Hello! My name is Benson (Paws in the Pen)!

Here’s what my friends at Española Humane say about me:

- Benson is soon to be "paw-roled" from our Paws in the Pen program in partnership with the New Mexico Corrections Department! Each dog is paired with inmate trainers and enrolled in an 8-week training program designed to provide a solid foundation of skills to help them succeed in their new home. These dogs graduate potty trained, crate trained, and with a long list of cues and basic behaviors. To help ensure a successful adoption, adopters receive four training sessions to learn what their dog knows, along with an invitation to weekly discounted drop-in classes. Every dog also goes home with a biothane leash and collar, six months of heartworm prevention, is fully up to date on vaccines and medications, and is spayed or neutered.

If you're looking for a dog to join you on life's adventures, Benson is ready to sign up.

This handsome boxer mix is a big, athletic boy with an even bigger heart. Benson loves people and never misses an opportunity to soak up attention. In fact, one of his favorite hobbies is forgetting how large he is and attempting to climb directly into your personal space for cuddles.

Benson has plenty of energy and would thrive with an active family that enjoys walks, hikes, road trips, or any excuse to get outside. He loves having something to do and someone to do it with.

During his time in the Paws in the Pen program, Benson has been building his manners, learning new skills, and channeling his enthusiasm into becoming the best companion he can be. He's smart, eager to engage, and always ready for the next challenge.

At the end of the day, Benson is a loyal, affectionate dog looking for a family to call his own. If you're searching for a best friend who will happily join your adventures and then demand a well-earned cuddle afterward, Benson may be the perfect match.

If you’re interested in adopting me, fill out an application to get a jump start on the process! We don’t offer holds on shelter pets, so c’mon in to meet and greet to decide if you’ve met your match. Applications for pets in foster care, at Ojo Santa Fe, or offsite in other programs will be reviewed by staff before appointments are scheduled.