Usually our stories on Bandit's web site are about Bandit helping to raise money for a charity, or cheering the sick in hospitals and hospice centers. His tireless work has been featured on television, web sites and in magazines around the world.
Rest in Peace my "best" Friend
San Diego, CA - December 20, 2008 – For over 6 1/2 years, Bandit has been a familiar sight at fundraisers, charitable events, children’s hospitals and hospice centers. He even spent 3 days at Qualcomm Stadium entertaining children and families who were evacuated from their homes during the 2007 Wild Fires. Now, San Diego’s own Bandit the Biker Dog is facing a serious health crisis of his own.
Earlier this year, Bandit lost an eye to an aggressive infection. Upon his recovery, he continued to appear at numerous events including the recent Mother Goose Parade this past November in El Cajon, CA and the “Nice Guys” Christmas Party for over 700 needy and less fortunate families here San Diego. He’d been tapped to be "Celebrity Grand Marshall" at the Gaslamp’s 1st annual Holiday Pet Parade.
But during the past 6 months, Bandit has suffered a number of seizures. Recently, those seizures led to a bout of pneumonia. Bandit’s veterinarian, unable to pinpoint the source of the problem, has referred Bandit’s owner, Mark Shaffer, to a neurologist. The neurologist has told Shaffer Bandit is in serious need of an MRI and other tests to find out the underlying causes of his abnormal, neurological behavior and seizures.
Says Shaffer, “It’s horrible to have to watch Bandit going through all the pain of these seizures, and not being able to do anything about it to help him. But with the help of Bandit's fans, friends and the general public who knew Bandit, and some who did not, came forward and donated money so Shaffer could give Bandit the best medical attention he deserved. Shaffer says, "I just want to save his life". The generosity of all these people has not gone unnoticed, and Shaffer says "I thank each and every one of you who contributed either by sending money, thoughtful emails and letters".
On December 19, 2008, Bandit the Biker Dog was laid to rest. Shaffer shares this story, "As Bandit has had a lot of behavior changes recently, due to the brain cancer, one thing that I missed was when I put my face up to his, he would just lick and lick me. Well, he has not done that in weeks. But today, in that California Veterinary Office, to see the Cancer Specialist, I was sitting there, holding Bandit, He stretched out a bit, make this sounds, kind of high pitch, as if he was trying to talk, trying to tell me something. He then turned his head to the left, in my direction. He looked at me, I leaned over and he started to lick and kiss me on the face... just one more time. He was telling me it was time, and he had to go. It was his way of saying goodbye, and he loved me".
Shaffer continues by saying, "I left the Dr. office in Carlsbad around noon. Instead of going back to our vet, I came home. I wanted to bring him home where he could be in his own home, in comfort and in his own environment. Bandit and I shared some special time together. I held him the best I could. Then I made some calls, then arranged for a Veterinarian to come to my home, and lay bandit to rest. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I knew that is was what Bandit wanted and needed. He was not happy, not living the life of, not only "Bandit the Biker Dog", but as a dog. The Dr. showed up about 3:40 pm. We talked, she then walked me through the procedure, by explaining what she will be doing and what I could expect to see from Bandit. First she gave him a sedative. He walked around for about a minute, then layed down on the floor. Within minutes, he was asleep. I picked him up, then laid him in one of his many beds. The Dr. gave me time to be alone with him. I held him, touched him and cried with him. The Dr. then came back in, asked me if I was ready. I petted Bandit's head gently, and responded yes. She administered the lethal injection. In a matter of minutes, he had moved on to a much more peaceful and painless place....he was gone and began his journey over the 'Rainbow Bridge", now being 4;13pm. She then gave me as much more time as I wanted to be with him. I touched him, petted him gently, held him and cried some more. Telling him how much I love him and I would never forget him. I told him that I was so proud of him and all he had done, and all the joy he spread, all the laughs he gave, and all the love he shared. I told him I would miss him."
