Mending a broken spirit: Bandit’s story of rehabilitation

Bandit was broken when he arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. He hid under his bed, shaking with fear when anyone approached. Going outdoors was equally terrifying; his animal care team had to scoop him up in their arms to help him outside. Any sudden noise would leave him scrambling to try to get back inside to the safety of his bed.

Hours were spent sitting and talking softly to Bandit. Days turned into weeks as he slowly grew more confident. He cautiously began to accept treats and would let the select few staff he trusted sit with him a little longer each time. One day he climbed into the lap of his favourite caretaker to be cuddled and fell asleep. It was the closest thing to love and safety Bandit had felt in a long time.

It was also the turning point we had waited and hoped for. Bandit started to greet us when we arrived at the animal centre each morning. Although Bandit was making progress, there were setbacks along the way. A change in bedding, loud dogs, new people – anything different sent Bandit cowering in the corner.

Bandit wasn’t thriving in an animal centre environment. To help him on his path to rehabilitation, he was placed in a foster home. It took more than a month of love, patience and intensive work to get him to come out of his shell.

For dogs as broken as Bandit, recovery doesn’t end on adoption day. Finding the perfect home is critical for their long-term health and happiness. After meeting several potential adopters, we knew when Bandit had found his person. It was love at first sight and his adopter had the knowledge and patience to help him develop into the dog we knew he could be – the dog he deserved to be.

You can help change the lives of dogs like Bandit. Help us make the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre a reality.