I read Where the Red Fern grows when I was young and was convinced that I wanted a dog in my life... a friend that would go on adventures with me and keep me company on the lonely nights. Lexi was that friend, and I bid her a very fond farewell as she embarks on her next adventure!
Lexi left this physical world in much the way she participated in life here... with dignity and grace. She died peacefully asleep on Tuesday morning, November 16, 2010 at eight and one-half years of age. She was in the care of a local veterinarian who was trying to help her with her failing liver. I am grateful that Lexi left on her own and did not need help. I have no regrets nor do I feel Lexi does... we are both peacefully missing each other.
We did get one last amazing day... which I have re-named Lexi Day... this year it fell on Sunday November 14th. As we attempted to wheel Lexi to the beach in a wagon, she jumped out of the wagon and walked with her head held high under the freeway to the sand, an amazing show of strength and pride which only fortified her greatness. We played in the sand, and Lexi followed me into the surf... we all had great fun in the company of good friends. The sun set that night to dolphins playing in the waves... and Lexi was the guest of honor!
Lexi DID, she left nothing on the beach, grass or trail... she had a lust for life that will serve as a model for how I will continue living my life.
Lexi's body is now laid to rest on a beautiful mesa in Carpinteria, overlooking the Brown's Cherimoya Ranch and the Carpinteria Valley, just at the foot of the rainbow bridge to Santa Cruz Island. Lexi's spirit is in everyone she met and every place she visited... I will always have very fond memories of my time spent with her here on Spaceship Earth.
Amidst the fog
no birthday song
Came to the creek
and stopped to eat
First day without a dog
800 miles of goofy smiles
in cold and warm and HOT
with head held high you did not cry
when difficult to trot
You kept a guard
at camp each night
birds to ascending flight
And bumble bees had met their match
when challenged to a fight
So rest your paws
a better cause
will sleeping be to you
My trusted friend
we'll meet again
and a walkin' we will do
Run like the wind and don't look back puppers... I'm gonna miss you!
G in SpAcE
