Movie dog “Benji” lends a helping paw to find family for “Jessie”

New York dog involved in tragic death one step closer to home  

Internationally famous movie dog “Benji” was happy to lend a helping paw on Wednesday morning February 15 at Helen Woodward Animal Center when she selected three top contenders to adopt “Jessie”… the Golden Retriever from New York that was recently involved in the accidental death of a 6 year old girl.

“We received more than 250 online applications from across the United States to adopt Jessie,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante. “Based on Helen Woodward Animal Center’s adoption procedures for an 18-month-old, 70 pound, adolescent dog we narrowed down the list to 71 families in ten states.”

During the news conference Benji selected three numbered cards from a bowl containing 71 numbers. Each number corresponded with an online application.

“Once Benji made her choices our Adoptions department notified the first family drawn and arranged for them to meet Jessie, complete an adoption application, and conduct a face to face interview.” Van Zante says that the family from Hesperia, CA will bring their two dogs to meet with Jessie before the adoption can be completed.

“In the meantime Jessie is enjoying life in a foster home with one of our staff members and her Golden Retriever. She comes to work every day and gets tons of attention,” says Van Zante. “We’ve taken this process one step at a time to assure that Jessie will go to the home where she will spend the rest of her life.”

Van Zante reminds animal lovers that there is only one “Jessie”, but there are about 1,000 other orphaned dogs and cats in San Diego County that need families. “If Jessie has touched your heart and your family is considering pet adoption, visit an animal shelter or rescue group in our area. They all need homes….not just the dogs that get publicity.

For more information about Jessie or any of the other dogs and cats available for adoption visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe or call 858-756-4117.