Last Night Our Best Friend In The World Died

2011 November 20
by Michael H. Berkens

After a short 13 1/2 years our best friend in the world, Bandit died last night.

He died like most of us would like to,  at home next to his loved one’s, Judi and I.

He went quickly and painlessly.

While most would point to the most incredible life he had, the places he went and how lucky he was to have a great life, we think we were the lucky ones.

Certainly he was a rare and precious gift from God.

We named him Bandit because when we saw him he stole our heart and we soon found out he had the same effect on thousand of people he met on his short time on earth.

There wasn’t a day or a place we went out with him where people didn’t come up to see him, ask what kind of dog he was, ask to take his picture , and to pet him and in turn Bandit would give them a kiss.

Over the years literally thousands of people all over the country and the world, stopped to chat with us.

We can’t begin to tell you how much joy, happiness he brought us everyday.

To us he wasn’t a dog, but a hairy child.

He was super smart, sweet, loving and we don’t really know what we are going to do without him in our lives.

Our hearts are broken.

Rest in peace our little boy, rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125 Responses leave one →
  1. 2011 November 21

    hello there,

    well, even i don’t much about ” bandit ” but i’m sure what its feel to loose our ” best friend ” …

    sorry for your both lost…

    Rest in Peace, Bandit

    Regards,

    Ramon Wagey

  2. 2011 November 21
    Steve permalink

    Sooo sorry about your incredible loss. I’d jump in front of a car for my little pup which is almost 2 years of age. To spend another 11 years with your loved one could only be a pain compounded beyond that of which I could not even imagine if I lost mine. Wishing you the absolute best.

  3. 2011 November 22
    Michael H. Berkens permalink

    Judi and I are overwhelmed by all of the genuinely warm wishes and support on the passing of our wonderful Bandit boy.

    Not only in your comments here, but on Facebook, in your emails and through your phone calls and on Ricksblog.com, we feel Bandit has touched your heart as he will always be in ours.

    The words of one domainer who wrote me I think may have summed it up best:

    “Hard to imagine that one little, fabulous dog came to own the hearts of so many former strangers; strangers which somehow became the best part of a whole Industry!”

  4. 2011 November 22
    Internet Media permalink

    Sorry about your loss Michael and Judi…

    Peter

  5. 2011 November 22
    Michael H. Berkens permalink

    We have decided to have a memorial service for Bandit and bury him in a Pet Cemetery.

    Services will be held on Wed November 30 at 12:30 at the Broward Pet Cemetery

    11455 N.W. 8th Street
    Plantation FL 33325
    954-476-0743

    It is about 5 minutes away from the Sawgrass Mall and is in a lovely residential area surrounded by Horse properties.

    The service will be opened to anyone who would like to attend.

    Although Judi and I have had other pets, and loved each and every one, Bandit was special and deserving of a special memorial and final resting place.

    The cemetery is very nice and there are many much loved companions at rest there.

    If you can make the ceremony the grounds are opened 6 days a week for visiting.

    Thanks to all of you

  6. 2011 November 22

    I was out of state the past four days and rarely had a chance to get online so got this sad news late. So sorry to hear you and Judi lost such a dear loved one and wonderful companion. Bandit touched us all in such a positive way. He will never be forgotten by any of the hundreds of friends he made in his many travels over the past 13 years.

  7. 2011 November 22

    Sorry for your loss. Even though I didn’t know Bandit very well he seemed like a very nice doggy!! Best wishes, Karen

  8. 2011 November 22
    Jack Sinclair permalink

    Michael,

    I can’t believe Bandit is gone… all of us here in Vancouver BC want to send you and Judi some love during these difficult emotional times, and hope some small part of it is felt, to lift the heart in these heavy times.

    Jack

  9. 2011 November 22
    Mike Law permalink

    Sorry for your loss Michael, condolences. RIP to your beloved Bandit, the domain industry’s most famous pet ever.

  10. 2011 November 22
    greg dumas permalink

    My condolences to Judi and Mike. The loss of a special friend like Bandit is a terrible experience and I wish you well. XOXO

  11. 2011 November 22

    Sorry for your loss.. . .
    This is for you
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2504207679046&l=e7085a9383
    ~Patricia Kaehler – Ohio USA – DomainBELL

  12. 2011 November 22

    Very sorry for your loss. I just adopted a little rescue dog, Izzy, last month, and she already feels like a family member. I am sure Bandit knew how loved he was, and appreciated having you close by during his final moments. RIP sweet doggie.

  13. 2011 November 22
    debbie gross permalink

    So sorry to hear about Bandit. He will be missed. May the great memories you have of him help you get through this difficult time. Debbie and Shelly

  14. 2011 November 23
    Mr.T permalink

    Our deepest condolences to you both, Judi and Mike. May the memories of wonderful Bandit be with us all forever and always.

  15. 2011 November 23

    Very sorry for your loss.

    Best,
    Jason

  16. 2011 November 23

    Michael and Judi,

    As the dog owner of Rudy, my 4 year old Maltese, I wanted to express my condolences for the loss of your beloved Bandit. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  17. 2011 November 24

    Is there a charity we can make a donation to in Bandit’s name?

  18. 2011 November 24
    Michael H. Berkens permalink

    Adam

    We will be making an announcement on this shortly

    thanks for the support

  19. 2011 November 25
    JillXan permalink

    So sorry –we too wanted send our condolences for the loss of your beloved Bandit.
    Our children in fury coats are such a special part of our families and lives… Forever
    Our best to you and Judi.
    JillXan and Jan

  20. 2011 November 25
    Alexa Raad permalink

    Hi Mike

    I was so shocked and saddened to read the news. The love you had for him was evident. Having been through a similar loss myself, I can understand how you feel. Wishing you peace and love

  21. 2011 November 25

    Sorry to hear this. I’ve lost my dalmatian, Taylor, after 13 years recently and know how sad it is to lost such a loved one. Perhaps the two of them are playing at the rainbow bridge

  22. 2011 November 27

    R.I.P. hairy child!
    WE know what really means lost a friend like you lost. As everyday we care of our dogs and some abandoned cats i am feeling your pain. Next February we remembered the year of 2009 when we lost our Nanook an husky female that lived with us during years. She is buried on our bio garden and everyday we place flowers and fruits over her “sacred” body.
    Peace for HIM and for you too.
    thanks to François Carrilo that wrote about your lost.

    Carlos Martins, Lisbon, Portugal
    http://www.domainsinternational.net

  23. 2011 November 29

    Judi and Michael,
    It was easy to see Bandit was a very special boy who seemed to transcend his dog-hood. I am so sorry for the pain and sorrow of losing your dear family member.
    Please take care, best wishes to you both in this difficult time.
    best,
    Annalisa

  24. 2011 November 29
    Clyde & Liz permalink

    Judi and Mike, Our sincere condolences on your loss. No dog ever had more TLC than Bandit had from you guys.

  25. 2011 December 3

    Hi Judi and Mike,

    I am sorry for your loss! I am lucky to have met Bandit at TRAFFIC a couple months ago. My first and last hello/goodbye. Bandit seemed like a great dog and he had a great personality. He will surely be missed! Rest In Peace

    Truly,
    Nadir Patel
    eClickZ.com

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