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Dexter & Bandit

Dexter and Bandit came to Old Dog Heaven on March 10, 2024. They are a 14-year-old bonded pair that was owner surrendered to the shelter. Dexter is a little one-eyed Chihuahua and we really aren't sure what breed Bandit is. They were deeply scared when I brought them home. Bandit was so terrified, he refused to get in the car to come home and tried to bite me when I attempted to lift him in. I ended up coaxing him to jump in by pulling on the leash and using a firm voice. 

The boys have health issues. Both have pronounced heart murmurs, which will ultimately lead to congestive heart failure. Most problematic is that it turns out Bandit is very ill with advanced cancer. He has a tumor on his anus and he came home to us as a skeleton, unwilling to eat with extreme diarrhea. He only has a few weeks to live. He has perked up greatly since coming home with us. We got him eating again, pooping regularly and putting on several pounds. It's hard to tell how long he has, but we will make it as enjoyable as possible. He is so incredibly sweet, loves to snuggle and follows me everywhere.

Dexter is in good health. He has been missing an eye since birth and other than maybe being a pound overweight and his heart murmur, he is seems healthy and happy. He is very affectionate and has no qualms about putting the bigger dogs in their place.   

It turns out that neither is housebroken and this is a real challenge with elderly dogs. Bandit, being so sick, has to urinate constantly so he lives in a diaper. Dexter is starting to get the hang of the routine and going outside, but for now, he is in a diaper to ensure he doesn't pee all over my expensive theology books! 

After a few days in their new home, these boys really started to blossom. Bandit has really come alive, smiling and jumping for joy.  They adjusted well, sleeping through the night and enjoying being with Rocky. They both absolutely love to go for walks and sit out on the porch and bark at the world going by.  They are so happy to be here, and we are happy to have them. Welcome to Old Dog Heaven, boys! 
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