Bandit from Streetsboro

by Marla Walker
(Streetsboro, Ohio)

Bandit came into my life, not by accident. I was looking for a new kitty to love... in a pet store ready to adopt. I was approached by a lady who had some kitties rescued from a barn, and was I interested? Yes ma'am.

Right then we drove to where they were being kept at someone's house. I knew as soon as I saw him. I scooped him up, and he came home with me.

It took a few days for him to feel safe, and when he finally took that leap of faith, there was no turning back. He found his Mamma. That was 2007.

He was skittish with strangers, but a loving, affectionate boy that followed me everywhere when it was just us. He loved catnip, playing peek a boo under blankets, and sitting on the side of the tub when I took a shower and could see me through the curtain.

I was never alone on the couch (until last night). He was always lying on me and tapping my arm when I didn't pay him enough attention. He slept on my pillow and got up with me for morning coffee before work.

Bandit died last night, in my arms. One minute we were playing, the next he was convulsing and couldn't breathe. I couldn't save my little guy and it breaks my heart he was taken without warning. My only condolence is that he wasn't alone. I was right with him, just as he had always been with me.

I love you so deeply, Bandit, for I'll never see you or feel you again in this lifetime. But I smile 'cause you gave me so much love when you were here. He was 11 years old.