Benji (Australian Shepherd / Poodle (Miniature) / Mixed (medium coat))
About the shelter
Underdog Rescue MN
P.O. Box 16453 St. Louis Park, 55416
Email Address
More about the shelter
Underdog Rescue and Placement was founded in 2000 by Shannon McKenzie. Having volunteered for several other animal rescue organizations, Shannon saw a need to help the dogs and cats often overlooked by other rescuers, the âUnderdogsâ
Our very first rescues included a pair of black kittens named Fenway & Wrigley, a pitbull puppy named Lucy and a tiny Toy Poodle named Lily (who was suffering from a head injury). No other rescue groups would take Fenway or Wrigley because black kittens are often overlooked by potential adopters, and, up until the time we rescued Lucy, rescue groups had not been allowed to rescue any dog considered to be a âPit Bullâ from Minneapolis Animal Control.
While in law school, Shannon McKenzie had the âanti-pitbullâ policy changed, with the assistance of Attorney, Marshall Tannick. Underdog Rescue continues to successfully rescue and place pitbulls and other âbully-breedsâ through a continued partnership with Minneapolis Animal Control.
Shannonâs dedication to the Underdog also extends to puppy mill survivors. Dogs that survive life in a puppy mill often come with a different set of challenges. They may require additional medical care, socialization and teaching of basic dog skills even though some may be adults. Our volunteers understand this and welcome these pets into their homes to show them what life as a dog and life with kind humans is like.
Our process for adoption is:
1. Potential applicant searches our available dogs and/or cats listings and completes an adoption application.
2. Our staff reviews the application and puts you in contact with the foster volunteer of the pet your interested in.
3. The foster volunteer coordinates a âmeet and greetâ with you and any other members of your household.
4. If the foster and adopter agree the pet is a good fit, a home visit will be scheduled. Upon completion of a successful home visit, you will complete and sign our adoption contract, pay the fee, and take home your new pet!
About Benji
Distance: 1,021 Miles
Hello, my name is Benji! I am a very handsome young adult male Mini Aussiedoodle who doesn’t like a lot of commotion, but I love to cuddle, and I prefer women. Truth is, I am highly sensitive and reactive to ‘stranger danger’! That’s right, I react to people approaching the front door, coming into the house, and even people approaching my kennel. I know…it’s not something I’m proud of but I’m working on it…really, I am!! In fact, foster mom is trying to help me associate new people (strangers) with positive outcomes and I am confident that I will be successful in time but for now it is still a work in progress. In the meantime, mom sometimes puts a muzzle on me and although it doesn’t bother me at all I prefer, of course, not to wear it so my new family will need to commit to working with me on training. Muzzle training may make me look scary, but it allows me to safely meet and work on my training so I can be happy! After all, consistency, patience, loving encouragement, and LOTS of mental and physical stimulation are the keys to my success!!!
I am good with older kids, cats, and other dogs; and my favorite activities include going on my daily leashed walks or car rides; hiking; exploring; eating treats like plain Greek yogurt or pumpkin; playing with small squeaky toys and other dogs; chewing on Benebones; and running zoomies in the yard so the yard at my new home will need to be fenced! Hee, hee!! I also hope to have a small, confident doggie companion who might help me overcome some of my anxiety about strangers!!! By the way, I almost forgot to mention that I am a prodigy…no, really! I know everything from how to do my business outside to a deluge of commands like “sit”, “down”, “come”, “kennel/crate”, “wait”, “leave it”, “outside”, and “go potty”!! Thankfully, I enjoy learning, especially when I have a strong, confident, respectful leader, and I really love pleasing my people!!
Anyway, foster mom says that I am the “most affectionate” dog she’s ever met and as hard as I try, I simply cannot disagree with her! Hee, hee!! All I need in my life now is YOU…a patient, unconditionally loving forever family who will not only NEVER give up on me but will commit to helping me overcome my fears!! I promise that not only am I totally worth it, but I will enrich your life in ways you could never imagine!!! Love, Benji
Some of our dogs are obtained from commercial breeders where they spent their lives getting comfort from their canine friends. Others have come from various situations where they are lacking confidence in humans. In turn, most require another companion dog in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog, and do not currently have a dog residing with you, please understand that your home might not be the right fit for many of our dogs.
This dog has received grooming with us at Underdog Rescue, but was likely neglected of grooming attention until he came into our care. It can sometimes take months to get their coat healthy as Doodle mixes require daily brushing. Grooming appointments occur every 3 months and cost on average of $150 per appointment. Adopters should be prepared for such expenses. Underdog Rescue cannot guarantee the non-shedding or hypoallergenic qualities of this dog.
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More about Benji
Age: Adult
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Location: Minneapolis, MN
OK w/ Cats: Yes
OK w/ Dogs: Yes
OK w/ Adults: Women Only
OK w/ Kids: No
OK w/ Dogs: Yes
OK w/ Adults: Women Only
OK w/ Kids: No