A story from McKenna about Marley and Me posted 02/25/2003
Hi, I have writen on here before about me dog Malichi. I am sorry about the spelling mastaks, but I can't lie. I was crying to much to notice. A friend brought it up to me when I e-mailed them the site. I just wanted to add that we just(January 16) got Malichi's ashes back today. It may seem crule to "burn" them, but Malichi's body stays under my bed. It helps me when I am sad to know that he is really still here. I could not burry him because we will be taking Bella out of town. And not coming back. I could not dare part with Malichi. Also, I had to add that John's book has really helped me. Many people could not ever put their loss into words. Here is diferent. I feel confurt in talking about him. I don't know how john may have felt after writing Marley and Me, but I know that I fell better. I never wanted to beleive that Malichi had really died. That dogs could not really die. Thought I still beleived it when I read the book, I now know other wise. I now know that every one who owns or has owned a dog will or has gone through this unbeleivable pain. Still Marley and Me has almost as if healed me from my loss. After losing Malichi, I did not want to get another dog. But after all. I don't think that Bella can go another day with out a friend. We are considering a shar pei. Boy of coarse. He is a shelter dog, about Bella's age. He is cute and sweet, but nothing like Malichi. john, I just wanted to thank you so so so much for your book marley and Me. Also, to all you daog owners, I want to tell you that it is okay to miss something. To know that nothing can change what you thought about it. And mostly, that we all say nothing can replace a lost pet. But deep down, 10, 20 years from now, we will all find another perfect pet. We will all soon meet our lost pets again. Thank you all so much. Love you all.
A story from McKenna about Helping Poems posted 02/25/2003
Again, I know I have writen here before. But after we lost Malichi, the vet that brock the news to us sent us these poems. They also helped us with our loss. Hope they help with yours. Here we go...
For thoses we have lsot, but will always remember in our hearts. Friends enter and leave our lives, but the impressions they make on our heart stay with us forever. Our sympathy is with you in your loss. The Doctors and Staff of Blah blah blah blah next one (this one made me cry) When God made the animals he had us in mind... They needed some people with hearts warm and kind. And we needed something to fill up the space that he left in our hearts Called the Animal Place So hug them and love them there only on loan...when there time here is over he will welcome them home. no, sorry this is the wrong one but going on so sorry guys, I have looked every where(fridge, Malichi's Bos, Bella's hidding spot) But I can't find it. This poem was my fav. It helped me understand that all dogs die and all humans die. It is a sad thought, but when I remember that I will see all my lost pets, I cry no longer. I hope these poems help you with your loss. i also hope they will go to the front of the page. If yothey will go to the front of the page. If you have any other "Helping Poems" submit them to this site, and or e-mail me at going4thegooooal@hotmail.com or mckennaarcher@yahoo.com either will do. thanks so much for all your support (also, sorry about the dates on the others. Computer was kind crazy then)
A story from McKenna about Malichi posted 02/27/2003
our last dog had pasted away and we missed our furry friend. I suggested getting a shar pei puppy. That was the only breed of dog we had ever had. Looking in the newspapers was no help. Not even many people new what shar peis were. About four weeks into the search, we found a shar pei breeder. We jumed on the chance for the puppies. When we went to look at the dogs, all of the dogs were quite large. Two were runts. One so little that she could not fight for food, the other just brave enough to get in the group. The man saw us looking at them, "The boy will be 100, girl, I'm letting her die. But I will give you her free if you take the boy." We took the deel. The vet immdiately said that the girls chances were little to none. The boy though had a larger chance. Day into having them, we became very attached. We named them Bella and Malichi. The got sick quite offten, but even the vet saw the improvement in Bella. We never saw any thing wronge with Malichi. At 5 months old, we took the two to Dallis. While we were there Malichi and Bella stayed in the hotel. We came to check on them often. At about 2:00 we came home to find Malichi very ill. after many minutes of trying to hydrate him, his paws felt cold. Clamy cold. We got in the car and rushed him into a nearby emergence clinic. While we waited in the room to find out waht was wronge, we cryed. Bella was still at the srange hotel, alone. When we had left she had know that Malichi was sick. When we took him she cryed. Our hope was that we could get him back to his sister. The vet came in. "He has parvo." The news hit us like a rock. Parvo, how had he gotten parvo, but bella was fine? After the vet told us the condistion he was in and how likly he was to survive, another lady came in. "You own the 5 month old shar pei right?" "Yes" "I am so sorry, his heart just stopped and he is no longer breathing." We sat there amazed at what had just happened. Our fighter pup that fought for his life with big dogs just died. They brought back his body. They allowed us an hour with him, to say our good byes. This was the last picture of him. Taken the day before his death. That is Bella in the back. They were so little then. Bell is fine now. (January 14 2009) She has just found her voice. Non-stop barking fills the house. She is much bigger now, though she has constant check ups by the vet to watch for parvo. Her birth day will be May 6. Only a few more months till her first birth day. I read Marley and Me in bed with Bella.(She was confused by all of my crying) It brought many thoughs of Malichi into my mind. Just a John, some un-importent thoughts poped into my head. I am sorry for all the losses of dogs in this world. But missing something is part of what makes it a good memory.
A story from Garima Vikas about The last goodbye posted 01/07/2004
I lost a member of my family yesterday. She was the one who gave unconditional love to all ever since she came home 9 years back. I feel angry sad cheated deprived lost all these emotions right now... It is difficult to let go..Since I got married meeting her that often was not possible.. Chinky (that's her name!) stayed with my parents.... I met her 2 months back .. now I think had I known she wasunwell.. I would have hugged her one more time.... Told her how precious she is.. and How much I love her.... Chikum.. I love you... always.. You are alive in our memories, thoughts and prayers.... R.I.P.
