Several weeks ago, we heard through the local rescue network that there was a dog that had been found, but the finder couldn't keep him. No other rescues were stepping up and the overcrowded shelters nearby said that the dog would be euthanized immediately as an owner surrender. We watched a video of the poor boy and saw what appeared to be a beautiful, but scared sable shepherd."

"OK," we said. "We just can't let him die. We'll find room for him."

And slowly, the story began to unfold. It seems that the pup (whom we now call “Bandit"), had been part of a "clear out the shelter" program where shelters relax their adoption standards to make room for additional animals. Someone adopted Bandit but he ran away. A kind woman was driving by and saw Bandit lying in a ditch. She stopped, opened her car door and Bandit jumped in, panicked and shaking. Knowing that she just couldn't leave Bandit beside the road again, she took him home, where her own dogs were none too happy to have a new pack mate. Bandit, however, showed no signs of aggression and became attached like velcro to his savior.

Knowing she had to do something, the finder took Bandit to her veterinarian, who read the microchip and traced Bandit to the shelter. The shelter then called the adopters, who said they didn't want him. After some pressure from the shelter, the adopters agreed to pick up Bandit. When they arrived, Bandit freaked out, hiding and cowering behind the woman who had saved him. "I'm sorry," the woman said. "You can't have him back. You need to sign him over to me." Unfortunately, she couldn't keep him, and that's where we became involved.

We arranged transport and when the van arrived, Bandit pulled out of his collar and began to run around the grounds, beyond terrified by the circumstances he found himself in. I sat down and called him, and Bandit charged toward me, wrapping both of his paws around my arms as if to say "help me!"

And then, only then, did I realize that the beautiful sable shepherd I had seen in the video was actually a very handsome Belgian Malinois! If you know shepherds, you understand that a malinois is something else altogether. He has been subjected to horrible abuse and in constant fear of being hit and flinched when we moved our hands too quickly or the leash brushes his skin. He paced constantly when he was out of his crate, and he has scars on his body that attest to a very hard life.

We’ve had Bandit for several weeks and he is slowly beginning to come out of his shell. He seems incredibly thoughtful and calm (for a malinois). He's sweet, gentle and kind and gives kisses willingly. He loves and craves affection, and he follows you everywhere.  He's even begun to roll over for belly rubs. But if we push him with a command, he just tenses and waits to be hit.

So, at this time, we're not pushing commands. We call him and he will walk with us and follow us everywhere.  He loves being with his people. Bandit loves his crate. It's where he feels safe.

As Bandit continues to heal emotionally, we'll be looking for an adopter who has experience with mals, and can balance patience and understanding with the knowledge that mals are highly intelligent and can take advantage of any perceived weakness. While Bandit is tolerant of other dogs, and lives with several German shepherds, he would probably like to be an only pet.  He has a very high prey drive, so no cats or small animals.

Bandit still has a way to go, but now his future looks bright. He's a special sensitive dog who deserves a special owner. The one-on-one time he'll give you will be like no other dog. And he'll be your best friend forever.

Bandit is crate trained, neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and on monthly heart worm preventative.  He obeys when he is called and will stay by your side and always be watching you.  Bandit needs an experienced handler that know the Malinois or German shepherd breed.  He is incredibly smart and learns quickly.  He is a very special boy who is sensitive to harsh voice tones.  He needs a gentle but firm hand.  He is not comfortable around loud voices or a lot of commotion.  He needs a quiet home and someone to lay next to and snuggle.  He is incredibly affectionate.  Bandit needs a secure fenced in yard and someone who is home a lot.  He rides great in the car and is always up for an adventure.   Because of Bandit’s high prey drive  he is not recommended with small dogs or cats.   Bandit cannot be off leash when he is not in a secure, fenced in area because he loves to chase.