Bandit crossed the Rainbow Bridge

darkhorse321

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Hello everyone

Today, at around 6:50pm, my vet came to my home and with Bandit in my arms, he was put to sleep. Whatever was going on with Bandit began to progress rapidly, and starting last Thursday, I noticed he was uncomfortable and unable to settle. B-12 helped a bit, but by Saturday, he was uncomfortable, and lethargic. His lethargy progressed and by Tuesday night, he could not stand for very long, and he got tired walking. I found him in the litterbox at 4am. I had this happen with my first kitty with renal failure, but Bandit had something else going on--likely cancer and possibly a brain tumor--something neurological was causing the Horner's Syndrome in his eye.

I was able to switch my work day today so I had the day off to spend with Bandit. I cried, and cried, and cried and he came to comfort ME. He could barely purr he was so tired. I told him it was ok, and that he had fought hard and he needed to sleep.

My heart aches to hold him one last time, to hug and kiss him.

His sister Skye seems to be doing ok---we went to stay with my mom for a few days so when I work, Skye wouldn't be alone right off the start.

I want to thank this site for all the wonderful people and the support and help during Bandit and Skye's difficult times. I was granted a blessing back in August when Bandit fought to stay with me a little longer and I was blessed to have him in my life for 17 amazing years....but it never feels long enough in the end.
 

hellomisskitty

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I'm so sorry for your loss of your Bandit. I was so touched of your story of Bandit comforting you despite his poor state. I'm continually amazed at the relationships people have with their cats: Bandit wanted to make sure he knew you were ok so he could make his journey over the Rainbow Bridge. It was a gift to him that he was able to make that journey in the safety of your loving arms.
Bandit is at peace and free from pain and suffering. He's now watching over you and Skye to make sure you take good care of each other.

[emoji]128149[/emoji]RIP sweet Bandit [emoji]128149[/emoji]
 

betsygee

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I'm so very sorry.  You're right, it's never long enough.  I'm glad you were able to spend one last day with him and he passed knowing how loved he was.  
 
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darkhorse321

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Thank you so much for your kind words. I knew my decision was right as I watched Bandit deteriorate through out the day. I am so grateful I have a wonderful vet clinic and vet team who helped me manage Bandit's many conditions since he was 2 yrs of age.

I just miss him so much. 
 

tisjaeso

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I'm so sorry to hear of Bandit's passing. I will be praying for you, Skye, and the rest of the family. 
 

di and bob

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That he lived so long, happily and feeling loved, is a testament to the wonderful care he received and the love he felt. Even though you knew the end was near, the emptiness in your heart, and your home, is devastating. We can never prepare our hearts for the pain that comes from losing someone so loved and cherished. Treasure those memories you have of happier times, they will bring you comfort in the sad times ahead. Know in your heart that you gave that sweet boy what he wanted the most in this world, your love and a wonderful home. He was in your life for a reason, he gave you so much love and happiness in your life, but now he has to take that fork in the road along your life's journey, but he will be waiting for you at the end. The bond you have can never be taken from you, use it to send your love and your prayers to him, he will return them both a hundredfold. My heart goes out to you, I'll pray for you all to find peace in your hearts. Please give Skye a kiss from me, she will miss her brother too, you can comfort each other with the love you have for each other. Take care.......RIP sweet Bandit, the world is a darker place with your passing, but the pure light from the new star in the heavens will bring your love to those that hold you so dear in their hearts!
 

neely

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My sincere and deepest regrets on the passing of your dear Bandit.  Please take comfort in knowing that he loved and cherished you.  The memories you shared will last forever in your heart.  RIP sweet angel.
 
 
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mrsgreenjeens

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I am so, so sorry to read about Bandit
.   It is true what they say that time heals all wounds.  I know it doesn't seem like that's possible, but as time goes on,  the pain of your loss will lessen, and you will be able to think of him with a smile on your face as you remember the good times rather than his absence.  

Run free at the bridge
Bandit
 

forrestmeows

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I am so sorry for your loss darkhorse321. My heart goes out to you and Skye. You gave Bandit an amazing life. The love we give to our fur babies makes such a difference in their lives. Bandit loved you very much. God bless you for taking such great care of Bandit. I'm sure Bandit will be watching over you and Skye. :rbheart::hugs::rbheart:
 

les26

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So sorry for the loss of Bandit, he had a great life and you did all you could, you have no regrets, just feels sad that the day has come that he had to leave you, but he is fine now, no more pain or suffering. Time will heal your hearts, but it is not easy, the grieving road, but you will navigate it with help of your friends here and at home.

