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.
What a time to read this posting! in two days I have to put down Molly, my 13 year-old Shih Tzu/Maltese do the heart problems and lymphoma. this is actually harder than when my wife died five years ago from Alzheimer’s. That’s because she couldn’t communicate for the last two years of her life and that’s no life. So it was almost a blessing when she died at home and without pain.
A friend of mine shared this with my wife and I when we lost one of our beloved pets : a beautiful pet like Luna we can think of like a beautiful sunset or a beautiful flower, all of them gifts from God Eventually the sunset fades as does the flower.
R. I. P., Luna.
We’re so sorry for your loss Professor Turley. We lost or beloved dog many years ago after 14-years of the most wonderful companionship. He was my son, as we do not have any children. That pain has never gone away, nor will it ever go away. We’ll see him again one day on the Rainbow Bridge as I hope and pray that you see Luna again.
Many of us understand and feel your family’s loss, Professor Turley. Luna cannot be replaced – none of them can – but, in time, please consider opening your home to another. So many need good homes, and yours would clearly be one.
Romp in peace at the Rainbow Bridge, Luna. St. Francis welcomed you to join the so many others waiting there for us.
Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing your love story with Luna!
R.I.P., Luna.
So sorry for your loss of your “best companion” Luna. I have also had to grieve for the loss of our Kitties-KP, Leo, Pharoah, Cleocatra, Whitey and Jessie.
But the hardest loss is the loss of your spouse like I have had in losing my soulmate wife Anna last November 15, 2025. I grieve every day in my own way, with her sending me signs that she is still with me in spirit until I pass away and be reunited with her!
The Kitties I mentioned above will be there also along with the ones I still have-Calvin, Nella, Nellie and Ginger.
Peace and Love Always!
Oh so very sorry to hear that Luna has passed on to other things. May the Infinite Creator of all that is…provide “special Blessings” during this hard time to you and yours…
We don’t deserve dogs do we. They are special. As you wrote, they represent the things we are always looking for in people and so rarely find.
It is so hard to say goodbye, even when you know it is the best thing for her. But she is in doggy heaven, patiently waiting for you.
Beautiful tribute to your fur baby Professor Turley, thank you so much for sharing. Losing one of our puppies so hard.💔💔
Your Luna sounds so much like our beloved Chloe, a fabulous golden Goldendoodle, who also died of cancer at 14 yrs old. Not only did we share an incredible mutual love with Chloe, she was also loved by all who knew her; she was always welcomed and invited back. I’m so sorry for your loss, as I know the struggle and grief are real. We should all be grateful that God created dogs! ❤️
You were successful in causing tears to fall from my eyes this morning. I can see Luna had a profound impact on your entire family, colleagues and students alike. God bless you and surround you with love and support during this difficult time. However, Luna is now over the rainbow bridge and young and full of energy once again!!
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there in your heart.
So sorry for your loss Professor Turley.
Poem above from michel.l.bilodeau@mcgill.ca
Loving Luna Turley, may you rest in peace. And loving Professor Turley, may peace be with you. May we all say, Amen.
Luna sounds a lot like my eighteen year companion, Rocky, a black cockapoo. Rocky saved my life twice, once from a burglar and once from PTSD. Surely dogs have a place in Heaven.