The Better "Man"

Carl and I stopped by Petsmart one warm June day in 1997 to look at the "adoptable" dogs. Carl had just returned from six months overseas and we both really wanted a dog. I was looking for something small and cute. Carl was looking for something large and not "small dog". Carl saw a sad looking dog in the bottom kennel (I had walked by and didn't even give the dog a look). "Let's look at this one" said Carl. I reluctantly agreed thinking this dog was way too big.

The handler brought out this very nervous dog who immediately ran back into the kennel. She brought him back out but this time the dog licked our hands, wagged his tail and then licked Carl's face. 20 minutes later we were leaving with a red leash, dog dishes and dog food.

Bandit was my friend. He was loyal, forgiving, and gentle. He was with me when Carl would go on long deployments and when I got home from a long day at school. He listened to me when I was mad at Carl and offered his soft furry neck on more than one occasion when I was crying. I have found Carl and Bandit sitting together when Carl wanted to "be by himself". He was Carl's running partner for years. Bandit reminded both of us when ever a "discussion" was becoming too heated. He would run and hide under the bed. A sign the we needed to to leave the "discussion" and return when we could both be reasonable.

Bandit was a gentle soul. Even little kids loved him and would come over to the yard to play. He never acted like he "owned" the place and graciously accepted all the changes that came into his life including 3 moves and and a child that permanently replaced his position in the household. He always said thank you and felt remorse when he had done bad. I'm not sure how much remorse he felt when eating all the cookies from the Christmas cookie exchange 3 years in a row but I know he felt a little guilty that Scout got the blame.

Today as were leaving the vets office Carl said "We gave him a good life. We were good to Bandit." I thought about this and said "Bandit was better to us." God Bless you my good and faithful friend. I will miss you!

Bandit 1997- Aug. 1 2008.