Meet Squad Foster Bennie!

Bennie Update April 2024

This morning, Squad Foster Bennie had a visit with Dr. Jones at Five Forks Animal Hospital, where he was all smiles getting his health check-up. Bennie received his updated Rabies vaccine, good for 3 years, alongside his DA2PPL vaccine (also good for 3 years), ensuring he stays healthy and ready for adventures. Not to forget, Bennie is also covered with a ProHeart12 injection from last summer for heartworm prevention and just got a 3-month dose of Bravecto to keep those pesky parasites at bay.

Bennie is more than just a healthy pup; he's a bundle of energy and intelligence, looking for a family that matches his zest for life. He thrives on mental and physical challenges, making him the perfect companion for active individuals or families who know and love the ins and outs of working breeds.

Bennie is…

-Neutered & UTD on Vaccinations: Bennie is in tip-top shape, neutered, and up to date on all his vaccinations. He's ready to leap into his new life with his furever family.

-Looking for an Experienced Family: Bennie's ideal home is one familiar with the unique needs of working breeds. His future family should be dedicated to keeping him engaged and active, both mentally and physically.

-Home Requirements: Bennie would do best in a home without small animals, including cats, and with children over the age of 12. His strong working drives mean he needs a family that understands and appreciates his nature.

Bennie's adoption fee is just $100, a small price for a lifetime of love and adventure. This fee helps us continue our mission at Dog Squad but doesn't come close to covering all the medical care we've provided for our furry friends.

If you're looking for an energetic and loyal companion to share in your adventures, Bennie might just be your perfect match. Fill out an adoption application on our website today and take the first step towards bringing Bennie home. Your adventure awaits!

A dog's appearance can be deceptive, and Squad Foster Bennie no exception. Bennie has been a Dog Squad foster for 11 months, and he’s certainly taught us the importance of looking beyond just the appearance in dogs. We’ve learned a lot about his unique personality and instinctive behaviors over the past year, yet finding the perfect home for Bennie has been a puzzle. To better understand him and to help him find the perfect forever home, we turned to DNA testing through Wisdom Panel.

While dogs may physically resemble a particular breed, their true genetic makeup can be quite different and significantly influence their behavior and training needs. 

Did you know that less than 1% of a dog's genome determines its physical appearance (0.25%)? This means the vast majority of a dog's genetic makeup (99.75%) influences other aspects like behavior, personality, temperament, health, metabolism, and more. This is crucial for understanding dogs like Bennie, whose behavior might be influenced by breeds not immediately apparent in his appearance.

Bennie's DNA test revealed a mix of 14 breeds, with notable influences from the Guard and Herding groups, such as the German Shepherd, Border Collie, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, and Catahoula Leopard Dog. Each of these breeds brings unique instincts and behaviors that shape Bennie’s personality and needs:

•German Shepherd: Known for their intelligence and vigilance, these dogs are natural working breeds. They bring an instinct for guarding and a propensity for being alert, traits that define Bennie's protective nature.

•Border Collie: Extremely energetic, intelligent, and determined. Bennie's herding instinct, a signature of this breed, manifests in his protective and watchful behavior.

•American Staffordshire Terrier: Loyal and hardworking, AmStaffs excel as guard dogs. They are protective of their families but can be wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals.

•American Pit Bull Terrier: Characterized by their strength and agility, APBTs are loyal and affectionate, especially towards children. Their courageous nature makes them persistent in their actions.

•Catahoula Leopard Dog: Known for their territorial and protective instincts, they contribute to Bennie's need for clear leadership and a structured environment. Their high energy and work ethic are key aspects of Bennie's personality.

•Australian Shepherd: Intelligent and driven, they imbue Bennie with strong herding and guarding instincts, alongside a need for mental and physical engagement.

•Chow Chow: Originally bred for guarding, Chow Chows retain a strong protective instinct.

Bennie is not a couch potato. He thrives on mental and physical stimulation and is best suited for an experienced owner familiar with working breeds. Activities like agility, dock diving, nose work, and search & rescue would suit him well. A farm setting where he can utilize his herding instincts would also be ideal.

Bennie’s journey illustrates the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand a dog’s true nature. He’s not just a dog with adorable ginormous ears and a long nose; he’s a complex, intelligent, and loving creature waiting for a family that truly understands him.

Behind the scenes of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Pucks & Paws Calendar Shoot today with Dog Squad- and yes, Squad Foster Bennie made this year’s calendar! 

We couldn’t feel more grateful for the Swamp Rabbits and Five Forks Animal Hospital for choosing Dog Squad as the beneficiary for this year’s Pucks & Paws calendar.

Calendars will be on sale at the first Waggin' Wednesday game on December 6th! Waggin' Wednesdays offer fans the opportunity to attend Swamp Rabbits games with their four-legged friends.

Models: Squad Foster Luna, Squad Foster Bennie, Squad Mentor Charm, Squad Mentor Patty Ann, and Former Squad Foster Chance

May 12

When Bennie first joined Dog Squad Rescue in December 2022, we noticed a couple of small hard bumps beneath his skin. At the time, our naïve eyes assumed they were just simple cysts, especially since other vets had no concerns about them before. However, during his visit to Dr. Schmitz at Five Forks Animal Hospital on 4/28/23, we discovered that these bumps are actually BB pellets lodged just beneath his skin.

Despite this tough start in life, Bennie remains a sweet and resilient boy. He will soon undergo X-rays to check for any additional BB pellets once he completes his heartworm treatment. From there, we'll discuss the best plan for their removal to ensure Bennie can live comfortably and pain-free.

Bennie has shown incredible strength and a gentle spirit throughout his journey. He's looking for a forever home that will provide him with the love, care, and security he deserves. Could you be the family Bennie has been waiting for? 

Adopt Bennie and give this brave survivor the happy ending he's been longing for.

May 30

Bennie is a neutered male bursting with energy, intelligence, and a strong desire to please. This handsome pup is ready to embark on new adventures and find his perfect forever home as soon as he completes heartworm treatment. 

With Bennie, you’ll never have a dull moment. He has an abundance of energy, making him an excellent companion for active individuals or families. Whether it’s going for long hikes, exploring the great outdoors, or engaging in fun play sessions, Bennie is always up for an adventure. He’ll be your loyal sidekick, eagerly joining you on every escapade. 

What sets Bennie apart is his remarkable intelligence. He’s a quick learner, and training him will be a breeze. He thrives on mental stimulation and is always eager to please. Bennie is an ideal candidate for dog agility training, where he can showcase his smarts, athleticism, and boundless energy. Once he receives medical clearance from the vet, he’ll be ready to tackle any obstacle course and impress everyone with his agility skills. 

Although Bennie is currently undergoing heartworm treatment, his resilient spirit remains unshaken. Starting his treatment on June 16, he’s on the path to a full recovery and will soon be heartworm-free. Despite this temporary setback, Bennie’s enthusiasm and zest for life remain intact. 

If you’re an active individual or family seeking a loyal adventure buddy, Bennie might just be the perfect match. His high energy level, intelligence, and eagerness to please make him an exceptional companion. With his company, you’ll have a devoted friend who will eagerly join you in exploring the world and creating unforgettable memories. 

Are you ready to add some excitement and joy to your life? Consider welcoming Bennie to your home and your heart. Stay tuned and learn more about this remarkable and spirited dog who is patiently awaiting his chance to shine. Together, you can conquer new challenges and embark on countless adventures.