A Love Letter to Lexie

She was the most incredible dog I ever had. My first dog as an adult. My first Oakbrook dog. My first champion. My first brood bitch. My first love. My only Lexie.

She was never in trouble, used to walk with us down to the park without a leash and looked both ways before she crossed the road. I NEVER had to worry about her with any other dog, no matter what breed, male/female, spayed/intact nor any child or person. She had never met a living thing that she didn’t like (except that possum she brought to me proudly one day…tried to fool me into thinking it was a stuffed animal). She was always happy. She adored children.

She survived 4 bouts of mammary cancer and surgery, a torn shoulder, arthritis, etc and never showed you when she hurt. She always defied the odds. My vet would shake his head in wonder. She didn’t want to be coddled, she was so proud. She never missed a meal in her life. Most of her life was about food. The only time she was ever naughty was regarding food. Like getting into the garage and plowing through a 30 lb bag of dog food. She was probably on the 16th pound by the time she was caught. Or eating the raw steak we were bringing over to BBQ at my parent’s house. My husband and I accused each other of forgetting it at home when we looked back and saw her licking her chops with a big grin on her face. That was her version of naughty.

You can’t fight old age. Quality and dignity are so important. This is the worst part about owning an animal. She needed me to make the choice. It is heartbreaking and devastating, but it was the last gift of love I could give her. She was a tough, proud, and stubborn old girl. I tried to be tough and brave for her when she needed me to help her go.

There was an overwhelming amount of support for me and my family from everyone. You all could truly understand the horrible ache and sadness that was left. We cried together, shared stories and I felt every single one of those hugs that carried me through and I can’t thank you enough. My other 3 dogs have been amazing knowing exactly what we need from them. They just respectfully surrounded us at all times during those last 3 days. Just last night they all just started playing and being so cute and making us all laugh. It was their way of telling us that life does indeed go on.

As I said goodbye she kissed my face and licked my tears telling me it was okay and that she understood. My daughter hugged her tight and Lexie lifted her face and licked her too. Always thinking of others, even at the end. Even my vet cried at that moment. This quote was given to us: There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. – Washington Irving She was surrounded by unspeakable love, her furry family, her human family and her friends. The sky cleared up at that time after raining all day. Heaven got SO lucky that day. I had her for 15 years and 4 months and she will forever be a part of my heart and my soul. The oldest dog we have ever owned. What a beautiful life. We were so lucky to have her. She was such a HUGE part of our lives for so long it hurts so bad knowing I will never see those beautiful eyes looking into mine again. I see her everywhere. Her spirit is everywhere. No dog that comes into my life will ever compare to my beautiful Lexie.

Love, Heather