My dog was with me at my lowest. After he died, I found him again – in Mexico

 “Ryan, you’re crazy!” I remember a fellow Iceland Flashpacker telling me as I cold-plunged into Laugarvatn while the rest of the crew ran out of the frigid water, shivering. Cold plunges were something I was doing regularly back home in Louisiana to help me get my motor started. I was used to dipping in my gym’s cold plunge for minutes at a time, which was therapeutic for my depression (see part one of my story). It’s a ritual known to boost dopamine as the body deals with the sudden shock of a temperature drop. I would preface every cold water dip by telling myself, “You’ve done much harder things than this.”

But the most vital components of me overcoming a major depression? My dogs, Lex and Pierre. During a time where I had zero motivation, having them around forced me to get out of bed each day. I had to feed them, make sure they had water, and exercise them. I had to take care of them, even if I wasn’t taking care of myself. In return, they showed me unconditional love during a very lonely chapter in my life.

Lex passed away less than a month after my Flash Pack trip to Iceland – a vacation that marked an important turning point in my recovery. He was my first ever dog, a rescue from Houston, Texas, who was found as a stray. I adopted him in 2010 when I was living in Texas for optometry school, and he was my main guy for the next 14 years. He was known for a folded left ear, a fun personality, but – most of all – a ridiculously long tongue. In fact, his name at the shelter was “Sir-Licks-A-Lot” or “Licks” for short. I changed it to Lex after I claimed him as my own.

Lex was my main guy. He showed me unconditional love

Lex and I did everything together: we traveled, enjoyed parks and hiking excursions, and even went to a water park when they opened it up for dogs on the last day of each season. His brother, Pierre, came along during peak Covid, when I noticed Lex starting to slow down a bit. Having a new, spry, and energetic younger brother rejuvenated him, and I believe it added years to his life.

And Lex added to my life, in turn. I truly believe he stuck around to see me get better from depression. When he saw me recover enough to start traveling again, he knew he could let go. Our final day together was special. I took the day off from the eye clinic that I run, and I hired a photographer friend to take family photos of me, Lex and Pierre. 

Lex had chicken and rice for breakfast, and he and his brother joined me for lunch at an outdoor restaurant. The waitress there learned that it was Lex’s last day and gave me two hamburger patties on the house. The boys grubbed on those burgers for dinner. Lex got a chance to say goodbye to my family who loved him dearly, and we had one long, last cuddle session before his final vet appointment that evening.

I truly believe Lex stuck around to see me get better

After his passing, I wrote a song in Lex’s memory to thank him for having my back during the recovery from my mental crisis. When I learned of his failing kidneys, I felt like I had let him down; he lost out on a couple of years of my usual energy due to my depression. But my therapist had me look at things differently: Lex was simply returning the favor for giving him such a great life.

It’s what best friends do – help each other out, neither keeping score. My song to Lex, Until the Clock Stops, captures those feelings. My band, Dr. C & the Gris Gris, worked with a talented local videographer to turn the track into a very powerful music video tribute.

In November 2025, I traveled again with Flash Pack: this time to Oaxaca, Mexico. My dad is from Mexico, and I’ve always wanted to learn more about my roots. Plus, a more laid-back vibe was speaking to me this time around (versus all the hiking in Iceland), making Mexico the perfect fit.

I immediately clicked with all of my travel mates

And boy, was it ever. Feeling much more myself this time, I immediately clicked with all of my travel mates. In fact, four of us were even on the same flight to Oaxaca. We met up with 12 others at our hotel in Oaxaca, and were soon joined by our guide. Josafat was an absolutely incredible leader for our group; he was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Oaxacan history, culture and traditions.

Our first venture was a cooking class. We learned to make memelitas, including all the pieces required: tortillas, various delicious sauces, guacamole, and more. The next day, we walked around the city, witnessed all of its colorful street art, and learned about arguably Oaxaca’s most famous tradition: Diá de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 

After visiting and eating at a vibrant market, we embarked on an excursion to be “reborn” during an ancient temazcal ritual. This was the highlight of the trip for me. It was basically a sweat lodge we spent an hour in together. Everyone felt so relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards. It was an amazing sensation.

Day 3 saw us hike Hierve el Agua, a huge and gorgeous petrified waterfall in the mountains of Oaxaca. We also stopped to see El Árbol del Tule, a gigantic and magnificent 2000-year-old tree. The sheer size of it was mindblowing. On the final day, we toured a mezcal distillery, learning how this fiery liquor is made, and enjoying plenty of samples. We made it out to some agave fields for photo opportunities, and later got together one last time for a wonderful farewell dinner.

Just before that last supper, a fellow Flashpacker told me I should check out a nearby alebrije shop for souvenirs. Alebrijes are art sculptures famous by way of Mexico City and Oaxaca, and are often associated with Diá de los Muertos. I walked into the shop, and something completely unexpected caught my eye: an alebrije of a dog with a folded left ear and a ridiculously long tongue. It was Lex! Complete with angel wings!

I could not believe the resemblance to my belated bestie

I could not believe the striking resemblance to my belated bestie. I immediately purchased it. Then, instead of meeting some of the Flashpackers for a drink afterwards (as I had planned), I went back to my hotel room to have a moment. I was deep into my feelings, remembering all the awesome times I had with my dog.

Arriving home, I shared my alebrije find with all my friends and family. They were shocked that I did not have it custom-made. It really was an accurate depiction of my buddy, though it was made with no particular dog in mind. I simply found it on the shelf of a shop.

I’m happy to report that I’ve stayed in touch with many of the Oaxaca Flashpackers, and we hope to travel together again. And who knows – I may even catch another version of Lex when that next adventure arrives.

Dr. Ryan Cazares is an optometrist and musician based in Louisiana. He traveled with Flash Pack to Iceland and Mexico.

Images: Courtesy of Dr. Ryan Cazares