Benji joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2003. Benji is an adorably sweet, small terrier-mix who came to the League through our well-known long distance rescue efforts. Benji found himself homeless after six years with his caregiver who most likely abandoned him after his chronic illnesses became too much of a burden. Found suffering from heartworm, an upper respiratory infection and diabetes, Benji was rescued and admitted into the League’s on site emergency care unit upon arrival. Almost immediately, our veterinary staff discovered a mass, which has proved to be cancerous. Benji needs to be closely monitored for this tumor and for recurrent tumors throughout his entire lifetime. The League promises to be there for Benji, along with the help of his dedicated Sponsors, during his time of need for the rest of his life.

Benji's Updates

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3rd Quarter 2008
Benji has been in great spirits lately. He seems to always be in an excellent mood when his foster mom sings to him. As soon as he hears her singing his favorite tune his ears perk up and he tilts his head. When she sings the words “take my paw” Benji eagerly picks up his paw for a handshake. When he’s not indoors listening to his foster mom’s serenade he loves to be out in the backyard. Although he has difficulty seeing due to his impaired sight from Diabetes, Benji can navigate through the yard like a pro.

2nd Quarter 2008
Our little Benji has been doing so well on his strict diet. He’s also been busy showing his new foster sibling Sasha around the house. Sasha is a new Sponsor Program pet with special-needs. Benji has an extra special place for her in his heart and has been more than happy to bring her out in the yard to show her the sights.

1st Quarter 2008
Benji’s recent check-up at the League’s medical center showed that he is doing very well! He just loved it when the staff made a big fuss over him. He is also doing well adhering to his strict medical diet, despite watching his 12 siblings, who often get to indulge during dinnertime. You should see how patiently Benji waits, tail in full wagging motion, for his nightly doggie treat! After dinnertime, Benji makes sure to adhere to his busy nighttime schedule and washes up before bed. Placing his little paws on the soap dish to stand in the tub, Benji allows his furry locks to be rinsed off.

4th Quarter 2007
Benji has been all tuckered out playing in the cool weather. He runs around as best he can in little spurts, and then comes in the house for a snack and a snooze. Like his foster sister, Stella, Benji has it pretty good. His foster mom loves to shower him with attention and always has something fun for him up her sleeve. Whether it’s a snack or a toy or a new outfit or bedding, one thing is for sure: Benji is very happy.

3rd Quarter 2007
Benji is living the good life. It’s no wonder that he’s feeling better with all the spoiling he gets on a regular basis. Whether it’s custom clothes, his own beach accessories, homemade treats (and loving sponsors), Benji’s got it all.

2nd Quarter 2007
Benji had a recent visit to the veterinarian and came out with a clean bill of health. He’s also been in a great mood. His foster mom just loves to spoil him regularly and has even been making him his very own pillows. A typical day for Benji is like the royal treatment. He plays with all his foster brothers and sisters, takes a snooze on some homemade beddings and then wakes for his afternoon hors d'oeuvres. Now that’s a dog’s life!

1st Quarter 2007
Benji has been doing a good job sticking to his New Year's resolution to shed a few of those unwanted pounds. He's been concentrating on getting healthy and fit with the help of his foster mom. She says Benji hasn't had any problems. He's a mellow dog who's easy to please and will eat just about anything. Combine Benji's new diet regimen with his old love of primping and grooming and this older dog is looking more and more like a pup everyday! Your support makes his wonderful progress possible!

3rd Quarter 2006
We are happy to say that Benji's insulin injections twice a day is keeping his diabetes in check. Because of his diabetes, he can't have treats like the other dogs. So to keep his food interesting, his loving caregiver gives him some plain chicken on top of his regular food and he just loves that. Something else he loves is getting groomed! He loves to be brushed and bathed! He stands very still for his foster mom because he knows it will make him handsome! He is even good when his nails are being clipped! He is such a nice boy and we are so glad that he is leading a nice, normal life despite his diabetes. Thank you for your support of Benji and all the others in the Sponsor program.

2nd Quarter 2006
Benji and his foster care sister Stella came to the League recently to have new pictures taken. Because of Benji's diagnosis of diabetes, he's recently gone blind. This is a common occurrence with diabetic dogs. He really can get around ok, even with his vision impaired. His foster care mom walks slowly with him so he can get his footing and she carries Stella, they are such a cute sight! We are really pleased that despite Benji's blindness he is still his happy and spunky old self. In other Benji related news, recently in his backyard he decided to sample some of the seed that his foster care mom puts out side everyday for the birds. She puts it out every day and Benji goes out every day, but on this one particular morning it must have seemed appetizing! Being the wonderful foster care mother that she is, she brought Benji to the medical center just to be on the safe side and as it turned out, the seed didn't harm Benji in any way.  We'll never know what made birdseed seem tasty to Benji on that morning but something tells us he won't be sampling the bird food ever again! 

1st Quarter 2006
As we reported last time Benji has been diagnosed with Diabetes. He is on insulin everyday to keep his blood sugar levels in check. Recently he was back in our Medical Center for a stay and the doctors were monitoring him very closely. They decided that the best course of action was actually to increase his insulin dosage. While he was in the medical center the doctors checked his blood glucose levels every couple of hours to make sure the dosage that he's been put on is the correct one. He has also been put on new special food which we are happy to report he's just gobbling up. He's a happy boy and we're so glad.

