For 11 years, the Vick family has called Isle of Hope home, drawn to its relaxed coastal atmosphere. But ask their six-year-old Labrador retriever mix, Benny, and he might tell you the neighborhood’s real draw is the proximity to water.

Adopted four years ago from One Love Animal Rescue, Benny joined the family already answering to his name. While he commands attention at home with a booming bark and a fiercely protective nature, he balances his watchdog duties with a gentler side, earning a reputation for giving top-tier hugs.

Afternoon reunions at the Vick household trigger a familiar routine: an energetic game of tug-of-war followed by high-speed zoomies around the backyard. Yet, Benny’s true element was discovered during his very first encounter with a pond. Rather than dipping a cautious paw, he plunged straight under, surfaced, and immediately began biting at the water in sheer delight. Today, lounging in the pond remains one of his absolute favorite pastimes.

When he is not taking splashy dips, Benny enjoys strolling along the bluff, though his adventurous spirit occasionally leads to unscheduled escapes into the marsh behind the house. Given his aquatic obsession, his owners suspect a trip to the beach would be his ultimate fantasy excursion.

For neighbors looking to add a four-legged friend of their own, Ashley Vick highlights One Love Animal Rescue, noting the organization is always seeking local foster and adoptive families to help give dogs like Benny their second chance.