Feature Photo: IG / @bennysbuddies9

Sam Bennett’s latest charitable initiative is much more than a pet project.

Bennett recently unveiled Benny’s Buddies alongside his fiancée, Zoe, in partnership with the Humane Society of Broward County. With each goal Bennett scores this season, the couple will help fund the adoption fees of an animal in need.

Bennett and Zoe announced the initiative through Instagram on October 11 in a post accompanied by photos of their own adopted pets – a new puppy, Billie, and cat, Gracie.

“A year ago, we adopted Gracie and a couple months ago, we adopted Billie,” Bennett told NHLPA.com.

“My fiancée has been volunteering at the humane society for just over a year, so we came up with the idea of wanting to sponsor the adoption fee for people wanting to bring a cat or dog into their home.”

Zoe’s volunteer efforts have given her an up close and personal look at the animals who come through the shelter’s doors and the staff who work selflessly to find suitable homes for them.

It continues to be a labour of love for her.

“I just love being there,” said Zoe. “The dogs make you laugh and smile because they are so happy to see you. Every animal has such a different personality, and it just melts your heart. It makes you want to give them all the love while you’re there.

“Also, the staff and other volunteers are so sweet to be around. There is a huge turnover of animals, but somehow, they always seem to know all their names and adore each one.”

Working in concert with the Humane Society of Broward County has been a match made in heaven for the couple, who have plenty of familiarity with owning cats and dogs.

“Over the span of my childhood, we had three cats and two dogs,” recalled Bennett.

“Both of us are definitely pet people.”

Added Zoe, “We both grew up in a family with both dogs and cats and just have a soft spot for animals.”

The two also have an affinity for helping shelter animals find loving homes.

“There are so many animals who need loving homes but can be overlooked because of their breed, age, or even how they appear when they are cooped up in a kennel all day,” said Zoe.

“That’s why I think it’s important to expose a different side of shelter animals and how they can be such a great addition to your life.”

Just like Gracie and Billie.

“They both bring so much joy, energy and love to our home,” said Zoe.

“It’s especially nice for me when the guys are away on road trips to have Gracie and Billie keep me company. There’s also nothing like coming home to your pets who are so excited to see you.”

The duo, however, haven’t quite gelled as teammates. At least not yet.

“Gracie isn’t a huge fan of Billie,” said Bennett with a laugh.

Nor was she a fan of the Stanley Cup.

“When we had our day with the Cup, we put Gracie in it, but she didn’t like it that much.”

There are, however, indications that Billie and Gracie could be growing closer.

“Billie is a little bit of a terror right now, but you can see signs that they are starting to warm up to one another a bit.”

Bennett and Zoe see their relationship with the humane society continuing to grow over time.

On October 21, they visited staff and pets in Fort Lauderdale.

“They do awesome work there,” said Bennett. “There are so many volunteers who work tirelessly to help the pets – it’s awesome to see so many people who are dedicated to helping animals find a good home. We are definitely excited to see this program get going.”

With Bennett netting seven goals in his first 10 games this season, plenty of animals are sure to be ready and waiting for someone to open their home to a new companion.

He’s also hoping the awareness from the campaign will open prospective pet owners up to the adoption route.

“I think just getting the awareness out there that adoption is, I think, the best route,” Bennett told NHL.com.

“There’s so many dogs and cats that need homes and sometimes people are scared to adopt because they’re scared of the breed, or they’re scared of older dogs. There are so many amazing dogs and cats that are available here, and I think just letting people know that you can get an amazing pet from adopting, we have, and hopefully more people can follow suit.”