Ben and Jerry Are Living the Sweet Life After a Ruff Start

In late March 2025, the NYPD received a call about two pit bull puppies left abandoned in an apartment with no food or water. At just five months old, the littermates, later named Ben and Jerry, were brought to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center in New York City to get the care they needed.

Thankfully, the resilient puppies were in fairly good health, though Ben suffered from demodex, a mite that lives in the hair follicles and can cause skin irritation and hair loss. In our care he was treated with medication and showed signs of improvement.

Jerry (left) and Ben (right) upon intake.

In just a few weeks, the puppies were ready to find loving homes of their own — and it didn’t take long. Ben was the first to be adopted after meeting a doting couple who fell in love with him immediately.

Ben

Emily and her partner had always been dog people, but after seeing videos online about shelters and the impact of rescuing, they really wanted to adopt. That’s when the couple turned to the ASPCA.

“They spent a lot of time figuring out what kind of dog would be the best fit for us,” remembered Emily. “That’s how we were introduced to Benny.”

When the pair showed up to their meet and greet in early April, they were shown to a playroom where Ben soon barreled in. He jumped up on Emily and her partner and began licking their faces.

“He got briefly distracted barking at a stuffed animal, then came back for more cuddles,” said Emily. “He was this happy, smiley dog who just wanted to make sure everyone around him felt loved.”

The couple planned to go to a few other shelters, but after meeting Ben, their fate was sealed and they headed home with their new puppy that same day.

Right out of the gate, Ben was comfortable in his home.

“The first day, he walked into the house, hopped onto the couch, and started watching golf like he’d always lived there,” Emily told us. “From the start, he’s loved cuddling — he doesn’t like being more than a few feet away and usually insists on having at least a paw or leg on you. The crate was his sworn enemy, but now he’s comfortable and sees it as his cozy space at night.”

Ben also caught on to potty training quickly, only having had one accident in the house before getting the hang of it.

Early on, Ben had separation anxiety and hated even being in different rooms from his pet parents. Thankfully, with time and patience, the sweet, affectionate Ben has become a lot more confident and can be alone for a while.

“Though he’ll always be waiting patiently at the door when you come home and, of course, the second you walk in, he jumps up to give you a hug,” added Emily.

As Ben has grown in his puppy personality, he hasn’t changed much, but his many quirks have come to light.

“If you don’t greet him right away when you come home, he’ll let out a long howl until you do,” explained Emily. “He loves chasing his tail — sometimes a little too much. He also smiles when he’s excited, showing his teeth in the cutest way. At night, if it gets cold, he’ll crawl under the blankets, but only after “fixing” them about nine times to get comfortable — even if that means pulling them all off the bed while we’re still in it. And if a toy rolls under a chair, forget it — he won’t get it himself. He’ll howl at you until you retrieve it for him.”

It’s Ben’s quirks and incredibly adoring disposition that remind Emily and her partner just how lucky they are to have found their new best friend.

 “Our lives have changed in every possible good way,” said Emily. “I honestly can’t imagine life without him now. I used to roll my eyes when people called their dogs their ‘kids.’ I am now one of those people. He makes even the little things in life more fun and lighthearted.”

“If someone is thinking about adopting a shelter dog, do it!” Emily added. “There are so many amazing dogs waiting to be rescued. The great thing about shelters, especially places like the ASPCA, is they don’t just hand you any dog — they work with you to find the right match. That was exactly our experience, and it led us to Benny, who’s been the perfect fit.”

Jerry

Just two weeks after Ben’s big day, it was time for Jerry to have his moment to shine!

Rachel K. and her family had recently lost their beloved dog Brody and missed having a dog at home. To help curb their blues, they decided to reach out to the ASPCA to see who might be a match for them.

The family was quickly matched with Jerry, and it was love at first sight.

“I have always loved pitties and pittie mixes,” explained Rachel. “I had one 20 years ago and she was awesome. I always wanted another one.”

In his new home, like many puppies, Jerry was nipping and chewing up shoes, jumping on his family and having accidents inside. But, with patience and training, Jerry learned what is a toy and what isn't, and has been fully potty trained.

“We threw away a few area rugs but he's worth it,” remarked Rachel.

Though the puppy stage comes with potty training and teething, it also comes with some of the most fun and playful puppy antics, something Jerry has tenfold. He’s filled with energy, is very athletic — he’s able to jump onto counters like a cat — and despite having grown quite a lot, he still believes he’s a lap dog. Most special of all though, is that Jerry has  bonded immensely with Rachel’s 8-year-old son.

Rachel and her family wouldn’t trade a moment of it for the world, and hope others will consider adopting just like they did.

 “Animals like Jerry have been through a lot, so be patient with them. They’re worth the effort.”