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 very, professor Turley. Sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Your complete love for her is evident & I can imagine the pain is brutal today. 💔. You honored her life & love in a beautiful way. Thank you for sharing with us. Praying for your broken heart today. 💔🙏💔
Our deepest sympathy goes to you, your family and your students who all got to know your wonderful Luna.
My wife and I are also facing the loss of our beautiful 14-year-old Tutti, a pit bull with a gorgeous smile who is in the final phase of congestive heart failure, and without whom we can’t imagine life. We rescued her from a gang house when she was about the size of a shoebox, and she has been just a lover of all humans, cats and dogs all of her life.
Our solace comes from knowing how much better her life was with us, and that we will meet all of our rescue dogs and cats at that Rainbow Bridge before we know it.
And that reunion will be glorious!
Professor, it’s too early for tears to come to my eyes.
Well written. Every dog owner knows EXACTLY what you are talking about. Condolences.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing friend. No matter how much time we have with them, it’s never enough. Extending deepest sympathy for your loss.
I lost a small dog two years ago, Pandora. For a full year the though of her no longer with us would cause my eyes to water. I think I understand you loss. I hope the best for you and your family.
I have always respected you, but I like you even more after reading this tribute to Luna.
Condolences, Professor. I sometimes dream about my lost cats. My inner child can’t accept they’re gone.
Man, that was touching. Dogs are wonderful friends, companions, and, especially, family. Such a fitting tribute.
My condolences as a dog lover and owner. They become such a big part of our family. They are so loyal and loving, they leave a big hole in our hearts. If you haven’t had a dog, you will never understand.
Lovely tribute. Thank you for loving her and giving her a home.
Such a great tribute
She’ll always be in your heart ❤️
My condolences to the Turley Family and to Luna’s extended family. Passing is part of Life. She be free to run in fields of gold and watch you all from everywhere. If your lucky sometime, you may catch Her in the corning of your eye, gazing at You. 🐾
Dogs love you unconditionally. My condolences to you and your family. 💔❤️
A dog is the best friend a man can ever have. They are always by your side, loving you day and night, without care for the time or place. Their love is unconditional, and losing them leaves a hole that is hard to fill.
RIP Luna. You will always be loved and remembered. 🦴
As a dog lover who lost his best friend about four years ago, I understand your sadness of the loss of Luna. It is very obvious that you loved her and she loved you back!
I can relate. Think of all the times she ‘hugged” and “kissed” her humans with her eyes.
So sorry for your loss of Luna. Besides teaching us unconditional love and loyalty, part of a dear dog’s purpose is to teach us how to say goodbye and to grieve. You will always miss her and always be grateful she was yours. Take some comfort in knowing that you did the right thing for her at the end.
I am a lifelong dog person myself, Professor Turley, and know that your pain is real. God pays attention to all of our hurts, and I pray he will bless you and your family with great comfort and peace as you mourn your beloved, precious Luna.
We’ve had nine of them now, with eight of them waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. So profoundly sorry for your loss…it is so very difficult to deal with the loss of a best friend. Blessings for you and family.
For our Keeshond, Ambrose, I thought and wrote, “In Elisio nos maneas”.
A ķeeshond is a furry person. It’s strongest doglike trait is the desire to salvage discarded food.
My heart goes out to you. Anyone who has ever loved a dog feels your pain. She had a wonderful life and is now free from anymore suffering her cancer might cause.