Evie and Leslie Benson were returning home from a day’s shopping at school when they spotted a small brown object in the distance. Soon he saw – the dog froze in fear of an approaching 18-wheeled transport vehicle.

Evie Benson told The Dodo magazine: “We were afraid to close our eyes and let this dog get under the car.” “Fortunately, the dog got out of the way.”

Seeing such an intimate conversation, Benson knew what he needed to do.

Evie Benson

“My escape started when I jumped out of a moving car,” Benson said.

Soon the grateful dogs are safely in the back seat.

Even if he is dirty and skinny, the puppy will stop wagging his tail under any circumstances.

“My heart just breaks when I think about what this dog went through, how scared and alone she was,” Benson said. “The handling was easy. And finally, and then I cried. I wanted to know that I was finally safe.”

Evie Benson

They took the dogs to the Huchland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, where she was quickly adopted.

The next day, Benson came back to check on him. She wasn’t sure if the puppy would remember her, but as soon as she arrived, it jumped into her arms.

“We were sitting in the room with him, and that’s when the emotions exploded,” Benson said. “My mum and I both started crying…I was lying on the floor with him and he was curled up in my lap, content…he even lay on top of me and hugged me.”

Evie Benson

Soon Benson came up with the perfect name for the dog – she started calling him Wags because he was always wagging his tail no matter what.

Benson still can’t believe so many drivers saw Wags and didn’t stop to help, but she’s glad he’s finally getting the care he needs. Even though she’s going to college in the fall and can’t adopt him, she knows Vargas will find his family soon.

Evie Benson

“It breaks my heart that I can’t adopt him,” Benson said. “The SPCA has been getting a lot of calls and messages about Wags…I know he won’t have a problem finding a house.”

Benson knew she’d always remember the puppy on the road – and of course, Wags would always remember her.

Evie Benson

“We’ve been in a lifelong relationship and I love him so much,” Benson said. “I’m glad I was able to save him and get close.”

You can find the latest happenings at the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center on Facebook.