Bandit is happy and full of renewed life, at the Bridge. God Bless.......
 
 

zed xyzed

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Losing them after they have been a part of our lives for so long is crushing.  I am sorry for you loss, RIP sweet boy you will be always loved and never forgotten
 
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darkhorse321

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Thank you so much everyone.

It has been the worst 24hrs of my life. My heart just aches for him, but I had a beautiful dream about him last night: He was happy and young and able to run and play. I was patting him and he was misty, as if he was in a cloud. The feeling I got was pure joy. I know he is in a good place and is happy to be the kitty he was, and he's telling me he'll be ok and loves me. It hurt to wake up and know I couldn't hold him--that's been the hardest thing. I know you all know that feeling well.

I was watching many videos I took of him once we got cameras on our cell phones. I can't believe how different he was even just a year ago. I took video of him on his last day, when he was laying on me, pushing past his fatigue level to come comfort me as I cried, and I realized just how much time and illness had caught up to him.

I will love him forever and miss him always.

Skye is doing well and is a solid comfort. My Mom's kitten is..well, a brat, but Skye's deaf, so she's can't hear her hissing at her ;) I'll be heading home in a few days. I went back to get a few things today and it was very, very upsetting. But, I do miss my home and space. I'm still glad I had the vet come to put Bandit down at our home. He was so limp, even the vet noticed the difference from that morning---yet another sign that Bandit's life was draining fast, and we did the right thing.
 

turtlesmom

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Darkhorse321, I am so sorry for you with your loss of Bandit. I, too, recently had to have my 17-year-old sweetheart, Turtle, put to sleep. She never liked to be held, so I just cuddled her, petted her, and talked to her like I always did while our wonderful home vet administered the meds. Saying it's heart wrenching really doesn't seem strong enough words, does it.  It's been a week and a half for me. It seems so empty here. And I so know what you mean saying that it's hard to believe how different things used to be, how time and the illnesses just seem to have taken over. Even if we know it's the right thing to do, it's still so incredibly hard. I also took a lot of pictures and videos the night before and the day when the vet came. I'm so glad I did. I still can't look at those yet, but having them means so much. No matter how long they're with us, it will never be long enough.

I decided on the second day to light a candle for her every day for a while. For some reason, that has been an immense comfort, just doing that as a remembrance.  

Rest in peace, sweet Bandit. You will be loved forever and never forgotten.

 
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darkhorse321

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Turtlesmom--I am SO SO sorry for your loss. I know reading about other's losses can bring back how sad you are.

Watching old videos of him really made me see the difference in him. What I chalked up as age, was probably illness. But, he was a trouper and I loved him so much. He'd been diagnosed with megacolon at the age of 2, and he'd been a dear and the best patient for 14 years.

Bandit was just shy of his 17th birthday. He would have been 17 on December 8th.

I really miss him. <3 <3
 

les26

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It hurts so badly sometimes you feel like you are going to die yourself, I know....but with time and faith and love, we heal, maybe not fully whole ever again, but we heal. 

The 23rd will be a year since I came home and had Sebastian, who had been sick, die in my arms. I didn't know if I would ever get better from that experience, but I did and am, although the last few days I am remembering it as the date draws closer and feel sad and a painful feeling, but I know he is fine, it is me who is still hurting a bit over it. But we are okay....

And I fully believe that dream you had was him letting you know that he loves you and is fine, no question in my mind about it. Hang in there, remember him always, stay strong, memories last forever...
 

boney girl dad

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God bless you. I know your pain. My Xena left for heaven at 2:14p today. They are in a perfect place in perfect condition.
 
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darkhorse321

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@Boney Girl Dad   I am SO sorry for your loss. There is no way to express how you feel. It's like a part of you dies with them. 

Bandit came home today--well, his ashes. I then went and got a journal to journal his memories. I'm a crafty person so I wanted to do this---I"ve made many scrapbooks of he and Skye over the years, so I want to journal his memories. I'm just so tired. I feel I could sleep forever, but then I can't sleep.

Thank you everyone for your support. I knew this was going to come, I just kept thinking 'later'. And like I said at the vet clinic today, there is never, ever a good day to say goodbye. There's never enough time---because they love us and we love them no matter what. 
 
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