12/19/2025
In memory of Bandit who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge November 21, 2025. Our sympathies go out to Michael Kelly. It was an honor to be asked to care for your baby during this difficult time.
BANDIT KELLY
October 22, 2011 – November 21, 2025
Born near Cincinnati, OH in 2011, Bandit Kelly (aka B, Bieber, Bieb’s, Buddy, Puppers) passed away peacefully in Jefferson, OH on November 21st at the age of 14. Bandit grew up in Columbus, OH after adopting a recovering journalist/photographer named Michael when (Bandit) was four months old. Graduating from the exclusive Chris Ricevuto Behavioral Academy at the young age of one-and-a-half, Bandit studied under the watchful nose of famed German (Shepherd) instructor Lola and became a "Find-It” champion. The experience shaped a personality that helped him rise in the ranks as a four-legged hotelier under the guidance of uncle/mentor John Raphael.
Work took the inseparable duo to New Orleans-Phoenix and back to Columbus again - often living at full-service hotel properties where Michael was assigned. Bandit’s was spoiled and loved by many team members, many along the way follow his Instagram handle “Hospitality Husky”. His favorite time was visiting EVERYBODY and ordering room service sampling bacon, or chicken and chasing tennis balls in empty ballrooms at night. He was also a regular at the Howlin’ Wolf Cafe (New Orleans), feasting on free ice cubes from the bartenders. His fur also doubled as nesting for many thieving birds who dive-bombed his tail while walking along Convention Center Blvd.
After leaving the hotel industry when he was six, Bandit returned with Michael to his media roots at a small radio station In Lorain County where he spent many hours in studio covering elections and often joined live programming. Trained in public etiquette, Bandit was able to re-discover his instincts to howl and sing. Most notably to themes for Law & Order SVU, Family Guy and Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”.
While in Lorain County, they briefly lived on a horse farm where Bandit took up (mini) horse racing in the arena and quickly made friends with all of the full-size residents. For three years, friend and Wellington-based realtor Lary Jameyson introduced Bandit to the perfect small town to bike, walk & run in Oberlin with many caring neighbors. A baseball fan, Bandit also moonlighted at minor league stadiums in Avon, Columbus and Florence, KY.
An avid athlete, Bandit enjoyed playing in packs with the other huskies at Columbus’ Alum Creek Dog Park, biking the street car lines of New Orleans, jogging along the Mississippi River, hiking the pet-friendly North Mountain in Phoenix, spending six hours at day care and riding in his Jeep with the top down and doors off, as well as looking at himself in mirrors. Bandit also enjoyed camping with the part-husky sisters S’mores & Marshmallow - Uncle Alden, Aunt Hil and Amari Udell, who also cared for him when dad was out of town. There were so many wonderful people who looked out for him over the years.
Late in life, beset by arthritis and injuries to his back, Bandit still enjoyed playing in snow, raising chickens in Southern Ashtabula County and managing a Hometown Auto Parts store. Big thank you to his friends at non-profit Joey’s Paw in Butler, PA for providing a wheelchair and specialized harnesses to assist in his mobility!! Same goes to his uncle, Rick Furman, for that last golf cart ride around Jefferson and to the fairgrounds to see the horses one last time!
Bandit was preceded in death by his little, big sister Bella. Half-brother Piper. Uncle’s Chase & Shaq and Grandma Kelly who thought he was the sweetest, well-behaved boy. Bandit also walked alongside Uncle T-Rail, passing away within days of each other.
Survivors include Michael (who sure misses his buddy), Granny, Datz, Aunt Jenny, his boy TJ, his girls Taylor and Tyrah who played the best hide and seek - and Molly, Granny’s dachshund who still hides bones (in case he comes over).
To honor Bandit’s memory, donations can be made to: Joey’s Paw, 301 Belmont Road, Butler, PA 16001.
You can also send unopened packages of hot dogs to Village of Gibsonburg, OH, c/o Marc & Pam Glotzbecker, to be re-distributed to nearby animal shelters. (They once gave Bandit so many hot dogs he pooped for days!!!!) I told you people loved him and spoiled him.)
