Shih Tzu – Male – 12 lbs – 10+ yrs (approx.)

Sponsored in honour of Maureen’s special birthday

Update: Bandit has a grade 4 heart murmur and recently had a chest x-ray prompted by an ongoing cough that was not resolving. Unfortunately, it was determined that Bandit is in heart failure, having fluid on his lungs and an enlarged heart, which did not show on his previous chest x-ray. He has now been started on medications to help manage his symptoms and keep him more comfortable. Due to this new development, Bandit will now join our Forever Foster program and remain in the care of his current foster home, where he has come to trust and feel safe. He will continue to be spoiled and loved as much as possible for as long as possible. Welcome home, sweet Bandit – thief of hearts!

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Meet sweet boy Bandit – the boy who steals everyone’s hearts!

Bandit arrived in early March from a Quebec shelter where he was surrendered after his elderly owner could no longer care for him. It was immediately evident that he was in need of a lot of medical help and TLC. He was estimated to be 8 years old by the shelter, but upon vetting with Save Me it was felt he was likely 10+ years of age. Bandit has a heart murmur and had a number of diagnostics done to make sure that he is a candidate for surgery. Bandit had a dental, neuter, and has a chronic skin condition requiring special attention. He also has scarred eyes requiring daily eye drops and appears to have poor vision and little to no hearing.

Despite all of Bandit’s challenges in life, he is the sweetest boy! He is so easy going and spends his time wandering around his foster home (cannot do stairs) or finding a comfy spot to nap. He lives with other resident dogs and is pretty indifferent to them. He is slowly warming up to allowing his foster to give him more cuddles and he will even give some kisses now and then. He will do his business outside when brought out, but does not ask to go out and will go inside as well – a belly band can be helpful.

Bandit is a pretty quiet boy, although he does make the cutest little whiney noises when trying to make a comfy spot for himself. He has also found his voice to express when it’s time to eat! He loves his food.

Bandit has successfully recovered from his dental and neuter surgeries and is now looking for his most perfect forever home! As already stated, he has an ongoing skin condition that requires special attention and currently requires medicated baths (twice per week). He will also always require eye drops and ointment several times daily.

Bandit does fine in his crate once he is settled, but does require a belly band if left for long periods. He also does his other business inside his crate overnight at times, or through the day while his foster is at work, so is not trained to hold it or go in a certain spot.

Bandit has not been for regular walks on leash. He did try once, however seemed to have an upset stomach while walking which may have been some anxiety in an unfamiliar environment. He enjoys small periods of time outside in the backyard, but spends a lot of time inside quietly sleeping so would likely do well in an apartment as well. However, easy access to outdoors would also be helpful for his toileting. If he is exposed to the sun for too long, he should be dressed in light clothing due to his skin condition.

Bandit does tend to walk in circles often, not only when going to do his business, but also other times; it is unknown if this is due to previously being crated often or possibly due to his cognition.

Overall, Bandit is a quiet, sweet boy who would do well with or without other pets in the home. A quiet home with no small children would be best. Due to his hearing and vision impairments, he will need someone who understands and is willing to accommodate his limitations. He has become more tolerant of cuddles, but still is limited in how long he enjoys being held. He loves face scratches and rubs until he decides to walk away. But you can always count on him enjoying a hand-fed treat!