Surfer's moving ocean farewell to his dog of 16 years

In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, surfer Diego Jiménez bid a poignant farewell to his loyal companion of 16 years, Thai, choosing a deeply personal and ocean-centric ceremony over a traditional funeral.

After sharing much of his life with Thai, including supporting him through a battle with cancer, Jiménez decided to honor his dog in a place that held special meaning for both of them: the sea. He prepared a send-off adorned with flowers and petals before paddling out into deeper waters with Thai's body resting on his surfboard.

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I love you, big head, I'm going to miss you.

Reaching the middle of the ocean, Jiménez held Thai one last time, embracing him before submerging together in a final dive that symbolized their shared years. For Jiménez, the ocean was more than just water; it was a place where Thai had been a constant presence, waiting for him after every surf session.

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Now you are in the light, an infinite plane, you are home, your mission is accomplished and you did it like no other.

"And there always, a lookout, watching my steps, always looking for me in the sea, at which peak I was... Attentive to receive me after surfing to play your favorite games religiously for so many years," Jiménez wrote in a touching tribute on social media. He expressed his love, stating, "I love you, big head, I'm going to miss you."

Jiménez also reflected on their shared life, writing, "Now you are in the light, an infinite plane, you are home, your mission is accomplished and you did it like no other." He described the sea and beach as "our place, our refuge and addiction," promising to feel Thai's presence in "every wave, every sunset."

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And there always, a lookout, watching my steps, always looking for me in the sea, at which peak I was... Attentive to receive me after surfing to play your favorite games religiously for so many years.