A story from Ian about my dog Buddha posted 08/26/2004
Marley&ME was such a good movie.so i got a Finish Spitz he is so cute. He looks like Marley but isn't that crazy. He loves to run with people. And he is good to lay with. He's the best dog in the world!
A story from Ian about my dog Buddha posted 08/26/2004
Marley&ME was such a good movie.so i got a Finish Spitz he is so cute. He looks like Marley but isn't that crazy. He loves to run with people. And he is good to lay with. He's the best dog in the world!
A story from Anna about My baby girl Harley posted 02/26/2007
Hi there! I'm Anna, writing from Myrtle Beach, SC. My fiancee and I went to see Marley & Me in theaters, and I liked the movie so much, I went and bought your book (which was so much better)and your story really touched my heart. We have a 17 month old chocolate lab named Harley, and she is also a "bathtub monster"! She is constantly in the bathtub, even if you're in the shower, she tries to get in. She is a chewer of shoes (only my shoes), and she eats anything, candles, whole pumpkins, underwear, a bluetooth headset, remote controls. She's not too fond of the water, we have to push her in the pool and then she just climbs out, but even after all the bad things she's done, she is my baby girl. She loves to snuggle and cuddle, she loves to play ball, she is one of a kind. I've never known a dog like her, I swear she thinks she's human! I just wanted to stop by and let you know how much I loved your story! I will never forget Marley =)
A story from Kate Giordano about Marley's Twin posted 10/08/2008
Last night I finished Marley and Me, and cried just as hard as I did when I lost my 13 1/2 year old yellow lab last year. Our stories are so similar, it is uncanny. Simba had little training as he was brought into my world when I was a teenager. He was consequently raised by 3 women so we experienced everything from the counter surfing, garbage eating, escaping, leash pulling, screen destroying and so much more. His company always compensated for the misbehavior, however, as he was the most loving spirit you can imagine. Despite his wild nature he was adored by all, particularly my very stubborn Grandfather who discreetly fed him table scraps while he yelled at Simba for begging. To watch my large, goofy dog slowly become a shell of himself was the most difficult thing I've ever seen. When the day came to put him to sleep (after he too fell down the stairs for the final time), it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Your book brought back so many memories and it was so interesting and wonderful to feel a connection with you, your family and Marley. Thank you for writing this book and validating the commitment we dog lovers make to our beloved friends.
A story from Alicia Hart about Catholic upbringing at Brother Rice posted 10/23/2008
John,
I sit in front of my fire this morning shedding tears after finishing "The longest Trip Home." I awoke to see my son off to Brother Rice and couldn't wait to finish your story. You see my upbringing in Birmingham, attending Academy of the Sacred Heart and then busting out to attend Seaholm feels quite parallel to your experiences and your struggles with the Catholic faith. You have so poetically expressed your story! My Brother, Marcus Gillette (although at the time may he have been suspended for selling pot) and my Brother in Law, Kevin Hart were freshen with you at Brother Rice. They graduated in 1975 as well. Both my daughters now in college attended Marian and my son Tyler will graduate Brother Rice in 2011. My husband, also a BR Graduate and I have raised our children in the Catholic school environment but without the extreme commitment to the faith. Our purpose in makeing this choice was to expose them to catholicism but allow them to ultimately make the choice for themselves. In addition, when you spoke about Brother McKenna and Bob Stark and the impact they had on you, this tradition of commitment from Brother Rices teaching staff continues today. My son is challenged with Dyslexia and they go the extra mile daily to help him be successful.
What a great time it was growing up in the 60's and 70's and how blessed we were to have big catholic families with big catholic traditions. In Birmingham I call it the "catholic mafia" because so many of my kids friends are children of the friends we grew up with.
As a member of Pine Lake Country Club, I loved your story about the fireworks. What a catastrophy that could have been.
Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing Marley as well. I have a 3 year old golden who is the love of our lives. Some day I hope to write a childrens book about him titled "What's up Chuck!"
A story from Brennda Reiner about My dog posted 10/25/2008
I have a two year old yellow lab named Marley. This dog is so thick headed that when ever I yell at him he doesn't under stand any thing.He thinks he can go though a slidding glass door and one time he broke it.
A story from Josh Jensen about Dogs (Of course!) posted 10/27/2008
This little memory came back to me while I was reading the end parts of "Marley & Me." I also have a pet lab much like Marley. His name is Hunter. I remember one day my Step-Father and I went for a cruise in his pick-up and decided we would bring our young pup, Hunter, along for the ride. We've had previous dogs ride in the bed of the truck no problem. To train them we would normally tie them to the center of the bed so they wouldn't try jumping out. When we came to our destination we got out of the truck and started to walk away. I asked, "He's not gonna jump out is he?" My step-father replied, "Not if he wants to choke himself. He's not that stupid." No later had he said it than Hunter jumped out of the truck and nearly choked himself. I will admit one thing, he never did it again.
