What could be cuter than a Labrador Retriever ice-skating during a performances at the Golden Knights NHL games in Las Vegas? This year, the eight-year-old canine, named Benny was named the American Kennel Club’s 2021 Exemplary Companion for his work with local charities.
According to FoxNews Las Vegas, Benny, who is owned by Cheryl DelSangro, gained popularity skating at the T-Mobile Arena wearing his custom made ice skates.
In August 2018, photographer Rick Vierkandt asked Cheryl if her dog would participate in a cheer video for the Golden Knights, per the American Kennel Club (AKC). On that occasion, Benny held a hockey stick in his mouth and pushed the puck around on the ice. That’s when Cheryl got the idea to teach her dog to ice skate. The retired skater had already taught her 17-month-old daughter to skate, so why not Benny?
Benny had no trouble learning and even better – the dog loved it! So then came a pair of specially designed ice skates for his front feet. He’s quite adept at skating around, and seems to be able to stop on a dime using a reverse snow plow move.
When Benny isn’t skating for the Golden Knights, he proudly displays his basically self-taught skills with Spectrum On Ice – a program for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. With his charming good looks, his talent and his wonderful disposition, children of all ages adore him; he can put a smile on anyone’s face.
Benny wasn’t alone receiving the ACE awards. Out of 1,000 applicants, four other dogs received the award and have each been given a $1,000 prize to go to a pet-related charity of their choice along with a year’s supply of Eukanuba dog food and an engraved silver medallion.
And by the way, Benny was rescued from a kill shelter. He had been there for six-months, and no one came to adopt him. In just two more days, he was scheduled to be humanely euthanized. It doesn’t get any better than when a life is saved. Why shop when you can adopt?
Good job Benny.
Check out one of his videos when he first got going on the ice:
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