Tribute Page for Bandit, Big Black Dog

10/17/2018

I know, I know...it's been ages since I've made contact. I'm very sorry, but since getting my angel wings, I am kept very busy. My list of humans to watch over grows. My greeting duties at the Bridge are special to me because I calm the fears of the newbies and seeing the immediate positive changes is especially exciting...sudden good health, energy, laughter, and knowing all pain, fear and dread are gone forever. Then there is the special time I spend with loved ones already here. It all keeps this big black dog busy. But never so busy that I forget those I left behind. Every once in awhile I leave signs so you know I was there...a tennis ball in an unusual place, a tuft of black fur seen on the clean floor, a thud sound you used to hear when I would plop down, a dark shadow where there should be none, a black butterfly or a ladybug landing nearby...all signs that I'm still nearby. It seems the world is going a little crazy nowdays, so I simply ask that you try to be a little more tolerant, hug a little more, criticize a little less, and always, always love the animals. And don't forget, our seniors, children, veterans, and military must be respected and cared for. Just remember I love you always, I miss you terribly and I am forever by your side. That's all for now, must go to greet at the Bridge. Take care of yourselves and each other. Always, your best buddy...BANDIT!

07/24/2017

Hi friends. I felt alot of you thinking of me this week, especially today. Gosh, these two years have passed in the blink of an eye. Me, along with all my pals here, stay very busy. We have our guardian angel duties, naps, playtime, and greeting new arrivals, as well as comforting those who face their final journey. I know mom and dad were a little sad recently, but today I heard their laughter, as they only thought of happy, funny memories. And I picked a real comedian for them...Shadow. He cracks them up all the time and he is such a happy fellow. I think I deserve a gold star for my wise pick for them. I just want all my friends to know I'm ok...better than ok. I'm thriving, happy, healthy, fit as a fiddle, chasing balls, playing with all my pals here. There are no clocks here, so time doesn't matter. We all know someday we'll be reunited with all our loved ones, and it doesn't matter when, because it will be like we were never apart. Thank you for loving my family since I'm no longer physically there, but I'm only a thought or memory away. I will be visiting when you need it most...listen for a faint thump of a tail, or paw prints across the floor, a wisp of breeze upon your face, a butterfly or ladybug appearing from nowhere, or that shadow just around the corner. Sending much love from heaven and the bridge, keep happy memories of me in your heart. This ol' boy loves you from afar, and will see you one day on the other side. Big black dog hugs to each and every one!

05/12/2017

Bandit here...sorry I've been away so long. I've been so busy that time escapes me. Since I'm ageless here, I have boundless energy. With Mothers Day Weekend, I'm visiting all the special moms that I know. Tops on my list is Virginia, Mom's Mom, and Joyce, Dad's Mom. I see them often, and we laugh alot. Sometimes Virginia makes me laugh so hard, I snort! LOL. Then there are the Grandmas, Aunts, cousins from my family. But there are also special mom friends over the years that now have come home to Heaven. There's BJ, Peanut and Joelle's Mom. She and Virginia have become great friends, just like my Mom knew they would. I could go on and on, but we could be here all day. Mom has been sending prayers about Lani, Dad's brother's wife. She is getting ready to come home to Heaven, and although she leaves some sadness behind, she will soon be with William and her Mom, and others. I will make sure the transition is easy for her. Neverending happiness awaits her. I'm not only busy here, I make long distance visits to many still on earth. They sense my presence, and are comforted through sadness, worry and anxiety. That's my job now, and Mom and Dad trained me well. But don't think I don't stop to smell the flowers, catch the ball, run with my Pack up here. There's time for everything here. Don't ask me how, it just is! Mom told me I'm in a new book "Postcards from Forrest", and that makes me happy to continue to leave my mark there. That's 3 books I'm in now, and Mom has two more ready to go to a publisher, and I think 7 or 8 newspaper articles. Not bad for a big, black dog, huh? And Forrest and I have become great pals, and we love catching those tennis balls. So just want everyone to know that even though I've been gone almost 2 years, I never forget a minute of our time spent together. I miss each and everyone one of my friends and family, but knowing we'll be together in the end makes everything easier to carry on. Happy Mother's Day weekend to everyone. Love and hug those around you, and just remember, always love the animals. Your pal, Bandit. (I still steal hearts!)