A story from Angela Rowland about My Longest Trip Home posted 10/28/2008
I had just finished reading John's book through tears because it so mirrored my experience with my Mther in law Katherine Rowland. I had been married to her son John for 26 years when she was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. She was living in Rockford IL and John and I outside Baltimore. I was working as a geriatric social worker and had been doing so for over 15 years. I had sat with many seniors and done what we called life review so that they didn't pass on having stories to tell and no one to hear them so felt I was prepared for any eventual death. Our Fathers had passed on without us in attendence and it was sad but we were in process of raising our families and establishing our careers.Mothers a different story altogether. My mother still lived in Ohio and was in relatively descent health as much as a 50 year smoker's life could be but the BIG C was more eminent. She had been diagnosed in February after taking a cruise where she thought she had contracted hepetitus. Not so and was told she would be gone by the end of March. We talked almost everyday and grew closer than any time in our lives. I think marrying the youngest son is harder for the mother than either will admit. She was physically able to come to ur eldest sn's wedding in late June and entered Mayo Clinic when she returned to find out why she"wasn't dead yet" Apparently, being a large woman had it advantages and she kept losing weight as her body was not getting the nutrients it needed. This senerio went on until December until all was decided that the end was really coming. John and I went out as she had decided that she would enter a nursing home and we decided that we would get hospice and I would stay with her until the end. Our relationship had become one that I have regretted was one that I wish we had experienced all along. We laughed and we cried and she said she wished it as well. When we saw her frail body as we went to the door I knew that hospice wasn't going to be in the picture long. The day after arriving John and I went to the hospice office to get information. I was elected to bring up the subject when we returned and she agreed to let them come and talk to her. The nurse Laura was a dream. Non threatening non condesending just comforting. John returned home the next week and mom and I got to work ending and things and tieing knots. When we had the pastor to the house to make the funeral plans I think he had more problems doing this with us than he even thought but we had already laughed about hat she wanted done. Nothing odd but her way. I was scared that when it came actual time I would freak out but Laura assured me they would be with me and they were a call away and five minutes in time. The neighbors were a god send and come and sit by her bed and share precious memories. She was lucid until the day before she passed and had many laughs and many tears but no regrets. I think the two things that being a geriatric social worker that I experienced was regrets about things not said or done and loss of dignity neither of these things happened with Mom. She felt she had done all she wanted and her work on earth was done. I regret we didn't have the closeness that we experienced the last several weeks but am so grateful that it better late than never at all. I think it made me realize that we need to tell people how precious they are to us no matter how corny it may sound because it may be too late. The most we can hope for in life is to have no regrets in the end. So with tears and a tissue I finished John Grogan's book and thank you for allowing me to tell of my trip home.
A story from Dustin Edmonds about Thank you! posted 10/28/2008
Hi John, I just finished reading Marley and Me after months and months of my wife's persistence. It was incredible! I love how you tell the story and you can keep Marley in your mind everyday and share all of the wonderful memories with the entire world. I lost my best friend Jake of 15 years about a year and a half ago. He was a lot like Saint Shaun. He made everyone envy him as well as us for how GREAT he was. I was 7 when we got him and all of my best memories as a child, teenager where he lured in my now wife, and later as a young adult involved him. After he passed, I wasn't interested in getting another dog anytime soon because I knew that no one could stand up to what Jake gave us. Then we came across Cooper! He is a half Lab half poodle (great mix if you ask Marley). There have already been so many great stories that I know you can relate to (jumping out of a moving car window.) I can't wait to watch this now 17 month old dog grow and create many more memories. My wife and I want to thank you from our heart for sharing you and your familyâs story. Congratulations on the movie! We can't wait for Christmas to watch it. Take care.
Dustin and Jennifer Edmonds Newport News, Virginia
A story from Dustin Edmonds about Cooper posted 10/28/2008
Hi John, I just finished reading Marley and Me after months and months of my wife's persistence. It was incredible! I love how you tell the story and you can keep Marley in your mind everyday and share all of the wonderful memories with the entire world. I lost my best friend Jake of 15 years about a year and a half ago. He was a lot like Saint Shaun. He made everyone envy him as well as us for how GREAT he was. I was 7 when we got him and all of my best memories as a child, teenager where he lured in my now wife, and later as a young adult involved him. After he passed, I wasn't interested in getting another dog anytime soon because I knew that no one could stand up to what Jake gave us. Then we came across Cooper! He is a half Lab half poodle (great mix if you ask Marley). There have already been so many great stories that I know you can relate to (jumping out of a moving car window.) I can't wait to watch this now 17 month old dog grow and create many more memories. My wife and I want to thank you from our heart for sharing you and your familyâs story. Congratulations on the movie! We can't wait for Christmas to watch it. Take care.
Dustin and Jennifer Edmonds Newport News, Virginia
A story from Shelley Roberts about The Longest Trip Home posted 10/28/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I just finished reading your new book and I laughed and cried so hard that I just had to tell you what a truely great story teller you are! I loved reading Marley, and your new book is a treasure also. I was raised a Catholic and attended Catholic schools as you did. So many of your experiences touched me in a very personal way. I lost my mother two years ago at the age of 92 and I could empathize with you and the loss of your father. I just wanted to tell you how very much your book meant to me and to tell you that I anxiously await your next tale. I also feel less guilty to know that I am not the only one who struggles with some of the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Again, many thanks for making your gift for story-telling touch so many lives. Shelley Roberts-Huntsville, Al.
A story from Barbara Schmick about Awaiting our new puppy posted 10/28/2008
As my husband and I prepare ourselves (and our house) for the arrival of our chocolate lab puppy in December, I am trying to research as much as possible about the care of labs. I feel like a child waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus! The last dog I had was about 25 years ago, and he was a mutt. He was the best dog in the world! I just finished reading Marley & Me. What a wonderful, entertaining, funny, sad story. I loved it and could not put it down. I almost decided to skip the last few chapters because I didn't want to read about Marley's last days. But, I'm glad I didn't skip them. I cried and cried. I can't wait to have our little guy here (we're still in the naming process - the list is 10 names long). Thank you for sharing your story (and Marley) with the world!
