Forget Tripod. This Three-Legged Pup is a Bandit.

Editor’s Note: The Dog of the Week feature was submitted by Sharman Snow, a volunteer at the Seal Beach Animal Care Center where the animals are available for adoption. The shelter is at 1700 Adolfo Lopez Drive, Seal Beach, 562-430-4993.

So many people would have chosen to name this little guy ‘Tripod’ because that is what you name a three-legged dog.  But we had to name him Bandit. Keep reading, and I will tell you why.

Bandit was found running in the street holding up his left rear leg.  Poor little guy could not get up the high curb.  The woman that rescued him thought a car had hit him.  But on further examination, it appeared Bandit had an old hip fracture that had healed without medical care and had lost the use of his leg because it was too painful.  

Bandit became known in Old Town Seal Beach because he was in the Christmas Parade - three times.  He started the parade with Seal Beach Animal Care center then wormed his way into the hearts of the Women's Club of Seal Beach.  He was tired after two trips down Main Street, so he jumped on the horse-drawn trolley that was the parade entry for the Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living.

Shortly afterwards, he went into surgery to amputate that pesky back leg, and, after recovery, he was better than new.  Without that leg sticking out and swinging into his body when he walked, he found a new and improved mobility. He is a resilient, loyal companion that needs a person or family that understands he is a dog with normal dog behaviors.   He is a dog with attitude and character and not a dog to be pitied.

He walks well on a leash, likes to go on car rides and really loves it when you scratch his back (there are only so many places a three legged dog can reach).  Most of all, he loves to snuggle, inside your sweater or under your covers when you are sleeping.

So, after all that, why Bandit and not Tripod?  It had to be Bandit - he stole our hearts.  We bet he will steal yours as well.