When a senior dog named Bandit first stepped onto a scale, her foster mom knew she needed a plan.
The 12-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell terrier had been through a lot. She was severely overweight, weighing nearly 33 pounds — about twice the weight of
the heaviest bowling ball. Bandit also needed a nail trim and a teeth clean, and to get up to date on her vaccinations.
But more than anything, Bandit needed people to show her the love and patience she deserved.
A few years ago, Bandit was found wandering the streets of Nimbin in New South Wales, likely after being abandoned.
A woman visiting the area found Bandit and took her in, giving her a loving home for about a year. However, the woman, who used a wheelchair, was unable to keep Bandit after moving to a care facility that didn’t allow pets. That’s how Bandit found her way to North Shore Dog Rescue, a rescue group based in Sydney, Australia.
When Bandit first arrived at the rescue group, the team took her to Parkes Street Vet for a checkup.
Bandit’s foster mom, Linda Allen, told The Dodo that the vet was “barely able to detect a heartbeat” due to Bandit being so overweight.
The vet recommended that Bandit work toward a healthier weight of around 19 pounds. Bandit also had her nails trimmed and received her vaccinations. The vet also recommended a dental cleaning once Bandit reached a healthier weight.
Bandit was then placed into foster care with Linda and Steve Allen, volunteers for North Shore Dog Rescue.
The Allens started Bandit on a carefully measured diet that gave her the nutrition she needed while helping her safely lose weight.
“I’m sure she thinks we are starving her, but she’s adapting!” Linda Allen said.
Bandit’s transformation didn’t stop with her meals. Her foster parents also got her into an exercise routine — or, as Linda calls it, “doggy bootcamp.”
“Bootcamp consists of getting her steps in each day, whether that’s walking from the kitchen to the other end of the backyard for mealtimes, for some sniffing or toileting, or following us around the house as we go about our day,” Linda said.
Already, Bandit’s hard work is paying off. After just one week, Bandit lost 2 pounds. By her third week, she’d lost another pound. And she’s on track to lose even more.
While Bandit is working toward a healthier future, she’s also making the most of her time with her foster family.
“She’s a very sweet and chill girl — nothing seems to phase her,” Linda said. “She loves her squeaky toys and balls and will nudge them to us to throw back to her.”
Linda said Bandit also gets along really well with her young grandkids and isn’t bothered by their noise or energy.
For the Allens, helping Bandit hasn’t only been about watching the number go down on the scale, but about giving the older dog the happiness she deserves.
“If we can save one dog from pain and discomfort and give them the opportunity of a comfortable future life, regardless of how long they have left, then it’s worth it,” Linda said.
