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.
My condolences to you, Professor, and to your family on your loss. Your writing is a beautiful tribute to your beloved Luna. I understand the heartbreak as I lost my beloved pug Carly of 15 years just 2 weeks ago. Our precious pets are family members and the pain of their loss is tremendous.
Res Res Est sez:
Treasure these past days. They were rare and will never come again. You may encounter a verisimilitude, but it will only be “like” it was. I still mourn Daisy the Wonderdog. But, at least, we have the memories. In that way we have been blessed.
I had a dog I named Cato. He was a scent dog and we worked together every day. He always gave his best effort for me. In his last days he would lay on his side and I would message his body from head to tale then gently role him over and massage his other side. He was a business partner and a gentle and loyal friend who lay beside me in my recliner every evening. It’s hard to have them go Jonathan but the joy they left in our hearts will remain forever.
I now have a two year old Rat Terrier I have named Rowdy. How was I to know how appropriate his name would be.
Rowdy come. That’s my boy!
Sincere condolences on the passing of this great companion! I hope that wherever he is. he is young and healthy again. I can barely imagine not having a dog around!
So sorry for your loss. You gave Luna a full and beautiful life.
My neice’s husband is allergic to dogs so they adopted a goldendoodle, named him Milo. He’s not a year old and big and loveable and can’t wait to greet you with hugs and kisses. Just good boy all around.
Luna’s in the arms of the angels now. Rest in piece beautiful girl.
A f-ing dog and you nuts are going crazy over it. Just wow!
No wonder you are anonymous. Poor you.
W.C. Fields once quipped, “Anyone who hates kids and dogs can’t be all bad.” In the case of being all bad he hadn’t considered the case of Anonymous. One has to wonder, when a child did Anonymous envision living the life of a curmudgeon? The view out of the window of Anonymous’ mind sees the world as always raining. It’s always very damp and cold in there. Sad.
You are sick, I don’t know what hurt you so bad you have to try to hurt others.
I will pray for your healing. I suggest you find Jesus, maybe then you can find some peace.
Really, you don’t have to live like that, you can find joy in life someday.
Idiot
So sorry for your loss, Jonathan. I love those Golden Doodles…
You may be interested as well in another breed (we are on our 2nd, after Dali passed at the age of 17). Our dog is named “Amora.” She is a Tibetan Terrier (so named by the British after the Dali Lama gifted them with two of these dogs which then multiplied…). They do not shed – and, they do need to be brushed well to avoid matting. We are addicted to this breed! Wishing you all the best, Robert Adler
My deepest condolences Professor.
Maybe the most special thing about Luna is that she was not unusual. Dogs make the perfect companions.
My condolences Professor Turley. I’ve found that watching how people treat their pets is an indicator of how they treat others in their lives. Showing love and empathy towards a beloved family pet who depends on you for everything usually crosses over in how they treat others in life. A big kind heart knows no bounds.
In a reference to a fun kids movie, all dogs do go to heaven.
Whenever a beloved dog or cat dies or passes away, I’ve heard many people respond, “Oh, it’s just a dog [or cat].” But not me. And that’s clearly not the case for Jonathan either.
To me, our dog or cat is like family. And Jonathan likely feels the same about his family’s beloved Luna.
Your tribute to Luna is very beautiful. Her purpose in life seemed to give love and be loved. She was truly special. The deep bonds that are formed with animals like her are a gift from our Creator to cherish….no human words are spoken but your heart and soul have that special connection. Sending love to you and family.❤️🙏❤️
My sincere condolences. The loss of a beloved pet, in this case a dog, is indescribable. It is inexplicable in its level of emotional hurt as compared to the other losses we suffer in life. But dogs are special. Psychologists have analyzed the attractions – the vulnerable puppy stage where we must protect them, the adult facial expressions that capture us, the physical “in the lap” snoozes, their fierce protective behavior even at the risk of self-sacrifice, and “just being a lazy dog” that appeals to us.
My heartfelt advice: Don’t anguish over your loss. Instead, immediately go to a shelter and adopt a dog in need. The dog obviously benefits but you in turn will devote your attention to the care and well-being of a new pet member of your family. My wife and I used to mourn incessantly over the loss of a loved dog (we’ve had many over the past 50 years) but we learned to bring a new dog into the family and devote our love and attention to it very soon after the loss of a previous dog. That implies no lack of love for the lost pet. But it helped us focus on the future instead of the past.
I have had to say good bye to four of my incredible Samoyeds (Aspen, Ajax, Lorelei, and Finnegan) as my life has gone by. I have always had 2 at a time, but now being older, I have my fifth named Brittany who is the most kind and loving dog one could imagine. God has blessed me with this companionship and I know all things come to an end. I feel your loss very deeply. Take care.
Thank you for considering me friend enough to include me in your sadness. I am so sorry that God didn’t give dogs 🐕 our life span. I have had dogs 🐶 all my life too. They are wonderful! Keep the joy, memories that you are left with. Those will sustain you. God bless you for the work you do. It is so very important. Luna looked like a terrific dog. So sorry for your loss.
I think that Byron was speaking for all of us who have lost our canine companions when he wrote the following epitaph for his beloved Boatswain:
Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
Boatswain, a Dog
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead November 18th 1808.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitaph_to_a_Dog
I am very sorry for your loss, Dr. Turley. Peace and comfort to you and your family.
My condolences.
My heart breaks for you. But what a beautiful life she had – so joy and wonderful memories will help see you through. Yes, all dogs go to heaven so you will see Luna again.
I am so sorry about Luna. She looked like a very sweet friend. As part of our family & sometimes our most loyal friend that show their love all the time & they have a way of communicating that every single way . I know how it hurts & although you will miss Luna it does get easier with time . God bless these loyal friends that we never forget . I hope this eases the pain a little & sometimes giving a chance for another may help. With dearest sympathy, Mary Wingate
The fact there are over 200 comments on a personal non-political story is a testament to the heartfelt tribute you provided for your beloved furry friend. Luna sounds like she was a very special dog indeed.
Sorry for your loss.Our pets become such a big part of our lives. Such a blessing.❤️