The days spent at a shelter are sometimes neglected in favor of the long and painful ones of a puppy. These are essential tasks that pale in comparison to love and caring. Not to mention the awful destiny that awaits them if they are not adopted into a family.

This is a problem that occurs far too frequently in high-kill operations. So, what happens when an undesirable shelter dog gets adopted into a family and discovers that its life is about to be turned upside down?

Much has been said about the impact of adoption, but witnessing it for oneself goes beyond words. This is the case with Benny, a lovely and quiet shelter dog that was adopted from Gardena, California’s high-kill Carson Animal Care Center. Benny was basically on death row when he was ultimately adopted. So, how did he respond?

Benny seemed to be bursting at the seams with excitement at first. He’s trying to keep it together as he glances around, sitting as still as he can while waiting to see whether this is his family. But you can tell he’s terrified on the inside. “Are they mine, am I theirs, is this it?” I see the conversation going something like this.

He’s really trying hard to keep it together. I was practically in tears just seeing his excitement. Then it happens: the red leash of happily ever after is offered, and Benny explodes with joy as he meets his new family! As he is led to their car by his new family, an instant bond is formed.