The shelter team had never seen a dog in such a poor state of health.
Bandit is a 12-and-a-half-year-old female Jack Russell Terrier.
A difficult past
Bandit's story was far from a happy one. A few years earlier, she had been found wandering the streets after being abandoned. A kind lady took her in and gave her a home for almost a year. But when the lady had to move into a care home that didn't allow pets, she had to surrender Bandit to the rescue centre.
When she arrived, the rescuers were shocked to see how overweight she was. She weighed nearly 15 kilos (around 33 pounds), which is almost double her ideal weight. She was so overweight that the vet struggled to hear her heartbeat during the examination. Bandit also needed other treatments, including dental care, vaccinations, and a good nail trim.
A spectacular transformation
Linda and Steve Allen took Bandit in as a foster family. They put her on a proper fitness programme. Her meals were carefully weighed to help her lose weight safely. Alongside this, her foster parents started her on a 'bootcamp' suitable for her age. This included short daily walks, a few laps of the garden, moving around the house, and playtime to encourage her mobility.
The initial results were incredible. After just one week, Bandit had lost nearly a kilo (over 2 pounds)! And she continues to lose weight steadily. But it wasn't just the numbers on the scales that impressed her rescuers; it was the change in her overall well-being. The sweet dog turned out to be gentle, calm, and very affectionate. She loves playing with her toys, fetching her balls, and spending time with the family's young children.
Thanks to the love, patience, and care she received, Bandit has gradually found her way back to a more comfortable life. We're keeping our fingers crossed that this lovely dog will soon find her forever family!