A story from Sandy about Marley and Me posted 10/28/2008
I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your book Marley and Me. I have to this date bought 20 copies to give to everyone I know to uplift their day. My sister at age 55 has a lung disease and is on oxygen. I sent her the book and she called laughing and asked if I was trying to kill her. She said she starts laughing so hard she has to take a break from reading and take a treatment. She said she would not take anything for her book. After having a lab for 13 years, he was so much a part of our life and brought so much joy. Thank you for your book.
A story from Kathy about The longest Trip Home posted 10/29/2008
John,
I stayed up until after midnight last night to finish reading your latest book, 'The Longest Trip Home'. I had started it only 2 days earlier, but found it hard to put down.
After reading 'Marley & Me' and buying it as gifts for friends, I knew that your new book would be written in the style I enjoy reading.
We lived in Parkland, FL for 10 years and loved to read your columns in the Sun-Sentinel in the '90's. So I was glad to see your name as an author of these books.
I also grew up Catholic and was laughing out loud at some of your religious experiences. I called my sister this morning to give her the name of your new book. She plans on purchasing it immediately.
Keep writing and we'll keep reading. Thank you for helping me remember some of the Catholic practices we used to partake in, and the experiences we had ourselves as our parents got older. You had loving, caring parents and were lucky to be part of their family.
We are looking forward to seeing the movie 'Marley and Me' when it opens. We are not dog lovers ourselves and have not owned a dog, but that book was a hoot! You have a gift for writing.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
A story from Rachel about Love the book!!!! posted 10/29/2008
Well I donât really have a story to tell you about me and a dog in my life, but I just finished your amazing written book, Marley and Me about three ago. I decided to pick up and read the book first because I was really bored, and second because my mom said it was a funny book. The first couple of chapters I was sort a bored just because I am young kind of, 12 turning 13. Any way after those chapters I was hooked on reading the book! The paycheck at the top of the mouth and swallowing the gorgeous necklace you gave Jenny OMG that part of the book really stuck out in my mind!!! In kindergarten my dad brought home a cat, I named her Annie. I wish my dad would have given her maybe a 10 extra try because my dad said she is mental, because when ever we were gone for a long period of time she would poop all over the floor and laundry (ewwww)! So my dad got rid of her unfortunately. When you guys were moving to Pennsylvania and Marley started barking I thought he was going to escape, thankfully he didnât! The whole cricketsâ thing made me laugh out loud! When the end of the book came near I took a deep breath because I knew it was almost over!! When Marley was about to die and you had to make the tough decision to put him down or to have him go through the tough surgery I was heart broken. I was with you and your wife Jenny on that you should put him to sleep in stead of having him go through the tough surgery. When you took Marley to the doctors and he had to be put down I was crying for the next two chapters!! It felt so real as if I was in the book. I am using your book to write a report on a book that may have changed my life. Your book is so touching and meaningful I just had to choose your book. I hope all is well with you, your new dog, Jenny, Colleen, Patrick, and Conor.
Sincerely: Rachel 12, 7th grader
A story from Sam about Marley & Me posted 10/29/2008
I just finished the book and in the end I cried. I know that I was going to cry so I didn't finish it at school thank you for writing the book and will there be a second one.
A story from Lisa about Insomnia of a 10 year old posted 10/29/2008
Hi John. I've owned Golden Retievers all my life and could totally relate to your nightmare stories of chewing and such. I put my last Golden Retriever to sleep about 2 years ago. He was 16. I now have another who is almost 2 and let me just say....he's still in the crate. Don't know if he's ever getting out :-) What I wanted to share with you is that I have a 10 year old son who has somehow developed insomnia. We've tried everything from certain teas before bed to nice, soothing sounds playing on a CD. I told him that maybe reading before bed would help. He started that and it has helped. I contimplated giving him my copy of Marley and Me to read. He is an advanced child so I thought he would be able to handle the reading. Well, he has finished almost half of the book and is really enjoying it. I read in the paper this past weekend that you would be in our area doing a book signing. I showed him the article and he was so excited to be able to meet you. We plan to be at your book signing on Nov 13 at the Telford Library. I wonder if you would be so kind and sign our copy of Marley and Me? I know you are promoting your new book and wasn't sure if you would be signing all books you have written. Take care and thanks for a great book. (I've attached some photo's of our current Golden Retriever, Dakota.
A story from Leslie Haehn about Alex posted 10/30/2008
Like you, I am a dog lover. I currently have four that I rescued from various places. I also owned a chewing, digging, mischevious Golden Retriever that had to be put down at the ripe old age of 16. She walked 1 mile the day before, but her ears didn't spring up when I opened a can of Albacore Tuna for her and we both knew that was her time. I just wanted to tell you Marley and Me was the BEST! I look forward to seeing you on November 5 in Birmingham. I live not too far from where you grew up although across the lake. Pete Kowalski and his family are wonderful friends of ours and our children go to school together. Thank you for the truly enriching story of Marley & Me and I can't wait to read The Longest Trip Home.
A story from Vicki Wood about Yogi - An Abandoned Dog (not yet finished portrait) posted 10/30/2008
Hi John, I recently finshed your book dedicated to your life & times with Marley. I laughed some, I cried some. But, mostly, I was left with a great sense of admiration and respect for you and Jenny. Unfortunately, it seems that many view dogs, not as man's best friend, but as disposible objects.
