Bandit, from the Beginning

Do "our" Animals chose us?

Do “Our” Animals chose us?

We recently had 4 cats, now 2 remain. 2 of our Cats came from out of nowhere. Where did they come from? Bandit, we found by Dakota’s grade school, skating boarding friend, who lived on a ranch west of town. We found Bandit on the bathroom window ledge ever so close to his Mamma’s back. The ranch owner said he was born in a barn, she added he is a “talker”.

Well Bandit always made his entrance into the kitchen or backroom door with a variety of cries. He had the largest paws, he would of been a great soccer player. He was so gentle with his big white paws. He had whip cream white fur with velvet black spots and markings on his nose and long tail. He would go outside roll in the dirt and two hours later his fur was absolutely pristine clean? He was never in a hurry, he had his own clock and hurrying was not his style.

When we first brought him home, he refused to go outside. I guess if you’re born in a barn, and find some comfort in the house, why go outside? Literally I placed him outside on the front porch. My cats have been indoor/outdoor cats and that was just the way I was raised. Our cat door helped allow our cats, to come and go as they please. Which relieved me of the doorman duties, as they were always on the wrong side of the door. As I would say “some Gods you are, can’t even open your own doors”…and they would sarcastically reply “thats why we hired you.” This is under the heading “Dogs have owners, Cats have servants.” Yes Mr Bandit how may I serve your Catma

Catma: I observe my cats and am still learning; 1.They adore themselves and grooming is extremely important. 2. They each have their own unique personalities. 3. They live by their ears, even while sleeping their ears are listening. 4. They know how to relax and take naps. 5. They always find the warmest spaces in the house next to the pellet stove. 6. They find the coolest spaces in the Summer heat. 7. Body temperature is job one. 8. Which leads to Sleeping is job two. 9. I consider them Disciples Praying maintaining what peace they can bring to our frenetic goings and comings. 10. They love catnip, becoming kittens again. 11. Watching 4 Cats interacting with each other, they tolerate each other to a point, they do get jealous too. After all the drama, they will sleep in close proximity to each other and dream of hearing the stars humming, gone to REM with their ears twitching, their paws running.

The genuis of cats is their athletic abilities, that allow them to master their physical environment. Whether it is catching a bird, climbing a tree, jumping onto a deck. If I were a Cat I would be able to jump some 30 vertical feet. NBA would be my play ground.

The best of Bandit was when he would climb on my chest while I was sitting and put his whiskers in my face and then look at me with his big eyes and say well “Bub” you petting me or not. I would give him the “full Bandit rub down” and he would start to drool. Then he would purr his soft quiet purr, so soft I would have to put my ear to his belly.

Because of Bandit’s passing and reflecting on his long, lucky life; I am inspired to spend more time with our 2 remaining Cats, and People that really matter, because they will go all too quickly. Trusting God which brought Bandit into this living, will be as kind in his Heaven of comfortable accomadations, some tuna fish treats, good buddies like Smokey to pal around with.

Bye Bandit, I still haven’t fully let go. It started to rain today and the clouds were taking their turn doing my crying. Some animals just become your very best companions “our four legged Angels” intertwine into our hearts and souls. Bye Bandit I loved you best!! God Speed. Who can say where our animals come from or go? Teaching us each unconditional Love, and off they go.