Please take a moment to visit Bandit's other web site, to see all he had accomplished in his short life. www.BanditTheBikerDog.com)
Here is the Special Story that KUSI TV reported on ther1 10 pm news, 12-19-2008
Here are the lastest photos of Bandit, 2 weeks after Surgery taken 6-6-2008:
My best buddy Mark Shaffer seen here with Lee Greenwood, singer of "God Bless the USA", my cover song here on My Space.
Bandit's interest is to become a STAR! Wanting everyone in America, even the world to know who he is! Bandit is currently looking for an agent to take him to the top!! Do you know of one? Are you one? Bandit would like to get into commercials, TV, Movies...sorry, not radio as he is not much of a barker. So if you can help lead the way, Bandit is waiting to hear from you!!
Mark enjoys riding on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, traveling, attending biker rallies, playing with other people and dogs, and visiting sick people in hospitals and homes. Mark also ejoys dining out, as well as staying in watching some of his favorite shows on TV. We also like quiet times as well. We both LOVE to snuggle! We enjoy going to a local coffee shop that are pet friendly. Mark can have is cup of coffee and a cigar and I can socialize with other dogs.
Mark enjoys other things as well. Sorry, I can not give out those "de-tails". You need to ask him about that:)
Bandit meets the MAYOR OF SAN DIEGO, Jerry Sanders, May 6, 2007. Congratulations to Mayor Sanders who was just re-elected for 4 more years as Mayor of San Diego!!!
Even when Bandit is out for a run, he has time to look and smile for the camera!
Müzik
Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues...pretty much anything except Country and Rap.
Filmler
GOD BLESS THE TROUPS!!!! The Vietnam Wall, San Diego 5-5-2006
Televizyon
Bandit (and Mark)LOVES "DEAL or NO DEAL"!!
Bandit enjoys ANIMAL PLANET, "Faithful Friends, seens on Aminal Planet sunday mornings at 9am, as well as The Apprentice, HOUSE, CSI, CSI New York, CSI Miami, Cold Cases, Ghost Whisper, Criminal Minds, Prison Break, The Boomers Show and the classics such as All in the Family and M*A*S*H.
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Bandit seen on Univision Television--in SPANISH <br /
Anyone who would go out of their way for putting a smile on a child's face!!! Also, lets not forget our local Law enforcement, Firefighters and especially our Military who put there lives on the line each and every day for all of us, people they do not even know and may never come face to face with. Now they are the heroes!..
Above is a video of Bandit being chased by the San Diego Police Department....and he got away!!! You go Bandit!!
And then there is my little niece and nephew. You can watch Bandit here riding his Harley with them.
There is no strong love than the love you will receive from your pet. This is called "Unconditional Love". this is the special love that Bandit has for me, and I have for him. The video above proves that the love your animal has for you will never die. Enjoy!
I am a unique dog, a 5 year old Boston Terrier that not only rides on my owner's Harley, but also ride my own! I enjoy visiting patients and children at the local Hospice and Children's Hospitals.
I may be just a biker dog but I'm proud of what I do.
And I could not do any of these things if it weren't for all of you.
By “you” I mean the soldiers, who have made this country free.
And those who guard her now, and keep it safe for you and me.
From the time of the Civil War, we have paused to mark this day.
To let you know how we all feel as we bow our heads to pray.
We pray for those who came before and those who guard us now
And give our thanks to those who've served and kept us free somehow.
Yes, I am just a biker dog, but even I know this
A nation must be strong and firm to share in freedom’s bliss.
And freedom’s cost is always high, no matter what you do.
We must be always ready to stand and see it through.
Don't see this as "just a holiday" for fun, to run and play
Take time to thank the many who fell along the way
Whose lives were sacrificed for ours, so in freedom we could live.
What nobler act of man is there? What more is there to give?
I know… I'm just a biker dog. But questions? I've got two:
Who do YOU think of on this day? They thought so much of YOU.
And HOW do you respect them… what will you do today?
I hope it’s something special. I hope you find a way…
To show them of your gratitude for living in a land
That’s free to seek your destiny in a country vast and grand.
