Binky was my first dog after graduating from college and leaving home. She is where the Binky in Binky and Bell comes from. Binky was part Black Lab and Brittany Spaniel. She was smart, loving and eager to please. So far, she has been my only dog that I could teach soccer, wait for the biscuit on the end of her nose and “dance”.

When we adopted Binky, my wife and I loved the “Life in Hell” comic series by Matt Groening. It’s main characters are a rabbit named Binky, his girlfriend Sheba and Binky’s illegitimate son Bongo. So trivia fans, that is where the name Binky came from. By the way, you might also know Groening from his other creations, The Simpsons and Futurama.

Although dated, here are some of my favorite pictures of our beloved Binky. Looking at them makes me feel proud of how many homeless pets, rescues and shelters we have been able to help in whatever small way in Binky’s name.

I love all my dogs, but I sure miss Binky.