I work with animals that people have discarded. I paint portraits of the dogs that I have rescued (a Katrina victim, one that is deaf and blind but mostly those dropped off on the highway near my home) and write a story about that dog and how I came about to meet their acquaintance.
Every dog deserves a chance and it saddens me greatly the way that many are treated. I have no doubt that Marley knew that he was a lucky dog indeed.
Vicki Wood, JD www.vickiwood.com
A story from Kay Kreeger about Thank You posted 10/31/2008
I just finished reading The Longest Trip Home. I got it from the library but I'm going to buy a copy for each of our two grown sons for Christmas. I haven't laughed and cried so much while reading a book in a long time. We too gave our sons 12 years of Catholic education and they too complained about their friends having such a great time in school while they had strict nuns, priests and brothers looking over their shoulder every day. Well, low and behold, they both have their children in Catholic schools which makes their father and me very happy. I guess we did something right. Thank you for such a wonderful book. Marley and Me was great but this one is even better.
A story from Becca about Jake posted 11/01/2008
I bought your book last night on a whim. And I couldn't put it down. Through most of it I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. It took me twice as long to read, I was laughing so hard. It also made it hard for me. Our dog just died, hr was hit by a car. At first I thought someone had stolen him, but i found him earlier this month. He too was into everything. But memories of him are worth it. I will be telling everyone I know to read your book. Thanks for writing.
A story from Fay Crawforth about Marley and Ruby posted 11/01/2008
Hello John
I absolutely loved your book. I have never laughed and cried so much in such a short space of time. My husband has never read a book since he left school 22 years ago until now. We read it together. We have three labradors ourselves. Penny, who is black and is nine years old, Kelly who is also black and six years old and Ruby (who is totally loopy) is red and three years old. She has cost us a small fortune in vets bills, she has swallowed a drawing pin and has also spent five days having her liver and kidneys flushed out, after eating 32 painkillers. She has eaten her way through plasterboard, four antique pine table legs, numerous pine chairs; we have lost count of how many dog beds she has destroyed. We have been told that she has lots of nervous energy (your'e telling me). The only place she seems to settle is on my bed! She runs like a greyhound and when she hears loud bangs she sets off home, with her back legs overtaking her front legs. My husband takes the other two labs shooting and did try to take her with him once. I called him at lunchtime to see if she had picked anything up, he said "only haste as she ran towards the landrover". Whilst away on holiday recently I left Grandma in charge of them. She cooked lamb chops for tea and had to nip out to collect Grandpa - I don't think I need to say anymore other than they had beans on toast for tea. Even though she is very naughty, both my two daughters, my husband and myself love her very much. We are all great dog lovers and your book was very touching. I have just seen that your brilliant book will be out on film soon. I can't wait to see it - although I will take along with me a box of kleenex. Have a good Christmas. Love Fay. X
A story from Grace about Marley posted 11/01/2008
Hi John I'm 10 & I got The kid book of Marley And me on OCT.30 And i loved it!! Keep on writing:)
A story from May about Bandit posted 11/01/2008
I too had a pet steal my heart and then break it when he died. (Bandit, a Maine Coon cat that we had for seventeen wonderful years). However, he did give me his heart in return.
I wonder how we live without him.
A story from Henry about Henry The Great Lab posted 11/02/2008
My mom loves your books and can't wait for the new movie. Here is like with humans from yellow dog perspective :) http://henrythegreatlab.blogspot.com/
A story from Kristen about Labs posted 11/02/2008
I love the books, can't wait for the movie! His name is Sout and he is a huge Great dane sized lab! He is a melon head. LOVES the water!! Just like Marley!
A story from Kristy about Dogs! posted 11/02/2008
I love dogs! Marley sounds like a sweet dog who NEEDS a load of training!!! I have (and so do a lot of friend and family) dogs that are really nuts, I love your books SOOOO much!! kccunicorn@aol.com if you want to email me.
Bye, Kristy
A story from MARY JO about MY DOG GEORGIA posted 11/02/2008
I JUST READ MARLEY AND ME I WAS SO SORRY TO READ MARLEY DIED. I TOO LOST MY 13 YEAR OLD BLACK LAB WE HAD TO HAVE HER PUT DOWN ON NEW YEARS EVE FIVE YEARS AGO AND I STILL LOVE AND MISS MY FRIEND, AND IT STILL HURTS. BUT I REMEMBER HER SILLY TIMES ONCE WHEN WE BOTH FELL IN THE RIVER I DO NOT KNOW WHO SAVED WHO. TO ALL THE DOGS WE ALL LOVED
A story from Christy From NC about Reading your book and our dog posted 11/02/2008
My daughter had a book report project due and picked, Marley A Dog Like No Other to read. We ended up reading it together, since I love dogs. We have two dogs, one a rescue and the other a Golden Retriever. They both have great stories, but your book really hit home with one in particular! My Daughter and I were crying so hard we could hardly finish the book! Unlike you, I did not want my Golden, named Shadow after the movie, because we had just had a baby in June and I was not ready. Well ready or not, my Mother In Law surprised me with a 9 week old dog on my daugther's 9 week birthday. Yes, I had two babies; one with two legs and one with four! I was furious at my Mother in Law! How could she do this to me? I thought she really must hate me, because my older daughter was instantly in love, so there was no returning this gift! My husband promised to care for the dog, but needless to say, it all became my duty! Between a crying baby and a crying dog both in my bedroom, one in a box similar to your story, I was losing it! Sadly, I would whisper to the dog nightly how I never would love him. It was more than I could take! Through all of my dismay, this dog brought me unconditional love and I have grown to love him as one of my children. He is now 11, white in the face, hips failing as well as vision. I shutter to think of the day he passes. This book hit heavily home and my have somewhat prepared us for that day, but has especially given us time to reflect on enjoying every minute we can of him now! Thanks for opening our eyes. Your book is priceless! I am glad we had to do a book report!
