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.
Sincerest condolences.
Professor Turley,
I am so sad at your loss of a family member.
Thoughts to you and yours.
May Luna RIP.
Dear Mr. Turley,
I am saddened to hear about your loss. It won’t be the same around your house for some time until you grow accustomed to your life without Luna. Writing and working may make you feel somewhat lonely, as Luna was your constant companion. Please know that like Luna, your readers have come to look forward to seeing you each morning. No, not in your robe and slippers like Luna did, but through your words that are honest and helpful to those of us that very much appreciate your insights. Please accept our collective condolences knowing that like Luna, we anxiously await your next words.
So sorry to hear this sad news, life can be a series of dogs, the passing of each a tragedy in its own right.
The reason they take a big chunk of your Heart when they leave is to make room for the next one.
If my critters are not there waiting for me….that ain’t gonna be Heaven and I shall keep moving to find them again.
No doubt Luna knew how much she was loved right to the very end….as it should be.
I pray you find room in your Heart for another Critter….and bless that one’s life as you did for Luna.
Been there. Done that. Three months ago. Share your pain. It’s always a rough go.
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS……. PERSONALLY, I KNOW WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MUST BE GOING THROUGH❤️………
Our fur families are gifts from Source Creator and among the very best teachers in the world. You can begin the list of what they teach with unconditional love – like your Luna. It is never the right time when they leave us. It is never expected. It is always devastating. And it is always so very, very good to have had them with us for awhile. May you and your family feel deep peace around this situation sooner than later. Blessings…..
What a beautiful tribute to your special friend. She was so lucky to have been a part of a family that loved her so much. I believe we will be reunited with our pets again in heaven, which is a comforting thought. Prayers for your family❤️
My deepest sumpathies to you and your family. Luna will be missed deeply.
So sorry to hear of Luna’s passing and the loss for you and your family…
This is so beautifully written and a glorious tribute to your beloved Luna. The loss of our very special friends is incomparable.
What a beautiful memorial to your friend Luna. Pet just never is an adequate description. I agree that these companions just add to our humanity which makes their passing so painful. We were a bipolar family with cats and dogs. The 2 dogs were Sandy (a border collie) that we assumed care for when her farmers/owner passed away. For years she walked the length of our lane with my wife and one special cat who was Sandy’s friend. Eventually my wife had to carry Sandy on the walks. And then there was Shiloh, a large German shepherd, who shared her doghouse with my daughter as she grew up. And then there are about 30 + Cats who have shared our land and house right up to the present. They all enhanced our lives so much that is seems inconceivable to never have at least one with us. I grieve along with you Professor.
Luna is walking with the Angels and leaning on Saint Peter’s leg patiently waiting for her people to arrive. Bring your laptop.
My 14 y/o Mini Golden Doodle, Josie, passed away recently. She was all that you mention, and I held her thru her passing. She will live in my heart forever!
Anyone here care what happen to 3 children who were murdered in Massachusetts?
Grow up. We all know about it.
Dustoff, grow up? Grow up? You demented, sick thing. Please for once in your miserable life S T F U!
Says the guy who went to Vietnam to kill civilians, including children.
I was a medic you moron…
PS. It was a dem-o-rat who sent us there.
Medic, no you were not. You’ve written about your glee at killing of Vietnamese on this website. Sent? Freely went over to kill. You disgusting animal.
I wouldn’t respond to Anon. I think he may be an AI bot set to disrupt the conversation on this site. I can’t see any rational person spending so much time on a site deriding the columnist and all who contribute to the conversation. I wish they had an ignore button to block his harassment.
Wait a minute you. Someone expresses a thought about the terrible murders of three children and you’re first response to attack them? You could have ignored it, but no, you attack? What sort of deranged animal are you?
This is about Luna.
Get lost.
Loser.
Its not about Luna Farmer, its about your constant pathological attacks on everyone on this blog. Just like with Dustoff, Farmer just STFU for once.
Like you too mary.
This is about the passing of a much loved dog.
And have you actually met the dog?
YOU… STFU.
I wondered how long it would take a miserable troll to appear. I was not at all disappointed to have some goofball–yes, YOU, @Anonymous–promptly arrive and take the comments section in a totally irrelevant direction.
As Upstate Farmer has said, “This is about Luna. Get lost. Loser.”
You disgusting sick troll. All you do is make up lies and attack commenters here.
@Sam–
I don’t know to whom your reply is intended, perhaps because you’re too lazy to address your remarks. But some “commenters” (read: “trolls”) just deserve to be attacked.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. What a beautiful love story and thank you for sharing. We also lost our beloved 19 year old rescue this summer due to her age primarily and it is devastating. Like you, we will never stop missing her though we often hear that time will ease the grief. Others say get another dog but certain relationships are simply not replaceable like Luna as they are one of a kind, like us, unique in our own gifts and talents. May the many wonderful memories you have with your Luna carry you and your family through this difficult loss.
Condolences to you and your family, and to your and Luna’s many friends
I very much enjoyed the Luna stories, and am sorry for your loss.
Jonathan and Family – You encapsulated so beautifully – with your telling words the bond and love we form with these loving gifts from God.
This has been for our family too- the hardest of life’s separation from complete love. Luna has a soul and will look after all of you and I know was grateful you were with her till the end of her earthly life. There is never a replacement for her but she would want you to bring that daily joy back into your lives and home which she provided so constantly and completely. Don’t live without it for long – Luna would not want you to. God Bless you all during this incredibly difficult time.