Vana Banana

Stunning Vana Banana, a red-nose/blue-nose Pitbull mix, was my most successful Street Rescue. Every rescue story is unique, but VB's began with a giggle & a scratch of my head. 

Most of the time, the canines in my care played & trained in a very large fenced backyard. On a very dark late night, I released my 3 dogs & 2 boarding clients onto the front unfenced lawn to test their recall. I trusted this particular pack and didn't expect any disobedience.  After 20 minutes or so, I called out,

"Let's go! Come inside"

Just as expected, the happy group of four-legged heartthrobs bounced past me. From the ramp, I did a head count out loud,

"One..., two..., three..., four..., five....SIX??!!" I rubbed my eyes, known to trick me, "Six??" An extra pup trotted right on into my home, too! I have no idea where Vana Banana actually came from. I knew all the canines in the neighborhood, most of whom were my clients. Kneeling close, I investigated the juvenile Pittie. I read her soft snake eyes that spoke to me.

" I'm hungry. I'm homeless, I'm lonely.  I am exceedingly sad and abused,

But with you, I feel safe. 

Can I stay here?"

My heart broke as I felt her pain. I remembered how awful I felt as a young girl... hungry, depressed, lost, & displaced.  No dog collar & she reeked of old poop. Needless to say, I fed her bowl after bowl of food, took her outside, and bathed her. The next day, I asked my veterinarian to scan her. No chip. 

The 12 Paws Pack accepted her

Pack walking & play

I raised funds through my Panther & Oreo fundraiser books to care for her. Despite having a timid & cautious nature, Vana B passed my home & OTJ Service Dog Training Course. We travelled on planes, trains, & automobiles, almost like that movie, lol.  To date, the soft-eyed Pitbull dutifully performs her part-time working assignment in another state.

Vana Banana & I working together on a hospital visit, 2025

We flew from Atlanta, GA, to Philadelphia, PA (OTJ Training)

Over the years, Vana Banana & Oreo Doublestuff became "the twinsies" of my ever-evolving pack. Near the end of his life's journey, my son drove them on a cross-country road trip. I will always be grateful for that. So many lives were touched by the pair.

Vana's caretaker ensures that our quality time remains constant. My beautiful banana girl & I enjoy computer facetime to this day!