Dear Max

We’re in Cape Town this week, and we woke to Whatsapp messages on Saturday that your and your dad’s dog Rex had passed away. Rex – 55kg of Rottweiler awesomeness, a gentle big dog with a heart, spirit and intuition even larger than him.

When we got him as a puppy, you were just one, and he was so gentle and playful with you. He grew with you, and he was a protector of you, a companion and a playmate, who never minded when you pulled his tail playfully, walked on him, rode him, lay on him, or slept side by side with him.

I guess the greatest risk about having a pet you love is that we will survive them, but of course that’s not enough of a reason to not let an animal into our lives to heal us, act as companions, and bring joy. I’ve lost several dogs and cats in my life, and it’s agony, especially with the ones who have burrowed themselves further into our hearts and space.

Rex left you and your dad too soon – after just four years of being in the family, and it is this brevity that saddens me. He was a great friend who should have seen you through more walks, play sessions, cuddles and face lickings.

I’m not sure how you will process this when you get home. We will however encourage you to be sad and mad or whatever you want to feel, and to remind you that while it’s tempting to want to cut yourself off from loving another dog for fear of pain and loss, you’ll only be missing out on unconditional love and companionship that only a dog can give.

 

Rex’s spirit, sharpness and affection are what I’ll remember about him, along with his love and gentleness for us and you, even though you were always so small in size next to him.

May his big heart live on in ours, always.

xMom

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