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 am so sorry for your loss. I can relate we lost our sweet Georgie this June. Her personality with just like your sweet Luna.
One of the hardest decisions you will ever make as a pet owner is deciding when to take away their pain and make it your own.
Rest in Peace Luna
Cats are great to.
Knock, Knock, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
About 20 years ago, my daughter’s high school English teacher bought a thoroughbred tuxedo cat not knowing he was allergic to cats. We took her in, and my daughter, Daria, named her Whiskers. Daria went off to college, leaving the care of Whiskers to my wife and me.
We soon discovered that Whiskers had little interest in us, preferring to be outside slaughtering lizards, mice, birds, rats and an occasional rabbit. She preferred this diet to Little Friskies, and having a rat-free home appealed to me. Her habit of staying out for 2-3 days brought tears to my wife who always believed the coyotes got her. Whiskers could smell them before they got into danger range, so I never worried.
Ten years ago or so, Whiskers evolved into a more conventional house cat; coming inside around 11:00 pm. She began sleeping on my feet at night. Purring. Enjoying a behind-the-ear scratch. Birds in the back yard were now safe
Now, Whiskers goes out for 10-15 minutes on our back terrace to keep me company while I drink my second cup of coffee. Then turns around to lead me back to the sliding glass door to let her back inside. Her walk has slowed some; her gait shows signs of arthritis. She still loves her neck/chin rubbed – on demand.
We have shared our lives, made concessions, and helped each other enjoy our days. Arthritis has changed my gait, as well; but I doubt Whiskers has noticed. I wonder if she realizes these are her final days/weeks/years. I know I do, so Whiskers Darling, Save the Last Dance For Me.
Jonathan. I am deeply sorry for your loss of Luna. We lost our last yellow lab Spanky two years ago and the holes in our hearts from losing our pets only get deeper. Till we meet them all again. Genevieve smith. Grafton nh
I am sorry for your sadness over the loss of your pet dog, Luna. What a beautiful creature she was!
Dear Mr. Turley, thank you for sharing the story of Luna, your beloved pet. This past May, our dog, Phoebe, had bone cancer and we had to put her down. I will still tear up whenever I remember her trusting brown eyes and her love for me. She was 9 years old.
Prof Turley, I am sitting here reading about Luna with tears flowing down my face. I have experienced the loss of a wonderful dog three times. It is one of a human being’s most heart rendering events. You will never forget Luna. I WOULD RECOMMEND, AS I HAVE, TO GET ANOTHER LUNA. I include my last 3 dogs in all of my prayers every day and thank the Lord that they were in my life. I now have a little white Havasu in my life (half Havanese and half Shitzu). He is a wonderful happy little dog named Guy. I love him dearly and having him helps greatly with the loss of my other dogs.
I had the honor of being Luna’s groomer for most of her life. She was an amazing girl that was absolutely perfect the whole time she was with me. When she’d come into my shop everyone knew that she was my favorite. She was always happy to be there and I was always happy to have the chance to love on her. She was truly one of a kind and I will miss her terribly. Luna will forever hold a very special place in my heart. ❤️
Your Family has lost a valued member. My deepest sympathies.
Condolences
My Sympathy – Here is a song that I wrote a few years ago about the two dogs that I had at the time.
The Big’uns Home
by Steve Hinds
Come on won’t you play with me, take me for a run,
I’ve been waitin’ all day long, I’m ready for some fun.
I get so all excited, when I hear your car drive up.
“Hey Hap, the big’uns home, to spend time with his pups.
to spend time with his pups.”
CHORUS:
The big’uns home, the big ‘uns home,
Maybe a ride, maybe a bone,
The big’uns home, the big ‘uns home,
Life couldn’t be better than this.
Life couldn’t be better than this.
We all run round our living room , playin’ games of tag
Barkin out the windows, and tuggin’ on a rag.
We love it when you wrestle with us both upon the floor,
You always seem to be there coming back for more,
coming back for more.
(CHORUS)
The happiest times ‘n your pups life are when you’re getting home,
Spending time together when your all alone.
Goin’ for those long old walks, goin’ in the car,
“Hey, Hap he’s got his keys, and he’s headin’ for the door.”
he’s headin’ for the door.”
(CHORUS)
Head hung out the window, tongue flapping in the wind,
Pretty hard to see who is who’s best friend.
The times we’ve spent together, just couldn’t be replaced,
And they remind you every day, when they’r looking in your face,
when they’r licking in your face!
You can hear the song on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGp4qCXdSqc&list=RDBGp4qCXdSqc&start_radio=1
I am familiar with the depth of the pain felt with the loss. Like you, I’ve had dogs all my life but the last one, Sammy, was special. A rescue from the Humane Society, he had wanderlust until he figured out the new gig was a good one. He virtually never barked except for when he heard the garage door go up telling him I was home. He would stand and bark nonstop until the door opened and I came in. I like to think that as I approach the pearly gates I will once again hear that bark telling to hurry up and come in. Dogs like we have been blessed to have will forever have a place in our hearts.
You have my deepest sympathies!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Luna passed just after a big lunar eclipse.