Bandit from Ohio

by Jen
(Ohio)

Bandit was a half Manx that I got when he was five weeks old in June, 2000, and at five weeks he already weighed four pounds. At his biggest, he got up to 22 lbs.

He never liked being picked up but would get up on my lap and get comfortable so that I could rub his belly. He slept in bed with me with his head on the pillow and his paws wrapped around my wrist.

He was always sitting on the edge of the counter waiting for me to get home. He liked watching t.v. with me.

He was a mama's boy. He would let me pet and touch every part of him including his stubby tail and paws. He always knew when I didn't feel good or was upset and he always did his best to comfort me.

He would make me laugh by starting in the kitchen and running full blast down the hallway to launch himself onto my waterbed and ride the waves. His favorite toys were his stuffed turtle and a beanbag mouse that he would snuggle up to.

For 13 years, he was the one consistent thing in my life. He knew my schedule better than my family.

On September 16th, he woke me up at 4 am crying in pain, and when I turned on the lights and laid down beside him on the floor I saw it in his eyes that he was tired.

He had been recovering from a back injury and unfortunately the injury obscured the fact he had a spinal tumor. He was dieing and he knew it so when I took him to the vet that morning I knew I wouldn't be bringing my boy home.

I had him put to sleep to end his suffering. He has left a huge hole in my heart and my life. I had him cremated and had his ashes returned to me and they did his paw prints in ink for me which I will soon have turned into a tattoo.

I miss my boy with all my heart but am thankful for the time we had together. He made my life very happy.