Then they gave him a stunning makeover …
Heartwarming Rescue: Benji the Dog Finds Safety
Recently, volunteer dog rescuer Mary Nakiso was driving through Orange County, California, when she spotted a large, hairy creature cowering alone on the side of the road. A sinking feeling in her stomach compelled her to pull over and investigate further.
A Terrified Giant
As Nakiso approached the animal, she realized just how massive and frightened he was. “He is literally 75 pounds and so big but so scared,” wrote Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, in a Facebook post. The enormous dog, later named Benji, was in a state of panic after being abandoned by his family just moments earlier.
The Ordeal of Abandonment
“When he first got thrown out, he was so confused and running in circles in traffic,” Hall explained. “A huge jeep with huge tires literally went over him…” Benji had no understanding of where his family had gone, desperately wandering the busy streets in search of them. After running in circles and narrowly avoiding traffic, he eventually vanished from sight.
A Community Mobilizes for Benji
After spotting Benji, Nakiso reached out to Hall to inform her about the situation, and they began monitoring local social media for any sightings. Later that day, a post emerged about a large, matted dog spotted in a nearby neighborhood. Hall, caught in traffic and unable to return immediately, quickly messaged three trusted friends who lived close by to assist in the rescue.
The Volunteers’ Determination
The group of volunteers wasted no time. “I sent a message to Nuñez Aky, Yamileth, and Karla,” Hall recalled. “When they got there, he was running back and forth so fast, so they waited for him to settle down.” Hall anxiously awaited updates as the team devised a plan to corner the skittish dog.
Sweet Victory: Benji is Safe
Finally, the moment Hall had been hoping for arrived. “Because they are so amazing, they got him into a yard and shut the gate,” she announced with joy. “My heart was so happy. The fear and terror he had been through was over, and this big hunk of pure love was finally safe.” The rescuers showered Benji with affection before transporting him to their car, then drove him to Camino Pet Hospital for a much-needed makeover.
A Fresh Start for Benji
“All the layers of his past have been shaved away,” Hall reported in a Facebook update. “He literally had dreadlocks.” This makeover marked just the beginning of Benji’s journey to finding his forever home. He has since been neutered, and after a few days of recovery, he is set to meet his new foster family next week.
A Bright Future Ahead
While it’s difficult to know what Benji experienced before his rescue, his future looks promising thanks to Hall and her dedicated team of volunteers. “Benji is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever met,” Hall told The Dodo. “He’s truly a miracle.”