Sun City bids a heartbreaking farewell to a tiny neighborhood icon, Tinker the Chihuahua, who passed away on Sunday, May 3, at the incredible age of 17.
Tinker came into Mary and Al Novak’s life when Mary retired. Mary said, “She only weighed half a pound when we got her.”
At just four pounds, Tinker spent over 15 years melting hearts as Yappy Hour’s smallest regular, and she was a frequent star of the pet Halloween costume contests. Her most legendary win was alongside her best friend, the late Wrigley, a St. Bernard. The mismatched pair took first prize as bride and groom.
Two years ago, My Sun Day News ran a story on the passing of the wellloved St. Bernard Wrigley. The little Chihuahua above was Wrigley’s best friend Tinker, who passed away at the ripe old age of 17 in May. Tinker loved dressing up for Halloween, walks around Wildflower lake, and her owners Mary and Al Novak. (Image provided)
Mary said, “I started each year thinking of costumes for Tinker. I made all her costumes. Over the years, she was a lion, a unicorn, a witch, a clown, and a butterfly. Every year, our wonderful vet would ask us ‘What is Tinker this year for Halloween?’ Huntley Veterinary Hospital doesn’t just treat animals; they treat them as part of the family. Every time I walked through those doors, I knew Tinker was receiving the same deep love, respect, and thorough care that the staff would give to their very own.”
Al said, “Her best friend was Wrigley. She just loves Wrigley. She loved meeting him at the pavilion. Once Wrigley passed away, she did not want to go to the pavilion. She just knew he wouldn’t be there. We had to carry her in. She also loved walking around Wildflower Lake.”
All the trips taken by the Novaks included Tinker.
Al said, “On our trip to Niagara Falls, she did not like the mist off the falls and the wet sidewalk. She just stopped and would not cross the wet walk. I had to pick her up and carry her. She did not like getting her paws wet. She would not walk in the snow. We had to wipe her feet immediately when she came in from a rainy or snowy day.”
Mary said, “Tinker was definitely daddy’s girl.”
Tinker had her routine at home.
“She would tell us when she wanted to eat or go out. She protected our home. If someone walked past the house and she was inside, she would bark. But for some reason, when she was on the patio or outside, she didn’t bark,” Al said.
Tinker had a favorite toy, a little stuffed monkey that she loved.
“She would take care of it. She brought it treats, groomed it, and didn’t want to play with any other toy. We have so many toys that she got, but she loves her little monkey,” Mary said.
Tinker’s legacy will live on.
Mary said, “Tinker was the light of our life and brought smiles to everyone she met. We will miss her beyond words, but we find comfort knowing she is running free at the Rainbow Bridge, reunited at last with her favorite big friend.”
