Bandit lived a sad and lonely life. Raised entirely outdoors, this handsome, two year old boy was never allowed inside and was basically forgotten by his family. One night a raging thunderstorm drove poor Bandit into a frenzy of fear, and though his family heard his panic, they didn’t bother to check on or comfort him. The next morning animal control called to tell them that Bandit had broken loose and been hit by a car. His owners picked him up and took him to a vet to be euthanized.

But the terrible accident that almost ended Bandit’s life began a chain of events that brought him to the first safe and loving home he had ever known. The kind vet looked into Bandit’s eyes and saw a sweet little dog who very much deserved to live. She treated him and later surrendered him to MWCR where he could recuperate from his ordeal in a caring foster home.

Bandit’s accident caused a sacral fracture and some resulting nerve damage. His left, rear leg is stiff and he sometimes drags that foot. In addition, the nerve damage has affected the muscles around his tail and sphincter and though he is able to wag his tail, it is still possible that his tail may need to be amputated some time in the future. Also, he must be kept on a high fiber diet (light dog food, some brown rice and/or pumpkin) and get plenty of exercise. Since he has been on this routine, Bandit has had no soiling accidents, and it is believed by his vet that his condition will continue to improve with time. No other complications are expected from his injury as he ages.

Today, Bandit is a happy, affectionate, collie boy who loves to snuggle and be with people. He gets along well with everyone he meets – children, adults, cats, and other dogs. He is quiet for a collie and rarely barks unless his collie foster brothers initiate it. He loves to run in the dog park where he can meet new friends – human and canine. Not surprisingly, Bandit doesn’t like to be alone or to be left outside by himself since this reminds him of the “bad old days” when he was always alone. His foster mom says that he can be left uncrated for extended periods if he has another dog to keep him company.

Bandit is alive today because after his accident everyone who met him realized what a special boy he is. Now, he is looking for a special family: one that will continue his high fiber diet and exercise routine, and will make sure that he can’t get into any yummy (but forbidden) treats on countertops or garbage cans. More importantly, Bandit needs a forever home where he will be loved and cherished. In return, he’ll steal your heart!

Bandit is being fostered fostered near Madison, WI.

Update June 21, 2006!

Good news for Bandit! He is continuing his recovery, and his foster mom says that his leg and tail seem to be improving every day. We are very hopeful that Bandit’s tail will continue to wag for a long time to come. His vet says that with nerve injuries such as this, progress is often slow but steady, and Bandit is in the very early stages of his rehabilitation.

Bandit’s bowel incontinence is not improving as quickly as we had hoped. At night he often has little “accidents,” but his foster mom puts down an old sheet for him to sleep on and thus it is very easy to clean up after him. We all remain hopeful that with time and careful attention to his diet and exercise, Bandit will regain better bowel control.

Bandit is an incredibly sweet boy with so much love to give. His lonely, neglected beginnings make it all the more important that he find the perfect forever home to help him recover from his ordeal and learn that life can be filled with love and happiness – even if you are not quite “perfect.” Bandit’s imperfections may improve significantly with time. If they don’t, however, they are easily dealt with and more than overshadowed by his gentle, loving ways.

If you are looking for the PERFECT dog, Bandit is not for you. But if you are looking for a perfectly wonderful collie who will love you with all his heart and soul, this is your boy.