In Loving Memory of Rya Hinton

March 8, 2011 – January 8, 2026

Rya Hinton was known variously and affectionately by many names including Big Butt Girlfriend, Rubinski, Roobs, Ryaroo, Ria, and a rotating cast of other short-lived nicknames. Rya began her story north of Tower City, ND: she was one of three daughters born to legends, Bonnie and Redneck. At four weeks old, she could fit in the palm of a hand. Se remained calm and composed during that first long visit: she made herself memorable as the only sister who managed not to have an accident when we first met the family. She seemed chill, even laid back; history would later call for a revision of that assessment.

On May 3, 2011, she arrived at her new home in West Fargo, where she would spend the entirety of her expansive and one-of-a-kind life. Rya was Independent, vibrant, and just a little bit wild. She kept her people on their toes. She attended obedience classes for years and was, by any reasonable standard, a wonderfully mannered dog... with the exception, of course, being the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. No matter how many attempts or how many treats were offered, the supervised separation and occasional crowd-walks consistently undid her. Official certificate or not, she was declared a GREAT citizen at home, a title worn proudly and repeated often.

Rya’s quirks were nearly as legendary as she was. When she was younger, she ate with unmatched speed. Consequently, a (failed) strategy meant to slow her down was enlisted, and she then ate her meals on a folded beach towel. Her stuffed animals rarely survived with their plastic eyes intact. She preferred lounging in the front yard; a luxury enjoyed so much that a July 2019 Google Maps Street View immortalized her watchful post. Even the internet bears witness to her vigilant and regal presence.

Affection from Rya came on her terms, not those of her loving humans. Too much petting resulted in a quick relocation from even the comfiest of couches or beds. Each morning, and after most naps, she demanded exuberant head-and-body rubs. Appropriate petting was rewarded with enthusiastic snorts and groans. Rya communicated through her rituals; these were her language of love.

More than a pet, Rya was like a child to her human stewards; she was their constant companion. She rode along for errands, joined vacations, enjoyed car washes, supervised grocery runs, and navigated road trips to across the nation. She visited Colorado’s mountains, the Texas Hill Country, and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. She made friends everywhere including Coco, Tara, Brian, Thomas, and so many daycare companions. She learned life’s lessons in parks, classrooms, and family backyards. Rya was more than "a part" of her humans' lives; she was their life.

Rya will be remembered by many, but her family immortalizes her in their own ways. A geocache in South Elmwood Park now bears her name, honoring one of her favorite places to explore: a fitting tribute to an explorer at heart. Rya will be remembered as an adventurer of parks, a master of roads, and an icon of a life well lived. 

She was loved fiercely and she loved widely. She will be forever missed and remembered, leaving behind a home and a world that were made bigger by her presence.