Last Night Our Best Friend In The World Died
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.
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My condolences to you and Judi, Michael for the loss of your best friend. I never had the chance to meet Bandit but always enjoyed seeing him star in all those photos on your travels.
I am very sorry to hear the sad news
Lonnie
Mike, Judi,
So sorry to hear about your loss. We’ll miss Bandit.
Rest in peace Bandit. Hang in there Michael, that is a tough loss….
All the old anchors come back and hit me every time I see or read these things, it is difficult but a small price to pay for the unconditional commitment & joy of the years you get.
Very sorry to read about your loss. Best wishes from Erika and Sean.
Judi, Mike, our sincere condolences!
Sorry to here about Bandit, the good news is you will see him in the future, when my buddy Tara passed away i was hurting really bad, so i started reading about pets and the afterlife the good news is we will all be back together again…. Life is short.
I’m a dog lover too. It’s hard.
Condolences.
Dear Michael and Judi
So sorry to hear about your friend Bandit. He attended domainer events and ICANN meetings all over the world (including some parties). He seemed to take the travel in stride, and was just happy to be with the two of you. Hugs to the two of you.
Best
Ken
OUCH!!!
I imagine how Judy and you must be destroyed.
Think Bandit is probably now in peace somewhere…
I share your sadness and breathe you love and courage.
Sorry to hear about Bandit a lovely looking pet.
Hi Judi,
hi Michael,
sorry to hear about your loss. I was pleased to meet Bandid when we met in Munich.
My sincere condolences.
Oliver
Judy and Michael,
My condolences to you both for the loss of your best friend…It’s never easy, but hopefully with time the pain will pass and turn to joy remembering the many wonderful times you had together…
Hugs and warm thoughts to you both, RIP Bandit
So sorry to hear the sad news, bandit was a great dog. Take care and our sympathies are with you and Judi.
Sorry to hear about Bandit.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys
R.I.P. Bandit
Sorry to hear about the sad news. You both had a very special dog and Bandit had a great life.
Mike and Judy
Gabi and I learned of your loss last night. I have been there too with my beloved two dogs in the past, I know the pain. Only time and his memory will heal the wounds. Please pass our condolences to Judy as well.
Alan and Gabi Z.
Dear Mike & Judi,
I could hardly believe it this morning when I heard the news about Bandit. We were so glad that we just had the chance to share pictures and stories about him with you in such a fun and relaxed way… May Bandit rest in peace…
xoxo
Lori Anne
Judi & Michael – My most sincere condolences. Rest in peace Bandit.
Thinking of you,
/Frank
Sad news indeed!
I have a puppie for the last two montha and already stole my heart, I cant feel you 100% percent but you have my full sympathy about it.
ps: months after from today you may have another lucky guy in your family telling him storied about “The Bandit”.
After reading this whole thread and FB posts etc I have to say that I can’t think of a more worthy member of Ricks Domainer Hall of Fame!
Judi and Mike,
So sorry to hear this very sad news. I’m glad I got to meet and speak with him a few times. He was very special.
Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dave
I have had a few pets in my lifetime, but Bandit was more than a pet, he was your child and will be sorely missed by Barbara and me and Ray and Kim and the entire Domain community. He was a symbol of the good fellowship that we all shared, knowing that Bandit Berkens would be part of the festivities.
In restaurants, you didn’t even know he was there, he was so good. When he got a present, he couldn’t wait to unwrap it himself and see what was inside. He brought love and joy to everyone who met him. He will leave a void that cannot be filled except by his memory of good times. We love you and Judi and are so sad at OUR loss.
Michael,
Condoldences to you and Judy for your loss. It’s never, ever easy.
It’s obvious that the love that Bandit shared with you two was as sincere as only a true loved one could express. Your “hairy child” describes your love for him beyond any further description. To be a part of such love that Bandit share with so many is so very fortunate. I can tell that your lives have and will be forever changed by him coming into your lives. You gave him the ability to be and return your love.
I trust before long you both will be able to celebrate the love that he broth into your lives and allow yourselves to appreciate what he gave you and to heal. Love really is a beautiful thing.
With best regards,
BobLee
Orlando
very sorry to hear the news
Hi
As a fellow dog lover who has endured the deaths of 3 beloved collies over the past 40 years, I know exactly how you feel.
My sympathies to you.
WF
So sorry for your loss Mike! I have 6 adult kids and a 5 year old Yorkie named Jasper. He is always the best kid in the bunch everyday. I have seen many pictures of Bandit over the years on Ron’s website and Rick’s posts – he was a great looking Yorkie. Best to you both – Steve
Rest in Peace, little friend!
(Found on the monument for Lord Byron’s dog, Boatswain, on the grounds of Byron’s seat in Nottinghamshire, Newstead Abbey.)
“Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just Tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG.
Who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov. 18th 1808.
When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown by Glory, but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor’s art exausts the pomp of woe,
And stories urns record that rests below.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Masters own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth,
Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth -
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power -
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy words deceit!
By nature vile, ennoble but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye, who perchance behold this simple urn,
Pass on, it honours none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one – and here he lies.”
Our deepest condolences on your loss
So sorry
Sorry to hear of your loss. It’s always hard to lose a member of the family. It sounds like he’s a huge part of a lot of memories, and was well loved. I don’t think a pup could ask for much more.
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
Mike and Judi,
So sorry to hear about your loss … my condolences go out to you.
Ron
I have an Akita and Two Chow, Chow mix, all three rescue dogs. I saw a bumper sticker the other day in the shape of a giant paw that read “Who Rescued, Who?” that pretty much sums up my feelings about my dogs, I can’t imagine how sad it will be to loose one someday. My condolences, hang in there.
Bandit touched so many lives, he will be missed by many. Condolences to both you and Judi.
The one species that knows more about man than any other, including man himself, is the dog. They’ve evolved side by side in work and play.
Man is dog’s best friend.
Having a painting of your dog is a great way to preserve their memory.
I found this & thought of you guys
I love you both, Ray & I miss him so much..
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me
and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
though I know your heart aches so
But remember it was for the best…
It was my time to go.
I know how much you love me…
As much as I love you.
And each time you’re thinking of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.
I’m deeply sorry fo both of you.
Just remembering Bandit your hearts
will be full of joy forever.
George
So very sorry for your loss. But so very happy you had the 13+ years of love and laughter with Bandit.
I am very sorry for you.
Mike, sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is the worst. Their unconditional love is the best. In order to enjoy the best, we are forced to endure the worst. It’s worth it. God Bless.
Condolonces. May his memory be a blessing.
Judi & Mike,
Sorry for your loss
Condolences to the both of you.
Mike
Hi Michael & Judith,
A life is only as good as the other lives it influences – including your “hairy child” – who had a positive influence on Trina & I and so many others – Bandit was a noteable staple of the TRAFFIC conferences – and those memories will never go away.
Thanks
Bri
So sorry for your families loss!! You will be in my prayers!! May all the fond and loving memories bring a little peace. God Bless your whole family!
Phil
Mike and Judy-
I am at a loss for words to express my deepest condolences to reflect anything appropriate for what you must be feeling.
I am sad for your loss of Bandit, and grateful to have shared at least 3 cities among some of the the locations in the world that he joined you at.
Bless you both,
Jothan
So sorry for both you and Judi.
Bandit was so adorable and will be missed. My thoughts are with you both at this time.
God bless,
Catherine