Is it a dog or a squirrel?

by MH
(Walnut Creek, CA, USA)

My dog, Bandit, is a 3 1/2 year old German Shepherd/Pitbull mix. He is the second dog I have ever had in my 26 years of life.

He at one time was known as my suicide prevention. But now that I am back on medications for Depression my Bandit has shown me there is more to life than feeling worthless and empty.

We do everything together. We hike, go to the store, go to the lake and spend every day together lounging around when I am not in school.

The costume I chose to dress my Bandit up as a gray squirrel. I feel this is the best costume that suits his personality because he tends to be a little "squirrely" himself in his daily cute actions.

I love Bandit and am happy to be his pet. I feel that my dog should win this contest because I want others to see that this dog is the reason I'm alive today. He gives me reason to leave the house and continue my education.