I've hinted a few times how dogs have become disposable, how breeds become fashionable and also how often for all the wrong reasons dogs are cast aside and displayed as undesirable because of their breed. It has become harder and harder to find space and then ultimately homes for these dogs, as the fashions change or the public's perception is distorted.
As a child growing up in the eighties it was German Shepherds, or Alsations back then, that got it. Then during the nineteen nineties it was the Doberman in all the Hollywood films, with their ears pinned and tails docked, that were the classic devil dogs. After that of course it was the turn of such an amazing breed as the Rottweiler. All wanted as a status symbol and then banished from being acceptable family pets.
In more recent times we've had the same trend take over the fortune of American Bulldogs, Huskies and of course, the much maligned Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
So, imagine my joy a few years ago when what turns up as a stray dumped locally at the coast? A Husky cross Staffy! I remember a friend of mine who was involved with Husky rescue at the time say you couldn't deny that the dog that was to become known as Bandit, was a Staffy with a Husky's coat on! I guess that pretty much summed him up.
Rich came up with the name because it really did match the forlorn character we had inherited. A loveable rogue, but deep down he had some severe issues, whatever had happened to him had scarred him for life. If only they could talk and let us know what they had been through.
I remember once he had a water infection, so I took him to the vets. After receiving antibiotics I thought he deserved a little treat, so i took him for a walk on the beach on the way home. Remember, he had been found wandering at a beach not that far from where we are. He spent the whole walk looking for somebody, searching the horizon. It was heartbreaking to see.
I'm not really sure how the next part of the story happened, hes certainly not the traditional kind of dog that would appeal to me on a personal level, but with all his strange ways anxiety and fear aggression, he somehow ended up coming home with me. I guess it was just fate.
I can't say it has been an easy few years, in fact even now if hes on a walk and a car goes by he freaks out, twisting and turning the lead so much he has unravelled quite a few. If he's off lead he chases the unsuspecting driver, oblivious to the emotion and desperation running through the blood of the dog that most times they don't even notice. I think deep down he is still looking for that person who maybe drove off and left him all that time ago.
I wouldn't swap him though, he deserves so much more. He is learning all the time, growing into being a dog and a pet. Although if Rachel is about, I don't get a look in.
Hes definitely a Mammys boy, but he is a perfect example that whatever happens in their past, sometimes they never forget.
Bandit is trying really hard and doing so well at learning the ropes. It has taken a long time for him to begin to settle, but we are both extremely proud of him.
Last week when the seasons changed from summer to autumn, we had a day at home. Bandit spent it in front of the fire. He took pride of place and loved it. This photo means so much, it's a symbol that he feels settled. I'd like to think so anyway.
(This is the full unedited piece that was in today's Northumberland Gazette.)