Surprise police officer adopts chihuahua, Benji, who was tossed from car

An abandoned chihuahua has found his forever home with one of the police officers who helped save him.

"He has a lot of love to give, and we are prepared to give him just as much love back," said Sgt. Rick Hernandez, a Surprise Police Department spokesperson, in a video produced by the Arizona Humane Society.

On March 8, security camera footage captured a vehicle pulling over, pushing a dog out and driving away.

Someone found the dog and took it to Surprise police before taking it to the Arizona Humane Society, according to the society.

The dog was named Benji, and while he was in the Arizona Humane Society's care, he received a microchip, vaccinations and was neutered, according to the group.

Surprise police have since decided to make him a department mascot.

"This is what we all get into law enforcement for, is to help those who can't help themselves," Hernandez said. "Our community and our officers' hearts broke when we saw that video of him getting dropped off on a back street all by himself, running and chasing after a car."

"When Benji came in, it was immediately apparent that he had a lot of energy," Hernandez said. "Lots of tail wags, lots of belly rubs, and lots of smiles from our staff. Our employees were super happy to have him in the office."

The Arizona Humane Society is still looking for forever homes for almost 200 animals.

The society said in a news release that Benji's experience should serve as a reminder that people should never abandon a pet and that resources were available for pets in need. The society cared for more than 22,000 sick, injured and abused pets in 2024, the release said.

Population growth and a shortage of affordable pet care have led to an increase in pet abandonments in central Arizona, according to the group.

The Arizona Humane Society encouraged pet owners who need help to keep their animals to visit its website, azhumane.org, for more information about available resources.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona police officer adopts chihuahua, Benji, tossed from car