Farewell Sweet Dexter

[KimW]

Ode To A Heart Dog

So this is where we part, my friend,
And you'll run on, around the bend,
Gone from sight, but not from mind,
New pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on. I'll find the strength.
Life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
Share one last look, before I grieve.

There were others, that much is true,
But they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
Take this with you....I loved you best.

~ author unknown

December 1998-September 2011

[RMBCR]

So very sorry for your loss, Kim. RIP Dexter.

[PSmitty]

I'm so sorry. Rest in peace, Dexter.

[kgunther]

RIP Sweet Dexter. You were such a handsome boy and I always loved seeing pictures of you and your brothers. You will be greatly missed. But I know you are running free and happy now and all the love your family gave you is still in your heart.

Hugs to you and your family Kim. We know how hard this is.

Kristy

[MollyATL]

Oh Kim...my heart just fell when I saw this. A day we all dread - but I know how much love you shared during his lifetime and like Kristy said, I'm sure it has carried with him. RIP handsome Dexter.

[BeachBCs]

Kim, I am so very sorry. Hugs to you.

[BustopherJones]

My precious puppy passed away, no more to breathe a sound.
I held him for the last time, then entombed him in the ground.
Day and night I wept so much, in tears I thought I'd drown.
I searched my soul for comfort, but no peace therein was found.

In great despair, I hit my knees and then began to pray.
"Father, will I ever see my dog again someday?"
I raised my eyes and saw an angel standing near a gate.
I sensed an inner peace I'd never felt before that day.

The angel smiled and said to me, "Oh ye of little faith!
God sees every bird that falls; He knows your puppy's fate.
I have met your little dog, I saw him pass my way.
Your precious dog is still alive; he just walked through this gate.

Paradise is lovelier than you can comprehend.
No pain or grief, no tears or fears, and life will have no end.
God gave to man His only Son, to cover all his sins.
So why would God withhold from you, your pure and loving friend?”

The angel took me by the hand and said, "Now come with me.
A glimpse of paradise I'll give, to you so you can see."
Through the gate and o'er the Rainbow Bridge we did proceed.
Through green valleys filled with flowers, rolling hills and trees.

“Wow, so this is paradise!” The place was filled with joy.
I saw my puppy playing there, with dogs and cats and toys.
He also had some doggie treats, and food that he enjoyed.
He'd made a lot of new friends there, including girls and boys.

Then I saw a child come near, and hug my little mate.
She said to him, "I love you so," and kissed him on the face.
The angel said, "The child just crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.
Now she needs a little friend, to love and help her play.

God’s love for her would be enough, in that make no mistake.
But in His love, He knew full well, the child would want a mate.
This is why God called your dog unto this splendid place.
God’s entrusted her with your baby, ‘til you pass through the gate."

I pleaded, “May I hug them both?!” The angel answered, “No!
You’d violate a sacred site, and now it’s time to go.”
He led me back across the Bridge and through the gate to home.
He left me there with new-found hope and peace within my soul.

If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies,
Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry.
For dogs don’t die, they simply cross a bridge to paradise.

~ Adapted from an anonymous post

Vaya con Dios, Dexter. You have important work to do...

[tburnham]

I am so very, very sorry Kim. May you find peace in the memories of your precious Dexter, until you are together again. You gave him a wonderful life.

Toni

[Ceredwyn]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Kim. You're in my prayers.

[KimW]

Thank you all for your kind words. There is definitely a void in the house, and in our hearts now. So quiet...for an old dog who seemed to do an awful lot of sleeping, it's amazing how much I miss his "noise". Dexter had a very unique bark that was often followed by a quirky "hyena" type snorting. It made everyone laugh and drove them crazy at the same time. Never thought I would hear myself say this, but I miss his psychotic noises . Caleb continues to look for him occasionally, but otherwise seems to be adjusting. Duke, of course, is perfectly content (as he feels the world revolves around him anyway )

These beastie boys are such a blessing in our lives, a shame they can't live forever!