December 2, 2010

Jason and Sierra,

In September after numerous trips to my vet, Dr. White, and two trips to Parkersburg Vet Hospital, I made the decision to have Bandit put to sleep. Although Bandit does not act like he is in any pain, I felt he did not have the quality of life because he had reached the point he tried to drag himself around on his hindquarters. Bandit is 11 (will be 12 in March), and I have had him since he was two months old.

I called Dr White to schedule Bandit’s appointment which would be for the next day, and the next 24 hours were horrible. I cried nonstop and even had my mom and aunt crying over Bandit. When I saw Dr White, he asked if I would try one more round of medicine to see if we saw any improvement and mentioned Bandit would be a good candidate for a wheelchair. I felt Fate had stepped in for some reason, and it was not Bandit’s time to go. Now I know why. The wheelchair was an option I could afford, and I think Bandit will do great with it. I thought he had lost control of both back legs, but he started to use the right as soon as I got him in his chair.

I have had his wheelchair for just under two weeks, and this morning Bandit and I walked to the barn to take care of the horses. This is the first time Bandit has went to do the feeding with my since spring (except for when I take him in my Jeep which was getting harder to do the more control he lost). He needed a little help getting up a bank, but other than that he did everything by himself in a dusting of snow with his new boots on.

Bandit very seldom lets me take a picture straight on of him. When I bend down, he always comes to me, so when I had the pictures developed yesterday I had to send the first picture even though he is not in his wheelchair. This is Bandit who trusts me to do what is best for him, and I feel that is exactly what I have done.

I know we will be in contact after you see Bandit’s pictures in case I need to make changes, but I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Bandit and I.

Sincerely,

Crystal and Bandit