A lovely gesture on Exmouth beach. pic.twitter.com/SeQNVrvcBU
— Devon County Council (@DevonCC) June 14, 2023
When a beloved pet passes away, there’s no better way to pay them tribute than sharing their story and loving energy with the world. A mourning dog dad named Jason Dunne decided to do just that, leaving a touching homage on the beach where he shared many walks with his good boy. Alongside a heartfelt message for his pooch, Rex, he left a box of tennis balls for dog owners to take and play with their own pups.
The little shrine was placed on Exmouth Beach, in Southwestern England. There, people walking their dogs were moved to tears after reading the message and realizing the purpose of the balls. The handwritten note accompanying the box calls Rex “the goodest of good boys” and features a picture of him. “Rex loved the beach, Rex loved the ball,” Dunne wrote. “Please feel free to take a ball for your dog and I hope you all enjoy this place as much as we did. Rex—sleep well my ginger prince.”
Speaking to East Devon News, Dunne explained that Rex died earlier this month, and the ball giveaway would allow him a last walk with his furry friend. “It was my way of having one last beach day with my once-in-a-lifetime dog who literally changed our lives for the better in so many ways,” the grieving dog dad said.
Dunne also took to Twitter to post about Rex’s final moments, and dedicated a moving eulogy to him, celebrating their time together. “Thank you for choosing to spend your wonderful life with me,” Dunne wrote. “My heart is physically hurting but I’m so so grateful to have shared your existence.”
As if the smiling pics he shared of his dog didn’t give it away, Rex was loved by everyone he met. “I’ve met so many people on walks over our 14 years together and I couldn’t tell you their names, but I could name their dogs and they all knew Rex’s name,” he stated. “Rex did that. Rex loved people, Rex loved all the dogs, Rex loved life. He’s brought out the best in this community and it’s been amazing.”
Dunne thanked everyone who reached out to him after pictures of his gift to the community made it online. “The messages from other people who have lost their pets, and from people with pups at the very beginning of their adventure together, has moved us and we find real comfort in that,” he said. “Exmouth came together in kindness. That’s his legacy. Hug your pets. Be more Rex.”
As a tribute to his late dog, Rex, a man named Jason Dunne left a box of tennis balls for dog owners to take and play with their own pups.
Good boy Rexy pic.twitter.com/YZLTq0LDzX
— Onken (@NonHic) June 14, 2023
“Rex loved the beach, Rex loved the ball,” Dunne wrote. “Please feel free to take a ball for your dog and I hope you all enjoy this place as much as we did. Rex—sleep well my ginger prince.”
We went on our final trip.
I came home alone.Thank you for choosing to spend your wonderful life with me.
My heart is physically hurting but I’m so so grateful to have shared your existence.The best boy there ever was.
My custard mule.
Sleep well Rexy.
— Onken (@NonHic) June 3, 2023
Dunne also took to Twitter to post about Rex’s final moments, and dedicated a moving eulogy celebrating their time together.
He looked so peaceful and beautiful.
I layed his head down. Kissed him.. then blubbed like I’ve never blubbed.
The vets handed my tissues.. mainly for my snot.
The end was painless & weirdly beautiful.
The boy is beautifully pain free.#rex pic.twitter.com/4NUBnCwav5— Onken (@NonHic) June 3, 2023
The grieving dog dad thanked everyone who reached out to him after pictures of his gift to the community made it online.
The loss is hitting in waves.
The kindness of people has been felt deeply.
I will read and reply to all your kind comments when I get my mojo back.Rex brought out the “Good Twitter” – good boy Rexy.
See you soon.
Much love. pic.twitter.com/HDhFSKhJ6K— Onken (@NonHic) June 5, 2023
Jason Dunne: Twitter
h/t: [ITV]
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