It was a blistery winter day, I was watching my then little brother. I guess he was about four years old and very small for his age.

For some reason that day he was very insistent on going to the mail box by himself. He put his jacket on like a big boy, and went outside. I was watching him from the front door.

His constant companion followed him as usual. His dog’s name was Bandit. Bandit followed my brother every where he went and he was very protective of him. I have no idea what kind of dog Bandit was, it never really mattered much to my family. I found Bandit in a ditch full of water when he was just a small pup. Bandit and my brother were the best of friends. We all loved Bandit he was a very affectionate pooch.

My brother made it to the mail box just fine, but when he reached in to take the mail out, he must have slipped on some ice. He almost fell into the ditch of snow. What I witnessed next was truly amazing and comical.

My brother had grabbed the mail box post, and the little guy was holding on with all of his might. Bandit knew just what to do. He grabbed a mouth full of my brother’s jacket and pulled him out of the snow. It was one of the most memorable moments between a boy and his dog that I have ever witnessed.

Bandit is gone now. We had the pleasure of his unwavering love, loyalty, and companionship for nine years. We still speak of him often and I assure you my little brother, who is now fifteen, will never forget him.