NEWMAN — After more than a week of heartbreak, sleepless nights and a communitywide search, Bennie the red heeler is finally home.

The 3‑year‑old Queensland Heeler disappeared in the final days of May, slipping out of a backyard on Yolo Street while his family was getting ready for a morning walk. His owner, Shane Mendonca, said Bennie came when first called — then looked back at him, turned west and vanished.

What followed was a frantic, emotional search that stretched across neighborhoods, county lines and social media feeds. Flyers went up on street corners. Families drove rural roads at dusk. Strangers shared Bennie’s photo hundreds of times online. Newman and Gustine police departments were notified, along with area shelters. Residents even offered reward money to help bring him home.

For the Mendonca family, the loss cut especially deep.

Bennie was named after Shane’s father, Ben Mendonca, who died on Veterans Day in 2022. The family had always raised red heelers, and when Shane found a breeder with a litter of mostly red pups, he knew immediately which one was meant to carry his father’s name. Bennie came home at 8 weeks old — a wooly little bear of a puppy — and quickly became inseparable from Shane.

“He was always by my side,” Shane said. “I knew his attitude, his quirks, his gifts. He’s a good dog.”

Because Bennie couldn’t stay at Shane’s residence, he lived with Shane’s mother, Rolinda, and their other heeler, Tilly. Shane visited him weekly, taking him on walks and playing fetch — Bennie’s favorite game, one he taught himself. He would sprint after his blue ball or green bone “100 miles an hour,” Shane said, and even learned to balance toys on his paws while lying on his back.

So when Bennie disappeared, the family was shattered.

“Almost every night I was in tears,” Shane said.

Days passed with no sign of him. The last reported sighting was near West Mariposa Road and T Street, but each time the family searched, Bennie was gone again. His microchip was flagged, shelters were alerted, and still there was nothing.

Then, on June 5, hope finally arrived.

A Newman family spotted Bennie near Eucalyptus Avenue and called Shane. He three‑wayed the call with his wife while using Life360 to guide her to the location. Shane also was texting his mother, Rolinda, the location of Bennie. The family followed Bennie as he darted through a cul‑de‑sac on Foxglove Drive. He was ready to bolt again — until he heard a familiar voice.

Rolinda Mendonca called his name, and Bennie stopped. Then he came to her.

After more than a week on his own, Bennie was finally safe. He returned home with a few bumps and scrapes but was eating, resting and expected to see a veterinarian soon.

The family who found him declined the reward. The Mendoncas say they will never forget their kindness — or the outpouring of support from the community.

“I’m in awe of how this community pulled together,” said Bethany Mendonca. “We are forever grateful. We’re so happy he’s back where he belongs.”

As for where Bennie went, how far he traveled or what adventures he found along the way, only he knows — and for now, he’s remaining mum.