PA Man Holds Extravagant, Open-Casket Funeral For Beloved Pug

ALLENTOWN, PA — A Pennsylvania man is making headlines after hosting an elaborate funeral for Dexter, his 7-year-old pug who died late last month after falling ill earlier in 2021.

Dexter, who belongs to Allentown pastor Tim Beville Jr., first became sick in February, according to an obituary from Judd-Beville Funeral Home. He spent four days in an animal hospital before returning home to spend his final months in comfort, the obituary states.

Dexter died on April 27, and a service was held in his memory on May 4.

"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," the obituary reads. "Run Free Dexter!!!"

Beville posted photos from the open-casket funeral. The service was complete with a customized blanket emblazoned with a photo of Dexter. The dog is seen lying below the blanket in an ornate casket.

Dexter himself was wearing a bow tie and covered with a soft blanket. In the photos, the pug can be seen lying with a chew toy.

Dexter was cremated the morning after the funeral at Creekside Pet Crematory in Stroudsburg, according to the obituary.

"From the moment he came home, he slept every night next to me until he got sick in February and for the first time in his life he spent 4 days in the hospital," the obituary reads.

"When he came from after that he NEVER left my side again. Dexter was faithful, loyal, loving, kind and fought right up until the end."