Bandit lived for almost six years in an OUTDOOR 10 X 10 kennel on a “hoarding” property.
BANDERA, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week’s Forgotten Friend is Bandit, a seven-year-old mixed breed that was rescued from a hoarding situation in September of 2024 and brought to Bandera Dogs Rescue Mission. And when we say “mixed breed” dog, we aren’t kidding! The shelter had his DNA panel done and he is a mix of:
- 13% Boxer
- 12% American Pit Bull Terrier
- 5% American Staffordshire Terrier
- 3% Bulldog
- 2% American Bulldog
- 22% Chihuahua
- 6 % Dachshund
- 2% Miniature Pinscher
- 8% Border Collie
- 6% Great Pyrenees
- 5% Australian Cattle Dog
- 2% German Shepherd Dog
- 4% Labrador Retriever
- 3% Golden Retriever
Sadly, Bandit came from a “hoarding property” where he lived in a 10 X 10 foot outdoor kennel for almost six years, basically his entire life. He was outside in the rain, in the heat, in the cold… even freezing temperatures. Now, he deserves a home INSIDE, with a loving family.
The shelter says that Bandit gets along well with other dogs but has never really been around cats.
“Bandit likes a yard to sniff around in and taking short walks,” said shelter staff. “He will need a low-key house and preferably older children just because he just had major spinal surgery in May.”
A home that doesn’t have any stairs would be best for him. He might take a little while to warm up to you, but once he does, he’s a very loving pet. And did we mention that he loves treats?
“Overall, Bandit is very healthy but he will need to be on restricted activity… not a lot of jumping and playing,” said shelter staff. “He is doing so much better since his surgery but he will require pain medication, as needed, for his entire life. Prior to the surgery, he was in a lot of pain, but the surgery helped and has made a big difference in his comfort.”
Bandit has already been neutered, is up to date on DHPPL, rabies, Bordetella vaccinations and also has been microchipped. He has had dental cleaning and some teeth extractions, as well as the major spine surgery.
“Bandit deserves a nice quiet home where he can explore, sniff and be loved,” said Lea. “He’s been through a lot and we would love for him to join a kind, loving and compassionate home.”
The adoption fee is $150 to make Bandit a part of your family. Email the shelter to arrange a meet and greet with him or fill out an adoption application online.
For whoever adopts Bandit, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!
MORE PHOTOS OF BANDIT
Mixed breed dog named Bandit has never had his own home | Forgotten Friends
Bandera Dogs Rescue Mission wants to remind you that Giving Tuesday is fast-approaching, happening on December 2. It’s an international day of giving encouraging you to help your favorite charity, like an animal shelter.
“Bandit’s care including his spine surgery and procedures has cost us $14,000 so just trying to raise more funds and for the animals in our care,” said Lea LaPort, Bandera Dogs Rescue Mission.
Remember, the adoption fee is $150 to make Bandit a part of your family. Email the shelter to arrange a meet and greet with him or fill out an adoption application online.
What to know about Bandera Dogs Rescue Mission
“One of our key initiatives is the Bandera Dogs Rescue Mission (BDRM), a small, grassroots, foster-based rescue, committed to advancing animal welfare in Bandera County and beyond by supporting not only the animals in our care, but also the animal-related nonprofits and businesses that share our mission,” said Lea LaPort. “Through collaboration and community-focused initiatives, we strive to reduce animal overpopulation, improve access to veterinary care, and reunite lost animals with their families. If we are unable to intake, we help folks with resources, placement, transportation, what is needed.”
“My husband, a friend, and I began assisting a hoarding property in December 2023, and since then, we’ve successfully removed 96 dogs and one donkey with the help of fosters and other rescues, and we’re still working to rescue the remaining animals. It’s been a long, ongoing effort, but seeing the transformations has been incredible.”
“Since moving to San Antonio in May 2022, my husband and I have fostered and adopted over 120 animals. As you can imagine, the costs for medical care, preventatives, vaccinations, supplements, and food add up quickly. Despite that, we remain deeply committed, not only to the animals in our care but also to helping our community through resources, education, transportation, and fundraising for essential needs. Moving here has truly changed our lives. We’ve witnessed both heartbreaking need and inspiring resilience, and it’s strengthened our resolve to keep making a difference.”
The shelter could always use volunteers as well as fosters. Contact them at Bandera.dogs.mission@gmail.com for more information.
Visit their Chewy Wishlist to donate items they need. They also have an Amazon Wishlist for items that are in short supply at the shelter.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
You can go to KENS5.com/ForgottenFriends to check out more stories, photos and videos of adoptable pets, plus updates on pets we’ve featured who have found a new “forever” home.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.