By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-04-03 21:37:25 | Updated at 2025-04-04 17:21:59
21 hours ago
The poor dog who was heartlessly dumped on the side of the road in Arizona by his owner has found a new place to call home.
Benji, a two-year-old chihuahua, was adopted by a Surprise Police officer a few weeks after the pup was seen being stranded at the end of a street by his former owner on March 8.
His previous owner, Priscilla Galanos, 26, who cackled 'bye bye' to him as she sped off in a red SUV, has since turned herself in along with Logan Gambill, 20.
They are both facing misdemeanor animal cruelty charges for their horrific actions.
Thankfully, after Benji was thrown out on the road, a Good Samaritan picked up the frightened pup and brought him to the Surprise Police Department before he was transported to the Arizona Humane Society (AHS).
While he was there, Benji received all of his vaccinations, was microchipped, neutered and got 'lots of TLC from shelter employees and volunteers,' the organization said.
On Thursday, the Arizona Humane Society shared a heartwarming video of Benji's transformation, and also debuted his new name.
'Welcome to the @surpise_pd family, Benji (now Kismet),' the group wrote alongside the clip of the pup meeting his new crew.
Benji, a two-year-old chihuahua, was adopted by a Surprise Police officer a few weeks after the pup was seen being stranded at the end of a street by his former owner on March 8
His previous owner, Priscilla Galanos, 26, who cackled 'bye bye' to him as she sped off in a red SUV, has since turned herself in along with Logan Gambill, 20
'This is what we all get into law enforcement for: to help those who can’t help themselves,' Surprise Police Sergeant Rich Hernandez told ABC15.
Hernandez said the dog is now a part of the police department family and is more than welcome to show up to work everyday with his new owner.
'He has a lot of love to give, and we're prepared to give him just as much love back,' he added.
Although he does not have an official title on the force, Hernandez said Benji will likely be their new mascot.
AHS noted that Benji's story should serve as a 'reminder' to pet owners everywhere.
'Benji’s story is a reminder to never abandon your pet and that resources are available for those in need,' the group said, adding that Maricopa County’s animal welfare crisis 'is at an all-time high.'
In 2024 alone, the organization cared for more than 22,000 sick, abused and injured pets - the most it has ever taken care of in a decade.
The clip of Benji being left to fend for himself quickly went viral last month.
Surprise Police Sergeant Rich Hernandez said the dog is now apart of the police department family and is more than welcome to show up to work everyday with his new owner
Although he does not have an official title on the force, Hernandez said Benji will likely be their new mascot
Surveillance footage showed the pup looking confused before desperately trying to chase the car, clearly mystified by his former owner's behavior.
Residents on the street where the incident happened were left 'shocked' by what they saw - and heard.
Joanna Buesen, who witnessed the pet being dumped around 12:15pm Saturday while walking her own dog, said she felt 'so many emotions.'
'I was angered. I was flabbergasted, shocked,' she told Arizona's Family.
Buesen reacted by calling out to the dog and trying to comfort him. 'It was defeated. It was sad,' she said.
Surveillance footage showed the pup looking confused before desperately trying to chase the car, clearly mystified by his former owner's behavior
The agency released an image of the dog after he was rescued, looking wide-eyed and scared on a towel in the trunk of a car
The Phoenix local said the woman's callous words - 'bye bye' - right as she dumped the animal made her feel even more angry about the cruel incident.
'I think that they had no remorse for their actions, and I think that is the telltale that it is malicious intent,' Buesen said of the woman's comment.
'I understand things are hard and things can be tough in life, but you don't have to be a soulless human. And that is just a soulless thing.'
Buesen said the dog was well-behaved despite being malnourished.
The agency released an image of the dog after he was rescued, looking wide-eyed and scared on a towel in the trunk of a car.
