I’m excited to announce that we are now a dog family! Meet Benji Ogunyemi, also known as Benjamin Bartholomew Jabarkus Ogunyemi (that’s what our kids call him 😂).

Benji is a Bichon Frise-Miniature Poodle mix (Bichonpoo or Poochon) who has completely stolen our hearts. He’s been with us since December, and I can confidently say—he’s already an irreplaceable part of the family.

How Benji Became Part of the Family

My kids have always wanted a dog, but we hesitated due to my deployments and time away from home. However, two days after I returned from my most recent deployment, we found ourselves casually “window shopping” online for dogs.

That’s when my wife saw Benji—and it was love at first sight. She was so smitten that she visited him that very morning, and by that evening, our entire family was on our way to bring him home. The rest is history.

We specifically wanted a hypoallergenic dog due to allergies in the house, and while we had a few options, Benji completely won us over.

Benji’s Personality and Quirks

Benji fits right into our household because he’s just like our kids—loving, funny, outgoing, and very playful.

• His favorite game? Tag. He loves running around, making us chase him, and pretending we have a chance of catching him… Hint: We don’t.
• He’s an outdoor enthusiast who never passes up the opportunity to roll around in or dig up my grass, which I spent so much time beautifying *eye twitch*.
• Despite having a perfectly sized dog bed, he insists on hanging his head off the edge while sleeping. Watching him sprawl out dramatically always makes us laugh.

The Kids’ Reaction to Benji

The most common question in our house? “Can Benji sleep with me tonight?”

Our kids adore him, and he soaks up every bit of attention. If he’s not cuddling, he’s playing—and if he’s not playing, he’s plotting his next playful attack. One of the funniest things to watch is Benji smirking at my teenager before pouncing like a cat after pretending to be quiet and reserved for a moment.

Lessons from Benji

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I can find a lesson in anything. Benji’s affectionate nature reminds us of the purity of love, innocence, and dependence on others. Society teaches us that being dependent makes us weak; however, the vulnerability that comes with dependence allows others to support you, strengthen your resolve, and forge deeper connections.

• Benji loves unconditionally, offering comfort whenever we need it.
• His playful spirit reminds us not to take life too seriously.
• He shows us the importance of being present—whether it’s through a game of tag or simply sitting by our side.
• His dependence on us draws him closer and strengthens our relationship.

What About You?

It’s been a while since I’ve had a pet, but I’m so happy we have one now.

Do you have a pet? How did he or she change your life? What are some lessons you’ve learned from your pet? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories!