, but may have an accident if you wait too long to take him out. He's still learning to ask to be let out to potty.
His years in limbo didn't involve any training, so he is still learning basic obedience commands. And although we believe he's quite intelligent - as well as liking treats and loving praise - it's sometimes hard for him to learn new things because he still lacks confidence and gets scared. But his recall is good, as long as he's not scared, and he is comfortable on a leash. Given time, patience and gentle, consistent handling, Benji should be able to learn all the basic commands and probably a few tricks, if that's what you'd like him to do.
HEALTH STATUS
Benji has been neutered and is vaccinated, microchipped, and free of parasites. The vet who saw him when he was injured in August 2021 assigned him August 22, 2018 as his birthday. He weighs just over 20 lbs.
ADOPTION
For more pictures of Benji, please see his Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.605235638424196&type=3
To adopt Benji, please email HearthfireART@gmail.com, and request an adoption application form. All our dogs are in private foster homes, and we will make arrangements for you to meet the pup of your choice after your adoption application has been approved.
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We'll also keep you updated on Precious's adoption status with email updates.
$350 in savings for new adopters
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PetSmart is offering new adopters a free adoption kit. Just show your adoption paperwork in-store to redeem!
