Link

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. He came to this world by knowing the worst part of mankind, cruelty and violence; it is a despicable act to abandon him and his brothers to let them die and suffer, but He also found a group of people to help him and rescue him and his family from the claws of the dead; They call him “Benito” and for the first time of his life, he knows love and care, but also knows the struggle of being in a place where waiting for a family is a promise that not all the time can be fulfillment, which it is contradictory because all the “tiktoks” and videos on social media that show puppies and kittens are viral, cute and steal a lot of laughs. Still, a few dare to go to your local animal shelters and adopt them.

To you reader, Please Adopt!!

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. There is when a bunch of people called “family” in human words reach the webpage to adopt a dog. Then, suddenly, as soon as I saw your picture, I felt that you belonged to us and that your place was with us, no matter if someone said you looked so sad, weird, or ugly. You meant to be with us no matter what because I see in your eyes that even if you believe humans are so broke, it has to be someone who shows you that not all humans are the same. And yet, you come home with us not knowing anything, expecting anything, sad and heartbroken. It takes you time to start trusting again in humanity. Oh boy, you were a mess; you did not eat, play, or get close to any family member, but we were stubborn enough to make you change your mind.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. And there, suddenly, you found a way to trust in us, a little bit in humanity, or at least in that one you adopt as a family. And we, we gain a troublemaker, oh boy, you run, you bark around the apartment waiting for us if we went out and found what Link’s gift we have, and somehow you feel that make it us mad it was funny because without any remorse you just wiggle your tail and have a happy face on it. And then you started jumping onto our bed to sleep with us or your human brother and sister, and you were pleased.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. Then I, your dad, found that we needed to move out to another city, and we moved you on a plane. You really did not like cages, and I got anxious to know you are not able to travel in the same area as humans (even if we paid for pets), but it does not matter; you arrive in a bigger home, new family members, and new dog sisters “Camelia” and “Nena”. Did you realize you traveled half of Mexico, more or less? Because you just arrived with the same energy to play with your new family. And yet you figured out even that you know I will be a part of you for a while; Dad got a job in Guadalajara, but you nailed as guardian of your brother and sisters, nobody can approach them without your recognition, and nobody recognizes when I arrived home every time half of the block. Yet, you found time to play in the mud. Even if your mom screamed at you, you simply were happy.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. Another challenge arrived, and the family needed to move to another country; now you are about to convert to international, moving your spike furry to the United States, traveling on the plane. Almost the whole state of Texas, until Dallas and the entire family were reunited, we all had fun together; we were simply happy. And then, sadness, your little sister Camelia passed away, and you missed her; you changed a little bit, and for a while, you were a feeling companion for your mother.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. Then your human parents just discover you will have another sister. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and you take seriously your responsibility and elevate protection. One day, you figure out you found your mother carrying someone in her belly. Until 9 months passed, Elise arrived as a new family member, and you were curious and found your sister, trying to be close, but you were an old dog, a grumpy one, and yet you wanted to protect her over everything.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. We moved to a new house and brought Zelda, another crazy sister. Now, you have a backyard where running, playing, and barking are better for you. We give you everything because you were this family’s leader and protector. All the time we went out, you were there, always protecting the home and always welcoming us back in the door as soon as you heard our car. I always wonder how you know the correct car. And then the cruel pass of time finally caught you; oh boy, I was in denial all the time, hoping, but reality hit me hard; I know I was selfish to recognize it because I did not want to lose you, and I cried and ask you if you want to go in peace because I know time is up but did not want to lose you.

Link was an ordinary dog, but it was my dog. Suddenly, one Saturday morning, you know it was time to surrender and let us know it was the time; I know it was the time, and I will bring you to a place to provide that peace. All the travel trying to think, “I am strong enough to let you go,” but when the time came, it broke my heart, and crying exploded like a kid. Oh boy, my words were there but never came up for a while, and for a while, I tried to understand why I should let you go. But the cruel reality was you needed to go to rest in peace, to give yourself dignity, to cease your pain, to release from your duty, and we, your human parent, stay with you until the very end; you just close your eyes and peacefully go beyond the rainbow…

Link was an ordinary dog, but like every dog in this world, makes extraordinary things to keep us happy, to protect our brothers and sisters, to heal my wounds, and to be a part of me being a better person. Our home is different without you, but I know you are here in spirit. Sometimes you let us know we will never forget you, and visit me anytime in my dreams, happy, running, barking, asking me for food, on my side, to let me pet you, to sing you silly songs, and for a while, let my tears fell down until my broken heart heals.