A dog named Bandit was saved from a kill shelter by the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia, a private and nonprofit rescue organization. He was then sent to the Gwinnett Jail Dog Program, where inmates helped foster and train rescued dogs. Both of his hind legs became paralyzed as a result of complications when he received treatment for heartworm. He had to use a wheelchair, but that did not stop him from being a cheerful dog.
Bandit had been adopted and returned four times. Each family who adopted him loved him but they could not cope with his special needs. Each time he was returned, the inmates and the deputies welcomed him back with loving arms.
Then Darrell and Sue Rider came along. Darell could relate to Bandit because he was paralyzed from the waist down since birth. Ever since they saw the video about Bandit, they could not keep him out of their minds. They had to at least see him and make sure that they could meet all of his needs.
As soon as Darrell and Sue met Bandit, they knew that he was perfect for their family. Bandit was so happy to go home with them. The inmates were sad to see him go, but they knew that a family would be the best thing for Bandit.
The Riders bought him a special cart so that they could take him out to various places in town. Bandit soon had his favorite spots. He was living his best life.
However, a little over a year later, Bandit got sick. He was over ten years old by this time, and he might not make it. The Riders made a trip back to the jail so that Bandit could see the inmates and deputies one last time. Bandit passed away the week after their visit.
Bandit was loved by every family that adopted him and by the people in Gwinnett Jail Dog Program. He had a home in each place, and he had touched the lives of many people especially the inmates. He would always be remembered by those who cared for him.
Source: Local 24 Memphis via YouTube