A story from Carroll K about Longest Trip Home posted 11/03/2008
I could hardly wait for the new book afer reading Marley and Me. You didn't dissappoint with the Longest Trip Home. I feel like I know you and your family and with the end of the book I have a feeling of loss, not being able to contiune reading about you and your family. Keep on writing and sharing your stories. You have a great talent.
A story from Melanie about Marley and Me posted 11/03/2008
Dear John, The antics of Marley and the genuine love he had for the Grogan family have truly touched my soul. I have thorughly enjoyed this book and wish I could have had the pleasure of knowing Marley. He was the epitomy of a free spirit who loved unconditionally. Although you considered Marley mentally incapcitated to a degree I believe that any other dog with a different personality would not have made such a lasting impression on you and your family and you would never have written this heartwarming book. Marley made enough of an impression on you that you captured it in a loving memoir...Marley and Me.
I am an animal lover and and the proud mother of Smokey and Panda (aka Double Stuff). My two affectionate furballs are one of the greatest joys in my life and supply me with love and laughter everyday. Smokey, a grey and white male is afraid of his own shadow, but a more affectionate cat you'll never find. He hugs and perchs on my shoulder like a parrot. Other times he cries at my feet until I finally pick him up and he snuggles into my arms for the long haul. I'm always saying I'm going to get one of those baby carriers that I can put on the front of me to carry him around in. He races me up to bed at night and insists on being part of my shower ritual. He believes every bag, box, laundry basket and piece of paper is his toy to bat around or hide in.Toilet paper is never safe either. On many occasions I have come into to the bathroom to find an entire roll completely obliterated and for days afterward I will keep finding small pieces all over the house.
Panda, she's the ear nuzzler, chow hound, get in your face tabby. She's a black and white tuxedo whose greatest pleasure in life besides eating, is nosing her way under the blankets at night and nuzzling up to me as close as she can get. She's such a girlie girl, right in the midst of the housework. She loves chasing the dust rag around, supervising me while I wash the kitchen floor and watching the soap wash down the sink. She's also the household barf-o-matic. I can depend on her daily surpises like going to the sink for a glass of water. I can also count on her to be my window greeter upon my return from work in the evening. She's on the kitchen counter without fail, a no no but she does it anyway. Like you and Marley, my life wouldn't be the same without these two goofballs. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story.
A story from Bayley about Marley and Me posted 11/03/2008
Hi John! I am Bayley and I am 11 years old! I just got finished reading Marley and Me and I am crying! My friend wanted me to read the book and made me read the last 3 chapters so I knew what would happen! I never thought I would cry! I really hope I will become an author! Oh and lastly I have 3 dogs! i might comment alot because I really like Marley and Me and its fun to picture your face when you read this comment! Bye!
A story from Tracy Osborne about Marley and Me posted 11/04/2008
I would like to say how much I enjoyed reading Marley and Me . I found it so hard to put the book down , I laughed and I cried but most of all I understood exactly where you where coming from . Dogs can be such a pain at times but at the end of the day there is no greater companion in life and no one who can give such love and loyalty . Congratulations on such a great book .
A story from Patty Conklin about Longerst Trip Home posted 11/04/2008
Hi John - Loved Marley & Me (we have Max, a Boxer/Mastiff mix with similar personality as Marley) so when I saw your new book I had to pick it up. I finished reading it last week and all the way through it, I laughed until I cried. Your story hits home for me because I grew up in Royal Oak, Mi during the same years you did. My family were members of Shrine Parish in Royal Oak and I can totally relate to all the great stories you told. My parents were similar in their beliefs to yours and what was especially poignant to me was that as your Dad got sick, your family was discussing putting your Mom into Lourdes Nursing Home. My Mom was a resident at Lourdes from 1989 until she passed away in December, 2006. Thanks so much for writing a great book that brought my grouwing up years back to me! Both my sisters will be getting this book for Christmas.
A story from Robin Fox about My pet Seymour Harry posted 11/05/2008
Hi John- Just wanted to let you know how much your latest book The Longest Trip Home touched me. Perhaps part of it is because like you, I grew in in the suburbs of Detroit in the 60's. I lived in Huntington Woods and graduated Berkley High School in 1968. Many of the places you mention in the book I could so relate to. I too have written a children's book about my sheepdog Seymour Harry. There are no words to describe the soul of a beloved "fur-person." All the best, Robin Fox
A story from Terrence Power about Longest Trip Home posted 11/05/2008
Hi John,
Just wanted to say thanks for bringing back so many memories for me. I lived on Pembroke, the same street you said your folks bought their first home on, from my birth in 1954 until I graduated from U of D High in 1972.
I was literally stunned, over and over again, by the similarities of our lives. The wax on the cassocks, the smells of the church and convent, the water and sand on those warm Michigan summer days, even the visits to the shut-ins (!) all had an intimate familiarity to me. It was as if I was back in my childhood.
Thanks so much for keeping the memories and even more so for sharing them. Your book definitely touched a part of me that has been hidden for far too long. Great job.
