Just days ago, Mary Nakiso, a volunteer dog rescuer, was on her usual rounds in Orange County, California, when an unexpected sight stopped her in her tracks. A large, lone, hairy figure huddled on the side of the road, emanating a sense of fear and confusion. Nakiso’s heart sank as she hit the brakes, sensing this animal was in desperate need.

As she approached, Nakiso saw just how massive – and terrified – the creature was. This dog, later named Benji, weighed 75 pounds but was visibly shaking with fear. Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, soon shared the story on Facebook, revealing that Benji had been abandoned by his family just moments earlier. “He is so big but so scared,” Hall wrote, underscoring the heartbreaking reality that Benji was not lost – he’d been discarded.

According to Hall, when Benji was first left on the street, he became frantic, running in circles, unsure of his surroundings. At one point, a large jeep nearly ran him over. Somehow, Benji managed to dodge the wheels, narrowly escaping harm. But the loss of his family left him disoriented, wandering through traffic, anxiously searching for a way back to familiar arms.

Determined to save Benji, Nakiso reached out to Hall. Together, they monitored local social media pages, hoping for any mention of Benji’s whereabouts. Soon enough, a tip came in – someone had spotted a huge dog with matted fur nearby. Hall quickly alerted her trusted team of volunteers: Nuñez Aky, Yamileth, and Karla. Despite their late arrival, the dedicated team waited patiently for Benji to calm down.

After hours of cautious maneuvering, the team finally cornered Benji in a yard, safely shutting the gate behind him. Hall was overjoyed when she received the news. “My heart was so happy,” she shared online. Benji’s ordeal was over, and the resilient pup was finally in safe hands.

The rescuers treated Benji with gentleness and love, transporting him to Camino Pet Hospital for a thorough grooming and medical care. Layers of tangled fur were carefully shaved away, revealing the sweet dog beneath. With each lock removed, Benji’s heavy past seemed to lift, marking a fresh start for this gentle giant. Benji even had his matted fur – once resembling dreadlocks – entirely removed, a symbolic beginning of his new life.

Benji is now on his way to meeting his foster family after receiving the medical attention he needed, including neutering. With his loving demeanor and gentle heart, Benji has already captured the hearts of his rescuers. “Benji is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever met,” Hall shared with others. She’s certain that, thanks to her team’s dedication, Benji’s future is bright and filled with the love he’s always deserved.

Thanks to the compassion of Nakiso, Hall, and the team of volunteers, Benji now has a second chance at happiness – and a future that’s looking brighter every day.