our pets: DOG COMPETITION
Famed Parker County
Chihuahua Tinker Bell
Gone But Not Forgotten
Kenneth and Nadeen Murphree, along with the rest of
Parker County bid a fond farewell to Tinker Bell
By ETHAN EVANS
Photos by Steve Schillio
and Zach Peterson
W
94
eatherford parades and festi-
vals will never be the same.
Parker County’s own Tinker Bell
crossed the rainbow bridge after
more than 11 years of bringing joy
to everyone who knew her. The
precious companion, fashionista,
wagon enthusiast, and local icon
passed on Feb. 5. Although the loss
of any fur family member is tragic,
Tinker Bell will be remembered
fondly by Parker County native and
owner, Nadeen Murphree, as she
recounts her experiences with her
tiny Chihuahua she referred to as
her, “dog child.”
“I still remember it like it was
yesterday,” recalls Murphree. Tinker
Bell came to the Murphree house-
hold as a rescue in 2007. The little
dog was practically abandoned as
a result of divorce, and constantly
confined to a crate. A friend of the
Murphree family brought Tinker Bell
and the Murphrees together, and she
immediately stole their hearts. Tinker
Bell was a gentle, kind, loving little
dog who showed respect and affec-
tion for all she encountered.
“Her personality was nothing like
a dog I’ve ever seen before; she was
just ‘human-like,’ she loved every-
body, she was just unbelievable,” she
said. Although Tinker Bell’s love for
humans knew no bounds, Murphree
said she hated all other animals.
“She would attack dogs, cats,
Tinker Bell with Nadeen Murphree and a loyal fan.