Ellen Ballon Dante, cofounder and CEO of Deity Animal Rescue in Los Angeles, has seen countless heartbreaking cases. But nothing prepared her for Benny — a tiny dog with short legs, floppy ears, and fur dyed a shocking shade of bright purple.
Yes, someone had painted him.
When Benny arrived at the shelter in early January, he was frightened and confused, unsure of where he was or why he was hurting. As Dante held him close, he melted into her arms, gently pressing his face against her cheek.
“He was a little scared,” Dante told The Dodo. “He was pretty subdued. But that’s just who he is — the sweetest, most cuddly, kindest puppy.”
The Dye Had Caused Painful Injuries
While Benny’s purple coat caught everyone’s attention, the real concern was what the dye had done to his body. The tips of his ears were scabbed and burned, and one of his eyes had developed ulcers.
“Perhaps the dye got into his eye and he was scratching,” Dante said. “But aside from that, thankfully he’s a pretty healthy guy.”
Veterinarians treated Benny with medicated eye drops and gave him a bath, hoping to remove the dye. But the bright lavender color wouldn’t budge. Beneath it, a soft tan coat was slowly beginning to grow through.
No one knows exactly who dyed Benny or why. Dante’s only guess: someone simply decided to paint a puppy purple.
A Kind Family Helped Him Find Safety
Before coming to Deity Animal Rescue, Benny had been found by a family who immediately recognized he needed help. They took him to a veterinarian, where he was examined, vaccinated, and cared for.
But when the purple dye wouldn’t wash off and the family realized they couldn’t keep another dog, a veterinary technician reached out to Dante for help.
Of course, she said yes.
“He was clearly loved,” Dante said. “They did the right thing by making sure he was safe.”
A Perfect Forever Home
Benny is about six months old and may be a dachshund–Chihuahua mix. Despite his painful past, he’s full of joy, affection, and trust.
And in a twist of fate, Benny’s forever home turned out to be absolutely perfect.
His new mom had already adopted two dogs from Deity Animal Rescue and had experience caring for pups who’d been through trauma. Even better? When she first started fostering, her own hair had been dyed bright purple.
Now, Benny lives safely in her home as his lilac fur slowly grows out, revealing the natural color underneath.
Still Trusting, Still Loving
Even after everything he endured, Benny remains gentle and open-hearted.
“He was just so trusting,” Dante said. “Coming from what he went through and still being so open to love — he’s amazing.”
From a painful beginning to a joyful new chapter, Benny’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, kindness, and the healing power of compassion.