My name is: Bandit
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: Edinburgh
My favourite things are: Destroying squeaky toys, belly rubs, the beach, sunbathing, farting on houseguests

Bandit’s story

I'd wanted to adopt a Jack Russell for years but hadn't lived anywhere suitable until I moved in February of 2021. Finally I had a good home that I could look after a dog in, and then I heard about Underdog from my local coffee shop. The owners adopted their dog, Lychee, from Underdog a few years prior.

Emboldened by this, I searched their website and hit the jackpot when I saw Zac (since renamed Bandit), a nine year old JRT cross from Cyprus. I submitted my application and a few short weeks later, he was home! The process was thorough yet surprisingly simple and I appreciated all the guidance Underdog provided.

On the first day Bandit was quite shaken up and shy from his long journey but that didn't last long. The only real hiccup we had was him pooping in my flatmates room, oops! From the next day, he became my shadow following me all around the flat and insisting to sit on my lap whilst I worked from home. I wasn't used to such a pure form of unconditional love that Bandit gave me immediately. He helped me learn to socialise again after all the COVID lockdowns had knocked my confidence by befriending all the dogs at the park and I would chat with their owners. We are a real partnership keeping each other company and having fun together.

He is such a lovely soul and gentle with my niece and nephew even when they can be a little rough with him. He loves to sunbathe, following the rays around the living room all day to find the best spots. Bandit is the antithesis of the old adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks and he's managed to train me too! He learnt that when I say goodbye on a work video meeting, that I'm free to give belly rubs and will wake up accordingly.

Adopting a senior dog comes with its own challenges but I couldn't recommend it enough. They are full of life and love. It's been perfect for me as my first dog on my own. He's happy trotting around our local park searching for squirrels to chase, scampering around the beach and curling up in the sun soaking up rays. I couldn't have dreamed of a better dog.

- Corinne