Folks, I am not Bandit. I am Sue Hobbs, one of the many volunteers at Cats Haven. I am posting to Bandit's Blog this afternoon because I'm kind of at a loss for another way of doing this. We at Cats Haven need for you all to know that Bandit crossed the Rainbow Bridge late this morning. Bandit suffered seizures today, seizures related to the sinus infections that were a result of the poor condition in which he was found three years ago. He died at home, in Barb's loving arms, and he will be buried at the farm in Cicero. 

Bandit's stay at Cats Haven was short, but was filled with fun and adventures. Before becoming shelter manager, he represented Cats Haven at several offsite events. I am reminded of the time he went to Paws in the Park, wiggled out of his harness, and chased two chihuahuas literally up a tree! What an incredible sight to see these two little dogs running for their lives from a small, fluffy black and white cat! The three of them ended up at the base of a large tree with the dogs attempting to climb up it to escape from the cat. I am also reminded of the evening when Bandit was in my kitchen (I fostered him for a while) and a very large praying mantis made her appearance on my ceiling. I ran upstairs to get the camera before putting her back outside, but when I returned to take the picture, Bandit had somehow gotten her off the ceiling and was trying to play with her. The look on his face was hysterical, like he'd discovered an alien creature of some sort. 

Bandit never met a stranger. As visitors would come into the shelter house, Bandit was usually front and center, there to greet them. And like Raspberry before him, he took great interest in and exceptional care of the kittens who found themselves at Cats Haven. Daily, he would make his rounds from room to room, visiting with everyone and lending a paw where he could. Most recently, Bandit had found a best friend in Barb's grandson, Alex. The two of them spent countless hours together, Bandit thoroughly enjoying having his own human again, and Alex treasuring his feline buddy.

This is a huge and very sudden loss to the Cats Haven family. And I'm again reminded of how fragile life is, how things can change in an instant, and how the loss of one affects so many. As you go through your day today, please stop for a few seconds and remember Bandit. Light a candle and say a prayer for his safe passage. And when you get home tonight, hug your own dog or cat just a few minutes more than usual. Tell the most important people in your lives how much you love them. We are all reminded that life is too short and that if we don't say those words or offer up that hug now, we may not have another chance. Things can truly change in an instant. - Sue Hobbs