What a paw-some send off! Dexter the dog’s heartbroken owner gives him a funeral fit for a king

When Dexter the pug slipped off to the big doghouse in the clouds, a simple “I’ll miss you, buddy” wouldn’t do for grieving owner Tim Beville Jr.

His four-legged fur-baby had been in his life for seven years and he deserved a fitting send-off. So Tim, a pastor from Pennsylvania in the US, went all out, throwing his pet a lavish funeral and sharing the solemn ceremony on Facebook.

Dexter’s funeral was held at a funeral parlour, complete with a white casket for the dearly departed pug.

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In the coffin, Dexter, wearing a bowtie in blue and covered with a blue blanket (because blue was his favourite colour), rested on his belly with his head on one of his favourite chew toys.

Tim’s emotional Facebook post has had more than 53 000 reactions and 85 000 shares, with many people praising the bereaved doggy daddy for his beautiful send-off.

“Dexter has been a part of the family since he was nine weeks old. There was never ever a day that he didn't do something that would bring a smile to my face and even make me laugh out loud,” Tim wrote in an online obituary.

“Dexter was faithful, loyal, loving, kind and fought right up until the end.”

The pug died recently in Tim’s arms after an undisclosed illness. Tim also has two other dogs: Mason, Dexter’s “blood brother” and Daisy, “Dexter’s girl”.

“He loved to sing along to YouTube [videos], no matter what it was, he would always sniff it before he would eat it, he loved to play with blue toys more than any other colour,” wrote Tim, who added that Dexter loved cheese but would “go crazy” over apple slices.

“Dexter, who also loved to sleep on his back with all four legs in the air, hated the rain but loved taking rides in the car. He didn’t like bees and didn’t care for cats, but loved all other dogs.”

Dexter's owner, Tim Beville, is grief. (Photo: Facebook / Tim Beville Jr.)

Tim also shared a video of Dexter, displaying pictures of the dog throughout the years.

The pug, who was nicknamed Bruiser and was born on 5 March 2014 to Galaxy and Leinda Rockmore, was cremated at a pet cemetery.

“We are heartbroken that he is gone, but so very thankful for the 7 years of laughter and joy that he brought to our lives. Run Free Dexter!”

Sources: jbcares.com, insideedition.com, dailymail.co.uk, facebook.com/timjr1974, newyorkpost.com