02/05/2017

Happy Super Bowl Sunday. This was always one of my favorite days with mom and dad. We are all football fanatics. Especially when our Broncos are in the big game. I see Shadow is a big fan, too, wearing his Bronco sweater, and football closeby. There are always yummy treats, too. I sure miss all my family and friends, but we stay pretty busy up here...being your guardian angels, being there to welcome everyone across the bridge, and taking care of each other. Oh, and did I mention walks, playtime, naps and laughter? I wish all my friends and family a joyous day, and a happy life filled with hugs. I"m still there with you, you just don't have to feed me anymore, or do p**p patrol. Haha. I try to stop by to visit everyone, and especially everyone who has a heavy heart. You may not see me, but you'll know I was there. Take care of yourself, and each other. All your loved ones here send their love and hugs. Keep the faith, and be happy. I love you, BANDIT

12/25/2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone. I'm sorry I've been absent, it's been a busy year, and especially during the holidays. But I've been near, and visiting many, from Nova Scotia to Scotland and the UK, from Ohio to Chicago, and even to Israel and downunder. Tonight I hitched a ride in Santa's sleigh and headed to see Mom in her dreams. She's finally asleep, and I want to make sure she knows I was there. I want to try out Shadow's new bed...I may leave a ball behind. My Christmas wish for everyone is peace, calm, love, joy and all the hugs you wish for. I saw a tear in Mom's eye today as she looked through old photos and memories, and I know she needs a visit. She knows I come by often, and always watching, but my gift to her will be a Christmas hug, and to lick away the tears. You could find me in a soft breeze or gentle nudge, a shadow at the corner of your eye, or a familiar scent. Open your heart and know I was there. We have magical powers and able to be there for all who need us. My wish for all at Christmas and through the New Year is peace, calm, joy, love and more hugs than you'll ever need. God bless everyone. I will always be your special boy. Love and hugs from afar...Bandit

05/29/2016

Happy Memorial Weekend, everybody. Up here in heaven, I'm surrounded by so many heroes, and this is a special holiday, as everyone sees and feels all the honor and respect and love from family, friends and strangers. Mom and I spent so much time with veterans as a therapy dog team, and lost alot of those special friends due to war related conditions...and I've caught up with them here. And those who never came home from wars. The word hero is not taken lightly here. No one here personally boasts that word, but others recognize it in others. That's how heaven is. Celebrate your holiday safely, have fun, but take time to remember all the sacrifice of those lost to war! I sure miss my friends and family, and will always watch over all I care about. I'm there, you just can't see me. Love and hugs, Bandit

Today I honor my Dad, my hero, as a Vietnam veteran, and to all those who have served in every war, and throughout peace times! Thank you, from the bottom of this ol' dog's heart!

05/24/2016

Hi my family and friends. It's me, Bandit, checking in from heaven. I know today was hard for mom and dad, because the time flies by, and I"ve now been gone 10 months. But I'm never really far away. Mom keeps posting my pictures so people won't forget me, and I keep watch over all those in my circle of care. I want to thank everyone who keep my memory alive. I tried to be the best dog I could be, and I think I did pretty good by spreading joy and black fur hugs when volunteering, and always being there to help Dad through dark days. I"m so proud of him for letting Shadow take care of him now. I miss you all, but it's different here. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, and everything is as it should be. That may seem harsh and unsympathetic to those I left behind, but, you see, I haven't really left anyone, I'm always there. One day, you'll all know exactly what I mean. Until then, I'm there, just out of sight. I'm in the gentle breeze, I"m laying in the grass in the sun, or enjoying a warm blaze in the fireplace, laying at your feet, licking your hand, and always watching over you. It's ok to be sad, but remember to live. I'm always nearby, and love you to heaven and back. Hugs, Bandit!