Adopter Name

L. Demko

Rescue Dog’s Name

Bandit

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

My husband and I were walking home from a birthday party on a Sunday afternoon. I went into a store and when I came out, I found my husband longingly looking at some dogs up for adoption in a pet store. We went inside to look. There were a lot of loud dogs up front, barking and jumping. In the back, curled up on a chair was the sweetest dog I had ever seen.

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

I knew the second I saw Gavin, as he was known, that I was his person. I knelt down in front of him and took his face into my hands. We looked into each other’s eyes and that was it. I called his adoption agency, emailed and went to pick him up the following weekend to ”foster”. He was diagnosed with heartworm within two days. It became clear early on that he had a whole host of fears and anxieties due to his early life with an animal hoarder. My husband and I never looked back. I found out I was pregnant with our first child about one week after Bandit came home but he’ll always be my firstborn.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

Bandit has made me a fierce advocate for adopting. I volunteer for a local shelter because I think all underdogs should get a shot at the life they deserve. He taught me to put someone else first. He taught me patience and to appreciate progress. My husband and I consider every tail wag an accomplishment. He has taught me that love doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect, just thorough. Every single person that gets to know Bandit wants him to succeed and be happy. As I tell Bandit every morning when I leave the house: The whole world loves you buddy. It’s true.