Tributes paid to Dexter the family dog who died in Stanmer Park

Annette Beard's seven-year-old springer spaniel disappeared while on a walk in Stanmer Park near Brighton.

A search was launched to try and hunt down Dexter - but he was later found dead in the park.

It is believed he was trying to jump a fence and became stuck.

Dexter as a pup (Image: Lucy Beard)

Annette said: "We want to think of all the joy he brought to us, such as our holidays in Cornwall, he had a lovely time on those weeks away.

"People would stand watching him go into the sea and they would say what a brilliant swimmer he was.

"It was either Stanmer Park or the beach, and wherever he went he gave joy to people in so many different ways.

"He would sit on people's feet, and look up in adoration. He was really good with children, and people would want to stroke him.

"He was really caring and loyal - life will not be the same."

Annette and Dexter (Image: Annette Beard)

Annette thanked people who went out of their way to help search for Dexter, who went missing on Saturday.

She added: "It restores your faith in the human race with everything that's going on at the moment.

"Everyone has responded tremendously, and people have reached out and helped us in a time where we were just hoping against hope he would come home."

• READ MORE: Dog owners join family's desperate search after beloved pet disappears into the woods

Annette, from Withdean, collected his body on Tuesday morning, and she plans to bury him in her back garden. She said: "We've still got ashes from our other springer spaniel Zen, who died eight years ago.

"We're going to dig a hole in our back garden, which he adored, and they can go together."

Dexter loved being outdoors (Image: Annette Beard)

Friends and dog owners have sent messages of condolence to Dexter and his family.

Annette's husband, Brian, said Dexter changed his life.

"Years and years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and since having Dexter I've walked so much, I've lost so much weight," he said.

"My blood sugar levels are much better, so in a way he's improved my health."