“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
I cried reading your article since I know how much you’ll miss Marley. You have a big, big heart! I’m praying for you as you adjust to Marley’s absence.
Author
Aww, how extra nice, Suzanne, that you are thinking about me and how I’ll miss Marley. Your prayers are appreciated.
Oh Anne,
I am so very sorry to hear about Marley’s passing. I so enjoyed viewing your adventures together over the years. He was a beautiful and sweet dog! Poor Frankie! I will say a prayer for Frankie and you of course. Do you think you will get another dog? Of course, no dog can replace Marley.
Author
Oh, I’m sure I’ll get another dog sometime, Carrie. Right now, we just have to wait a little while. My problem is that Frankie is nine and for a big dog the way he is that’s nearing his expected life time years. Hoping I won’t have to face that for a while. But if I get a new dog, I’d like another about Marley size. We’ll see.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I loved seeing pictures of Marley and hearing about his antics. Prayers for peace and comfort as you grieve this loss!
Author
He was a super nice dog, Erin. I miss him, but he was having such a hard time this last week. It was time.
Ann, my heart aches with you. It was a year ago when we said goodbye to our sweet Misty, a beautiful shepherd/husky. She was a month away from turning 16. Her hips and back legs went out like Marley. She was such a joy! She loved walks, people, playing with other dogs, pizza, fig Newton’s, and anything we were eating! We miss her so much! We believe she is running and playing with our other pets and getting snuggles from our family and Jesus! I’ll be praying comfort over you, Ann, during this time.
Author
Misty sounds like a great dog, Lauren, and for her breed, that sounds like a good long life. It’s funny that she liked fig newtons. LOL. Marley was always wanting people food and treats. But with a doggie sigh, he ate his kibble. Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers.
I think the human body has two separate hearts. One for people and one for pets. The one for pets is an endless love and one that seems to grow with every new pet. May God bless you and your family with comfort and may your dog find a new best friend in my dog King, who is always up there waiting for friends.
Author
What a neat way to think about how we love our pets, Kimberlie. They do give us a lot of love and smiles. And how sweet that your King is up there making friends with other dogs coming over the rainbow bridge.
How wonderful for Marley that he had such a loving family and brother dog!!!
So sorry, Ann.
Oh Ann, I am so sorry to hear about sweet Marley. I feel like I know him through the stories you’ve told and the pictures you’ve shared. I am so glad Marley was able to be a part of your life. What a gift. Please know that all of you are in my prayers.
Author
We do get attached to the pets we read about in stories and on the internet, Amy. Marley would have been happy to know he had so many friends. He did take a good picture unlike Frankie who will hardly pose at all and generally moves just as I hit the shutter. A friend took the picture I used up at the top of the post. It was such a good portrait of Marley.
Oh Ann,
My heartaches for you and Frankie, and your whole family. My prayers are with you as you learn to navigate life with out him.
CeZar, Rusty and Mitzi
Ohhh Ann I’m so sorry. I know the pain of losing a special furbaby. I loved Marley too through your stories. He was indeed a beautiful boy. I hope Frankie is doing better. It’s sad to know dogs grieve too. I’m thankful you had those years with Marley and shared him with your followers here. I’ll pray that the good memories outside your sorrows.
Author
You do know, Lavon, as the same as me, you’ve lost a lot of furry buddies through the years. I know you still miss Ollie. He was a special pup. Hope the new dog is settling in and becoming a best dog too.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ann! Losing a beloved furbaby is a heartache like no other. Praying for peace and comfort you and for Frankie.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It feels like our loss, too since we’ve come to love him through your blogs. I’m glad to know that he had a good long life and a good friend in Frankie.
Sorry for your loss. We have lost a few dogs. It is painful and so very sad. Glad you had those years with him.
I’m so sorry for Marley. My prayers to you and your family.
🙏🏼🥰🤗😢
Saying a prayer for you and Frankie, Ann. Sending love and hugs. Shedding a tear of sadness in your loss.
Then celebrating all the wonderful memories of Marley that you and Frankie share. Dogs bring so much joy and comfort to our lives.
So sorry for the loss of your faithful friend and companion. I love the pictures of both dogs and know he had the best life he could have had with you as his guardian. I pray your heart won’t be heavy with grief for too long. The tears we shed are stored up in the bottle He holds in His hand. We wait for the day when there will be no more tears, or pain, or sorrow. It is coming. Count on it!
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss of Marley. While it is our most loving decision for our beloved pets, it is the hardest. I hope he running free, and looking forward to seeing his favorite mama again. Many blessings to you and your husband, and also for Frankie eating again!
I’m so sorry for your loss of Marley. I don’t have a dog now, but loved several dogs over the years. The goodbyes are never easy but the memories are good.
Oh, so sorry you had to do this!! I know you’re missing him, and so his pal!! Praying for you!
It’s so hard to say goodbye to beloved pets! Praying for you as you grieve.