“Lexie” CH. OAKBROOK’S SEXY LEXY, HIC
9/21/95 – 1/30/11
WP659157/12 OFA#SA-11886G41F-T CERF#SA-2874/2001-64 XL-PRA Normal
Sire: Intl.Am.Ch. Hoof N’Paws Knight Drifter, BIS,BISS X Dam: Natasha Noel O’Shadow Mtn
Lexie’s Story:
Lexie was the pick of a Drifter litter with one of the late Shirley
Ramsey’s girls, “Natasha”. Jane and Kathy went to pick her up in Arizona and
brought her home to go to her new family to be named, “Molly”. Well, this
new family had a change of heart at the last minute and Jane & Alan were
going on vacation that weekend so Heather stepped in and offered to take
care of her until they got back. That was all it took for Heather to fall in
love with this little miniature version of Drifter. Heather’s husband was
not quite ready for a dog at the time and made Heather choose between
getting her new car or keeping the dog. Duh! Heather kept the puppy and
renamed her “Lexie”.
Lexie was also Heather’s first show dog of her own. Alan taught her
everything he knew and sent them into the show world to give it a try. Lexie
was a natural and was a great first time dog to have. She got both of her
majors in the pouring rain which was a big compliment on her movement. In
the middle of her march towards her championship, Heather got pregnant with
Brianna and showed the dog until she was no longer able to waddle around the
ring and do her justice. Alan wanted to continue to show her while Heather
was out of commission but Heather was determined to finish her Championship
all by herself. She was down to one p[oint left and achieved that at the
Long Beach Kennel Club show.
Lexie was Heather’s foundation Brood Bitch and went on to produce 2 litters.
Lexie was Ono’s first love and first wife. Her second litter was with Ono’s
half brother, Rudy. She produced 4 champions out of 9 children. She was a
wonderful Mother and had very easy births.
Lexie was one of those dream dogs that can be trusted with anyone, anything,
at any time. She was rarely on a leash (even on walks around the
neighborhood!) and was a very well behaved dog. Her last show was at the
Riverside Nationals in 2004 where she showed in the Veteran class after
about 5 years out of the show ring and showed like she had never left it.
We recently lost Lexie at the age of 15 years and 4 months. She holds the
title of oldest Oakbrook dog and one of the best we have ever had.
Our tribute to Lexie:
"Lexie” Ch. Oakbrook’s Sexy Lexy 9/21/95 - 1/30/11
She is the most incredible dog I have ever had. My first dog I had as an
adult. My first Oakbrook dog. My first champion. My first brood bitch. My
first love. My only Lexie.
She was never in trouble, used to walk with us down to the park without a
leash and looked both ways before she crossed the road. I NEVER had to worry
about her with any other dog, no matter what breed, male/female,
spayed/intact nor any child or person. She had never met a living thing that
she didn't like (except that possum she brought to me proudly one
day...tried to fool me into thinking it was a stuffed animal). She was
always happy. She adored children.
She survived 4 bouts of mammary cancer and surgery, a torn shoulder,
arthritis, etc and never showed you when she hurt. She always defied the
odds. My vet would shake his head in wonder. She didn’t want to be coddled,
she was so proud. She never missed a meal in her life. Most of her life was
about food. The only time she was ever naughty was regarding food. Like
getting into the garage and plowing through a 30 lb bag of dog food. She was
probably on the 16th pound by the time she was caught. Or eating the raw
steak we were bringing over to BBQ at my parent’s house. My husband and I
accused each other of forgetting it at home when we looked back and saw her
licking her chops with a big grin on her face. That was her version of
naughty.
You can't fight old age. Quality and dignity are so important. This is the
worst part about owning an animal. She needed me to make the choice. It is
heartbreaking and devastating, but it was the last gift of love I could give
her. She was a tough, proud, and stubborn old girl. I tried to be tough and
brave for her when she needed me to help her go.
There was an overwhelming amount of support for me and my family from
everyone. You all could truly understand the horrible ache and sadness that
was left. We cried together, shared stories and I felt every single one of
those hugs that carried me through and I can’t thank you enough. My other 3
dogs have been amazing knowing exactly what we need from them. They just
respectfully surrounded us at all times during those last 3 days. Just last
night they all just started playing and being so cute and making us all
laugh. It was their way of telling us that life does indeed go on.
As I said goodbye she kissed my face and licked my tears telling me it was
okay and that she understood. My daughter hugged her tight and Lexie lifted
her face and licked her too. Always thinking of others, even at the end.
Even my vet cried at that moment. This quote was given to us: There is a
sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They
speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of
overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. -
Washington Irving She was surrounded by unspeakable love, her furry family,
her human family and her friends. The sky cleared up at that time after
raining all day. Heaven got SO lucky that day. I had her for 15 years and 4
months and she will forever be a part of my heart and my soul. The oldest
dog we have ever owned. What a beautiful life. We were so lucky to have her.
She was such a HUGE part of our lives for so long it hurts so bad knowing I
will never see those beautiful eyes looking into mine again. I see her
everywhere. Her spirit is everywhere. No dog that comes into my life will
ever compare to my beautiful Lexie.
