Benson

Hi everyone!

My name is Benson and I need someone to love. I am a sweet, independent boy who will show you tons of love and loyalty. I get along great with cats and other dogs- my favourite game is tug o' war! I also like to play fetch. I like to be around other dogs, and am loving with humans if I know they won't hurt me- however I am not needy or 'in your face'. I like to be in the room, but I'm not a lap dog. I am able to entertain myself so will be fine with an owner who works- I would love to have a dog at home to keep me company though. I am submissive to other dogs, meaning I let the other dogs call the shots. I also understand dogs well so back off if I am trying to play with someone who doesn't want to play with me. I rarely bark, and travel well in the car too!

So why am I here? Well that's a sad story. I was originally in OTC care at 2wks old with my litter, because my mum wouldn't feed us anymore. Not all dogs are born to be mothers! My carers bottle fed us and got us through to the 8wk mark which is when I was adopted. Unfortunately, no matter how hard OTC tries to screen the adopters and put contracts in place, not all people care about us- the dogs - and my adopter broke the contract by giving me away to a stranger not even two months later. They chose the wrong person- because that person then left me in a council pound to be killed. My original adopter didn't care when first contacted, but the pound wouldn't give me back to anyone but them! OTC swooped in and insisted that they show up to release me, and OTC paid several hundred dollars to the council so that I wouldn't be killed. I am now back in OTC care and doing much better for it.

Unfortunately for me, my adopting family and following owner have allowed my confidence to deteriorate- why, OTC is not sure. I have come back into care head-shy (meaning I duck away if you move your hand or raise your voice) and I am timid with new people. I don't trust humans easily these days, which is heartbreaking because I left OTC as a balanced, confident and social puppy. My OTC carers are devastated at what has happened but luckily for me, just like I was trained by a professional as a puppy while in OTC care - I am again in line to have a check up with a professional trainer who will help build my confidence back up so I am no longer scared that I will be hurt. It only takes a few days for me to learn to trust you, and food certainly helps! But I deserve to be my old, confident and happy self so OTC are happy to get a professional to help me achieve that.

One thing I have hung onto, is my ability to live inside the home without breaking anything, and I am still well house trained! I also am very obedient but if you raise your voice I cower. That's ok though- because I really rarely do anything that would make a normal person angry.

Come and meet me. You won't be able to resist the way I gaze at you once I learn to trust you! I deserve my happy furever after, third time lucky!