Bandit is a special needs dog that has been adopted four times and returned to the same family. He appeared to have little chance of finding a forever home, but his luck changed one day.
The dog was discovered on Georgia’s streets and transported to the Gwinnett Animal Shelter before being transferred to the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program. This initiative saves dogs from being killed by having offenders look after them and teach them to be adopted.
Everything appeared to be great for Bandit until he became paralyzed in his back and had to use a wheelchair to move about.
Bandit’s particular demands necessitate a great deal of attention, which may explain why his adopters have returned him to the program multiple times.
Although the workers at the program like the dog, they want for him to find a permanent family and home.
After so many disappointments, it seems like the right family would never come along, until a couple read the post on Facebook and felt they could help.
Darrell and Sue Rider, a married couple, were inspired by Bandit’s tale and were unconcerned about their particular needs because Darrell had the same impairment.
The Dodo quoted Darrell as saying:
“The most fascinating aspect about Bandit is that we both have paralysis and require a wheelchair to go anywhere. Sue and I both know what it’s like to be in a wheelchair, so we knew exactly what Bandit needed. We also have a much stronger bond.”
Following their decision to adopt Bandit, the couple went on the show to talk about everything there was to know about dog care. This procedure took a month, but everyone felt that Bandit would be a fantastic fit for his new family.
Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program volunteer Lori Cronin explained:
“Darrell remarked that Bandit was ‘exactly like him,’ and that they wanted to provide him a life where he would be understood and cared for.”
They knew they were intended to be his parents after completing the proper papers and meeting Bandit.
Although there was a bittersweet taste in the program for his departure, everyone would miss him when the puppy was moved to his new home.
He’d been on the program for so long that it felt like home to him; everyone adored him, but in the end, they’re glad he found a family.
Lori stated,
“He meant so much to everyone in the prison facility that it’s unusual not to see him running to you for a present when you walk into the unit he was in.”
Now that Bandit has moved into his new home, he has settled in nicely, as if he has been there for years. The dog and his new family have a fantastic relationship; they have already shared numerous experiences and adore one other as if they have known each other for years.
Darrell explained:
“Bandit is doing fantastic and has acclimated to his new family and surroundings better than we could have anticipated. We, as his family, are overjoyed to have Bandit in our midst.”
