Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Story
We have a transport where we will be personally taking our dogs to their new home leaving by January 9th 2026 (could be sooner!) to the east coast from where we are located here in Southern California. Surrounding states will be added to our route as needed ☺️ We would love to add Benny to our trip for the right home/homes! As always for our adopters peace of mind we never ask for anything up front! His adoption fee, along with his adopting families share of travel costs will be due the day we arrive in person with Benny ultimately finalizing his adoption.
Meet Benny 💙
Some puppies simply have “it” — that gentle spark, that intuitive sweetness, that soft, loving presence that wraps around you the moment they crawl into your arms. Benny is one of those rare little souls. Even at such a young age, he carries a calm confidence and an emotional awareness that feels far beyond his months. He came to us from a home where he was deeply loved and spoiled in the best ways, and you can feel that history in how connected he is to people. The devotion he offers is pure, immediate, and full-hearted.
His journey to us was a tender one. His prior owner adored him and struggled tremendously with the decision to surrender him. A sudden breakup and the need to return to full-time work meant Benny would no longer have the companionship he was accustomed to — and she knew that wouldn’t be fair to him. She chose the selfless path, asking us to take him in and ensure he found a home where he could continue to be someone’s whole world. Because that is exactly what Benny is meant to be: a true companion, a shadow, a love-at-your-side kind of dog.
He is incredibly smart — shockingly so for his age — and don’t let his size fool you. When you call “Benny!”, you hear his little paws pattering toward you from wherever he is, bursting with excitement just to be close. His heart lives for connection. And he is doing phenomenal at his house training — truly remarkable for a puppy his age. He goes outside every couple of hours to use the restroom, and due to his tiny size, he is always supervised for his safety. He’s attentive, willing, and eager to learn, which makes him such a joy in a structured home.
He is a snuggler to his core, happiest pressed against your chest or curled at your side. Sleeping in bed with his person is one of the joys of his life, so if dogs in the bed aren’t your thing, he may not be the right fit. His previous owner let him be her cuddle buddy, and that comfort has shaped who he is. He’s the kind of dog who wants to wake up with his head on your pillow and fall asleep knowing you’re right there.
Crates, though, are not his preference. We believe it’s the feeling of confinement — after being so bonded to his person his whole life, he simply doesn’t understand being separated or closed away. He isn’t destructive, and he isn’t mischievous; he just thrives when he’s near the people he loves. Being kept apart feels foreign to him, and we want to honor the emotional safety he has built through closeness, not separation.
He LOVES his beds — so much so that we keep one in every space he spends time in. He’ll flop into them dramatically, roll on his back, or tuck himself in like a tiny burrito. In the car, he enjoys looking out the window, taking in the world with those big expressive eyes. And at the groomer? He’s an absolute dream. Being pampered suits him, and he handles grooming like a seasoned professional.
Leash training hasn’t begun yet, as we needed to make sure all his vaccines were fully current before introducing him to the outside world. Now that he’s officially cleared, his new world is opening up — and with his eager-to-please personality, we have no doubt he’ll take to leash training beautifully and naturally.
On the health side, Benny was born 5/22/25 and is completely current on everything age-appropriate. He has had a great full exam with our vet, is microchipped, has had his deworming based on fecal results sent to the lab, and is going home with a health certificate showing he has been fully cleared for adoption. He weighs 5.5 lbs currently and is expected to be around 10–12 lbs full grown. He is a purebred Maltese, and everything about him — his coat, his temperament, his expression — reflects the sweetness and refinement of his breed. Because he is still so young, he will be going home on a neuter contract, as it is important to allow him time to grow and mature before being fixed.
What Benny needs most is someone who truly wants a companion. Someone who loves a dog that follows them from room to room, listens for their voice, and melts into their lap the moment they sit down. He thrives on closeness and emotional connection. He is eager to please, affectionate, and has one of those soft, intuitive personalities that simply makes a home feel warmer. If you’re looking for a sweet soul who will meet you at the door every day with his whole heart shining in his eyes, Benny is waiting for you.
His adoption fee is on our website at the bottom of his adoption listing at https://www.breadoflifek9refuge.org/post/benny which covers all of his veterinary care to date (including vaccines, microchip/registration, fecal testing, deworming, his full exam, and his issued health certificate), as well as the months of care, meals, grooming upkeep, and training he has received with us. Every adoption directly supports our ability to continue rescuing and preparing dogs like Benny for the beautiful lives they deserve.
