This site was made in memory of my dearest friend and companion, Bandit. In the spring of 1999, I decided that I was tired of living alone and wanted to get a dog. The first place I looked was the local SPCA. I knew I wanted a larger dog, one that was friendly, but looked intimidating for security purposes. Bandit (known at the SPCA as "Biggie") seemed to be neither. However, my friend that accompanied me that day convinced me to have a visit with him. The counselor told us that he had been a stray and had been at their location for six weeks already. He was an older dog, graying around the muzzle, his teeth had been worn down to almost nothing. He was dirty, his fur was matted, and he was thinner that I could believe, yet he still was able to smile and wag his tail when I showed him affection. From that moment on, it was love at first sight. We brought him home, and amazingly, he was housebroken. He was scared to death of a crate, I imagine from being locked in the kennels at the SPCA. So, from the very first night, he slept at the foot of my bed. I tried to spend a lot of time with him for the first few days. I wanted him to know that he was loved and welcome in my home. He seemed very eager to please and to learn the new commands necessary to be a gentleman.

One morning, only a week later, about 4 a.m. I awoke to find Bandit, standing over me, feet planted firmly on my shoulders, barking hysterically. Opening my eyes, I realized that my bedroom was on fire! The heating blanket had overheated and started a fire that was now burning only inches from my body. Bandit had awaken me and saved my life! After the firemen left, the fire investigator listened to my story. He was very amazed. He told me that most dogs are terribly afraid of fire and would run in such a circumstance. He added that "that dog must be very attached to you." When I told him that I had only had Bandit less then a week, he was even more astounded. Bandit had only known me for a short time, yet he showed enough love and devotion, to risk his life to save mine. If there was ever any doubt that I had made the right choice that day at the SPCA, this completely erased it. From that day on, Bandit became my constant companion. We had to stay with my parents for a few months while the house was being fixed. Bandit didn't seem to mind the new surroundings, as long as he was with me. Bandit's favorite thing to do was to ride in the car. When the weather allowed, he would go with me wherever I went, and wait patiently in the car. He also loved to go camping. He would defend the camper valiantly and with pride. He also grew to know my moods and to sense when something was wrong. If I became ill, Bandit would lay by my side until I recovered.

 About six months ago, we acquired a chihuahua from a friend of mine. I wasn't sure how Bandit would react to this little ball of energy known as Tito. Bandit seemed to take it all in stride. He would let Tito chew on his tail, his paws, his toys, and even eat out of his food dish without as much as a snarl. The two became inseparable. Bandit's only disappointment was that Tito did not find the same joy in riding in the car as Bandit did. So, those days were still reserved for just the two of us.

On February 9th, 2000, Bandit and I spent the day in one of our favorite ways. I had some shopping to do and he got to ride in the car all afternoon. We even shared chicken McNuggets for lunch, our favorite! On the way home, Bandit went into the back of the van to lay down. When we arrived home, I got out of the van and went around to let Bandit out. Only this time, Bandit didn't jump out like he usually did. Some time during our ride home, Bandit had died in his sleep. Although he had only been with me a year, he made a lasting impact on my life. He is missed by many people, every day, more than I can express. I can only hope that he is waiting for me at the rainbow bridge.

You were never a "Champion" in others eyes...
but you will always be my "Best in Show"
I MISS YOU SWEET BOY