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FAITHFUL AND TRUE

© Joy Butler

Not only are they two of the cutest critters on four legs, but they help keep our children safe. As tremendous weapons in the war on drugs and violence, Faithful and True have worked in over a thousand schools, fairs, and functions in 30 states and Canada. Another story on drug dogs? No, Faithful and True are armadillos!

With their ability to fascinate children, these unique looking creatures teach, not by written or vocal methods, but by example. The bony, leathery shell they wear keeps them safe from enemies they may encounter and creates an interesting parallel for teaching children how to resist drugs and crime.

Jim Schmidt, having grown up in Texas around chili cookoffs and armadillos, naturally saw their potential as a teaching tool after he committed his life to Christ. He also realized that in the dominion God gave us over animals, we are called to be good stewards and not harm them, but use them for good. Jim, or Armadillo Jim as he is known, and his family have traveled with the armadillos delivering their anti-drug, anti-crime message to millions of children since 1981. Their Put On Your Armor program proves that wonderful things can happen when hearts are opened up to all of God's creatures, even the homely little armadillo.

There are many different kinds of these animals who are found only in South America, Central America and southern areas of the US, but Faithful and True are of the nine-banded variety. They can expect to live about 15 to 20 years and while 'dillos in the wild consume around two tons of insects in a lifetime, Faithful and True are fed a variety of foods including worms, bugs, vegetable matter, bananas, grapes and dog or cat food. In their search for food, wild armadillos can root up treacherous holes that can be dangerous for ranchers and their animals. When they become a nuisance, folks sometimes call, who else but, Armadillo Jim, who formed the Texas Armadillo Association to preserve, promote and protect these little "armored ones".

He, sometimes, rescues and adopts orphaned and unwanted armadillos. Between 2 and 20 babies can be orphaned. They are quite tiny, weighing around 2 ounces, and "have to be the cutest animal ever." Jim explains that they come in different shapes, sizes, temperaments and personalities and some of these with gentle temperaments serve in their educational presentations and crusades. The children love to pet and feed these creatures who resemble tiny dinosaurs. Parents can be assured that Jim's 'dillos are under veterinary care and licensed under the USDA Animal Welfare Act. They are cared for and fed according to strict rules, and a crew of professionally trained Armadillo Rangers presents them in the educational programs.

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