A Christmas to remember (Marine Canine Lex - Ret.)

Meridian Star (Meridian, Ms) ^ | 12-23-07 | Ben Lockridge

[Red_Devil 232]

I'll admit that my joy during Christmas hasn't been what it was when I was a kid. I can't stand how commercialized the holiday has become. The mad Christmas shopping rush I always seem to put myself through, bad drivers (including myself), and the stress of making ends meet until my next paycheck.

It's not hard to get into the wrong mindset at Christmas, but my perspective changed after meeting the family of Dustin Lee on Saturday.

[Red_Devil 232]

Lex is the Marine German Shepard now retired and adopted by the family of Marine Cpl. Dustin Lee.

Cpl. Dustin Lee was Lex's fellow Marine, best buddy and handler. Corporal Lee, 20, was killed and Lex was wounded on March 21 in Anbar Province, Iraq.

Lex is the first Canine in history to be retired before his obligation to military service was up. I am sure his retirement will be nothing but filled with love.

Cameron Lee, brother of slain Marine Cpl. Dustin Lee, prepares for some affection from Lex, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, while the family makes a stop at the Mississippi Welcome Center Saturday on their way home from Albany, Ga., after adopting Lex.

Mattie, the sister, reacts as Lex obeys her commands and performs tricks that her late brother Dustin had taught him.

Merry Christmas and Simper Fi to Lex and the Lee Family - and all FReepers.

[Red_Devil 232]

Ping

[vetvetdoug]

Lex is the first German Shepherd to be retired before his obligation...

As a former veterinary technician with the USAF I knew this was an unprecedented act for a MWD. May God bless this family and this dog.

[freema]

Merry Christmas, All-

As we count down to Christmas, thank you all for the comfort, the blessing, the utter joy, the strength, and the true sense of family you have given throughout the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5rpmJmXH0

Love.

ma

[Marine_Uncle]

Merry Christmas ma. The best to you and yours.