On Friday, December 6, 2002 at approximtely 1:00 p.m. our beloved “Bobbadeet” received his lifetime achievement award;
he received his wings.
Link came into our lives as a foster dog some time in 1987 in Hawthorne, Nevada. We have no idea where he came from, his name, his age or really anything about him. It was, however, obvious by his demeanor and condition that he had been loved and cared for. After weeks of searching for his owners to no avail we had fallen completely in love with this precious little guy and could not possibly part with him. So, his foster family became his permanent family for which we are so profoundly grateful. We feel that we have been blessed beyond measure that Link happened into our lives those many years ago and so privileged to share with him his extraordinary, wonderful life. My only regret is that his previous family will never know what happened to him, that he was so very deeply loved and cared for, or
that he lived a long, happy life.
We gave our precious boy the name, “Link” because he reminded us so much of that intrepid adventurer in the video game, “The Legend of Zelda”. “Phalcor, the Luck Dragon” is of course, from the adventure tale, “The Never Ending Story”. We felt strongly that these names captured the essence of this beautiful little dog. When our son was very young and just learning to talk, he began calling Link, “Bobbadeet”. We never knew what that meant. Only that it seemed to be one angel’s name for another and hence his second name, what we will always think of
his heaven’s name for him.
Link faced many physical challenges and infirmities in his life. He lost his eyesight at a very early age. We were awestruck to watch him adapt to life without vision. Many people couldn’t believe that he was blind as they watched him find his way around with almost a sixth sense. Although blind, he was never timid or afraid. He charged around with complete confidence and an undying love of adventure which usually got him into a lot of trouble. Link’s hearing also left him after years of painful, repeated infections as is the case with many Cocker Spaniels. Although our hearts were broken for yet another loss for him, once again his indomitable spirit prevailed. He would live out the rest of his life deaf and blind yet happy, loving, thrilled with life,
and so very, very treasured.
Link loved people, especially children, and he always held a sort of fascination for many. Because he was sightless, the sense of touch was very important to him, so he loved being petted or held by everyone. He also enjoyed other animals very much, whether they might be other dogs, cats or the chipmunks he used to chase. Link was always tender and gentle with everyone and he had a kind and compassionate heart. He used to lick the arthritic legs of our older dog as if he knew there was pain there and wanted to help. Another of our older dogs actually served as a seeing-eye dog for Link until she became too elderly. The bonds he seemed to be able to create spanned both species and time. He shared a very special bond with his main person, Alison. Although there were other dogs in her life that she loved very much, Link was the unquestionable dog love of her life. At the darkest times of her life when she could find no solace from others, you were here little Guardian Angel loving her freely without condition or reservation, comforting and caring for her. For Alison, there can be no other after this once in a life time experience. Her grief at his passing knows no bounds. Although she is greatly relieved that he is free of pain and suffering, she has now only the precious memories of her Darling Boy, her undying love and gratitude to carry her through her life until they find each other once again and cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
Link loved to eat and really enjoyed a good meal regardless of where it came from; the kitchen garbage can was a personal favorite or raiding the pantry if someone inadvertantly left the door open. He stole Happy Meals, cat food and anything within the reach of his nose. Throughout his life regardless of sickness or pain a good meal always delighted him. He enjoyed riding in the car and helping in the garden. He was a tireless digger of holes many of which were large enough to lose a car in. He loved a good snooze after breakfast on the couch next to Alison, and although he disliked baths intensely he loved the drying off part when he was vigorously rubbed with a soft towel. Link possessed the heart of a lion and the gentle, tender and calm countenance of a lamb. He was truly our ‘once in a lifetime’.
At this time we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and undying gratitude to the extraordinary and exceptional people at Mountain View Animal Hospital in Sandy, Utah all of whom consistently went above and beyond the call of duty with their tender, compassionate care. Dr. Tim Hassinger for performing a multitude of miracles, Veterinary Technician Rick Dobson for his gentle care, love and devotion, Dr. Kanda Hazelwood for her help and encouragement, Dr. Bell for her tender mercy. We would also like to thank Dr. Dennis Law at Cottonwood Animal Hospital in Salt Lake for his exceptional surgical skills which he demonstrated to us on more than one occasion. We would also like to thank the unnamed Vet who cared for Link two Christmases ago when he helped himself to a pound of Cappuccino-filled chocolates. Finally, we also extend our gratitude to the fine Vets at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Georgia at Athens who worked so hard those many years ago to save Link from blindness. As his many, many health care providers will attest,
Link was a living breathing miracle.
As a final tribute to our boy who was a homeless wanderer those many years ago, we as a family, would like to encourage everyone with a heart and a home to open it to a homeless animal. Don’t forego the opportunity to love and be loved more powerfully than you ever imagined by one of God’s precious creatures. And please give special consideration to those animals that are elderly or infirmed and most in need of love and comfort. Their love is yours for the asking and their gratitude beyond measure. Volunteer your time at a shelter where so many wait with hopeful hearts for someone to love and
to be loved in return.
Precious Boy, you have made our lives immeasurably richer in so many ways. You were a gift from heaven and we will forever wonder at our extraordinary good fortune. Your perfect love we will carry with us for all the rest of our days. Our eyes will hunger always to see you again, our arms to hold you. Until we meet again…
With love and gratitude,
| Link Phalcor |
| Rick and Alison Dye |