Benz - COURTESY POST - Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever Dog for Adoption in Fowlerville, Michigan

COURTESY POST - THIS DOG IS NOT IN OUR RESCUE

Benz just turned 4 years old, and more than anything, he's just a goofy, affectionate dog who loves being with his people. If he trusts you, he wants to cuddle, play, follow you around the house, or convince you to share your food. He's a little chunky (his current weight is 74#), full of personality, and constantly makes us laugh. He loves being outside, watching deer, and spending time with other dogs. He has never shown a strong prey drive and has done well around other animals. He's also surprisingly unfazed by thunderstorms and fireworks. At his core, he's simply a sweet dog who wants to feel safe and loved.

The reason we're searching for placement is because Benz struggles with significant anxiety, especially around people he doesn't know. He's never been the type of dog to run up to strangers looking for attention or affection. Instead, he needs time, patience, and the chance to build trust at his own pace. Once he feels safe, though, he becomes an incredibly loving and loyal companion. Weve seen that firsthand and so have several other people in his life. He has a huge heart, you just have to give him time to show it.

Because of his anxiety, Benz can become mildly reactive when he feels scared or cornered. While we can usually recognize when he's uncomfortable, his reactions aren't always predictable despite years of training, including a six-week board-and-train program and continued work at home. Over the years, there have been two instances where he nipped someone without causing injury. One of those occurred during his behavioral evaluation at training, when the trainers intentionally pushed him past his comfort level to better understand his triggers and determine the best training approach. He also has one recent documented bite incident that resulted in stitches. We take full responsibility for that incident, and it's what led us to realize that we can no longer provide the environment he needs to truly thrive.

This decision has been heartbreaking because we love Benz more than words can express. He's not a bad dog, and we don't want him to be defined by the worst moment of his life. We KNOW he has so much to offer in the right environment with someone who has the experience, resources, and lifestyle to help him feel secure.

Benz has been boarding with his trainer for over a month while we've searched for the right placement, and it has already cost us more than $3,000. We truly wish we could continue boarding him for as long as it takes, but we simply can't afford to. As of now, he has a guaranteed place to stay through the end of July. We're doing everything we can to find him a safe, permanent place before we run out of options.

Benz has done well with kids he knows and also kids he first meets. However, due to his bite history, we recommend supervision whenever children are around.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Benz and consider his story.

If you are interested in meeting Benz, please reach out to
camillejames02@gmail.com
(248) 275-8539

A rehoming fee will be required. We will discuss this with interested parties.

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

The Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.

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