Benny

My story

Hi, I’m Benny the Christmas Grinch (With a Secret Soft Side) My Story (Told by the Grinch Himself… Me.) Well, well, well… so you want to know about me, huh? I’m Benny, a grumpy-looking, secretly-soft, holiday-season mystery Frenchie who found himself dumped right before Christmas. Yep — somebody’s pet one day, unwanted the next. Long Beach Animal Shelter took me in, and Freedom Frenchie Rescue made sure I got out of there safely. Now I’m trying to understand this whole “rescue life,” but let me tell you… I’m confused. I thought I knew everything. Turns out I don’t — shocking, I know. The Grinch-y Stuff (Let’s Just Get It Out of the Way) Yes, I can be a bit of a Grinch. A tiny, round, ornament-hoarding, candy-cane-suspicious holiday grouch. I do not like other dogs coming near me while I’m getting attention, and I will resource guard — my humans are helping me learn it’s not OK, and I’m trying. Truth is, it’s a Frenchie trait. We’re needy, we love our people, and we want our things. If you want a dog who doesn’t want attention or possessions, then a Frenchie isn’t for you. But if you know the breed? You get me. You’ll understand why I look tough but melt like hot cocoa the second your hand touches me. The Sweet Side (The Part I Pretend Doesn’t Exist) Under the grumpy face and the Grinch-y personality, I’m actually a huge cuddler. I love belly rubs, ear scratches, soft touches, warm blankets, and curling myself under your feet while you work. When you watch Christmas movies, I lie in my dog bed next to you like a little grumpy ornament. Sometimes I hop up for pets, melt into your arms, and then wander back to my bed to pretend I’m independent. I’m sincere, I mean well, and once the house isn’t full of dogs, I relax completely. In a home with one or two dogs, I shine like a Christmas star. My North Pole Manners & Christmas Training Despite my Grinch impression, I actually have very good North Pole manners. I am fully potty trained, which Santa says earns me a permanent spot on the Nice List. I eat two meals a day — now happily — after a few unsure days where I wasn’t certain what was happening. I’m learning basic commands like “sit” and how to politely wait for my treats, even when other dogs are around, though patience is not my strong suit. My resource guarding is improving with guidance and consistency, and I’m starting to understand that nothing good is being taken from me here. As for lifting my leg inside the house, I’m getting much better. I wear a belly band indoors to remind me of my manners, and when I go outside, I do my business like a gentleman. I may give off a grumpy vibe, but trust me — I’m really trying to be the well-behaved holiday elf Santa knows I can be. My Daily Christmas Routine I’m not into toys yet — too busy figuring out this new world — but I do love quiet, cozy spaces. If a dog wanders too close to my crate, I’ll grumble a little, but my foster covers it with a blanket so I can decompress. I love sitting in the dog bed by the TV or tucking myself under your desk like a little green grump gremlin. I’m observant, independent, curious, and trying to understand where I fit. I’ll be heading to a long-term foster soon where my personality will continue to blossom, but for now, this is what we know: I’m loyal, loving in my own way, and full of potential. Why You Should Choose a Grinch Like Me Because even the Grinch deserves a Christmas miracle. I am potty trained, affectionate, smart, sensitive, and trying so hard to be the best boy I can be. I may come with quirks, but I also come with a whole lot of heart — and once I bond with you, my little Grinch heart grows at least three sizes. What my Temp mom reported to the North Pole! At first we just gave him his space, but a funny thing happened yesterday 12/1/2025. He was outside while I was on poop duty and there were other rescues in the yard low and behold!! Benny was trying to play with them. Granted they were all girls but he was getting excited about life and actually played with a toy for a few minutes. He was hopping around trying to engage but wasn’t sure how to. It was a big moment for Benny! So, whoever adopts this guy had to give him his space to decompress for a few weeks but believe me the fun is in him and trying to come out. Trust has to be built with Benny first, after that it’s a drop in the Santa bag! My Next Chapter I’ll be moving into a long-term foster home soon where my personality will blossom even more. But for now? This is what we know: A potty-trained, independent, cuddle-loving Frenchie is an A+ in anyone’s book — especially at Christmas. P.S I am vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped, fostered in Gilbert, AZ (future) and you can apply for me at freedomfrenchierescue.org, and read how the adoption process works! Also do not apply for me if you want me to be your fashion statement, that is not my cup of tea! Love, Benny The Christmas Grinch Who Just Wants a Home of His Own

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Benny, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.