Marley And Me

Originally posted on Marley and Me site on 02.07.06

To the Grogan Family: Thanks for sharing Marley with us.

Her last footprints in the snow are already fading. Kodiak had a couple different walks around the house with each of us during her last time. We made the decision on Monday and arranged our work so that we could have time with her at home. Our vet said he would come to the house at Noon yesterday. We made the most of our time together.

She had good enough mobility to walk and do her business (always something she took seriously) and we each got to have a walk around the property with her. The night before and that morning, moderate treats were enjoyed, why she even gnawed a bone Tuesday morning; an all-time favorite activity. While she enjoyed her last big treat we looked at pictures and reminisced and cried. Once she'd gotten an end off the chlorophyll bone, we had to take it away and she only complained a little. It had been a very long time since she'd had a good chew and we think Kodiak Bear was well satisfied.

Spooning her, we talked to her and stroked her hair and told her what a good dog she was as we all lay together on the big rug in the great room. The driveway chime announced Dr. Nate's prompt arrival...which made us both hitch-up a bit and we were right with her, face-to-muzzle as he shaved a leg for access. Kodiak's willfulness came out one more time. I said in her ear "It's Bedtime"; she shifted that leg enough for the syringe needle to leave the vein after only a little solution had gone in. Nate's a very good vet with an excellent manner and sure hands. Without any fuss, as we continued to shower our good old dog with love, she soon slipped away.

After a bit of prep we placed her in Nate's Jeep passenger seat, letting him know that she was always a good rider. We lingered over more pictures from our entire collection and saw many images of departed loved ones. We'll get Kodiak's ashes in a while, we offered her for necropsy.

Slowly we'll put away the beds, toys, leashes, collars and assorted other dog tack. Right now Spyder Boy prefers to drink out of Kodi's water bowl as he always had. The pain of our loss ebbs and flows, all we are sure of is that any other canines that come into our lives will have the burden of comparison to that one great dog.

Thom & Mare

p.s. a few days later, a friend sent John's book and it helped a great deal.

p.p.s. The necropsy was not done as promised but singular cremation remains were presented to us and Kodiak can still watch us {especially when we eat} from the fireplace mantel.