jennaleighteti

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post. 2013 did not get off to a good start for me. Last week, I had to say goodbye to my dear dog Bandit who fought a long list of health issues throughout his life. I don’t think I can ever find the words to express how amazing Bandit was or how much he meant to me, but for those of you who knew him, you know he was truly one-of-a-kind. 

In the summer of 2008, I acquired this; an adorable French Bulldog puppy with a big belly, a big personality…

 …and a bit of an attitude. 

Bandit came to me during a somewhat difficult time in my life, but he was a bright light in an otherwise murky time. He brought me a great deal of joy and happiness, and it wasn’t long before we became an inseparable pair.

Bandit quickly morphed from this:

 into this: 

But as he matured into the handsome dog he was, his health issues became quite apparent. Bandit was dealt a faulty set of airways and, on top of that, burdened by constant allergies. I took great care in managing his health, sparing no expense and altering my lifestyle in order to provide him with the full life that he deserved. It was truly a labor of love and well worth it. In return, Bandit provided me with infinite smiles and laughter. He didn’t let his poor health prevent him from being the happiest dog. He was an absolute clown.

And though he enjoyed running around like a nut, he was also known to loaf about, sleeping for hours on end or finding a quiet place to sit and watch the world go by. 

And other times…well…he was just in your face…really in your face. 

Bandit and I traveled all over the country together. He was an excellent copilot on countless long car rides. His strategy was to go to sleep when the trip started, and stay sleeping until the car stopped. He never got anxious or worried, and his presence made hours in the car pass by easily for me. We were quite a pair of gypsies. And though we visited many places, I can say without a doubt that his favorite place to be was my hometown in New Hampshire. No matter what time of year; spring and summer,

colorful and crisp fall,

 and even winter (though I can’t say he was a huge fan of the snow). 

And throughout his life and our many travels, Bandit made a long list of friends.

His good friend Daisy took him under her wing as a pup despite his habit of tormenting her.

He even managed to befriend my parent’s dog (and my childhood dog) Moxie. A loveable curmudgeon, she wasn’t particularly fond of other dogs. We were all impressed that she put up with his antics. If he could win her heart, he could win anybody’s.

Sometimes he attempted to make some unlikely friends…

…very unlikely…

But it goes without saying that he was the best friend I could ever have asked for. 

The world has a funny way of working, and though it was short, I truly believe that Bandit fulfilled his purpose in life. He came to me during a difficult time, kept me strong, and was my constant companion on my journey to one of the happiest times in my life. I miss him more than I ever thought I could. But I like to think he’s a completely healthy dog up in doggie heaven now, breathing easy and allergy free. He was one in a million, the dog of a lifetime. Rest peacefully, my friend. You’ve earned it.