As I posted a couple days ago, my dog Molly was hit by a car in McLean, Virginia this week. She has been in intensive care as we tried every possible medical intervention to save her, but this afternoon we had to put down Molly. My two older sons, Leslie, and I held Molly as she was euthanized. I want to thank so many on this blog for reaching out in the last couple of days and I thought you should know. The whole family is devastated. Molly was the center of gravity for our family and I cannot express the terrible sadness that I feel in losing Molly.
In the last 24-hours, the Hope Center found far greater internal injuries to Molly, who was unable to eat and today was unable to stand. She could not breathe on her own and we found punctures in organs that were previously missed due to the severe bruising internally. Her red blood count was falling and she needed oxygen to breathe. Finally, the staff at Hope called us this morning and said that additional surgeries or interventions would not likely succeed and that we were prolonging Molly’s pain.
I have had four dogs, but I must admit Molly was my favorite. We were inseparable and would take long walks every day together. Molly always had to be touching a family member — often putting her head on your foot or her paw on your lap. I called her my “prom queen” because she would pester you until you acknowledged that she was the most beautiful thing in the room . . . and she was. I have never seen a more perfect dog. She was loving, loyal, and friendly to everyone. There is such a hole left by her departure and it is difficult to image how we got along three years ago before she arrived.
Thanks again everyone for your kinds words and thoughts.
Jonathan
Dear Professor Turley and Family,
Today was the first I’d read about your dear Molly as I too, am so sorry for your sudden loss. Especially in the middle photo, she looks just like the Tibetan terrier female we found in rescue 10 years ago and who, only two days ago, reached age 14. Plus, since we were duly enthralled by her delightful nature, it wasn’t long before we found our second TT, that time with a male who is now 8 and together, they are canine wonder-full.
In other words, I can relate to your unique love for Molly because this sweet breed is so loyal, so affectionate and so intuitive in response to their human stewards. As a result, do continue to hug your family and assure them, as well as yourself, that ‘she knew’ how you all adored her like none other and gave her the best earthly life possible. We all become more human or compassionate when we are sure to love with every ounce of our devotion in real time…as well as carry on with eternally precious memories in our hearts…for all time. May you each take loving and tender care with your shared experience of grief and healing at this most difficult time.
Sad news. RIP.
There was never so dear creatures, who loved, was devoted to, and protected me so jealously as my two pups. May they rest in a most deserved peace in eternity, as I wish for your dear Molly, Professor.
Dear Professor Turley,
I am so very sorry to hear of Molly’s death. That she lived and was loved by your family speaks for itself. She’s now crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Give thanks for the time you had with her. Her memories will remain forever and be carried in all your hearts.
I am so sad to hear this news, I loved hearing your Molly stories. Anyone can see by her picture that she was much loved. So sorry for your loss…
Time may blur your memories and words may still your feelings, but you’ll remember that girl, and feel a muted sorrow.
I know how it feels and I still miss someone too.
I am so sorry to hear about Molly, she was a lovely dog and your postings and pictures let us share her a bit. Thank you and I will miss her too. My condolences to your whole family, ‘specialy Benjamin.
Opus the Purr-colator wishes to express her sincere condolences to the family of a canine she will never get to meet
A sad occasion for all the Turley family that Molly has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Sending condolences and healing wishes across the miles as you grieve for her. May she have Godspeed on her journey to forever…
Sad – for what its worth, she had a good life. Is there more?
This is sad to read, but as others have indicated, you had the responsibility to do the right thing for Molly, and perhaps there is some small comfort in knowing that you did.
Sounds like a fine, fine, pooch. I’m sorry she went so young. My best wishes to the whole family, Molly’s pack.
Oh Jonathan. What a wonderful girl she was. I will surely miss being tackled and french kissed by her at your front door. The memory of her makes me smile. What a horrible loss. We are so sorry and so sad for you.
So sorry for your loss. When you feel better you might want to think of some kind of memorial, like planting a flowering bush or a stone placque or just releasing some balloons. Kind of a closure………….
The Power of the Dog
THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie–
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find–it’s your own affair–
But…you’ve given your heart for a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone–wherever it goes–for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long–
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Rudyard Kipling
Count me among the heart-broken in sympathy, Professor.
David B.,
that was an amazing gesture on behalf of that little girl!
I am so sad to read your story. Remember that you will always be connected to Molly in spirit. Hope you will eventually decide to add another canine friend to your family, as it will aid your healing.
What junctionshamus said, David. What a wonderful thing someone chose to do for that little girl.
So sorry to hear this.