by Deb Codiroli, San Jose Animal Advocate volunteer
Sprung from the shelter & en route to foster mom.* According to the Humane Society of the United States, “Nationwide, only about 20 percent of dogs in homes come from shelters - the rest come from other sources.”
For folks involved in animal welfare, this is pretty shocking. We tend to think that everyone knows the importance of adoption...the evils of buying from pet stores. Somehow, many, many people still believe that dogs adopted from shelters or rescue groups are inferior.
If Banjo could talk, he’d tell you otherwise. It’s difficult to beat his success story.
UNDERDOG
Banjo is an International Dog of Mystery. He was found wandering the streets of San Jose (I suspect amnesia) and wound up at the San Jose Animal Care Center.
You could tell by looking at him he was neglected: underweight, skin sores all over his body, and one doozy of an ear infection. He was plucked out of obscurity under the aegis of St. Francis Animal Protection Society. I posted his head shot on my Facebook wall in hopes one of my animal loving friends would be able to see the handsome beast of dog underneath his worn exterior.
My friend, Claire, clearly had an eye for a diamond in the rough as she signed up to provide a safe and loving foster-to-adopt home. I picked him up at the shelter and transported him to Claire and her boyfriend, Brooks in San Francisco.
The rest, as they say, is history.
For folks involved in animal welfare, this is pretty shocking. We tend to think that everyone knows the importance of adoption...the evils of buying from pet stores. Somehow, many, many people still believe that dogs adopted from shelters or rescue groups are inferior.
If Banjo could talk, he’d tell you otherwise. It’s difficult to beat his success story.
UNDERDOG
Banjo is an International Dog of Mystery. He was found wandering the streets of San Jose (I suspect amnesia) and wound up at the San Jose Animal Care Center.
You could tell by looking at him he was neglected: underweight, skin sores all over his body, and one doozy of an ear infection. He was plucked out of obscurity under the aegis of St. Francis Animal Protection Society. I posted his head shot on my Facebook wall in hopes one of my animal loving friends would be able to see the handsome beast of dog underneath his worn exterior.
My friend, Claire, clearly had an eye for a diamond in the rough as she signed up to provide a safe and loving foster-to-adopt home. I picked him up at the shelter and transported him to Claire and her boyfriend, Brooks in San Francisco.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Falling. In. Love. FUN HOUNDER
After Banjo, Claire and Brooks got over a mutual period of adjustment, the active juices began to flow (well, in his case, it was pee) and the friends embarked on many adventures together.
After Banjo, Claire and Brooks got over a mutual period of adjustment, the active juices began to flow (well, in his case, it was pee) and the friends embarked on many adventures together.
 Banjo + Claire kicking it pretty hard. |  Getting coffee at our favorite coffee shop was the right move, my friends. |
 Bright, witty, and the life of any party. |  Being adorable is such hard work. |
Singing in the car. Loudly. Off-key.
But in spite of his diminutive size, Banjo was too much dog to be contained on land. He needed to hit the water.
Walking on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away.
SEA DOG
Claire and Brooks were responsible for the drudge work part of yachting: hoisting up sails, rigging some jibs.
Banjo got the glamour job, barking “Oh Captain! My Captain!”
Claire and Brooks were responsible for the drudge work part of yachting: hoisting up sails, rigging some jibs.
Banjo got the glamour job, barking “Oh Captain! My Captain!”
 I’m on a boat! |  Arrgh Matey! |
DOG STAR
Boating around the bay just didn't cut it for Banjo. Threatening to go on strike and refusing to appear in any more life vests, he presented Claire and Brooks with a list of demands, including being top dog on a bike ride around town. He had his humans under his little paw.
Boating around the bay just didn't cut it for Banjo. Threatening to go on strike and refusing to appear in any more life vests, he presented Claire and Brooks with a list of demands, including being top dog on a bike ride around town. He had his humans under his little paw.
Vaaaavrooom!
IT’S ON LIKE DOGGIE KONG!
“Biking, schmiking”, Banjo said next. He had energy to burn and needed more adventures. Paddle boarding, bridge sightseeing, banjo jamming… he did it all.
“Biking, schmiking”, Banjo said next. He had energy to burn and needed more adventures. Paddle boarding, bridge sightseeing, banjo jamming… he did it all.
 Land Ho! |  Banjo, 1 - Golden Gate Bridge, 0. |
Banjo banjo-ing.
Banjo says, "Live the life you have dreamed and rescue a dog!"
The fluff is strong in this one.
*Note: RIP Sheryl Cumine. Banjo loves you for holding him in the car as we drove him from the shelter to his foster family.
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