“I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?”

-Sir Walter Scott

I experienced the loss of a pet this week. My first pet loss. My family Boxer Bandit passed away on Tuesday night. At fourteen years old, this is quite a long life for a boxer. Most boxers live about 8 – 10 years. Bandit had been doing great, and while she was grey, and slower moving than she use to be, she was the happiest, sweetest dog.

We got Bandit when I was in eight grade. My family has always had boxers as long as I can remember. I wish I could find the pic of my mom’s boxer Oscar sitting on a pool float with sunglasses on in the 70’s to post right here, but I don’t know where it is. Anyway, My Aunt Lucy (who took us to the spa last weekend!) bred her Boxer Belle, years ago, and Bandit was the baby of the litter. My sister Hannah paid my aunt $5 as her “deposit” on Bandit. Bandit came home with us a few weeks later, much to my mothers protest! But come on, how can you say no to a 5 year old, who just spent her life savings on a puppy?

Bandit was without a doubt the best dog in the world. She was the sweetest, kindest, most loyal dog. She was not hyper, she was wonderful with kids, and she had the biggest heart. Whenever I walked through my parent’s door, Bandit was waiting there to greet me and shake her hips, since she had no tail. Ha. She always knew when something was wrong with one of us, and she was the first to curl up next to you to let you know she was there. She loved to go in car rides, and she loved to sleep on my bed when allowed.

I saw Bandit when I was home for Father’s Day on Sunday. I remember she got up and greeted me as usual, and I pet her and told her “hi sweet girl!” I noticed she had a cough, and asked me parents what was wrong. They said they were taking her to the vet Monday morning. I remember just watching her for a minute as she circled around her bed in the middle of the living room. She always turned circles on her bed to find “just the right spot” and then she plopped down as usual and just sat there with her little face on her paws looking at me. So sweet.

I was only home for about an hour, but I always- always tell the dogs bye. I gave Bandit a hug and told my dad Happy Fathers day and was out the door. In hind sight- I am so sad I wasn’t home longer on Sunday. I had gotten back from the spa that afternoon, and had been at the pool for a couple hours before going home for dinner. I was exhausted and wanted to get back to my house before to late. If I had known that would be the last time I would see Bandit, I of course would have stayed longer. That is the thing about life, you just never know.

Bandit’s cough got worse, and the vet put her on antibiotics and steroids. My dad was home with her all day Tuesday, and said she was following him around like usual and being her sweet self. She began to deteriorate quickly, and it was clear she had to go to the doggy ER when she began coughing up blood. She was having a hard time breathing, and it was clear something was very wrong. The vet took an x-ray, and found out her lungs were full of tumors. Boxers are extremely prone to cancer, and it is a wonder she did not have problems earlier.

My parents were with her when they decided to put her down. She was in so much pain and distress, there was no other option. It all happened so quickly that my sisters and I didn’t get to see her. I have to think my parents were also wanting to protect us, by not calling us when it happened. They said it was the saddest moment, and they just pet her sweet head, and told her what a good doggy she was. It happened quickly, and luckily she was not in pain for long.

Bandit was a part of our family. And we will miss her greatly. She loved her role as our protector, and she loved each one of us. She watched us all grow up, and I think that is another reason she lived so long. She made sure we all made it out the door, and on to college, before she left us.

{Hannah and Bandit}

You dog lovers out there know how special a bond with a dog is. And for those of you who are not dog owners, just call me an emotional sap! Haha. The first thing I did when I got home Wednesday (after finding out) was run and grab Sadie and just love on her. I am so saddened by Bandit’s loss, but I also am so in love with my precious pug puppy who has many good years ahead of her. And when I get sad, I just remind myself, that “All Dogs Go to Heaven”.

Thanks for listening. I just had to share what was on my heart today!