GALLIPOLIS - When Angelia Denise paid a visit to the Gallia County dog kennel just after Christmas last year, she was only looking for a companion.

What she found was much more.

The black and white border collie she named Bandit has become her closest caretaker.

“Due to a respiratory condition, I took medical steroids, which caused me to lose most of my hearing,” Denise said. “Bandit is my hearing assistance dog.

“Showing natural ability, Bandit was easily trained to perform his job. When working, he is to ignore the public, but when at the city park, he greets all the people.

“Bandit is a great ambassador for all working dogs and our local shelter.”

Dog Warden Tom Halfhill and deputy Paul Williams knew Bandit pretty well before Denise adopted him.

“We picked him up a few times,” Williams said. “He kept getting out. His owner finally told us to just take him. He was a good dog at the pound - well mannered.”

Williams said that Denise and Bandit made a connection with each other during her visit. And he is sure that others could experience the same kind of bonding experience during a visit.

“(Denise) was just looking for a companion,” Williams said. “What she found turned out to be much more than what she was looking for. If people come to the shelter, they might find one like Bandit.”

Dogs that are picked up by the wardens, but not claimed by their owners or adopted are euthanized. Williams said they would much rather have the dogs adopted.

“It gives us great pleasure to know that one of our animals has made somebody so happy,” he said. “It's good to hear a success story instead of a sad story.”

The Gallia County Dog Shelter is located at 18 Shawnee Lane. It is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. The number is 441-0207.