BG Independent News - Benny

For many local residents you may have started to notice something rather large walking down the streets of Bowling Green. This larger than life townie has now become the most recognizable furry and slobbery celebrity in town, Benny.

A 165 lb Newfoundland therapy dog, Benny has made his mark on Bowling Green with the Paws for Reading program at Wood County Public Library, in which children can read to Benny with scheduled times at a designated room at the library and also as part of the BGSU Paws program, which stands for Partners in Achieving Wellness for students, staff, and faculty.

PAWS is an extension of the Wellness Connection and was established in the spring of 2022. Handler Carol Treece first began having Benny visit a local cancer care center at the Wood County Hospital, but do to covid restrictions Benny had to find a new outlet to help those in need. This lead to both his partnership with the library and also the campus PAWS program.

The need and use for therapy dogs is varied and vast and the 5 year old deemed Gentle giant Benny is looking to get the ultimate reward, which is to share his enthusiasm and love for people

Dustin Galish reporting for BG Independent News