To do less for their sacrifice; would be an insult in the end.
But then, I'm just a biker dog, how ‘bout each of YOU, my friends?
Written by Bandit T. Bikerdog (as told to G. Ashley)
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Help Bandit support the cure for Breast cancer by going to Bandit's store and purchasing one of many t-shirts, for men and women.
Below, Bandit is featured on TMZ.com! The lovely blonde hair woman in the video clip is the lovely Pamela Bach Hasselhoff. She is a doll! This was fimed by TMZ.com on Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills, in front of the "Newsroom", across from the "IVY". Be sure to click on "The Hottest Dog on a Hog" title/web link below the photo, NOT the photo itself, to view the video.
>The Hottest Dog on a Hog http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/10/the-hottest-dog-on-a...
Click the post headline or the URL above to view this post on TMZ.com
Bandit in his first surfing competition
Ok, now you all know, I really do sit here naked, without all my leathers on, when I chat on line. Since I do not like to type, I rather use my head/mic set. Darn headset, keeps falling down!
Bandit is a 7 year old Boston Terrier, living in the San Diego area. "I started riding on my "human's" Harley Davidson motorcycle at the age of 8 weeks, and now actually riding my "own" customized Harley Davidson. Since the age of 1, I have been seen on TV / TV News, been published in books, websites, magazine ads, magazine covers and other publications, more times the I can count. I am a little "celebrity" dog! I even have my own website: www.BanditTheBikerDog.com. There you can read all about me, read about the events that I have attended and will attend in the future as well as see some of my photos and video/movie clips, and even visit my store where you can buy "Bandit The Biker Dog" merchandise."
Bandit is a registered Therapy Dog, where he visits patients in near by hospitals and homes, including the San Diego Hospice in the Hillcrest area, and the Orange County Children's Hospital.
About Mark: He is a 44 year old Realtor in San Diego. Has been in Real Estate now for 5 1/2 years, and loving every minute of it! (Mark also has 12 years under his belt as a certified fitness trainer). Mark enjoys participating along with Bandit at different charity events as well as local fund raisers. Both supporting events that include Children's Hospital, the San Diego Hospice, animal shelters and humane societies here in San Diego and Orange County.
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
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Kimle tanışmak isterim: Bandit, as well as my Mark enjoys meeting new people all the time, especially if they are dog lovers/owners.
Mark is a special guy with a heart of gold.
***Something you will have to know about Mark. Mark, a 44 year old professional, a Realtor. Someone who enjoys attending black tie/formal events as well as dressing in his leathers and attending biker events. Very laid back and low key. Not into the bar scene, or drinking. Enjoys a good glass of red wine in the evenings and a good cigar on occassion. A very "down to earth" guy who is good to people. Mark is not activly looking or seeking to get involved in a "relationship" at this time, but is open minded about the idea and does not have his "blinders" on. But perfectly content and happy being with me, Bandit the Biker Dog. :)
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Something that is VERY Passionate to my heart is to make and send time with children, at the Children's Hospital. Bandit brings so much cheer and joy to these children, as well as their family's. We make a special visit in December to visit the children on Christmas eve as well as in February for the Children's heart institute heart patient reunion.
"When 'Bandit' the dog on his toy harley came to visit each room and my son, for a minute forgot he was in pain and in a hospital."
Now tell me if that does not bring a tear to your eye! This is what it is all about!
i miss bandit so much he was one of my favorite and i wish i could see him when u come to masscahuttes but i never got to see him!! I hope u find a new boston terrier and name that one bandit the biker dog jr lol:}
We think of Bandit all the time and we miss him so much. Hope you are doing well. Glad you have 2 of the Rainbow Bridge pictures we made him up on your page. God Bless You & we lubba you!!!Toby n Willy n Munson
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My Bostons and me we just learn this bad new, we are all cryng and we are with you and hope you wil find an other goog boston biker for the children, hospital and nices girls, because we now Bandit was in love with the nices girls too