To the absolutely, best, greatest, most wonderful, amazing, incredible, extraordinary, perfect dog ever....

I am posting sooner than expected..

to share with you the unfortunate news. Bandit was put to rest at 11:55am yesterday morning.

He wasn't doing too well as of Friday night, took a turn for the worse Sunday night, and it just went downhill from there.

Yesterday morning, we found him in the front room. He'd gotten sick and was bleeding from the groin, as he was Sunday night. Jeff tried getting him up to go outside, and he wouldn't move. He didn't have the strength anymore, so we carried him to the truck, and headed to hospital. Jeff's dad met us there, and we had to roll him in on a stretcher. They took him in the back, and had us wait in a room. The vet came in about 5 minutes later and just shook her head. She said all of the money in the world couldn't help him, it was his time. So I signed the papers tearfully, and I don't even know if I got my signature on the line. The nurses rolled him in, and he was so out of it. The vet said as they were rolling him in, they were going. Then she started the injections.. my hand was on his chest and I was holding his paw. He stared right at me as it was happening.. looking at me like "help me please" ..which is now a picture I can't get out of my head. And within not even the vet finishing the first injection, I felt him stop breathing and his heart stop. I looked at Jeff..balled my eyes out and shook my head. He was gone. It was the absolute hardest decision we ever had to make, and we really didn't have a choice. He's no longer in pain, and that's what I have to keep thinking.

He lived a great life, and was with us for 11 years and 5 days. He was the best. You seriously couldn't ask for a better dog. He was perfect. I am honored and so blessed to have been able to be his mommy, and to have named him, and spent so much time with him. He's got my heart, and he always will.

He's being cremated, and when he's ready, he'll be coming back home to his house to rest in peace where he belongs.

I miss him so much, and my heart feels so heavy and hurts. My eyes are swollen and my head is pounding. Jeff is being so strong. Thank god for him, because he's been my rock. And I am really grateful for him..

Bella (our 1 year old boxer) is taking it hard too. She's usually a huge ball of energy, and she hasnt left our/my side since last night. She's just laying around sleeping. She whimpers here and there. I know she knows Bandit's gone. She laid in the kitchen where he laid Sunday night, then laid on his bed. She won't leave my side, and I really don't mind it. I'm thankful to have her, because I don't know what I would do.

Thank you to those who have sent their condolences and support to Jeff and I, and our family. We really appreciate it. He's in a better place, and no longer in pain. And thats all that matters.

Bandit,

We miss and love you so much. We hope you're okay, and you're that happy energetic dog we've always known. We'll be okay down here. Just have to shed a few more (thousand) tears. We know you'll be with us always. I love you so much, Bubba. Rest easy..we got it from here. Watch over Bella and play forever. I better see you at the gates with that tail wagging. You're the best and no one will ever, ever, ever come close to you. Give em hell and show em who's the best. Daddy and I miss you sooooo much, and love you even more. See you soon, Bandit. <3

RIP

6.15.2000-6.20-2011

Only God takes the best...<3