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.
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Ohhhh. SO sorry.
I’m sad with you all! LUNA will be waiting in heaven for each of you when your time comes, so she can welcome you with a wet kiss!
I am so very sorry for your loss. You have written a lovely tribute to Luna. Peace.
In China, the cost of dog meat is around $4.00/lb, a price on average that’s higher than the meat of other animals. If the average weight of a goldendoodle is 72 pounds, then Turley could hope to get $288.00 from the Chinese dog-meat market.
You are Evil and Stupid
I’m just the messenger.
You are Stupid and Evil.
Disgusting.
My sympathies to you and your family, Professor. I thank God for lending Luna to you for the years you had with her. Enjoy your wonderful memories.
So sorry for your loss Professor Turley. We dog lovers understand your grief. But another fur baby is out there needing you and hopefully will ease your grief.
Our sympathies, Professor.
Losing a dear friend is always difficult – I still cry when I think of the dogs with which my life has been blest
God wanted Luna to die and decompose. It is part of His glorious plan.
What a beautiful dog – so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful and heartbreaking tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss but happy you were with her for so many years.
President Trump says he would feel ‘a little phony’ having a dog
https://abcnews.com/Politics/president-trump-feel-phony-dog/story?id=61018468
Prof Turley, I am so sorry for your loss. I have had many furry companions and lost all but the current one. She is around 13 and had cancer a year ago. She is hanging on and still living her best life. I an not looking forward to being without her at my age. She had been dumped on the mtn I live on and adopted me 9 years ago. I did not realize i wanted another dog until she came to me. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am sorry to come home and see this.
Dear Professor and family,
A community simpatico surrounds you today, -each of us to take a small share from your shoulders and bear it, walking alongside you, to lighten your burden, -as we know you did for beloved Luna.
I am unequivocally certain that Luna’s final thoughts were that you were there with her, faithfully by her side.
“Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from the storm
Keep them safe, keep them warm.
Light their way when the darkness surrounds them
And give them love, let it shine all around them.”
-The Carpenters, circa 1971.
You did that for her.
Good reference Lin. I can hear Karen’s gorgeous voice even as I read those words. May she and Luna both rest in peace.
Yours,
Uncle Henry
I miss you Luna, you were a sweet, sweet puppy, love Nana
All this about a dog no one ever met or even know Prof. Turley personally?
You are a rude idiot. and do not have the strength of character to put your name on that STUPID post! Pain is pain!
do not have the strength of character to put your name on that STUPID post! …. you are the stupidest commenter ever.
Am I seeing this right? An anon calling an anon a coward for not using a name? How stupid can people be?
You must have never been loved deeply by a devoted dog. They love you deeply and completely. The pain is devastating.
I am sad you have never felt that love like Professor Turley. Those of us that have do understand.
Diane its just a dog, buy a new one. And what about the infants and children women murder yearly. But children, can’t buy replacements. No sympathy for them? So a dog is more important than children?
Leslie, both are precious. Professor Turley never said what you read into his article. The grief from losing a beloved pet is real, and human. Have a little humanity, please.
Leslie never stated those were his words. You must very senile old man. Humanity, about a dog? I too feel grief about murdered children who never had a chance at life. A evil female chocked them to death. That hurts. You can’t express sympathy about the father or the children. Just one word… precious. Please just be quiet instead in making a fool of yourself.
Typical Karen overreacting.
Any sympathy for a father of three whose children were murdered?
Not if they made noise in restaurants.
So sorry for your profound loss. I’m sure she had the best life with you and your family and that she returned that with infinite love and wags…
Oh man. It is so hard. She sounds like a wonderful friend and companion. God bless you all. I totally understand.
Those four-legged creatures come into our lives, steal our hearts, and cross the Rainbow Bridge all too soon. RIP bella Luna.
What about 2-legged creatures?