Each year, there are roughly 6,000 documented cases of dog abuse in the U.S., and this is only counting the cases of reported abuse. Chances are many instances of abuse go unreported. That is likely what happened in one case of abandonment in Warren County, Iowa. And while the abuse was horrific, the case did end up having a happy ending.

Benji is found emaciated and wandering around a nearby park

This is what real abuse looks like. Benji, an 8-month-old German shepherd was found abandoned near the city dog park. Emaciated and malnourished, he was covered in open sores, according to Julie Skellenger, manager of the Kiya Koda Humane Society.

“He’s probably the worst dog we’ve had in terms of the condition that he was in,” Skellenger said. “He’s a fighter,” Skellenger added.

Benji gets multiple offers for adoption

And while he initially had over 50 offers to adopt him when his story first broke, he wasn’t quite ready at that time to be taken into a home. He had food aggression issues stemming from him being starved by his previous owners. Shelter staff feels like this issue might never go away and he might fit best into a home where he is the only pet.

“He loves everybody, and he’ll give anybody kisses, anyone who will give him attention, anyone who will give him a treat,” Skellenger said, “but when he’s eating, he’s all about his food.”

Benji is in full recovery mode at present

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like Benji will have any long-term medical issues, though his legs were weak to the point that he couldn’t hold up his weight when he first arrived at the shelter. Anyone that adopts him will have to keep an eye on his legs to ensure that he doesn’t suffer any complications.

A reward is offered for information leading to Benji’s abuser’s arrest

After Benji arrived at the shelter, The Humane Society of the United States offered a reward of $5,000 for any information that could lead authorities to his abusers. Anyone with information on Benji’s abusers should contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Department at 515-961-1122. So far, no one has come forward with any information.

Benji should be ready for adoption soon

As for Benji, he should be ready for adoptions soon. All the shelter is waiting for is for him to be old enough to be neutered. Then he will be adopted out to a loving home. Of course, to qualify to adopt Benji any potential owner will have to undergo a background check and a home visit first.

The shelter says he can now see visitors and once he is eligible for adoption, the process will be open for a week before a new owner is named. The Kiya Koda Humane Society also requires anyone wanting to adopt Benji to have experience in dealing with German shepherds and who has no children.

For more information on how to adopt a pet from the Kiya Koda Humane Society, visit the organization’s Website or Facebook page. Here is a video with Benji playing with shelter staff.

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Source: Kiya Koda Humane Society

H/T: Des Moines Register