The joyful arrival of Lex the Labrador at my Carril home was recorded by the Resident in my short essay “Three rescuing dogs: Lex, Papaia and Ginx”, which was published on December 19, 2023.
The subsequent eight years of his loyal and unquestioning companionship have enabled me to pass into the difficult 10th decade with relative equanimity; always being at my side in times of peril. He was indeed a rescued dog who became the rescuer.
For the last four days of his life, Lex was unable to move due to a paralysis of his hind legs for which there was no treatment. There was no alternative to canine euthanasia administered by painless lethal injection.
I am left with little Ginx, who also came to us from the admirable charity Dogs of Portugal to share memories of Lex and the happiness he brought to all.
