I am profoundly sad to report the passing of my best friend and canine companion, Luna. Many of my readers are familiar with Luna, including some who participated in suggestions for possible names for my non-golden Goldendoodle. She was almost 14 years old and died this weekend from cancer. Leslie and two of our kids were with me in the final moments, holding Luna when she passed.
Luna became a part of our family roughly 14 years ago and came to us from the Allegheny area in Pennsylvania. Since a neighbor’s boy (who was often at the house) was allergic to dog dander, we needed a hypoallergenic dog. Then I heard about a litter of black Goldendoodles and told the owner I was looking for a calm dog that would be good with children. She immediately said I have the perfect dog for you.
The kids and I went to the Allegheny and immediately fell in love with her. We named her Luna after the tiny white moon on her chest.
I have had dogs all of my life, but Luna was different. She had a way of capturing the hearts of everyone she met. Like many of her breed, she had to have constant physical contact with you. If you came to the house, she would lean against your leg. On trips to Chicago for Christmas, we would make Luna a comfortable bed in the car. However, she would insist on lying across our laps, particularly Madie, who was so small that she would literally disappear under this mountain of dog.
Other than needing to be with you and touching you, Luna was the lowest-maintenance dog I ever had. She rarely cried; even if you accidentally stepped on her because she would position herself under your chair or feet. She would sit still as the kids dressed her as a princess or a pirate. She went along with wearing antlers as a makeshift reindeer and was my constant companion during Cubs and Bears games.
Through the years, my students had a special relationship with Luna. She would come to class each year as a visiting professor to teach animal liability and concepts like animus revertendi. My students would then visit her at the house during my annual class parties, making S’mores with Luna around the fire pit into the evening.
Luna had a way of making everyone feel loved and cherished. She was “all in” with everyone she met.
Harry Truman said that if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. I did. I had Luna. No matter what happened in the blood sports of the Beltway, Luna was always there. I even mentioned her during my testimony in the Trump impeachment hearings.
For almost 14 years, I began every morning at 5 by going downstairs with Luna (who slept next to our bed) to blog and work. It was always just the two of us. Quiet and relaxing. Luna would lie on the couch next to me, gradually pushing her head onto the keyboard to get some ear-scratching therapy.
We said goodbye to Luna after a day of walks and a dog banquet, including a large steak. We were joined by our neighbor, our friend, and Luna’s vet, Dr. Kristin Terrio, at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. Luna adored Dr. Terrio and the VCA, and we will always be in their debt for caring for Luna.
The loss of Luna has left us all with a terrible void. She was always there for every one of us. Whether you were feeling low or high, she was there to share the moment. Dogs are known for their tendency to gaze directly into the eyes of humans. It is said that the habit releases oxytocin, or the bonding hormone. If so, Luna was an oxytocin-inducing machine. She would never take her eyes off of you. You felt like she was part canine and part confessor.
As a lifelong dog lover, I have been blessed with a long line of canine companions, but none could match Luna. Dogs have all of the characteristics that we search for in other humans and rarely find in totality: loyalty, honesty, and unconditional love. Our bonds are elemental, uncluttered by anything in the world except our relationship. That is why this loss feels so complete and devastating for all of us who loved Luna.
The one solace amid all of the grieving is that we were able to share Luna with so many on this blog, in my classes, and among our friends. Thank you for all of the attention that you gave Luna.
We will all miss her, but we are also profoundly thankful that she was part of our lives. She was the best of dogs and the best of friends.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Luna. It sounds like you brought each other so much joy and companionship, she knew she was loved, and had a great life.
And it’s obvious, Professor, that YOU were the best friend Luna could have had.
Thank you for sharing the story of your friendship.
Requiescat in Pace, Luna.
I am so sorry for your loss; may her memory be a blessing.
Beautiful! Thank you.
So very sorry for your loss of Luna.
As a family that rescued 12 cats and 4 dogs at the same time, we feel your loss. Each one with their unique characteristics captures your heart and soul. With each passing comes devastation. The longing for their companionship will linger, as you go about familiar activities that they participated in. Memories will also bring smiles to you, loved ones and extended family.
As a 40 + year pet owner I feel your grief. They are not gone as long as someone remembers them. Blessings to you and your family
RIP Lune you good and faithful servant…🥲😇🥰
I’m so very sorry you lost your beloved Luna. We’ve relived this many times and it’s horribly painful. May you always smile through your vivid memories of Luna.
..truly sorry for your loss, Professor Turley… I finished reading your tribute to Luna with a few tears.. you said it best.. our dogs are so special.. even more special than most humans.. as they are so innocent, like wonderful little children full of unconditional love… it is never easy to lose anyone close, especially a favourite dog… the only consolation for us is to know that Luna is still there in Spirit form and I’m willing to bet your Beloved Mother Angela has already got herself a new little companion in Heaven named Luna…
Jonathan, the voices on Res Ipsa this morning are a chorus of writers, including this this one, saying “I know your sorrow. I’ve been there.” The photos of Luna show the kindest, gentlest eyes. It got me thinking that you and family were as much her pack as she was family. If I think of her 14 years alongside all your family holiday traditions, and James Madison’s birthday, that you have shared with us, it is clear that you all gave her a life that made her love her pack as much as you loved her. And will in your hearts forever.
Our deepest sympathies, Professor. A beautiful encomium to your beloved Luna. Our canine companions, always faithful always loving, are truly a gift of the Lord.
I firmly believe that heaven has a dog door.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve been through this many times, and it never gets easier.
I shed more tears at passing of my Maltese Boo than for my mother. I loved my mother but losing your bonded dog is just so painful.
Beautiful❤️🙏🏻
What a beautiful tribute to your best friend!
I share in your feelings.
Professor Turley & the Turley family–know that we share in your grief as you mourn the passing of your “bestest buddy”, Luna. We, too, are a “dog” family & have been blessed to have several wonderful canine buddies. Our St. Bernard, “Schultz”, sounds a lot like your Luna. We got him as a 12-week-old bundle of fur that eventually grew into a 125 lb. bundle of humor, love, & “everybody’s friend”. We lost him when a groomer dropped him & left him paralyzed. We tried everything to heal him, but nothing worked. In the midst of this agony, he looked at me & tried to bite me. There was no anger in him; it was his way of telling me, “Let me go!” When I said that to him, he literally sighed & put his massive head in my lap. I knew then we had to “let him go.” Even though we have another wonder dog, a Great Pyr named “Lilly,” I still miss Schultz every day. Some dogs leave permanent paw prints in your heart & memory. God bless you, Professor Turley, & your family. Lund is watching over all of you!
I apologize for misspelling Luna’s name at the end!
Sorry, pal.