Bandit...
There are heaps of lessons rescue dogs can teach us and their canine companions, even if they’re complete clowns like Bandit.Since Layla adopted Bandit over two months ago, he’s taught everyone he meets something new. “He’s a great teacher, even when he’s playing the fool,” said Layla. “He’s taught me to see the funny side of life. He’s taught my boyfriend patience. And, best of all, he’s taught our Pomeranian dog Shiv how to be a dog.”
Before Bandit came along, Shiv was convinced he was human. A rescue dog of sorts himself, he’d spent the first four years of his life in the backyard of a family home, surrounded by five boisterous kids all under the age of ten. Constantly getting harassed by the youngsters and never getting a walk to the park to meet other dogs, he was a rather confused and stressed out ball of fluff.
When the family decided they didn’t want him anymore, Layla jumped to the rescue and took him home. “Understandably, little Shivs didn’t have a particularly good view of people. It took a long time before he even came out from under the bed!” Layla recalled.
Having never been around other dogs, Layla wasn’t sure if he even knew he was a dog and thought he would benefit from a pooch pal. “They could play together, sleep together, be cheeky together and do all the things that dogs do. At least that was the idea I had in my head,” Layla exclaimed.
When Layla found five-month-old Bandit, a Papillon x 'African wild dog' while searching PetRescue.com.au, she thought he’d make the ideal companion for Shiv.
“He was so calm and cute when we first got him home! But once he settled in, he let his inner puppy loose and WOW, things got crazy!” said Layla.
Like puppies do, Bandit barked, chased his big brother Shiv around, jumped up on tables and chewed anything left in his path. “But, he had the eyes of an angel,” Layla laughed. “I knew there was beauty and brilliance in there somewhere!”
Two months on and Bandit’s already kicked all the silly habits. His playfulness has given timid little Shiv a second chance at enjoying puppyhood, shaping him into a wonderfully calm and cuddly dog.
“Bandit has given me and Shiv so much love and laughter. He’s still a bit cheeky, don’t get me wrong, but he is such a clown you can’t help but laugh!” said Layla.
“He has so much joy to give, we think he’d make one amazing sporting dog in the ring. So you might be seeing much more of Bandit in the near future.”
You can help us keep saving pets too, by making a donation to our rehoming programs. It costs just $10 to match one of our rescue pets with their new family.