Roz Cooke, the former director of corporate transportation for Swiss Colony who retired in 2004, talks about her best friend Bandit, a 3-year-old tabby.

Cooke got Bandit a couple years ago from friends of a friend in Browntown, where he was hanging out as a stray. He had been beaten up by a bigger cat, so when Cooke took him in he had several open wounds and was about half the size he is now.

Bandit was given his name after a neighbor said he stole Cooke's heart.



- Marissa Weiher



Describe Bandit's personality.

He's loving, needy. He refuses to use his litter box until it's been cleaned. And he always wants an ice cube in his water. Because of an injury he had before I got him, he can't meow. His favorite possession is my lap at night while I'm sleeping. He dearly loves the Kitty Bowl that plays (on television each year) during the Super Bowl. He'll lay on the floor and watch it.



What do you and Bandit like to do together?

We play a lot. He loves to sit on my lap while I read. He'll walk around the yard with me. He also likes to go up to the neighbors and say hi.



What has it been like having Bandit in your life?

It's a lot of fun. He's a companion, and he definitely loves me. He's always giving kisses.