One of the Disneyland Resort’s very best cast members has clocked out for the last time. Benny, the perpetually smiling golden retriever who has worked as a security dog at the resort since 2019, has officially retired, and Disney gave him the send-off he deserved. The resort celebrated Benny’s career this week on the Disney Parks Blog, which has previously spotlighted the K9 unit that helps keep the resort safe.
A Retirement Party Fit For A Very Good Boy
Benny’s last day featured a small ceremony where he performed one final car check, sniffing out a fake training substance before being showered with tennis balls and cheers from dozens of security cast members who stopped by for photos and goodbyes. True to form, Benny ignored the tennis balls and went straight for his beloved red chew toy. The party also included a major first: his very first hot dog. Working security dogs follow strict diets, so Benny had never tasted one, and reports from the celebration say he spent the rest of the party wandering around hoping someone would offer seconds.
Life After The Happiest Place On Earth
Benny is one of 28 security dogs currently on the Disneyland roster, and like every K9 cast member, he had his own name tag and ID badge. His handler, Kevin, started at the resort as a security officer before moving to a kennel tech role and eventually becoming a K9 handler, where he was paired with Benny. “He’s a great dog. Very friendly, never gets aggressive, never barks at other dogs. Could be a biased opinion, but he’s one of the best dogs,” Kevin said.
Now that his working days are over, Benny simply goes home with Kevin for good, where hikes, beach trips, and a new canine sibling await. Kevin will begin training a new security dog who will join the roster. Here’s hoping Benny enjoys every belly rub of retirement. He’s earned it. For more feel-good Disneyland stories, check out how Disneyland Handcrafted was submitted for an Emmy Award.
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