“Don’t ever lose hope. Even when times get tough and you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel – the only thing that will get you through is clinging to the hope that a better tomorrow will come.”
This is the motto that Bando has lived by for the past few months.
After being cruelly abandoned—tied up outside a shelter and left behind—Bando’s life became a constant struggle. But despite it all, he refused to give up.
A Painful Past, A Resilient Spirit
Source: Muddy & CO, LLC
When Heidi, a volunteer at ACCT Philly in Pennsylvania, first met Bando, she immediately fell in love. Despite everything he had been through, this sweet Pittie mix had the biggest smile and got along with everyone at the shelter.
“From the moment I saw his smile and his energy, I knew he was special. Everybody that’s met Bando is really, really in love with him,” Heidi told Cuddle Buddies.
Although he had lost his home, Bando never lost hope that one day, things would change for the better.
A Heartbreaking Setback
Determined to give him a second chance, the shelter found Bando a foster home, hoping he would either become a “foster fail” (meaning the foster parents would adopt him) or at least receive an adoption application soon.
But heartbreak struck again.
Instead of finding his forever family, Bando was returned to the shelter once more. This time, the experience left him deeply affected.
Kennel life took a heavy toll on him, and his once happy-go-lucky personality gave way to severe anxiety and stress. His caregivers could see he was struggling—this was not the life he deserved.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Recognizing that Bando needed extra help, the shelter signed him up for a board-and-train program at Muddy & Co.
Under the guidance of Jeff, the founder of the program, Bando began his transformation.
In just a few short weeks, he learned good manners, socialized with other dogs, and rediscovered what it meant to be part of a family. He was thriving.
Still Waiting for His Forever Home
Despite his progress, there were still no adoption applications for Bando by the time his training was complete.
Jeff, unwilling to see him return to the shelter and risk undoing his progress, made a heartfelt decision—he would foster Bando indefinitely until the right family came along.
A New Chapter, A Brighter Future
Today, Bando is a happy, playful, and loving dog. He shares toys, enjoys playtime with other pups, and greets new people with excitement.
“I stay really positive knowing that he’s gonna find a family that is ready for him to fit in and have a great life after he leaves me,” says Jeff.
Bando’s story is one of resilience, hope, and second chances. While he still waits for his forever family, one thing is certain—he will make an incredible companion for the right person.
Good luck, Bando. You deserve the very best!