Tribute to Lex - a heart as big as he was

Many people and animals come and go throughout your life, and it is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one.

Yesterday was one of those sad days when an unexpected loss occurred.

We lost our dear dear LEX suddenly as he suffered from GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) or turned stomach.
One minute he was happy and getting up to the usual mischief, and the next he was listless, tired, not hungry at all and battling to breath and move comfortably.

It took just a few hours and he was gone.....and our hearts were broken.

We miss all the little things he brought to the home, even the things that used to drive us mad (like his farts, leg nips and stinky pee).

He was a massive Boerboel, with a heart of a puppy.
He was fiercely protective of his family. Anyone that didn't respect that got reminded quickly, and he would intimidate them completely....even though he never bit anybody.

He would often get between Michelle and strangers, pushing her away from them, and barking or bumping the strangers away. When a large >60kg dog does that to you you MOVE!

Oh how we are going to miss him! Michelle is absolutely shattered....my heart breaks for her :(

@chillipip will not be functioning for a few days...patience is needed

He lived a good life, and for a large dog getting to almost 9 years old is a good life....and his joints were starting to act up seriously....so perhaps its better that he is in dog heaven (we know he is there because he was a wonderful family member).

Credit

I hope you don't mind that I pay some tribute and respect to a wonderful part of the family that has returned home, and we can all share a thought for all the love and friendship our dear departed pets have given us over so many years.

They are truly a blessing from God.

With tears in my eyes I share some pics of a truly wonderful boy:

Lex with Austyn

Lex with Michelle-(he always had to touch her)

Lex and I

With his winter jersey

Rest now our dear boy