At Sangamon County Animal Control in Springfield, Illinois, a terribly neglected dog dubbed Banjo was found scavenging city streets late last week. No one knows for sure how long he had been out there alone; scared, cold, wet and utterly exhausted.
The animal control officer who found Banjo noticed the dog’s backside had been so badly matted, the condition actually prevented him from defecating; which can quickly escalate into a very serious medical complication.
Banjo is believed to be a Schnauzer and poodle combined – aka a “Schdoole” and approximately a year-and-a-half-years of age.
Banjo was immediately sent to a groomer where most of his coat had to be shaved away. According to Cindy at Pet-A-Groom, Banjo’s matting had been the worst she had ever seen. Once his coat had been shaved away, his extremely emaciated condition was heartbreakingly apparent. There is no doubt that the dog had suffered both neglect and abuse.
And the good news – some dogs are just fighters and never lose their ability to love and trust. That’s Banjo. At this point, Banjo needs a new foster. He needs a quiet home where he can continue to gain weight, receive the proper care and heal.
His current foster sings his praises including:
Great with other dogs
Still intact — if placed in a home with another dog, he should be separated when unsupervised as he can get overly excited and “humpy”
He will need to put on weight and be a little healthier before neutering.
Potty trained
Loves toys
Loves car rides
Loves walks
Total sweetheart
Breed is believed to be a Schdoole
Approximate age- 1 1/2 years old.
Banjo has already been through so much. Now he just needs someone willing to give him the chance he deserves.
If you can foster and want to volunteer, please call animal control at. 217-535-3655.
