Our beloved Bandit crossed the rainbow bridge on June 10th, 2023 at the age of 5 (50-70 in ferret years). Also known as Nugget, Baby Boy, Nugget Boy and Bandie, he had tons of family (both humans and animals) who loved him dearly. He passed in his sleep, surrounded by his brothers and sister, Albus, Poe, and Bean. We will miss him for the rest of our lives, but we take comfort in knowing that he isn't suffering and is at peace. Bandit was cremated, and his ashes will be put into a necklace and a tattoo, so I will always have him with me. Some of his ashes will also be put in the ferret room, so he can be with his brothers and sister.

I’ll never forget how a spur of the moment trip to Petco brought this incredible baby boy into my life. I never could’ve imagined how much he’d mean to me. As soon as I held him for the first time, I fell in love instantly and knew I would do anything for him. Seeing and being with him was always the best part of my day. Any time I wasn't with him, all I thought about was getting home to him. Bandit was such a special ferret. He was incredibly sweet and loving, and even made people who don’t like ferrets fall in love with him.

Over the years, Bandit and I made tons of memories. He got to go with me to the Scituate Art Festival, where complete strangers fell in love with him too. He’d always know when I was upset, and would lick my face until I stopped crying. He was always the guest of honor of any party or event he went to, and loved to chase the balloons around. His favorite napping place was with me, and if I wasn't available, he'd settle for a nap in my clothes. He used to steal clothes right out of the laundry basket and hide them in his napping spot. I remember watching him run around with a Charmander from Build-A-Bear that was easily 3x his size and weight, and trying with all of his might to get it into his stash spot. He had little stuffed animals that he used to put next to his food and water dishes in an attempt to take care of them. He’d climb up in bed with me and cuddle all night.

Bandit had so many friends and family who loved him dearly. From his parents, his brothers and sisters, his parents’ families, and people his parent’s work with. We were all devastated by his passing. Thank you to everyone who was part of Bandit’s life and helped me make it the best it could be, because he truly deserved the best, I know he loved and appreciated every single one of you. He and I went through it all together, and he was the best friend I could’ve ever had. Bandit, I love and miss you with all of my heart. I hope that wherever you are, there’s lots of socks and clothes for you to steal, plenty of cheese you can eat without getting sick, and that you’re at peace my sweet baby boy. I hope I see you again someday, and get to hold you, run around with you, and get Bandit kisses again.