Bandit was our "Goodwill Ambassador"..... he showed all the new kids the ropes - like how to find the popcorn under the couch cushions, how to change the TV channels......and the best places in the house to sleep.....
His was an untimely and unexpected death..... as usually happens with Feline Leukemia, now I know.....
On the eve of his passing.... a friend wrote this tribute to my buddy.... even though they had never met.... thank you, Gary, for your insight and compassion .......and the poem.
"to you"
Oh, dear God I ask of thee. Why'd you take my friend from me?
A friend whose life I'd come to know. Sowed love in my heart and made it grow.
He'd look at me with loving eyes. Come play with me and hear my cries.
"He was just a pet" some would say. But I ask of you, on this sad, sad day.
Look after him and give him rest. For as a friend, he was the best..
Bandito, buddy, you may be gone....... .........but never, EVER forgotten.....
----In loving memory of "Bandit"..... 4/94-2/16/98
Bandit used to love to sprawl on
the bench on warm summer days....
and watch me work in the yard......
Bandit acted ferocious and fearless....
but was a big teddy bear, really......
Bandit and Baby Chad were best buddies..
Chad tested positive for FeLV as well...
we are taking things one day at a time.....
NOTE: Chad passed on exactly one month later, to the day.
They are both sorely missed, months later...
Job Foreman on the sideyard project...
Bandit was a natural leader....
......toll of my friends taken by FeLV to date:
Harley... Jan. 12, 1998
Bandit... Feb. 16, 1998
Chad ... Mar. 16, 1998
Strawberry... Apr. 20, 1998
Dice... Sept. 8, 1998
Amadeus... Dec. 10, 1998
Kit.... July 1, 1999
Chap... August 2, 1999
Fancy... April 1, 2000
I'm afraid it's starting all over again......
It is.....
Inky... June 1, 2001
Dear Lord, when will this end ?
"Lend Me A Kitten"
I will lend to you for awhile
a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives,
and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back,
take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and, should his stay be brief
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below
I want this kitten to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's
land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your
love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
my kitten home again?
I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings
the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back
much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed
your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved,
please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs
this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us
to love all his life.
~Author unknown
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