Adoption information
About Bandit Firebrace
TO APPLY FOR ADOPTION PLEASE SEND IN APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE BELOW:
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/adopt/
Meet Bandit
At first glance, Bandit's stunning blue-speckled coat and striking black markings might be what capture your attention. Spend a little time with him, though, and it's his gentle nature that will win your heart.
Bandit is an 11-month-old Australian Cattle Dog mix who is learning how to navigate the world as a young adolescent. He loves chasing a ball, exploring the backyard, going on adventures in the car and joining his people for daily walks, but what makes Bandit truly special is the affectionate side he saves for those he trusts.
This gorgeous boy loves his creature comforts. Give him a sunny patch of carpet, a fluffy blanket or a spot beside his favourite human and he'll happily settle in for a nap. In fact, his favourite way to end the day is curled up next to his people, making sure he's touching someone before drifting off to sleep.
Bandit has a lot of love to give and is looking for a home willing to guide him through the last stages of puppyhood and into adulthood.
Personality Plus
Bandit starts his mornings slowly. He enjoys a sleep-in, a morning cuddle, a quick trip outside and then it's time for breakfast and his favourite game of ball.
Like many intelligent working-breed youngsters, Bandit can switch between energetic play mode and complete relaxation. One minute he's full of puppy enthusiasm and the next he's curled up peacefully enjoying a nap in the sun.
He is a reasonably confident young dog who can be a little cautious when meeting new people, but once he's comfortable he'll happily welcome them into his world.
Bandit's foster family have fallen in love with his gorgeous markings, beautiful nature and the softness he shows when he feels safe and settled.
Living with Bandit
People
Bandit is friendly with adults and enjoys being around people.
When visitors arrive he may take a moment to assess them, but once he's satisfied they're friends, he'll happily include them in the household.
Bandit has not been tested with children. Due to his size, strength and occasional puppy nipping when excited, we feel he would be best suited to a home with dog-savvy older children, or an adult-only home.
Other Animals
• Dogs: Untested
• Cats: Untested
• Other pets: Not tested
Due to his prey drive and enthusiasm for chasing birds in the garden, we would not recommend a home with cats or small animals.
Training and Progress
Bandit is a clever boy who is eager to learn.
Things Bandit already knows:
✅ House trained
✅ Sit
✅ Come
✅ "Get it"
✅ "Where is it?" (especially when a ball is involved!)
✅ Good understanding of meal routines
✅ Enjoys travelling in the car
He is currently working on:
• Crate training
• Loose lead walking
• "Heel"
• "Wait"
Bandit generally walks well on lead, although he can be strong initially before settling into the walk. He responds best to clear guidance and consistent handling.
What Bandit Needs
Bandit is looking for adopters who understand that while he is incredibly loving, he is still a young working-breed dog.
He will thrive in a home that can provide:
• Daily exercise
• Mental stimulation and enrichment
• Ongoing positive training
• Consistent boundaries
• Plenty of companionship
Bandit can become anxious when left alone and has shown some escape-artist tendencies, so he will need a secure property with good fencing and owners committed to helping him build confidence and independence.
Like many adolescent puppies, excitement can sometimes result in mouthing or nipping behaviours. His future family will need patience and an understanding of puppy development while continuing his training and redirecting that energy appropriately.
Ideal Home
Bandit's ideal home would be:
✅ Active family
✅ Retired couple with plenty of time at home
✅ Secure home with a large, fully enclosed yard
✅ People committed to ongoing training and enrichment
✅ Quiet, structured environment
Not suited to:
❌ Apartment living
❌ Homes where he is left alone for extended periods
❌ Homes with cats or small animals
Foster Carer's Final Word
Bandit has a softness about him that's hard to describe until you've met him.
Yes, he's still navigating all the excitement, enthusiasm and occasional chaos that comes with being an 11-month-old puppy. But underneath it all is a beautiful young dog who simply wants to be loved and included.
His foster family fell in love with his gentle nature, his striking markings and the way he quietly seeks out human companionship at the end of every day. After the walks, the games and the adventures are over, Bandit becomes the sweetest cuddle companion, happy to stretch out beside you and enjoy the comfort of being part of a family.
For the right home, Bandit won't just be a pet. He'll be a loyal best friend.
Not the dog you’re looking for? Please visit our website to see other
dogs waiting for a home.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/dogs-for-adoption/
Have you considered foster care? For more information please click on
the link below.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/foster-care/
All our dogs are desexed, C5 vaccinated with intranasal, microchipped,
wormed, and flea treated. All necessary vetwork such as dentals,
surgery, eye treatment are also carried out. We are no longer heartworm
testing as we have not had one positive test since we began in 2006. If
a dog comes to us on heartworm treatment this is continued.
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions. Weight: 22kg.
General Details:
Dogs: Untested
Cats: Untested
Other pets: Not tested
No small children
Adoption details
We are a community fostercare network, not a shelter, and our dogs and cats are cared for in private homes. Note that we are very careful where we rehome our dogs and cats and we have an intensive process. If you want a quick turnaround we are not the group for you. If you seem like a good match for the dog of your choice we will organise a telephone chat, a meet and greet and a property check. We offer free assistance for six weeks for any issues, a lifetime takeback policy with full refund of the adoption fee, and will always be available to offer advice.
We care for our dogs and cats and we want you to as well. We know that genuine applicants have no trouble with this process and understand that if we refuse you a dog or cat, it is because you are not the best match for that pet.
Our commitment to the dogs and cats in our care is total and we treat each one as if we are passing on a family pet. This may not suit you so we point out that there are equally great dogs and cats available in pounds, shelters and with other rescue groups.
If you are still interested, please download an application form from our website:
http://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/about-vicdrg/adoption-and-foster-application-forms.html
The application form must be emailed to us:
adoptions@victoriandogrescue.org.au
Please note that we do not take/make telephone calls prior to receiving an application.
Commonly asked questions and their answers are provided when you email us. Unfortunately we usually will not have time to reply to enquiries in more detail and will give priority to completed applications over enquiries. Priority will also be given to typed applications which are easier for us to read and to copy relevant parts.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group Inc is a registered not-for-profit charity.
We appreciate our sponsors and all our donors so much, as without them we would not be able to save the pets we do, or run our programs that reach into the community to give a helping hand. Are you able to donate, sponsor or want to leave a bequest?
For more information please go to the links below. We so much appreciate your kindness.