This Week at Sammy’s: Benny’s Big Step Forward ❤️

Every week at Sammy’s Animal Rescue, we get to witness the kind of resilience that reminds us why we do what we do. This week, the spotlight is on Benny, one of our long-time senior residents with a story that shows just how critical rescue work is.

From Stray to Safe

Benny came to us from a local Oregon shelter after being found as a stray in very rough shape. He’s an older gentleman with a grade 4 heart murmur, chronic dry eye, and some of the worst dental disease we’ve ever seen. When the shelter reached out for help, we didn’t hesitate.

That was 18 months ago — and since then, Benny has been wrapped in nothing but care, comfort, and medical support.

A Scare During His First Dental Procedure

When we first scheduled Benny for a dental cleaning, things didn’t go as planned. He had a concerning reaction to the anesthesia, and the procedure had to be stopped immediately. He was referred to a cardiology specialist, where further testing revealed a ruptured heart valve tendon, also known as a chordae tendineae.

It changed everything. His heart condition became the priority, and his severe dental disease had to wait.

Managing the Heart, Watching the Teeth

For the past year and a half, we’ve carefully managed Benny’s heart condition with medication. It has helped him stay comfortable and stable — but untreated dental disease in a senior dog is more than a cosmetic concern. It affects overall health, the heart, and quality of life.

We’ve always known that addressing Benny’s teeth was essential. We just needed the green light.

Finally, A Path Forward

This week brought the moment we’ve been hoping for: Benny’s cardiologist officially cleared him for dental surgery.

He met with a veterinary dental specialist who confirmed he’s a viable candidate. Benny is now scheduled for surgery on January 20, 2026, unless an earlier appointment opens up.

It’s a huge step for a dog who has survived so much.

Why This Matters

At Sammy’s, every animal matters — and seniors like Benny often need the most time, the most care, and the most resources. But they give just as much back.

Benny is gentle, patient, and unbelievably resilient. Helping him heal is why Sammy’s exists.

Keep Benny in Your Thoughts

As we prepare for his surgery in the months ahead, we’ll continue to keep Benny comfortable, loved, and supported. Thank you for cheering him on, sharing his story, and believing in the animals who need us most.

Every animal who enters our care is seen, known, and loved.

And Benny is no exception. ❤️🐾