Hi, I’m Banjo (here I am as a young pup in my dad’s arms). 

I grew into a handsome 5-year old Australian Shephard that has just completed a Pacific ocean crossing from Merritt Island, FL to Brisbane Australia, covering around 10,000 nautical miles with my ahem (72-year old) captain.

The Pacific crossing was harrowing, exciting, boring, fun and, a few times down right scary. I protected my captain while he was changing sails in a storm, I made sure to always be on the lookout for debris in the ocean and ships that got too close. (I also had to protect him from dolphins!)

I have been a loyal companion and faithful friend for over 5 years, but now I'm in a bit of a pickle. Because I came in on a boat into Australia, the authorities won't let me off the boat - I have been on board for 10 months now!! (I also can't go swimming cause of those darn Aussie crocs!!). The authorities say I have to fly out, or go to the doggy heaven in the sky! Which I am not ready to do!!! I have so many more adventures left in me, but those adventures need to happen with my big sister Bev, who lives in Atlanta (and my big, little sister, Tammy).

The authorities are making it VERY difficult for me, and they say that if I don't leave m, they will need to put me down. The flights and travel fees that are needed to save me are over $8,000. But my family is doing everything they can to make sure I have many more adventures...both at sea and on land!

I love to ride at the front of the dinghy and trips ashore were the best.

BTW, in the pics above I only look like I'm asleep but I’m always on the job! In fact, I never let my captain step out of the cockpit of the boat without me! And, since my captain is a little older than the first time he crossed the Pacific, changing the sails sometimes took a long time. We also brought in a lot of fish, and I had to help with the cleaning. It's a lot of work for a boat dog so I get really tuckered out.

We sure could use some help. If you're willing and able to assist, I sure would appreciate it.

Love Banjo

P.S. My big sister Bev already has a dog, Pancake, and I can’t wait to meet her.