Maltese and Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption in Killingly, Connecticut

Meet BENJI — a 9-year-old Maltese/Terrier mix with the heart of a puppy and the soul of an old friend. At 20 lbs, BENJI is the perfect size for couch snuggles, car rides, and his favorite part of the day: TV time on the couch with his people.

When BENJI came to us, he was an old, uncomfortable dog. His mouth was painfully infected with rotten teeth, his coat was severely matted, and his nails were overgrown. He had loved and been loved in his life, but after his owner passed away, then his owner’s mother passed away, he found himself spending long days home alone while the remaining family member worked incredibly long hours. He had prior vet care and came to us neutered and vaccinated, but six diseased teeth, an exposed root, and a painful oronasal fistula had been left behind from a previous dental.

We fixed all of that — and two days later, a miracle happened.

BENJI became a puppy again.

Sure, he enjoys his naps, but he also LOVES his walks and zooming around the yard. Technically, it’s more of a bunny-hop thanks to a little arthritis in his back legs, but he is surprisingly quick and absolutely delighted to feel the wind in his floppy ears. He walks at a leisurely pace because there is so much in the world to sniff, and BENJI intends to smell all of it.

BENJI is PERFECT in the home. He is wonderful with other dogs and cats. He has been around small children. He sleeps peacefully all night in a 36" crate in the bedroom. (He just wants to be near you.) He is not a morning dog (relatable) and prefers to be the last one up, but once awake he heads straight outside to potty and then enjoys his breakfast of wet food (necessary, because he is now proudly and happily toothless).

Because of his arthritis, BENJI cannot do stairs, so his adopter will need to be able to carry 20 lbs up and down. During the day, he naps on a dog bed beside his foster mom while she works, enjoying short walks and potty breaks for fresh air throughout the day. At night, he knows the routine: dinner, then upstairs for TV time, which translates into couch snuggles with his foster dad.

He rides beautifully in the car and would love to be your loyal sidekick wherever you go.

BENJI will also need regular grooming to keep his nails short and his soft coat from matting again — this will help him stay comfortable and handsome. (We had to shave a lot off around his mouth area while he was under anesthesia to really clean up the black yuckiness from the rotten mouth, but now that he's had his dental it won't get so gross and it won't be painful for him to be groomed around his mouth.)

BENJI is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, negative for heartworm and tick-born viruses, and fully recovered from his dental surgery. He is also a little hard of hearing and may have some mild vision changes — but none of that slows him down or dampens his joy for life.

This sweet, gentle boy is ready to live his very best life with a family who will cherish him the way he deserves.

If you’re looking for a snuggle buddy, the sweetest companion, and the most grateful little soul you’ll ever meet, BENJI is waiting for you.

Go to passion4paws.org/adopt to apply. He is being fostered in New Millford, CT in a home with 7 cats, a 50 lb dog and there were 2 puppies when he first arrived who are now adopted.

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its glamorous white coat, which is long, silky, and virtually hypoallergenic. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs that thrive on human companionship and make wonderful family pets. Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and alert, with a confident demeanor despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and are suitable for apartment living due to their size and adaptability.

The terrier is a spirited and intelligent dog breed known for its feisty personality and boundless energy. Terriers come in various sizes and coat types, but they all share a common heritage as fearless and determined hunters. These dogs are typically highly trainable, making them versatile companions for active individuals and families alike. With their loyalty and playful demeanor, terriers are beloved for their endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature.