DESCRIPTION
Born Sept 4, 2025, Banjo is an Ontario dog found as a stray and remained unclaimed at the shelter.
Banjo is a GREAT puppy and the shelter adored him and his wonderful personality. Unfortunately, Banjo landed wrong on his right hind leg and created a small fracture where his ligament attaches to his shin bone (tibial crest / tuberosity avulsion)
Banjo was placed on 2 months of crate rest. Super challenging in a shelter environment, so the shelter requested transfer to Mattie's Place.
I had our board certified orthopaedic surgeon review the file and multiple sets of x-rays on his healing, and the surgeon agreed that with a few more weeks of crate rest, he should be fully healed and ready to take on the world again as a normal bouncy adolescent puppy.
That should put Banjo as healed the week of June 8th. He will have another set of x-rays completed the 1st week of June for confirmation of healing.
Banjo is a Bullweiller (Bulldog / Rottweiler -- possibly more breeds) and currently weighs 40 pounds. He shouldn't top 55 pounds in adult weight if the shelter got his age correct.
Banjo is great with all people he meets (can be a bit shy with some men but gets over it easily), cats and dogs. He's just a great, great boy.
Banjo however does have separation anxiety he is working through. He's currently able to be alone for 30 minutes, uncrated (he busted out of his crate in panic), so he'll need someone home most often. Can he outgrow this? Maybe. But he is such a lover of people he just may be a dog that needs his humans home always. But it also might be frustration from being leashed 24/7 and the inability to blow off a lot of steam, running and playing as puppies need to do.
Though he is being fostered in a condo, he would do best, given his higher energy levels, to be in a home with a secured backyard and an adopter who loves to outdoor adventure with their dog by their side.
Banjo would also do well with another equally sized or larger, canine companion in the home to play with and this may also help with the separation anxiety he's experiencing. The shelter did not see any separation anxiety in Banjo when he was in their care, kenneled.
Banjo is fully up to date medically: DA2PPV, Bordetella, Rabies, HWT, Microchipped, Drontal, Revolution and neutered.
This goofy, sweet guy is ready to join his for-always family! Is it you he's looking for?
FROM THE FOSTER:
Banjo spent much of his foster placement on crate rest. Asking a growing puppy to slow down and heal has been hard for him, but beneath all the energy and excitement is a really, really sweet boy.
He is incredibly food motivated, which has made training a bright spot. Banjo already knows sit, lie down, and touch, and is learning to wait patiently for meals (a skill he is very enthusiastic about practicing) as well as calmly getting leashed for walks. With consistency, reminders, and lots of praise, he does very well and genuinely wants to learn.
Banjo’s biggest challenge so far has been separation anxiety. He bonds deeply with his people and right now struggles to be left alone for more than 30 minutes. More than anything, he wants to be near you. If there’s a couch, a lap, or someone working nearby, Banjo believes he should be included. He has not yet realized that he is no longer tiny and absolutely considers himself lap-dog sized.
He LOVES his cat foster sisters and desperately wants to play with them. While he can be excited, he’s been respectful of their boundaries and will happily lie calmly beside them with foster mom as a buffer in the middle. It’s been very sweet to watch.
With other dogs, Banjo is learning how to play politely. He often greets them by dropping onto his belly, tail wagging, overwhelmed by excitement more than anything else. He has shown no aggression, just a lot of enthusiasm and a desire to make friends.
He loves nearly every person he meets… with one oddly specific exception: men in sunglasses. We’re working through it.
Banjo will absolutely destroy the stuffing inside a toy in record time, but at this point, if shredding a stuffy keeps him occupied, calm, and resting his healing leg, we’re calling it enrichment.
The biggest thing to know about Banjo is this: he is a sensitive, affectionate puppy who wants connection. He wants company, cuddles, reassurance, and to be part of whatever his people are doing. Healing has been frustrating for him, but even through the challenges he continues to show how loving, adaptable, and eager to please he is.
He’s still learning the world. And he’s trying very hard.
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$875 ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing.
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To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.
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Mattie's Place does not deem any dog in our care hypoallergenic, allergy-free or non-allergenic. Unless you are willing to take daily medication to manage dog allergies, please do not apply to adopt because I can't risk a dog being returned due to allergic reactions.
ABOUT: BULLDOG DOG BREED
The bulldog is a medium sized, muscular breed known for its distinctive wrinkled face and pushed in nose. Originally used for bull baiting, bulldogs have evolved into loyal and affectionate companions. They are characterized by their loose, saggy skin, droopy jowls, and a unique gait from their bow legged stance. Bulldogs are known for their gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. Despite their intimidating appearance, bulldogs are typically friendly, making them beloved by owners worldwide.
ABOUT: ROTTWEILER DOG BREED
The Rottweiler is a powerful and loyal breed known for its robust build and confident demeanor. Originating from Germany, these dogs are renowned for their intelligence, making them excellent guard and working dogs. Rottweilers are known for their distinctive black and tan markings, along with their calm and confident temperament. With proper training and socialization, they can be affectionate companions and effective protectors, embodying the qualities of courage, strength, and loyalty.