A story from Terrence Power about Longest Trip Home posted 11/05/2008
A story from April about Marley & Me book posted 11/06/2008
Hi John, I just finished reading your book, Marley & Me. I've never laughed so hard in my laugh when reading about the antics of Marely. He reminded me of my darling Chloe, a yellow lab who is 10 yrs old. She still has a lot of puppy in her. She does so many things like what you described that Marley did! I've also had the joy of having 2 other labs mixes - Lab and Chessies - one chocolate - my mellow child and a fox red - my hyper child. They were different as night and day. My chocolate lab, Lady, just wanted to be loved, petted and fed! My fox red, Sable, was my hyper child. Always had to be on the go! Even at the age of 10 she didn't slow down. However at the age of 12 I had to put both of them down. They both had significant health problems and I couldn't let them suffer anymore. It was one of the hardest days of my life. I buried them together in our valley by a cedar tree. I raised them from the time that they were 10 wks old and I loved them so much. I still miss them a lot. Thank-you for writing your book about Marley. It is the best book that I have read in such a long time. I look forward to seeing the movie. I've seen the trailer and it looks great! May all of our dogs come together and get to know each other in Doggie Heaven! April B.
A story from Dan And Dana about Our Marley posted 11/06/2008
John Thank you for the book. It really hits home with us. Our dog Marley(didn't think anyone else would name their dog that until we read your book)of eight years has been though everything with us from my wife being hospitalized and almost dying to the birth of our twins he has shown us that dogs are truly mans and womens best friend.
Thank you
A story from Dan and Dana about Our Marley posted 11/06/2008
John Thank you for the book. It really hits home with us. Our dog Marley(didn't think anyone else would name their dog that until we read your book)of eight years has been though everything with us from my wife being hospitalized and almost dying to the birth of our twins he has shown us that dogs are truly mans and womens best friend.
Thank you
A story from Alma about my lola posted 11/06/2008
Thank you so much for writing Marley & Me. Like most people have said...I laughed, I cried and I wept. I tried to keep my composure during the last chapters, but I was a puddle. Marley reminds me a lot of my Lola. She is not a lab, she is a Jack Russell / Welsh Corgi mix, but she is just as hyper and full of love as Marley. The whole time i read this, I kept thinking "that sounds like Lola!"
I have been recommending this book to many people and will be giving some out for Christmas.
I look forward to reading The Longest Trip Home!
A story from Tammy Pitt about Maggie posted 11/07/2008
John, I just finished the book last night, I cried of course. I can't wait to start your new book, it should be in the mail any day now. Aren't Labs the greatest? We have had 3 blacks all named Midnight. 9 years ago we had a yellow lab puppy given to us from a good friend of ours. She is not Marley. Very laid back. Probably like Gracie. She is such a big part of our family. What are people thinking that don't have dogs? Above all, look what they are missing. The unconditional love of an animal is awesome. We can't wait to see the movie. Thanks again John for sharing your story.
A story from pbjax235 about Dagny the alien dog posted 11/07/2008
It was dark and a UFO was coming to earth to find humans to drink they're blood. They sent down a doog named Dagny to search for a human. But he had no luck on finding a human but, he did find other dogs to join his alien group and then it happened they lived happily ever after. (just kiding)they had them become real aliens and they still haunt the earth to this day.
A story from pbjax235 about sorry posted 11/07/2008
sorry guys i didnt know that you need to tell about chracters in the book
A story from Rachel, 14 about Beauty posted 11/08/2008
Hi, I just finished reading Marley and Me a few days ago. My black Lab mix Beauty is just something like your dog in a sense that she too has an irrational fear of lightning and thunder. She becomes equally destructive when it rains. So far, she's broken several pipes, windows, and also managed to wiggle her way out of those leather body-straps that we put her in. Beauty has been with me for almost two years, and after reading your book, I look forward to the years to come. I tell her everything--my secrets and stuff I don't normally tell humans. She was there only yesterday when my crush came by my house to say hi. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making me laugh out loud the way I've never done when I'm reading, and thank you for making me cry. Thank you for sharing Marley with the world. Rachel.
A story from Robert about Levi posted 11/08/2008
Hi John, I've just finished reading Marley and Me and like everyone else I laughed and cried. My last dog was a cross Collie/Lab who was my friend for 15 years and he went downhill just like Marley at the end. I know the pain of that loss and for many years we did not have a dog, partly because we could not face the trauma of the inevitable heartbreak at the end. Three years ago I lost my wife after a short illness, and the daughter who still lives with me was having a difficult time coping. I decided that the time was right for another dog and we bought an eight week old Golden Labrador pup and named him Levi. He was so similar to Marley at first devouring plaster off the wall in the kitchen at night, but fortunately as I live in Scotland thunder and lightning are very rare so we never had that problem, nor do we have door screens for him to plough through, but in so many ways Levi is just like Marley. He loves nothing better than finding muddy puddles, dashing into rivers, ponds and the sea, but tell him he needs a bath and he disappears beneath the kitchen table. I loved the book and I am looking forward to the movie. I may have to leave the cinema before the end though. Thanks for sharing Marley. Regards from Scotland
A story from Kathy Swiger about Thanks for the Memories posted 11/08/2008
John, I have just finished your book Marley and Me that I picked up at the airport for a little light reading during my travels today (Couldn't put it down). I was stunned to read that someone had lived thru an experience like ours. We put our beautiful 15 (yes 15!) year old Weimaraner named Brandy to sleep in our home last year after a lifetime of love and destruction. Marley and Brandy could have been twins. We did not do our homework either. All of our friends and family gave up on her (and us) around her first birthday after flunking obedience school, chewing up all our woodwork repeatedly (including trying to dig/chew/destroy her way out of a room when my son accidentally left her in his bedroom and went off to school, and trying to dig/chew/destroy her way into our bedroom during fireworks on 4th of July to be under our "safe" bed).
