Mr. Benoit (or Benny, Bubby, or Puppy, interchangeably throughout the day) became a part of the family way back in April 2018. At the time, I was caretaking for my last surviving grandparent and we both were due for some fresh energy. I made a couple visits to the humane society, initially with my sets on an adorable pittie named Rudy before he was swiftly adopted. Out of both visits, Benny (then known as Charlie) caught my eye. He was the only pup who didn’t react—staring at me with longing eyes wanting to be loved. One more visit with my grandmother to make sure he was the right fit. She was hesitant at first but the moment they began playing a few rounds of fetch, I knew he would have a home with us.

These days, almost 10-year-old Benoit (he was 3 at the time of adoption) has slowed down a bit but still has so much love and life to give. He loves his belly rubs and weekly cheese tax. He loves mornings a little less and tends to bury his face in his paws to block out the light. But he always comes and finds me in the office when he’s ready to conquer a day of meetings and music. He makes friends quickly (both pups and people) and gets tons of compliments when we’re out for walks for his cool demeanor. I like to think that it’s less a credit to training and speaks more to the fact that I happened to luck out on this sweet boy.

Benoit has been at my side through many jobs, homes, and other adventures since then (we lost my grandmother, his tv buddy, in 2022 but he gained a new best friend through my partner) and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I can’t imagine my life without this little rambunctious, goofy bundle of joy.

Charlie now Benoit