The Robinson family had always dreamed of owning a farm, and when they found the perfect plot of land in a remote area, they knew it was meant to be. Mrs. Robinson was four months pregnant with her second child, a baby boy when they moved into their new home.
As they prepared for the arrival of the new family member, they decided that it was time for them to adopt a dog as well. Living in an apartment, the Robinsons had not been able to have a dog of their own, but now that they had a farm, they wanted at least one puppy.
Animal lovers, the couple visited an animal shelter with their 6-year-old son, Matthias, to choose a dog. They wanted a puppy that would not be aggressive and would grow up with the kids on the farm. After visiting pastures and hearing the sad stories of many dogs, the Robinsons still hadn’t decided which dog to choose. That is until they passed by Benson, a 4-year-old bull, who was standing back, tail tucked, head bowed, and seemed to have completely lost faith in humans.
The Robinsons wanted to know Benson’s story and the volunteers at the shelter told them that he had led a very sad life. He was used in dog fights and then left on the street where the volunteers found him. After a stint at the shelter, Benson was adopted by a couple, but just two weeks later he was brought back to the shelter on the grounds that he was aggressive towards his owners and had behavioral problems. Although the volunteers did not recommend adopting Benson by a family with children, Mr. Robinson insisted on giving him a chance to be adopted.
In the early days, Benson was very withdrawn, shy, and suspicious. But over time, he began to adjust and bond with the whole family, especially Matthias. After Mrs. Robinson gave birth, they brought the baby home and introduced him to Benson. Benson smelled the baby’s odor and gently licked his face, and the Robinsons knew that the two would get along very well.