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Bandit was originally found abandoned in front of a vet's office with a sign over his neck reading "Need a Good Home." He had a broken femur bone and was turned in to the Martinez Animal Shelter. I happened to be there when he was being surrendered, and he was so frightened, so overwhelmed that a chord was struck and I promised myself to do what I could to help him.
A week later, after his stray hold at the shelter was over, I brought him home with me. Bandit underwent a $4,000 surgery to fix his leg and now has a metal plate that is permanently attached to his bone. He is completely healed and according to the vet, is able to run, jump, and play like any other dog.
Bandit is about 1 year old and weighs about 55-60 lbs right now. He's a husky / german shepherd mix.
Bandit has a great temperament. He gets along with everybody--dogs, cats, men, women, children. He would make a wonderful therapy dog. In fact, Bandit is so good-natured, he often doesn't recognize the testiness or dominance that other dogs may exert towards him. He's been snapped at, lunged at, and yes, humped too and it never fazes him. He always remains happy and tail-wagging and still ready to play.
Bandit is also quite the velcro dog inside the house. Wherever you are is right where he wants to be. He could be cozily sleeping, but the moment you get up to walk to another room, boom, he is up and by your side in a second as if he was propelled to you by the force of a giant magnet.
Bandit also has a very curious streak. It never fails to make me laugh when he sticks his nose in the paper tray of the printer when it's running or stalks the vacuum cleaner when it's on.
Bandit is housetrained, playful, extremely well-socialized, sweet-tempered, and rides well in the car. It is extremely easy to fall in love with him. I have never met so many people in my neighborhood while walking a dog as I have while walking Bandit. But Bandit does have his flaws and requires a home willing and experienced enough to work on them.
Bandit had actually been adopted out back in September. But the people said he was destructive in the house while they were away at work full-time and returned him a couple of months later. This destructive chewing behavior stems mostly from boredom--Bandit is still an active puppy after all, and a mix of 2 working dog breeds. It may also be the result of some slight separation anxiety--he's been dumped at least 3 times that I know of now, and that's sure to have taken a toll on him.
Bandit has not exhibited this extreme behavior with us, though he is an aggressive chewer and has gotten into some minor things he shouldn't even while we were home (read the blog!). We would recommend a household where somebody isn't away on a regular basis for more than 5 or so hours at a time. Bandit, at least in this stage, is just too active a dog to be left alone with no activity for much longer than that on a daily basis.
It is imperative that Bandit go to a family that is active on a daily basis. We don't mean marathons but neither will a sedate walk be enough. A long bout of fetch (which he loves!) or a good run at the dog park are more along the lines. Bandit is not unruly but does nevertheless need training and discipline to stimulate his mind. Bandit sleeps in his crate at night, though I know he would love to sleep on the bed with someone (as he does when I nap). He knows "sit", "shake", "down," and "stay", but he still needs leash work as well as recall training. We would also prefer him to go to someone who knows enough about separation anxiety to not exacerbate it as often happens with newly adopted dogs.
On a personal note, I cannot express enough how much I love Bandit. Any dog person who has spent time with him will say the same thing. In a perfect world free of unwanted and homeless dogs, where I could indulge myself without feeling compelled to help the needier dogs, Bandit is exactly the kind of dog I would choose as my own--fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, supremely good-natured, sociable, silly, trainable, and generally well-behaved but with just enough of a mischievous streak to add some spice. Bandit is the kind of dog you can take anywhere, to restaurants, to the vet, to parties, to work, and allow to meet anyone. I have no hesitation about highlighting his flaws because they are such a tiny price to pay for the complete and completely wonderful package. To the person or family capable and willing to spend the time and effort to help him overcome these flaws, they will have one of the dearest gifts imaginable.
For the right home, Bandit will be the kind of dog you fondly reminisce about when you look back at your life. He is endearingly oblivious and has a heart of gold.
If you are interested in adopting Bandit, please email your completed Adoption Application. BANDIT IS CURRENTLY BEING FOSTERED IN FAIRFAX. We do request a $250 tax-deductible donation to help cover a portion of each dog's medical and transport expenses. Bandit is neutered, current on shots, and flea & tick preventative, and microchipped. A homecheck will also be required because we do want to be sure that each dog goes to an environment suited to them.
Bandit is a very lovable dog. Like his name, he will steal your heart in no time flat.
Bandit's First Day Out of the Shelter
Bandit Goes in for Surgery
Day 6
Bandit Has a Bit of Fun
Bandit & Popeye
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Bandit's surgery and follow-up care costs over $4,000. Our rescue is very small and an amount like this is staggering. Please consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us with this cost so that we may continue our efforts to help dogs with special needs just like Bandit. No amount is too small and every dollar will make a difference.
