Here is a concise summary of the story:
**Title:** The Heroic Pitbull Benji
**Summary:**
Anika, an elderly woman living in rural Russia, befriends a stray pitbull despite her neighbors' concerns about the breed's supposed danger. She eventually adopts the dog, naming him Benji. When her 5-year-old grandson visits, Benji's true nature is revealed. After the boy accidentally falls into a pond, Benji jumps in and saves him from drowning. The heroic act transforms the neighbors' perception of Benji, showcasing his selfless and gentle nature, and earning him love and respect from the entire community. The story highlights the importance of not judging others based on preconceived notions.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, without opinions, in short sentences with numbers:
1. An elderly woman named Anika lived in a rural area of Russia.
2. Anika was a widow, her husband having died 20 years prior.
3. She had a daughter who lived in the city with her husband and grandson, hundreds of kilometers away.
4. Anika rarely saw her daughter, son-in-law, or grandson.
5. Anika was an animal lover and had always had animals, but her last dog had escaped.
6. A stray pit bull roamed the streets near Anika's house, searching for food.
7. Anika started leaving food for the pit bull, which would cautiously approach to eat.
8. Over time, Anika gained the dog's trust, and he allowed her to pet him while eating.
9. The neighbors disliked the pit bull, fearing its size and breed.
10. They tried to scare the dog away and eventually called the pound to have it removed.
11. Anika decided to adopt the pit bull to prevent its removal, naming him Benji.
12. Benji was initially shy and stayed mostly at Anika's house.
13. Anika's grandson (around 5 years old) visited her one weekend.
14. While playing, the grandson tripped and fell into a large pond in the garden.
15. The grandson couldn't swim and was struggling to stay afloat.
16. Benji jumped into the pond and dragged the boy to safety.
17. The incident unfolded before Anika's eyes, who had been frozen in fear.
18. Neighbors, who had rushed to the scene expecting the worst, helped dry off the boy and Benji.