Benji Wynn

Photo by JNash Photography

Meet Benji Wynn. Benji was a stray, wandering around Paducah's West End for months. Chip Wynn's cousin, knowing what a dog lover everyone's favorite Jeep dealer is, begged Chip to take the scruffy mixed breed home. Chip already had three dogs at the time and certainly didn't need another.

The clincher came when Chip's cousin called to say that the dog was outside, soaked to the skin, when the temperature was a bitter 17 degrees. The poor dog's coat was matted with ice.

That did it. Benji became a permanent member of Chip and Lisa Wynn's family on that frigid day in January 2004.

Benji turned out to be a perfect match for the Wynn household. His favorite spot in the world is "wherever Dad is," says Chip. Lisa adds, "Or if Dad's not home, then it's wherever Mom is. I'm second fiddle, but I'll do!"

And the little dog loves nothing better than to go for a ride in his dad's Jeep. "If you say the words 'ride in the Jeep' to Benji, you better stand back because nothing gets between Benji and his Jeep!," Chip says.

"Drive-through windows are his specialty," he adds. "He sees them coming and puts on his game face. He's a mooch!"

Photo by JNash Photography

Besides adding joy, love and laughter to the Wynn's home, Benji opened Chip's heart to a desperate need in the community. Chip and Lisa started the Benji Fund to help provide three local rescue groups with funds for spaying and neutering their adoptees.

"After participating in Dr. Flanary's Critter K Walk last fall, I knew I wanted to step up and be a part of this," Chip says. "We're moving the Critter K to Stuart Nelson Park. Last year was the first one and there were 350 people! This year? It's going to be huge!"

This year's 2nd Annual Critter K is set for Saturday, September 20, with registration at 8 a.m. and the walk starting at 9 a.m. — at, as Chip notes, Stuart Nelson Park. The $15 registration fee includes a T-shirt and a bandana. The money goes to the Benji Fund, and is then divided among Creatures Great and Small, Paws and Claws and Project Hope No-Kill Humane Society.

"It goes so far to help those animals," Chip says. "And it's just a fun day. There are refreshments for pets and people, and a bunch of activities. You know you're doing something for pets in need, and it makes you feel good."

Benji doesn't know what a profound effect he's had on the homeless pets in our community. He knows he loves Chip and Lisa, and he loves being curled up on a couch, and eating fast food in a Jeep. He doesn't know that he could have been just another dog, hit on the side of a road or starved, or frozen to death. But he's helping so many others avoid that fate.

Rock on, Benji!

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