Missing Link

You were always a soft-spoken gentleman; as a pup you didn't even chew on shoes...you just nibbled shoe laces.

You were named after a video game character known for his bravery, selflessness, compassion, and kindness. Well...your bravery seemed to fall a bit short, demonstrated by your fear of...dogs. But you didn't let that timidity keep you from excelling at the ever-important duty of herding your family safely down the treacherous walking paths of the dog park. Yes, what you may have lacked in courage, you more than made up for in fidelity and devotion. You skillfully guarded your charges from day one...

...come snow, rain, heat, or gloom of night...

...for all your years.

And you warmly welcomed all new members to the family along the way, regardless of size or shape, be they the human sort, the four-legged variety or...not.

And, oh, how you absolutely dominated on the agility course. Your athletic prowess deserved so much more acclaim than you ever received. You routinely beat dogs with national standing; you could have easily been a formidable competitor in the agility world. I'm sorry I didn't give you the opportunity to shine as brightly as I know you would have.

Despite being a world-class athlete, you never shied away from helping with the mundane chores of the household. You kept me company through many a load of wash to fold, garden of weeds to pull, and yard of leaves to rake.

And now you leave us to savor the fond memories you so generously provided over the years. I thank you dearly for each and every one of them. I will miss you, my friend. You were a good, good boy.

Link

July 10, 2001 ~ October 31, 2016