So very sorry for your loss, VUPD. I'm glad for Dexter though--sounds like he had 13 pretty awesome years and was very loved the whole time. That's the most important part right there.
I've been there when one of our pets has passed, and there just isn't anything but pain and loss...until you can eventually smile about all the great memories.
Definitely an awesome dog. He was always his same ol happy self even up until the end. He even played with me outside early this morning. His old body just had enough it seems. He was always a happy dog.
A real gentle giant. 85# and not a mean bone in his body.
My pup is 14. Getting pretty hard of hearing. I'll miss her too. We only get to borrow them for a while. Helps us when we're young to prepare for losing the people we care for when they're old. That picture shows a happy pup. Job well done being there for the goodbyes.
Like everything, their time with us, even more than our own time, is limited. You gave him the best life possible. My thoughts and condolences are with you as you and your family bear the loss of a loved one.