|
|
             |
Banjo is a Fine Dog! Banjo is a fine dog who has fallen on hard times and needs some help. Banjo looks like a Springer spaniel. When he first came to Foothills Humane Society, he weighed only 30 pounds (he now weighs 50 pounds). He was extremely thin and had sores in several places. He was so weak that he could not walk well. His teeth were worn down from chewing on bones, stones, and whatever he could find to try to ease his terrible hunger. He was missing hair from having to fight other dogs for what passed as something to eat. He was very anemic from hookworms and other parasites.
It did not seem that there was any hope of a future for Banjo, but he had two things going for him. He did not have heartworms , and he seemed determined to live. His outgoing personality convinced a foster mom to try to help him do that.
When he first came to his foster home he did not have the strength to climb up the two short steps to his doghouse but had to pull himself up on his belly. He often fell down when he walked on flat ground. He had trouble sleeping because of the pain in his belly, and he paced around his enclosure instead of getting the rest he needed. At night, when there was a long time until his next feeding, he chewed on his front paws and tail to try to ease a hunger that he could not forget (he has since gotten over that). Despite frequent meals, he would eat anything that might in any way have been food for something at some time (things that fell from trees, small "anythings" he found on the ground, and things that we don't even like to think about). It was how he had survived as long as he did. Through it all, he maintained a sweet disposition and trust in his foster family and other people he met. As he started getting better, Banjo's personality started shining through. Whatever had happened to him in the past seems to have been forgotten. He is a happy, healthy boy who loves life, soft rubber balls and people. He is loyal and faithful, waiting outside the door until someone comes to spend some time with him. What he really needs now is a forever home with people who can give him time and attention in return for undying love and devotion. Although he is not perfect (yet!), Banjo is a good dog and wants to please. He is learning manners but needs someone to continue helping him with that. He gets along well with dogs, cats and horses. He is agreeable, if not overly enthusiastic, to baths, likes to be brushed and walked on a leash and is very curious about everything new. He rides well in cars and does not get carsick. He will happily play ball with you. Since getting better, he is turning into quite a handsome boy. We think he is about 6-8 years old, but it is hard to tell with his worn-down teeth. He often acts like a two-year old, with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He would make someone a delightful companion. If you think that Banjo is the perfect boy for you, call Foothills Humane Society at 828/863-4444.
Banjo is certain that he will find a good forever home, but while he is waiting, there is something he wants everyone to know. Being the sweet dog that he is, he does not think that people get dogs with the intent to be cruel to them. He thinks that maybe circumstances change unexpectedly for people, and then they are unable to care for their pets and provide them with adequate food, lodging and veterinary care. If this happens to you, please, for the sake of your beloved pets, do not try to "make do", but find them loving homes with people you KNOW actually want them and CAN care for them, or else release them to an approved rescue group or the Humane Society. At least give them a chance to find a good home and not suffer what Banjo did. Banjo thanks you.
|
