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Monday, December 30, 2013

Thank you all for your kind words

Mom here. I wanted to thank each and everyone for their kind words about Bandit. He was a very gentle cat and was always a bit shy around strangers. The only time he would willingly let me hold him was at the vet's office. Then he would try to stick his head under my arm or into my arm pit to hide. It was his "if I can't see them then they can't see me" routine.

Bandit came to our house in a round about way. A shelter from Frankfort, KY brought some adoptable animals up to Louisville. They set up a booth in the foyer at the K-Mart where my brother was working. My brother struck up a conversation with one of the volunteers and was telling her about our Fiona. Like Fiona, Bandit was missing one eye.

Later in the day my brother found out that the shelter's donation jar had been stolen from their table! My brother felt bad for them and he donated $20. When he was leaving one of the volunteers asked if he would be interested in adopting Bandit. His adoption fee would be waived. After discussing it with me it was decided that Bandit would be coming home to us. The shelter held Bandit for a week as I was leaving town and my brother didn't want to contend with a new kitty plus the 6 we already had.

When we did bring Bandit home he fit right in with our cat family. There was very little hissing and growling. Over the years he and Jazzpurr became buddies and would groom each others ears and faces. Occasionally he would allow Daisy to groom him.

Bandit was not a lap cat, but if he was laying on top of the cat tree he would get all silly and roll around demand to be petted! And almost every morning he would greet me in the bathroom and jump on the side of the tub.

He spent a lot of time sleeping on the floor vents as the temperature got colder this year. I don't remember him doing that so much in the past winters. Maybe it was indication that something wasn't right. Or maybe, like a heat seeking missle, he just wanted to have a warm place to sleep. I'm not going to second guess why he decided it was time to go.

Much to my surprise, and relief, the vet's office called today. Bandit's ashes were back and I could pick them up. My boy is home now where he belongs. He is resting next to Panda's ashes. I want to add a plaque to his box with his name. The top of the box is carved, so it would be difficult to put his picture on it (like Panda's box has).  But I don't need to have his picture there. I will never forget his face.

Thank you all again for your condolences. It means the world to me.

Love,
Malinda and Clarissa & Co.

14 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for telling us Bandit's story. You were the perfect home for him - I'm so sorry it couldn't be for longer.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bandit. We're sending our purrs, RIP sweet Bandit.

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  3. We're so sorry about Bandit. It's never easy losing a furbaby...'specially suddenly like Bandit. We're glad he's back home with you now. Purrs.....

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  4. Hugs and love from all of us. We loved reading about dear Bandit.

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  5. I just read about Bandit's passing. Please accept my condolences. I am glad that he was able to spend one last Christmas with you. Godspeed, Bandit.

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  6. I am so sorry you lost your sweet Bandit and send virtual hugs and love to you. xx

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  7. it bee veree nice ta lurn mor bout bandit....we noe panda met him at de gates oh heaven ...ewe now haz two guardian angels looking out for N over ewe Malinda.....we hope in spite oh all this, yur new yeer iz a good one...much health N happiness ta de rest oh de crew in 2014 !! XXXX

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  8. I am very sorry for your loss. Though I didn't know Bandit I can see what a handsome fella he is.

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  9. I am very sorry for your loss. Though I didn't know Bandit I can see what a handsome fella he is.

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  10. It is so difficult when a loved furry passes on..I am sorry to hear this. When I read how Bandit joined you, it sounds like it was meant to be ..and that he came home to where he belonged.

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  11. We are so very sorry that Bandit had to leave you and send gentle purrs and headbumps to comfort you.

    Run free at the Bridge, handsome Bandit Bigtoes ...

    'Kaika and the Yosemite cats

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  12. That made my eyes leak again. It is good that he is home now where he belongs. I remember going to get Admiral. I put her in the passenger seat and drove carefully all the way home, talking to her. I told her "we're going home, baby" just the way I always did. I put her in my bedroom up on the dresser where she loved to perch. She looked over me at night. They are so loved, aren't they?

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  13. We are so sorry to hear dear Bandit has crossed the Rainbow Bridge so suddenly. You made a lovely tribute to him, and we are glad to hear he had such a caring and wonderful home.

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  14. We are happy to know your Bandit is back home with you.
    Hugs and Headbumps.
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure,JJ
    and Angels Tiger and Tillie

    Thank you for your kind thoughts and purrs
    when our Tiger crossed the Bridge.
    She was a sweet kitty .

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