Just like a lot of us aren’t thrilled about visiting the doctor, our four-legged friends usually aren’t fans of the vet’s office either. It’s a place filled with unfamiliar smells and sounds, which can be pretty intimidating for our pets.
That’s why the folks who look after the health of our dogs, cats, and other pets always have to come up with ways to make the experience a bit less daunting.
At the Alicia Pet Care Center (APCC), a veterinary clinic in California, the staff have become pretty good at this. They’ve spent years mastering the art of making their furry patients as comfortable as possible with lots of treats and extra cuddles.
The Dog Who Wasn’t Deceived
However, they faced a challenge with a dog named Bandit who was wise to all their tricks. Despite their best efforts, Bandit wasn’t easily fooled.
When Bandit, a clever canine from Mission Viejo, California, arrived at the clinic, he was supposed to stay for several days to receive his necessary medication. Like many dogs, Bandit wasn’t too thrilled about the idea.
“He was very straightforward with his disdain for medicine,” said Diana Gorin, APCC’s social media marketing specialist, in an interview with The Dodo. “He simply refused to take any.”
After discussing the issue with Bandit’s owner, Eric, the clinic staff decided to resort to a classic trick—they’d try hiding his medicine in food he couldn’t resist. They settled on a turkey sandwich, Bandit’s favorite treat, and even made a special trip to Target to get the perfect ingredients.
The Sandwich Strategy
With the ingredients secured, the staff were hopeful. They thought all they needed to do was present the sandwich to Bandit.
But Bandit had other ideas. When they offered him the sandwich, he gently took it, placed it in his bed, and used it as a pillow instead of eating it.
The situation was both surprising and funny. The staff tried different variations: plain turkey sandwiches, sandwiches with peanut butter, and even just peanut butter. But Bandit was not impressed. Soon, he had a stack of sandwiches for a pillow.
Despite the frustration, the clinic’s staff found humor in the situation and even shared a video on TikTok, capturing the humorous ordeal. The video showcased their attempts and failures, and it quickly became a hit among their followers.
The Breakthrough
Despite the levity, the main goal—to get Bandit to take his medicine—was still unmet. So, the vets had to think on their feet and come up with a new strategy to outsmart this savvy dog.
Finally, a breakthrough: “Two of our doctors cleverly wrapped the pill in a delicious meatball without him seeing,” Gorin explained. “When they offered it to him, he gobbled it up without a second thought!”
This new method proved successful, and Bandit unsuspectingly continued to take his medicine hidden in tasty meatballs until he was ready to go home.
After a week at the clinic, Bandit was discharged, and according to Gorin, he’s doing much better at home. She even joked, “I think he’s considering opening a deli called Bandit’s Turkey Sandwiches.”
The Legacy of Bandit’s Sandwich Shenanigans
Bandit’s escapades at the clinic not only brought laughs but also showed how inventive vets need to be sometimes. His story is a testament to the persistence and creativity required in veterinary care, especially when dealing with smart pets like Bandit.
It’s clear that the experience left an impression not only on the staff but also on the wider community who followed his story. It wouldn’t be surprising if, inspired by his antics, a pet food brand decided to create a Bandit-themed sandwich treat for dogs.
Bandit’s story is a charming reminder of the unique personalities our pets possess and the lengths to which those who care for them go to ensure their well-being. Even when it involves a sandwich or two.
