Born: date unknown (estimated age 11 at adoption)
Adopted: June 28, 2003
Passing: January 8, 2010

We found "Old Roy" on the OBG website after our beloved Suzie died, a cocker that we had previously obtained as a puppy in Cairo, Egypt. Roy was a buff colored American cocker with freckles on his nose, something that really endeared him to us and gave him real character. Old Roy was the name his rescuers gave him, and while it wasn't his original name, it somehow fit. At age 11 (estimated) we learned that Roy was tied to the doorknob of a dog shelter in the middle of the night and abandoned. There were no records left, no health records, nothing even to judge his age or to know his real name. We never could figure out why this had happened because he was the sweetest and most gentle dog we have ever had. Possibly his owner couldn't afford him anymore (he had cherry eye) or possibly his original owner had passed away and the rest of the family simply did not want to take care of an "old dog". Even so, to abandon any dog at that age is traumatic because too few people realize the value of having an older dog and there is a great danger of the dog being put to sleep immediately. Luckily for Roy and us the friends at OBG took him in to give him a second chance at life.

OBG corrected the cherry eye and upon our arrival at the OBG adoption show we immediately fell in love with him. We had Roy for a wonderful 6 1/2 years and are forever grateful to OBG Cocker Rescue for giving him another chance for a good life. Everyone in the neighborhood loved Roy, especially the children because he was so gentle and sweet on his walks around the neighborhood. Because of his abandonment, Roy had separation anxiety and would always look longingly into the face of each and every person he met, possibly hoping to see his original owner. This showed his loyalty and love that he shared with everyone around him.

At the same adoption show in June 2003 we also adopted two other cockers, Abbey and Cocoa. Each is separated by a few years so we'd always have a cocker spaniel in the family. As Roy grew older and skin, eye, ear and other medical problems increased, Abbey would groom and wash Roy with her tongue, encouraging him to carry on. Even towards these last six months when we knew that Roy would soon be crossing the Rainbow Bridge, Cocoa and Roy would chase one another around the house upon our return home, celebrating our arrival. Both Abbey and Cocoa miss Roy very much so together we're now looking to add a new member of our cocker family through OBG.

We are grateful to OBG for saving Roy and providing him to our family. We know first hand that old dogs have useful lives even at age 11 or beyond and they give so many wonderful memories to those of us who carry on. We know Roy is no longer in pain. We loved him dearly and know his life was a blessing to us all. Rest in peace good buddy til we see you again over the Rainbow Bridge.

Larry & Vicky Eicher