There have been many difficult moments in my life when I have not shown emotion – whether it was during difficult experiences in the service, personal losses or disappointments. However, as I sat with Rex, my loyal partner, his head rested on my lap and the tears began to flow on their own.

His breathing became weaker and weaker. The vet said that his condition had worsened and that continuing treatment would be cruel. But how do you say goodbye to someone who had been with me for so many years?

Rex was not just any dog ​​– he was a true hero. He saved lives, helped catch criminals and took part in many important operations. His loyalty and courage have always helped me through difficult times. And now, when it was time to say goodbye, I had to gather my strength.

In the morning, I made a difficult decision. Rex was still breathing, but I knew that our time together would come to an end. Millie, a colleague who was also going through a loss, and I spent our last moments with Rex. “Thank you, Rex,” I said with tears in my eyes. “Thank you for everything.”

Rex wasn’t just a service dog, he became a symbol of loyalty and courage. He took part in risky missions, saved people, and his contribution to our service was invaluable. When I received the thanks from colleagues and people who had been saved by Rex, I understood how great an impact he had.

Losing Rex was painful. The house felt empty without him, and every corner reminded me of him. His memory, his belongings—like the ashes and the leash—became symbols of the teachings he had passed on to me. One day, while walking on our favorite trail, I decided that I would tell others his story, to pass on his teachings.

Today, I work with young people, sharing Rex’s story and his life lessons with them. Losses are always difficult, it is important to survive them, but it is also important to use them to help others. Rex’s story continues to inspire and exemplify courage and loyalty.

We can all honor those we have lost by passing on their teachings and helping others. That’s the best way to keep them in our hearts.