December 2005
Benji had us very worried recently; he needed to stay in the Medical Center for an extended period of time. After a week of ups and downs with his testing, Benji has been diagnosed with Diabetes and will need treatment for the rest of his life. His levels will need to be monitored as well as having his diet strictly monitored. He is doing much better now but will need to come in for a recheck soon. We would not be able to provide for Benji the way we have been if it weren't for generous people like you. Thank you for your continued support.

November 2005
Benji's foster care Mom became alarmed when Benji starting limping on his front left leg. She immediately brought him into the Medical Center where we diagnosed his trouble to be arthritis, and we gave Benji some medication for his discomfort. Unfortunately we also discovered some other ailments while Benji was here – potential liver trouble and several small abdominal masses. We are running follow-up tests and will keep you posted on his condition. Thank you for caring so much about Benji and the other special needs animals. Your unwavering support allows them to live in loving homes and to receive needed medical care.

October 2005
Benji's got a girlfriend! She lives with him in his foster care home and follows him wherever he goes, wanting to be near him at all times. Benji certainly doesn't mind the extra attention, and the two of them are the best of pals. It's the cutest thing to see! Benji is doing well these days, and shows no new signs of any cancer. Of course, we will continue to monitor him closely. Thank you so much for caring about Benji and the other special needs animals. It is because of you that they are living happier and healthier lives.

September 2005
There's nothing Benji likes more than a good belly rub. He'll lie down on the floor and wiggle back and forth – like he's scratching his back – to get his foster care Mom's attention. As soon as she sees him, she goes right over and rubs his stomach – it's the least she can do when she thinks about Benji's difficult beginnings. As for Benji, he is in heaven – he wags his tail and wiggles back and forth even faster. At that moment, he may be the happiest dog around. Thank you for giving Benji and the other special needs animals a second chance. Your support and kindness makes all the difference in their lives.

August 2005
Benji's foster care Mom was concerned that he may be developing a urinary tract infection – he'd had a couple of accidents in the house. But before she had a chance to bring him into the Medical Center, she realized that Benji had gotten excited over something and that the accidents were a short-term problem. We're so fortunate to have such caring and watchful foster care families – we couldn't provide for our furry friends without them. And we couldn't provide for them without you, either. It is because of your generosity that Benji and the other special needs animals are getting the second chance at happiness they deserve.

July 2005
Summertime means more baths for Benji. Some dogs might be upset by that, but not Benji. He loves them – the water, the soap, and the rinsing off. Benji just adores the extra attention, but the best part is the shaking off – repeatedly – and sunning himself in the grass afterwards. As soon as bath time is over, Benji races outside and gets the smell of grass in his clean coat – then dozes peacefully afterwards. Because of Benji's cancer, his days with us may be numbered. But we will do everything we can to make sure each moment he has, he will be happy – complete with lots of baths and romps in the grass. Thank you so much for making this possible – it is because of your generosity that Benji and the other special needs animals are getting a second chance. You are truly a hero to them.

June 2005
Benji does not like his dietary restrictions, and detests the new food. Rather than simply walking away from his dish at suppertime to show his disapproval however, Benji will go and find a towel or a mat – anything he can carry in his mouth – and will use it to cover up the food in his bowl. Guess there’s no question how Benji feels about his dinner! Thank you for opening your heart up to Benji and the other special needs animals. Your generosity means more than you will ever know.

May 2005
Like many of us, Benji has put on a few pounds over the winter. Because extra weight can be as unhealthy for dogs as it is for people, we are trying to control his diet. That doesn't sit too well with Benji - one of his favorite things to do is eat! Aside from that though, a recent exam revealed no problems and, best of all, no new masses. Thank you for caring so much about Benji and the other special needs animals. Your love and support means the world to them.

April 2005
Benji’s usually a homebody, so it really surprised his foster care Mom when he took to the snow the way he did. He just loves the fluffy stuff – running around in it trying to stir it up into clouds of frozen white dust. When it’s time to come in, his foster care Mom has to lure Benji in with a treat – she’s not certain if that’s because he wants to play more or he just doesn’t want to have his paws dried off. Sometimes the toweling off becomes a game of chase in itself! Thank you for opening your heart up to Benji and the other special needs animals. Your support allows us to provide them with the best possible care.

March 2005
Most dogs dislike baths – they squirm, shake water in every direction, and do their best to escape from the whole situation. But not Benji – he likes them. During a recent one he stood very still while his foster care Mom soaped him up and rinsed him off. He didn’t shake at all! Afterwards it was clear that Benji enjoyed being clean and smelling good – he pranced around like a show pony! We all truly appreciate the kindness you show towards Benji and the other special needs animals. You are giving Benji and the other special needs animals the second chance they deserve.

February 2005
It may just be the change in the season, but Benji has slowed down tremendously - napping much more frequently and moving at a sluggish pace when he's awake. He continues to eat well, so for now we'll just keep an eye on him and make sure he's as comfortable as possible during those long siestas. His foster care Mom has even been known to wrap a blanket around Benji while he snoozes. Isn't she the best? Your continued support of Benji and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. We know that we couldn't do it without you.


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