Bandit: Thief of Hearts, Dog Toys, and Anything She Could Get Her Paws On!
I have not yet found it in my heart to welcome another dog, and that is a strange place for me as I've never not had one in my entire life. But, due to chronic health issues, it puts me in a completely different place and unable to properly care for a dog again. And that hurts. In my heart, I know one day when it's right we will welcome another furry friend into our family. For when I welcome dogs into my family, I give them my all, nothing less. So for now, my broken heart runs on memories.
But until the day when we once again hear the pounding of paw prints in our home, I am left with my memories. Oh, and there are so many. Today, is for Bandit. What can I say about her that I haven't already? If there was one dog who I thought would go to 100, it would have been her. But it was not to be.
Bee was the crazy Husky in the bunch. Like a toddler, I can still hear me calling out, "Bandit!" as she had gotten herself into some mischief. Her biggest theft? Stealing as many of the FiveSibes' toys she could and hiding them under her, like she was guarding a pile of gold! Bought new beds? Bandit would be on top of all five. "BandaBear! Those are not all yours!" New toys (and always five, one for each), same - she'd rush in and sneak them off to a pile, then lay there with them all daring the others to come take theirs. She even dared to steal my grandson's baby pacifer and act like she didn't! BOL!
Bandit was the quietest of the FiveSibes pack. While she was a hearty howler with Harley, Gibson, her brother Wolfie, and sister Chloe, Bee hardly ever barked, and wooed on her own very seldom. But she had a keen eye and nothing got past her! She could spot and catch a bird in flight in a nano second. She loved to lie low in the grass and dart out at speeds I didn't know a dog could run! She was also the pack's big kisser! Oh, did that girl love to give licks! She was also lightning fast! I think she fostered dreams of being an Iditarod racer! When they all had zoomies, it was a definite tie who was the zoomiest, her or our alpha queen Harley. Bandit fostered dreams of being the alpha, but surrogate momma Harley would in her tough, but kind way, let her know who was boss. Bandit was also very strong and healthy. Until she wasn't. And that brings me to this date in 2020. If you'd like to read her memorial, please visit HERE.
I sit here and wonder if sharing their Rainbow Bridge anniversary dates is a good thing or not. I do it because honestly this is their blog. I wouldn't have FiveSibes blog or Facebook page or my books without them and their inspiration. A huge part of my life has been as their "FiveSibesMom" - how could I not remember them each on their heavenly date? Maybe one year I'll stop and just remember them in my mind as they are always in my thoughts and in my heart. But until that day, I'll honor them here and hope they know how so very much they were loved, still are, and always will be.
To think this is Bandit's fourth Rainbow Bridge anniversary blows my mind. Time is so surreal...and really does pass by way too quickly.
So, like our BandaBear, go out and play with your dogs and family. Have zoomies all around your yard and house. Eat the treats. Go for that walk. Take that nap. Snuggle up with your dog(s).
Life is too short and goes by too quickly not to. Cherish every single memory.
Dear Bee,
You and all of your crazy shenanigans are truly missed. I hope you and your siblings Wolfie and Chloe, as well as Harely and Gibson, are all howling and having some wild and awesome zoomies north of the Rainbow Bridge.
You'll always be in my heart.
❤️ Memories Are Visits For The Heart ❤️
I know today is Thursday, but I felt this would be a wonderful flashback post. So in memory of dear Bandit, I'm combining #ThrowbackThrusday with my #FlashbackFriday, and opening the #FBF blog hop up a day early. As always, the link will be open for a week, so join in any time!
Such a beautiful Angel still stealing hearts from The Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope you are able to welcome a new husky or two very soon. A new best friend helps to heal the heartbreak from the loss of beloved heart dogs. I’ve learned huskies are one of the breeds that frequently ends up in shelters, because of inexperienced owners. They are such beautiful dogs, it’s easy to see why you love them.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful face of your sweet angel. Sending gentle thoughts as you remember this sweet girl. ❤️đź©ą
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your sweet Bandit. Where does the time go? Wish we could keep them forever. ♥
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to your beautiful girl, Bandit! She certainly earned her name. I agree with you, I wish all our fur kids and loved ones could stay here with us in great health forever. That is a delightful dream. I hope your health improves sooner than you even think so you can add a new fur baby to your family. It's good for your heart, mind, and physical well-being. I do get not want to compromise your hu-mom parenting due to your health restrictions. I'm sending you a lot of healing energy and looking for a magical wand. Excellent post about your girl, Dorothy!
ReplyDeleteShe was so beautiful and what wonderful memories you have of her, you were so blessed and I had to giggle over the pacifier story BOL, I could picture her doing that. You were the most amazing dog Mom and praying one day you will have the opportunity to do it all over again but your health does come first, big hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a tribute to Bandit, a wonderful dog. I hope you might have dogs close again, one day, because you have so much love to give them.
ReplyDeleteRainbow Bridge days allow us to remember them more fully and with every ounce of love we have (especially the silly and funny memories). They never leave us do they, we miss them evrey single day.
Marjorie and Toulouse
DashKitten.
I think its a beautiful way to keep their memories alive!
ReplyDeleteI could almost hear all their paws as they race through the house! You've written a lovely tribute, and hopefully one day when you're ready you'll be able to once again, share your heart with a dog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memorial to Bandit. I have tears in my eyes writing this. I can't imagine how odd it much feel not to have any of your pack members still with you. You are such a great Husky Mom, you were so amazing with them. Hang on to that always.
ReplyDelete