Long Valley 'Bandit' Found After 55 Days

Bandits are often known for their mischief, causing havoc, then fleeing.

One Bandit from Long Valley did just that for nearly two months, but has since been captured.

This Bandit, however, has been welcomed home with open arms.

On July 28, a —who only had him in their possession for minutes.

The Pampanin family had just taken Bandit in after his owner died, and was roaming the backyard of his new home for just minutes. When Andy Pampanin turned away, just for a second, he says, the 10-pound animal took off.

Pampanin explained the full story in an email sent to family, friends and organizations that attempted helping to find the dog.

The family searched the neighborhood and surrounding woods that night, and when Bandit didn’t turn up, a full-fledged search-and-rescue mission was put in place.

The family contacted animal control, local police departments and neighbors on a daily basis, Pampenin said, and even went as far as to advertisements on radio stations and offered a $1,000 reward for Bandit’s rescue.

A trap was set up along with a motion-activated hunting camera that would take photos day and night. After one night, when the trap caught a nearby barn cat, the photos revealed Bandit was stalking the area, watching the cat for hours.

The Pampenin’s hope of finding Bandit was renewed, and they reset the trap and camera.

At 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, a neighbor called to say Bandit was trapped in the cage. The Pampenins have called it a miracle that Bandit returned 55 days after he fled the home.

The Sheltie lost three pounds during the ordeal and suffered from dehydration, but is on his way to recovery, Pampenin said.

The Pampenins now have a Bandit they’ll surely never let out of their sights again. 

Information provided by Andy Pampenin.