Free tennis balls get left on beach to honour the 'goodest of good boys'

Free tennis balls have been left on a UK beach to honour a late golden retriever.

ITV News reported that a box of tennis balls were left for pet owners at Exmouth Beach in memory of ‘goodest of good boys’.

Sorry, there's something in my eye...damn hay fever season.

Along with the box of tennis balls, an adorable photo of the late pooch could be found accompanied by a heartfelt note that read: "Rex loved the beach, Rex loved the ball.

"Please feel free to take a ball for your dog and I hope you all enjoy this place as much as we did.

"Rex - sleep well, my ginger prince. The goodest of good boys."

💚 A lovely gesture on Exmouth beach. pic.twitter.com/SeQNVrvcBU

— Devon County Council (@DevonCC) June 14, 2023

Devon County Council shared the endearing guest via Twitter, and as you can imagine, people were incredibly touched.

One user wrote: “I’m not crying, you’re crying. On my way to scoop up my own favourite blonde boy to take him to the beach.”

Another said: “Stuff like this. Gets to me every single time. Run Free Rex. Run free.”

Another lamented: “Hang on, just sobbing onto my phone.”

While another shared: “Heartwarming - yet so sad! Love the photo of Rex.”

Owner of Rex Jason Dunne revealed that the gift was his way of having one last walk with his four-legged friend, who died earlier this month, as per East Devon News.

He said: “It was my way of having one last beach day with my once-in-a-lifetime dog who literally changed our lives for the better in so many ways.

“I’ve met so many people on walks over our 14 years together and I couldn’t tell you their names, but I could name their dogs and they all knew Rex’s name.”

Jason added the sweet gesture was also done in an effort to bring the community together.

“Rex did that. Rex loved people, Rex loved all the dogs, Rex loved life. He’s brought out the best in this community and it’s been amazing,” he added.

“The messages from other people who have lost their pets, and from people with pups at the very beginning of their adventure together, has moved us and we find real comfort in that.

“Exmouth came together in kindness. That’s his legacy. Hug your pets. Be more Rex.”

So grab a tennis ball and head out with your best friend to honour the late pooch this weekend, folks.

Rest in power, ginger king.