Bandit the Biker Dog Featured on FOX 6 - Recovering From Surgery
BREAKING NEWS:
Tragedy Costs Bandit An Eye
Written By: Gerry Ashley
(Originally Published on www.BanditTheBikerDog.com)
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.
Sadly, now it’s Bandit who needs the well-wishes of others. On Thursday, May 22nd, Bandit was rushed to a local animal hospital after seeing his vet. What started as a seemingly simple infection in his eye suddenly took a serious turn for the worse. The infection, thought to be under control, had become extremely aggressive. Doctors tried valiantly to treat the infection, but the damage was already too great and, despite their best efforts, they had to remove Bandit’s right eye.
As you might expect, this devastated Mark Shaffer, Bandit’s owner. I asked for permission to write this article to inform Bandit’s fans of the tragedy. Mark agreed to let me do so; knowing Bandit’s many fans would want to know what has happened.
Bandit will recover, but he will have to adjust to living with just one eye. “He’s a tough little guy, though,” Shaffer told me by phone. “He’s gonna have an extended recovery from this. In addition to vision, Dogs also rely somewhat on their eyesight for balance as do humans. But both adjust to the loss of one eye.”
Shaffer added that he and Bandit expect to resume their work with the community, once Bandit has recovered. “We’ll put this tragedy behind us and maybe in the end, Bandit will be able to inspire even more people that we can all overcome these setbacks and move forward.”
Special note from the writer: Like most medical emergencies, this has been a costly. Until now, Mark has never spoken about this publicly, but I think the public should know that he and Bandit have never accepted a dime for all their work with the community. For some 5 years, Bandit’s (and Mark’s) work has been simply acts of kindness with nothing expected in return. It is my hope the community that Bandit has served with such dedication will rally ‘round him as he recovers from his illness. Cards and e-mails will go a long way towards boosting the spirits of both Bandit and Mark. If you would like to send a get-well message to Bandit, here’s the e-mail address: Bandit@banditthebikerdog.com.
If anyone would like to help defray the medical costs this has thrust on Mark and Bandit, I’m sure that would also be gratefully accepted and appreciated by Mark. He can be reached at the e-mail address Mark@banditthebikerdog.com.
PayPal account for direct donation deposit: execfit@adnc.com
For all those who have been sending Bandit well-wishing emails and have contributed to help offset his medical cost, Mark & Bandit can not thank you enough.
Please check back as Bandit’s recovery progress will be updated on this site under his blog or his other website www.BanditTheBikerDog.com
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!
Music
Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues...pretty much anything except Country and Rap.
Movies
GOD BLESS THE TROUPS!!!! The Vietnam Wall, San Diego 5-5-2006
Television
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
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.
A Biker Dog’s Memorial Day
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.
www.cafepress.com/bandits_store
Mark Shaffer-Realtor & Bandit the Biker Dog
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 5 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 43 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 11 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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Who I'd like to meet: 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 43 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!
Bandit, thank y'all so kindly for the add. Hope y'all are doin okay. We all need y'all to get better to help them soldiers!! God Bless every single one of their souls!!
HAPPY 4TH, RUFF, ME AN BIT WANTED TO WISH YOU AN YOUR BIG GUY, YOUR HUMAN A HUGE HAPPY DAY, HOPE YOUR EYE IS DOING BETTER AN THAT YOU GOT TO SEE AN HEAR ALL THOSE FIREWORKS, LOVE YA BUDDY, BIT, n the humans Deb, an John
