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
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Yes, it is grievous to bear. Saying ‘yes’ to life means learning to accept loss as a necessary part of our journey. Life is suffering but it is also joy. She brought you much of that. You were blessed. She would be pleased if you would spread the joy and the love which she brought to you.
If dogs don’t go to heaven I don’t want to go there either, I want to go where dogs go!, Will Rogers
Same for me Prof Turley, I feel strongly about it.
Sorry for your loss. Frank
Very sorry for your loss, Mr. Turley..
You did what you could, and when it was time, you ended her suffering. You’re a responsible parent.
That just breaks my heart. We love our dogs so much: they’re part of the family. It can be such a painful loss whenever one is lost: they are so much more than mere “pets.” Our best wishes & sympathies go out to the entire Turley clan.
I’m so sorry Professor. All of your long time readers have seen how much you and your family love Molly.
very sorry to hear about Molly. hope your son is okay too, no doubt this has put him through the wringer.
As a person who has lived with canine partners my entire life, I know the devastation and pain that goes with losing a dog no matter what the circumstances. That said, I suspect Molly had a great life with you and your family. Take Care,
My sincerest condolences Mr. Turley, I once had four dogs also and it was devastating every time I had to put one down. Dogs have truly been my best friends and usually preferable to me than most people.
I can’t imagine anybody leaving Ben-a 13 year old boy-out on the street like that. I recently lost a dog to cancer, so I understand how bad it is. But rest assured it will get better.
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Molly. As a long time pet owner, it is the hardest thing to endure. Dog lovers are probably very aware of the story of Marley, book and movie. Here are the last words Owen Wilson says about Marley:
“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?’
Also, I would like to add words from Irving Townsend:
“We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle…”
My heart goes out to you and your lovely family. Here is a website that has been very helpful to me when I have experienced the loss of a pet:
http://www.rainbowbridge.com/
My condolences to everyone in your family.
So sorry for your loss; my heart goes out to your family–especially your son–and you.
I am so sorry, for you and your whole family. I know Molly had a really wonderful life, with lots of people who love her dearly. Her spirit lives on with all of you.
Dogs and cats are not just dogs or cats, they are persons with fur and four legs. When they go the loss is every bit as bad as when a human friend or family member dies.
On behalf of the Moulton pack, Rexx (german shepard cross), Carl (human) and Yin Deng Huar (mother in law also human) condolences.
Rexx is actually my first dog, bought by my late wife in June 2000 and she took about two weeks only to make me a confirmed dog person who pats strange dogs tied up outside shopping centres and comments “nice dog” when I see one being walked. She is getting old now and I am dreading the time when she will be gone. Big dogs last about 10 years so Rexx is already on borrowed time. The fourth member of my family Hu Zi (cat) died from cancer of the tongue cancer earlier this year but I am sure he would send his condolences as well.
My sincere condolences to all the Turley family. Please take comfort knowing you did the most unselfish thing in letting her go. She is free now and awaits you at the rainbow bridge. Hugs especially to Benjamin.
I’m a follower and have had Molly and your family in my thoughts. I’m deeply saddened to learn of Molly’s passing and continue to hold your family in my heart.
My beloved Dalmatian was killed in ’07 by veterinary malpractice, and I know too well the pain and profound sense of grief that accompanies the loss of an animal family member. When it occurs under such sudden tragic events, there is added dimension to that pain. Thank you for sharing your story with us and please know that so many people understand the immense and utterly unique place a dog has in a human’s life. Allow yourself all the grieving space and time you require. The death of an animal friend is crushing and there is no such thing as ‘just a dog’. I long for my spotted girl and our incredible hilarious loving relationship still. I so relate to your description of Molly as the center of gravity for your family.
I know too well the painful journey to making the decision that you had to make for Molly. My beloved dog also died in my arms, which is exactly where she wanted to be as her beautiful spirit was liberated from her ailing body.
I know Molly will always walk with you. I’ve found some measure of comfort in the words below and I hope you do as well, in some small way:
“The shadow that trots behind us is definitely four-footed.”
RIP Molly Turley
Professor Turley,
My condolences to you and your family, but especially to you. I have had this exact experience with my children, and, as far as I am concerned, nothing hurts a father more than watching his children grieve.
Regards,
Porkchop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4qWMEdsa4k
The Avatar is my old friend, Oro Lee, a golden retriever who walked on 10 years ago after 14 years of good and faith full compaionship. I use his picture here as a reminder to play nice. I still miss him.
I have no words that can possibly ease the pain of the Turley family. i just hurt with them.