Bandit

Bandit:

Bandit is as sweet as he is beautiful! All he wants in the world is to be near someone who loves and appreciates him. Well, that and to play fetch with his favorite toy…. Bandit was surrendered to a small rural high kill shelter for an “incident” involving the neighbor’s chickens. No fences and somebody left the henhouse unlatched. None of this is remarkable – he’s a dog, after all – except that Bandit is completely blind!

The shelter was terrifying for him but he maintained his happy, gentle nature, and won the hearts of the staff who reached out to CBCR for help. After a few days in foster, he’d learned his way around, figured out the dog door and learned to enjoy leash walks – a new adventure for him. He relies on the leash for clues about objects in his path. Bandit is a very typical Border Collie: eager, active, attentive and highly intelligent. He is cautious on walks, which slows the pace slightly, but he will pick up speed as he becomes more familiar with the route. He may never be a good candidate for a jogging buddy, but you never know. He certainly has the energy and strength to be a runner and would definitely enjoy hiking.

Like many Border Collies, he LOVES to play the game of fetch and does so with great enthusiasm. He has all the moves and can usually find the toy in a few seconds.

Bandit is 7 years old, up to date on shots, heartworm negative and on preventatives, and was neutered after coming to foster. He weighs 53 pounds and has a beautiful slightly wavy, glossy coat. Everyone notices him and comments on his beauty and he’s happy to oblige their interest with affection. He was good with dogs he met at the shelter and has been great with my dog, though he does walk on her sometimes… He would probably enjoy playing with a friendly dog (my girl is too dignified), though since he might be a little clumsy, a dog of similar size and energy might be best.

Bandit’s blindness is likely from Collie Eye Anomaly – a common genetic defect in herding dogs. It does not require treatment. Blind dogs do exceptionally well once they learn their environment and routines. They do need a few things – a fenced yard, very limited (or no) stairs, uncluttered surroundings. Small children or frail, fall -prone, seniors are not a good fit for obvious reasons. For Bandit, no chickens or cats. Best of all would be with in a one story home with a fenced yard. He’d do well as an only dog (so he can soak up ALL the love!) or with another friendly dog buddy.