So Hard To Say Goodbye

On June 16, 2010 we had to say goodbye to our beloved Marley-dog. He was 14. My son wanted a few pictures of him and on his last full day on earth. We love and miss you Marley!

April 26, 1996- June 16, 2010

Marley-Dog the amazing Siberian Husky departed this world around 10:40 AM on June 16, 2010. His humans were by his side until a few minutes before he left this world and his momma was holding his paw as he took his final breath. He was 14.

Marley was born in Beloit, Kansas, to Kojo and Kobi. On June 29, 1996, his humans adopted him in Greensboro, NC. His mom fell in love with his beautiful blue eyes and refused to leave without him.

He made his first trip to the family farm the following day. He ran free and chased tractors. He wore himself out and quickly decided that he loved the farm. Many trips were made in his younger years and chasing after tractors was one of his favorite activities throughout his life. He would run for hours and was always worn out for days upon returning home.

Another favorite activity was roller blading. His Uncle Tom would take him around the neighborhood. Marley did all the work and Tom would glide along yelling ‘mush, mush.’ His human mommy was cautious on the roller blades after Marley decided to chase another dog in the parking lot and took her over a speed bump. Luckily she fell into a grassy area.

On March 5, 1998, Marley became a big “brother” to his favorite human, Tanner. The first time they met, Marley showered Tanner with kisses and they formed an instant bond. As Tanner grew, so did the love and devotion Marley had for his boy. Most nights, Marley slept at the foot of his crib and he was always there to clean up spit up and to lick away any leftover baby food. He was a wonderful vacuum cleaner and Tanner always made sure to share his food with his pup. Marley was always encouraged to give the baby kisses and to this day, Tanner’s good health is contributed to the puppy kisses. Marley could speak. He could say “I love you” and we loved to hear him bark it.

Marley overcame many issues over the course of his life. He really did have at least nine lives. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with heartworms. After a long recovery with no running for weeks, he returned to the farm and was able to run free. Several years ago we thought he was dying and he was nursed back to health by hand feeding him baby food. It was a mystery ailment but he bounced back and we considered extra day we had with him a blessing. 3 years ago, Marley was home alone when our house was struck by lightning. It was the end of July and was about 98 degrees outside. The lightning kicked on the heat in the house and when we got home is was 110 degrees inside. Marley really wasn't the same since that night and he spent the rest of his life petrified of storms and had tons of anxiety when it would rain. Last summer, Marley tore his ACL and had major surgery to repair it. He tore his ACL running at the age of 13! That injury slowed him down and started the downward spiral. We are forever thankful for the extra 10 months the surgery gave us with him.

In his youth, he was quite mischievous. He ran through freshly poured concrete and his footprints are forever embedded in a former neighbor’s driveway. He was curious by nature and often escaped the yard and went on adventures. He was missing one time and was found in a house that was under construction two streets away inside the living room. Not long after that escape, he found his way to the same house and was eating lunch with the construction workers. He made friends easily and was the mascot of the cul-de-sac. Children who were normally afraid of dogs were not scared of Marley. He was a gentile giant and loved everyone! A few years ago he escaped in the middle of the night and was found 3 AM on a busy road. Several cars dodged him. He cheated death so many times, so when his health started to rapidly decline, the painful decision to help him cross over into the next life was made. Many tears have been shed over the past few days, and the weeks and months head will be tough.

Marley was greeted at the gates of Heaven by his Uncle Tom who no doubt was waiting for him with roller blades. His great-grandmother who loved to hear stores of Marley-Dog was there to scratch his ears. Several friends were also there to welcome him across the rainbow bridge, and one day he will be there to greet us as a pup filled with energy on the other side.

Left to cherish his memory is his human mom Megan, dad Jamie and step-dad Trey who loved and adored him. His best buddy and most faithful companion Tanner who had Marley by his side the entire 12 years of life. Marley was his brother and it didn’t matter that he walked on four legs and was a big fuzzball. Tanner loved his dog and will forever miss him. This is one life lesson we wish he didn’t have to endure. Marley’s fur sisters also survive him. Ramsey the cat will miss him in her own way, and Bailey will miss lying with him on the kitchen floor. Marley had the patience of a Saint with that puppy. We are glad she is a part of our family to lick the tears away. She will never take his place, but will make the home a little less quiet. Marley will also be missed by several grandparents, aunts, cousins and friends.

Marley will be cremated and his ashes will be taken to the farm that he loved so much. Godspeed our furry friend. Our hearts will never be the same and we will miss you for the rest of our lives. It will take until the last bit of Marley hair is gone from this house for us to stop missing him and that will never happen.