Benji continues to do very well and just gets more and more comfortable every day. Benji is much less skittish here than when he first arrived. Chow time is a very happy time at our house and he waits with great anticipation for it to be served. He was originally pretty skittish during meal time and would run away if he heard any unknown noise or saw any unexpected movement, but now, he stays with his food until he's finished. I can talk to him, sing off key, move about in the kitchen and touch him while he's eating without scaring him away.
 
I'll mention again that Benji needs:
 
-another confident dog in the house for leadership
-a fenced yard--any height as he shows no desire to bust out
-to continue to stay on special ingredient food so he doesn't get any more ear infections (they are finally gone, yay!)
-no young kids
-your love, time and attention - he just loves his people!
 
Benji is just a very easy boy, has GREAT recall, loves his walks, perks up when he sees bunnies or squirrels, completely housebroken, does not counter surf, does not chew on inappropriate items, is trusted with free roam of the house when left alone, responds to commands quickly, loves his creature comforts (see picture) and loves to be with his people. What more could you want in a BFF?
 
If you are an approved applicant and are interested in meeting Benji--please contact your placement coordinator!

Benji continues to be the sweetest boy ever. Now that I've had him for over a week, I've learned more about this great dog. He LOVES his people. Dogs are ok, but people rule! He takes his time warming up, but at the end of the day, he wants to be with his people. He is still a bit of a velcro dog but in a good way. He follows you around but, you can still move about without too much interference. He has been brave a few times and lets me go upstairs or in the basement without him and he patiently waits for me to come back.
 
Benji went to the Minneapolis Pet Expo both Saturday and Sunday and he was a champ. He accepted strangers pets all day long (oh, life is hard). He often was cautious and very random when he was more hesitant with some than others. He was the same, whether it was woman, man or child. At the end, he always let them pet him.
 
His feeding time is getting better and he's getting less skittish. I've been trying to desensitize him by exposing him to normal sounds and gentle touches while eating. He jumps at first but then is less reactive on the second time.
 
A few more things I've learned about Benji:
 
He is not a counter surfer and is certainly tall enough to reach if he wanted too.
 
He is very curious and likes to check everything out.
 
He is a smart boy and learns good boy things quickly.
 
The baby gates are all put away and he gets free roam day and night.
 
He is a bit of a site hound and reacts if he sees a bunny or a squirrel and may take off after it, but not sure on that yet. Otherwise, he stays right by your side and doesn't appear to be interested in going anywhere without you.
 
He loves his new haircut (feels so good when he gets his rubs) and he looks pretty cute too!
 
His ears are looking better, but will report back when I get the good doctor's inspection.
 
All and all Benji is almost a perfect dog! The pack just loves him.
 
If you are interested in Benji, please contact your placement coordinator.

 Benji (left) meeting his littermate after 2 years at the MN Pet Expo--they even had the same haircut!
 

Look how cute I am? Don't you just want to take me home?

 Benji sneaking a wink on King Murphy's bed.

Hi there to all of Benji fans. Benji is now being fostered in South Minneapolis and we couldn't be more excited. He has been just as easy as they come and just going with the flow. Of course he is a bit curious about his new surroundings and cautiously checking things out, but he is fitting in just great. The main thing for Benji, is to understand completely that my resident dog Murphy is top dog and that will guarantee smooth sailing for as long as the eye can see! :) So far, so good. Funny story today is that unknowingly Benji over stayed his welcome on the 'main' doggie bed in the living room and Murphy was allowing it, but apparently only for a specified amount of time. Finally, Murphy stands up in the middle of the living room and seems to be randomly barking at nothing (very unusual for him)--sort of looking to the side at Benji on the bed. Finally I realized the issue and poor Benji, completely clueless looks up, so I politely asked Benji move to the 'other' bed and all was good with Murphy. Oh, the tough lessons you have to learn when you are new on the scene. Benji was just fine with it, made no difference to him and very happy on the other comfy bed.

Benji has met many of the other pack members and not surprisingly got along with them all. So certainly I can attest to the fact that Benji gets along with most any dog. Since I've only had him for a short time, I will report as I get to know him. He is, as expected, very shy on meeting new people and still shy with me, but I can see him slowly warming up.

I am still trying to get a handle on his ear infection. I have meds to continue with from his previous foster, so I will report the progress as we continue with his treatment. One thing that I am impressed by is that Benji doesn't rub or scratch his ears, even though they look pretty sore. I am just praying for the meds to work and his ears clearing up. Also, he is on limited ingredient food to eliminate any food allergy possibility. Hoping something will work very soon for the sweet boy!

Here are some pictures of Benji in his new foster home-he is such a trooper and amazingly adaptable.