“Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of your life and one of the worst days.” — Author Unknown
Sadly, I had one of those worst days yesterday when I had to let Marley go over the Rainbow Bridge. He began showing his age a year ago when he started getting lost when we went for walks. He would get behind and then not be able to follow. I would have to go back for him since he couldn’t hear me calling. He had lost his hearing before then. I had to start leaving him in the yard when Frankie and I would go walking. Poor fellow would bark and cry all the time we were gone – just as soon as he finished the treats I always gave him before we left.
Then his arthritis kept getting worse until his back legs and hips would give out on him and he’d fall. Month by month he got worse until a month or so ago, he struggled to stand up and once up, fell down again if he tried to turn to the side or shook his head. The last few weeks I, or my daughter when she was visiting, would have to pick him up and help him walk. He got worse day by day until even with our help he could barely stand.
But enough about the sorrow of his aging. He was the sweetest dog. And such a pretty guy. He didn’t come to live with us until he was eight. He’d had two owners before us. Not sure why the first owners gave him up, but the ones who gave him to me were moving and planning to travel a lot where they couldn’t take Marley with them. We had already kept him while they took a few trips before they moved. So, we were ready for him to come live with us. He loved Frankie. Frankie loved him.
He was always ready to go for a walk, whatever the weather. He wasn’t like Frankie who always has his own agenda on a walk. Marley never let me get out of sight. He liked the creek. He didn’t mind the snow although he wasn’t as happy with it as Frankie. Still, if Frankie was out there walking in it, he wanted to be out there walking in it too.
Marley had to be with either Frankie or me. If I went somewhere, even just to town or church, I had to make sure he was either outside with Frankie or Frankie was inside with him. Marley let you know if he was alone. The last few weeks, he knew I was his hope of getting up and walking. He loudly let me know he needed help. But eventually, there comes a time when it’s better to let a dog go on. That time was actually a week or so before yesterday, but I finally faced that worst day and told him goodbye.
“I guess you don’t really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.” — Joe Garagiola
Marley would have been fifteen the end of May. I had hoped he would make it till summer, but it wasn’t to be.
Frankie didn’t eat for two days. I think he’s missing his old friend. I know I am.
“A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.” — Erica Jong
“Heaven is a place where all the dogs you’ve ever loved come to greet you.” — Oliver Gaspirtz
Comments 47
Dear Ann,
I am sorry to hear of your loss of your dear Marley.
I so enjoy your stories and pictures of Marley and Frankie.
I am sure Frankie is missing his pal, Marley.
We have had six dogs in our 52 of marriage.
I could talk forever about our well-loved dogs.
Congratulations on your publication of
A CHANCE FOR KALLIE MAE.
I am looking forward to reading your new story.
Author
Thanks for your kind words and thoughts about Marley, Patti. Frankie has missed Marley and so have I. But he had a nice dog life. I would have to think about how many dogs I’ve had. I have written posts about several of them. And then I’ve enjoyed the kids’ dogs too. I’m glad you’ve had some great dogs in your life.
I hope you’ll enjoy A Chance for Kallie Mae when you get the chance to read the story. I appreciate you reading my words.
I’m so sorry, Ann. Marley was a beautiful boy and I know you (and Frankie!) miss him terribly. My heart hurts and I just knew him from what you’ve written about him in your newsletters over the years! Dogs’ lifespans aren’t nearly long enough! I sure hope Oliver Gaspirtz is correct so that if I make it to Heaven someday there’ll be a canine committee waiting to greet me!
Author
Won’t that be fun, Charlotte? To have all our former dogs there to meet us. And of course, since it’s heaven, they will all get along famously. They say we will be happy in heaven and having our dog buddies with us will definitely help with that, don’t you think?
Yes!!!
So sorry for the loss of your fur baby. It is so hard to lose them because we loved them so much.
Author
Thanks, Jan. I appreciate your kind words. I think it’s easier to lose an old dog who has lived a good life than to have one die through accident or an early illness. I’ve lost dogs both ways.
We’ve been blessed with the dogs we’ve had in our family over the years. They all have ended up being such perfect matches for us. We’ve had 5 dogs prior to the 2 we have now. We’ve had 3 of our dogs that died at age 13 yrs. old. The 2 dogs we have now are both 13, 1 will be turning 14 in July right on my birthday. Our other dog just turned 13, earlier this mo. I hope they are around longer than 13 years. Our dogs are lots of fun and a big part of our family, it sounds like Marley was too.
Author
Dogs just don’t live long enough, Jolynn, but I hope your two buddies have a few more years of happiness with you. I’m hoping Frankie has a few more years too.
Marley was a fun addition to our family, but we got him when he was already middle-aged at 8. So, I suppose I was fortunate to have 7 more years with him.
Sometimes there are no words. It is good to see that so many people immediately understand how hard it is to lose a beloved dog. I am sure his memory pops into your mind all the time and gives you a little smile.
Author
It is sweet that so many people have furry friends they love, Loretta. I miss Marley, but he had a good life and I can remember those things he did that had me smiling.
They hold such a special place in our heart don’t they? I’m sure your house feels rather empty right now. I can’t imagine losing our girl.
So sorry for your loss! It’s always hard to lose them!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dogs are such a blessing, but losing them is always so hard.
So sorry you had to let your beloved Marley go. I know you loved him so much just like all your dog friends over the years. Rest in peace Marley.
Author
I have had a lot of dogs that I’ve loved through the years, Connie. With dogs, you remember and then sometimes you go out and find your next friend. We shall see if I do that.
I’m so sorry for your loss; Marley sounded like a wonderful companion. Whoever said that they leave paw prints on our hearts is absolutely right.
I am so sorry, Ann! Marley sounds like a wonderful furbaby! Praying for you as you miss him! His decline reminds me a lot of our first shih-tzu, who hung on ‘til he was almost 18. Like Marley, we couldn’t deny we needed to let him go! I hope you get some kind of keepsake or memorial for him!
Author
I’ll have to think about that. I did get a plaque made for my good dog Oscar a few years ago. But even if I don’t get something for Marley, I have so many great pictures to remember him by.
So sorry for your loss Anne. Marley sounds like a great dog!