Bendegeit Mastiffs

Bandit was an amazing dog with a stellar personality - in fact he was an active therapy dog, and spent a lot of time visiting at the senior's centres and hospital with his owner. His favorite visits were the Group home and school for teenage boys. They weren’t too sure about the program at first, but quickly came to look forward to Bandit’s visits. Both his sons & grandsons have continued that tradition, with some of them working in schools as well including doing therapy work at the Juvenile Detention Centre.

He was also an incredible show dog, finishing his American Championship at just over a year old with 2 back-to-back 5 point majors in California, and taking numerous Best of Breeds & Awards of Merit, some at shows with entries of 40+ Mastiffs! Bandit also has a number of Group placements to his name, which were achieved at large shows against incredibly stiff competition.

Bandit has produced health and longevity in his kids, and tends to pass along his beautiful bone, body & head to his offspring.

I asked Bandit's family to describe what it was like, having Bandit share their lives. The love in the stories and memories they shared was palpable, and a vivid reminder of how just much this amazing dog is still missed.

What follows are some of those:

- Bandit's registered name has a bit of a story behind it... Paul's dad & friends bought a cabin up in Kodiak, Alaska when Paul was only 13 years old, and Paul has been going ever since. Paul's mom created the flag that still flies over the cabin today, commemorating the "Hawaiian Bandits" (Paul is from Hawaii), who got their nickname from the locals after they would fly in & get so many salmon that the locals called them the Hawaiian bandits. Then they would go to the local bar, have a few drinks and tell fish stories. They earned that name and we love it! His owner's son Kyle had always wanted a dog named Bandit so for his registered name, that was easy...Kodiak Bandit.

- As a therapy dog, Bandit loved nothing more than hanging out with the teenage boys in their therapy program. The boys thought he was awesome and always commented on how big he was and the DROOL! Of course his momma always had goober rags ready to sweep up the slingers!

- At home, his favourite things to do included eating, running with mom, hanging out with his human family, playing with his lab and vizsla brothers, and carrying his lobster toy everywhere. :)

Some of Bandit's Show Accomplishments include:

• American Champion at 14 months old with 2 back-to-back 5 point majors
• 2004 - #9 Mastiff is the USA
• 2005 - #5 Mastiff in the USA
• Multiple Awards of Merit with large entries (40+ dogs)
• Multiple Best of Breeds
• Multiple Group Placements