Benji’s Gotcha Story – Meant to Be

An Unexpected Email

I remember that day just over three years ago. An email landed in my inbox from an art shop in Chagrin Falls, OH. The shop owner had a friend who fostered for Rescue Village, and the email was a plea to save the longest shelter resident, a sweet pittie mix named Benji.

I rarely open emails from the countless lists I sign up for, but something about this one called to me. It felt like fate.

Was This a Sign?

The photos showed an adorable boy with soulful eyes, waiting for his forever home. I had just bought a house, and in less than a week, I’d start a new job working from home. Was the universe nudging me? I stared at the email, debating. What harm would it do to call?

It was a Sunday, and I didn’t expect anyone to answer. But to my surprise, a cheerful voice greeted me:

“Rescue Village, how can I help?”

Doubts and Questions

I was nervous. Almost four years had passed since I lost Guinness. Was I ready? Was Benji the right dog for me? Would we be a good match? The shelter was a three-hour drive. What if I didn’t meet their adoption requirements? And yet…why had this email found me?

I explained how I’d heard about Benji, mentioning the foster mom and the shop owner. The woman on the phone was thrilled. She knew them both and was excited that someone was finally interested.

A Perfect Match

Benji had been in the shelter since December 6, 2021. It was now February 27, 2022, nearly three months with no interest. A pittie mix, a little older, and on anti-anxiety meds, he wasn’t the easiest to place. But that date struck me. December 6 was the day I moved into my new home. Was it another sign?

I told Rescue Village I’d be there Saturday. They placed a hold on him, and I spent the week filled with nervous excitement.

When I met Benji, I knew instantly. Before his foster mom could even tell me about his background, I turned to her and said, “I’m not going home without him.”

He had struggled in the shelter, was anxious, and had been surrendered because his owner couldn’t afford his medication. None of it mattered. He needed me as much as I needed him.

Saint Pittie’s Day – The Final Sign

His adoption fee was waived as part of their Saint Pittie’s Day adopt-a-thon. I happily signed the papers and made a donation. And that was the final confirmation I needed, because I had lost Guinness on March 17, 2018, Saint Patrick’s Day. Benji just had to wait a little longer for me to find him.

And once again, I got rescued too.

Three Years of Love

On March 5, 2025, we celebrated Benji’s third Gotcha Day, complete with presents and a cake. Because why not? He’s family.

Looking back, there were no accidents, no coincidences. Benji was always meant to be mine. He arrived in an email I normally wouldn’t have opened, at a shelter just before I moved into my home. He waited patiently.

Overcoming the Challenges—With Peanut Butter

A few weeks ago, I found his intake papers. I never read them before, after all, that was the old Benji. But curiosity got the best of me, and I turned them over. Anxiety? Knew that. Didn’t like his feet touched? Yep. Hated his mouth touched? Also true.

But here’s the thing, I always win with a little love…and a crap load of peanut butter. Now, he loves his toothbrush, and while he still hates nail trims, he tolerates them for a peanut butter-covered plate.

Forever Grateful

Here’s to you, my delicate little flower. Thank you for waiting for me. Thank you for the snuggles, smooches, and endless reminders of how often I open your treat door.