Adopt the Internet Day

Today is Adopt the Internet Day! Petfinder is asking everyone to help spread the word about pet adoption through the internet. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce you to Banjo and Bandit (we also call him Dito, short for Bandito).

As I type this, they are both snuggled up next to me, and I couldn't ask for anything better.

Banjo is a 4 year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix. Willis adopted her a few years ago from a coworker. I think Banjo started her life on a farm, but for some reason, couldn't cut it. I'm not exactly sure why not, as she lives up to her breed's expectations. She herds us outside, is extremely focused (on fetch), and comprehends most of the english language. After a few other trial homes, She eventually made her way into Willis' life via a co-worker. At first, she was a masterful escape artist, busting out of her crate and opening up windows while Willis' was away at work. Eventually, she got bored of that lifestyle and settled into being home alone. She loves going on camping & backpacking trips, playing fetch, and eating cheese and carrots.

Bandit is a very different dog. A 4 year old Jack Russell Terrier, adopted from Project Pooch. Project Pooch is an amazing non-profit, benefiting both dogs and youth. The kennel is located within the Maclaren Youth Correctional Facility, and pairs incarcerated youth with shelter dogs. We don't know much about Dito's life, but here's what I've concluded: Bandit was bought as a puppy from a breeder and eventually given up to the Humane Society (probably because he's a crazy JRT). The youth at Project Pooch worked with him until he earned his Canine Good Citizen Certificate. He was adopted out to another home, but eventually returned after about 4 months. The same day my little rat, Bog, died, I saw Bandit's photo on Facebook and immediately fell in love. In April, Bandit will have been with us for a year. He's a great dog. He loves playing chuck-it, sleeping under the covers, and eating anything he can get his paws on.

So, if you're in the market for a pup, please adopt! There are a lot of amazing dogs out there just waiting for forever homes. Just please be prepared to commit and stop the shelter cycle! Be prepared to have this creature in your life for a long time (this may mean less moving around, less vacationing, etc). Be prepared to spend more money: you've got to feed them, pay for vet care, and pay for training and dog sitters! Be prepared to be outside more: dogs are better dogs when they go on regular walks, run around in the mud, and play lots of training games like fetch or hide and seek!

With all that being said, if we had more room in our home and more money, I would totally welcome Cookie into our lives! Check him out on Petfinder.com.

Have you provided a forever home to a cute creature? If so, what's their name and how did you find them? Help spread the word!