Adopt

My name is Ben!

Posted over 2 months ago | Updated 4 days ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Interview

3

Meet the Pet

Adoption fee: $300

This helps Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Shih Tzu
Color
White - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
10 years 1 month old, Senior
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
9 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
22062564

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Purebred
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My personality

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.

Meet Ben — A Resilient Little Lovebug Looking for His Forever Lap

Ben is a Shih Tzu who was found as a stray in heartbreaking condition — completely blind, severely underweight, and heartworm positive. The vet estimates he’s around 10 years old… but honestly, that’s anyone’s guess (we like to joke he must have been a weatherman in his past life ). He could be older, he could be younger — what we do know is that Ben acts much younger than his age!

Despite being blind, Ben is incredibly smart and adaptable. His sense of smell and hearing are amazing, and he navigates his world with confidence. He plays with the other dogs in his foster home and loves being part of the action. If he hears you walk by, he immediately rolls over and demands belly rubs — it’s basically his signature move. ❤️

Ben is the ultimate companion dog. He wants to be near his person, on their lap, getting face rubs, belly rubs, and all the love. Because of this, he needs a home where someone is home most of the day — ideally someone who works from home or is retired.

Home preferences:

  • Best as an only dog or in a home with female dogs only

  • Currently working on marking behavior

  • Needs a calm, loving home that understands blind dogs and senior care

  • No transporting — adopter must be local or come to him

Medical:

  • Currently undergoing heartworm treatment

  • Will complete treatment and be neutered in early February

  • Will be available for adoption at the end of February

Location: Durham, NC
Adoption Fee: $300
Transportation: We do not transport dogs

Ben has been through so much, yet he is still joyful, affectionate, playful, and full of love to give. He doesn’t let blindness define him — he lives with confidence, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart.

If you’re looking for a devoted lap dog who will adore you endlessly, Ben might just be your perfect match.

Apply here:
https://rainbowbridgerescue.org/applications/



Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.
January 23, 2026, 8:39 am
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
22062564
Contact
Terri Atkinson
Phone
Address
10371 Smith Road, Middlesex, NC 27557

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

2.

Interview

3.

Meet the Pet

Additional adoption info

Most of our dogs are seniors and we like to place them with people who are at home most of the day, including work from home.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

We always go to the persons home with the dog to make sure it is safe.
We do some events as they come along

More about this rescue

We bring in the senior dogs and medically needy dogs.
We are a small rescue making a difference in the world. No dog deserves to dumped in a shelter after giving their entire life to a family.

I had locked myself away from the world back in 2010. I saw this tiny ShihTzu on the news that had been saved from a puppy mill bust. I adopted Princess Reagan Marie and she saved my life. I wanted to help other dogs so I started fostering. In May 2021 I open my rescue.

Other pets at this rescue