Hi, my name is Bandit. I am an orange tabby living in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Presently, I'm 5 years old. I have had a somewhat interesting life.This is how my story begins:

I was born to a litter of 6 kittens on Aug 8, 1993. My mom, Poop, was an excellent mother! Nursing, cleaning, and loving each and every one of her kittens. Everyday since our birth a neighbor lady would come to visit us. She was very nice but cautious around us kittens, because she didn't want to upset my mom. After a few days, my mom felt comfortable with the neighbor lady and would bring her closer to us kittens. My mom would even let her touch us gently, but would not let her pick us up yet. Soon the lady would sit with us for about an hour everyday, stroking our fur and quietly talking to us. One of my little sisters (who was the runt), really took a liking to this lady. She would meow and purr every time the lady touched her. The lady named her FunnyFace, because of all the black, peach, and gray markings across my sister's face.The lady had special names for some of the rest of us too. Rickocet-for the circles on his sides, Bandit-for my mask around my eyes, and Harley- because he purred like a HD motorcycle.

We were outdoor cats, so as we grew, mom would take us around the neighborhood. We would always stop at this same ladies house knowing she would have treats for us all!! Like a good mom, Poop taught us to track, hunt, and of course, kill. Not that we ever went hungry, there was always a bowl of food waiting at home. Mom was teaching us survival skills!! Little FunnyFace wasn't very good at any of it. She would rather go to the lady's house and sit in her lap! I would join her sometimes, because I liked to be played with too. This seemed to make the lady very happy because she always looked sad. The three of us would sit for hours "talking" to each other. Alot of the times the lady would be crying. FunnyFace seemed to know how to comfort her though.

As the time approached for us kittens to find new homes, the lady came one day and asked if she could adopt FunnyFace. My mom didn't like letting her kittens leave the nest, but she knew it was time. She also knew the Lady would give FunnyFace a good home. So at the age of six weeks, FunnyFace moved in with the Lady. We were able to find out that this lady's name was Casey. FunnyFace told us that Casey was a very good human and really needed her love. You see Casey was going through a divorce at the time. FunnyFace seemed to find the perfect home. She lived inside a warm home, with plenty of good food and water. Casey even took her to the vet for an exam and shots to protect FunnyFace. Casey would stroke her, play with her, and talk to her for hours. FunnyFace was a very good listener and was always able to comfort Casey. As for the rest of us kittens, Harley found a home across the street. Rickocet went just up the block, and the other 2 kittens went to a man across town. I was the only one not wanted. So mom let me stay with her. I was happy because I could still play with FunnyFace!

About six weeks later, FunnyFace got very sick. Casey took her to the vet and found out that FunnyFace had feline distemper, even though she had been given her first shot. There was really no cure for it. Casey took FunnyFace home and nursed her for 8 days, trying to fight the disease that was taking over FunnyFace's body. Everyday I would try to visit FunnyFace, but Casey would not allow it. "Distemper is very contagious" she would tell me and she didn't want me to catch it! On the 8th day, Casey took FunnyFace to the vet again. But this time she returned home alone. I was sitting on the front porch waiting as she drove up, hoping to see FunnyFace. Casey got out of the car alone. There was no FunnyFace. Casey tried to explain to me that FunnyFace had crossed over the bridge to kitty heaven, but I didn't understand. Casey was crying and needed comfort, but FunnyFace was gone. Who was going to comfort Casey now? I thought for a few minutes and realized that this was why no one had wanted me. I was to be here for Casey!! I purred and cooed like FunnyFace did all the time, and Casey pulled me close to her. I sat in her arms for a long time and comforted her, while we mourned the loss of FunnyFace. I wanted to stay with Casey that night, but she would not let me. Saying that everything had to be sanitized before she would let me come into house. She made me a bed on the porch for me to sleep. All the next day, I watched Casey scrub and clean to get rid of the germs that had taken poor FunnyFace's life. That evening Casey announced that it was safe for me to enter!

Update: March 20, 1998

Casey and I have just recently found out about the Rainbow Bridge. We have added FunnyFace to the Bridge List and placed the Rainbow Bridge below as a tribute to FunnyFace. We know she is there playing with all the other animals, just waiting for us to join her.

Please read The Story of the Rainbow Bridge. It is very comforting to anyone who has suffered the loss of a beloved pet. Or visit the link below for pet loss grief support.

Page maintained by Casey and Bandit
Created: March 14, 1998 Updated: 6/15/99
Background from Daisy's Creations
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