Our favorite story was the purchase of a great dog training book written by the Monks of New Skeet (sp?) who train the dogs for seeing eye service. We wanted help with our puppy's nasty and dangerous habit of jumping up on anyone who came within her vicinity. She was totally none aggressive but as you know, just wanted to give the traditional puppy greeting of a tongue in the mouth to see what you might regurgitate for her. Yuck! She bowled me over, our kids and grandkids, and our aging parents not to mention the Halloween trick or treaters, UPS guy, mailman, etc. etc. So after weeks of reading and consulting experts we settled on the book's recommendation that we fill a plant mister with water and keep it by the door so that when we came in (not to greet her right away) and if she jumped to spray her in the face with the water. It seemed possible..... So the final result? Our dog continued to jump up (we trained everyone else to back in the door and not acknowledge her until she calmed down) and Brandy was deathly afraid of water from that point on. Wouldn't go out in the rain (could hold her urine for a very long rainy day!), couldn't tolerate baths, etc. etc. Oh,well. She was a pointed and not a retriever.
We have a thousand stories like the disappearing 4 inch double pointed party pick (originally in a sandwich on a tray), the coyote poop encounter, our own many taled version of sit and stay training, our own compromises for walking on a leash every morning so that neither one of us died, the lost struggle to keep her out of our bed, the satisfaction of clipping toenails with a package of hot-dogs as a reward when the groomer told us our dog would need to be sedated to trim her nails and on and on and on.....
We spent a lifetime recovering objects from her feces, cleaning up vomit from her insistence that the more rotten something smells the better it must taste, and replacing doortrim, anything leather and pillows.
Our faithful house sitter (when we both had to travel for business and how could we condemn our baby to a kennel) was a master at our long list of "dogproofing the house" from closing all bedroom, bathroom, basement, garage doors, putting any personal items that had any human scent on them behind those doors, moving all pillows from the sofas and chairs to the top of the 7 foot armoire in the family room, putting all food related items behind doors and in the refrig, oven or dishwasher, and a guarantee that we would not hold her personally responsible for any damage due to the unpredictability of our dog who could be vindictive when left unjustly behind.
We finally got the dog we always wanted in her 14th year when she slept a lot and was deaf to fireworks and the doorbell.
But god, how we loved her. We still cry over the hole she has left in our life. All the new pillows, leather glasses cases and wood trim haven't made us any happier for her absence. We haven't had the courage to get the "next" dog. I want to wait until I retire and can be home full time....... or really until I can give the next dog a fair shake at replacing her.
Thank you for sharing the unconditional love that a dog can teach us human's who open our hearts, homes and wallets to them.
A story from Lynn Brad about Harley Opposite of Marley posted 11/08/2008
I picked this book up becausehe next dog a fair shake at replacing her.
Thank you for sharing the unconditional love that a dog can teach us human's who open our hearts, homes and wallets to them.
A story from Lynn Brad about Harley Opposite of Marley posted 11/09/2008
I picked this book up because I enjoy reading when I have some spare time. I could not put it down til I finishd it which I "just" did this Saturday night. Cried my self to sleep.
I had a Rottweiler that stole my heart. My husband and I decided that we needed a dog in our new life together and got "Harely" (No! Really!! that was his name when we got him) from a coworker who could no longer take care of him because she could not walk him on his leash after she had back surgery.
He was a big "Rotty". Weighed in at 145lbs but he was the sweetest dog you could ever meet. He had a head the size of a small bear and his heart was even bigger. He was our shadow for 12 years until he contracted cancer. The vet said this occurs frequently in pure-breds. We buried him on our property and have an Eagle Statue looking over him as a headstone. The statue reminds us of how he made us feel like soaring with eagles when he was around. No matter what trials our life had, he could always pick up our spirits just by being with us. Our time with him will never be forgotten and he is sorely missed.
Your book helped heal some of the emptiness his leaving had left in our lives.
Oh! Side note you could not have picked a better neighbor than Digger Dan. Great guy does pig roasts now I understand. Have you been to one of his?
A story from Karen Durski about To Run With It posted 11/09/2008
I have been meaning to read this book for awhile. But, for some reason I picked it up a week ago and started reading. My husband just lost his job of 37 years on Nov. 6, 2008. The reason the Acting President told him was that "You Did Not Take This Job and Run with It"??????? What does that mean. It meant for 37 years he worked for Halton Hills Hydro in Acton, Ontario. He would get hundreds of calls during the middle of the night when people lost their hydro. He would drive in snow storms, freezing rain and wind storms to get the men out to restore power. He sat on many weekends at the kitchen table doing budgets, proposals and just catching up... Is this Not Running with it. They took his Dignity, Loyalty and Heart on November 6th. As I am reading Marley and Me, I realize all the things they took from my husband that day are things that we get from our 2 year old Labradoodle-Jak every day. He gives us that Unconditional Loyalty every day. Something my husband gave to his job. Our dog Jak is also afraid of Loud Noises, especially thunderstorms. This 95 pound of fear jumps on us and burrows his head shaking uncontrollably when he hears a loud crash. He is afraid to walk across the hard wood floor, stopping and ever so gingerly edging away with his nails clanging on wood. Asking for permission to leave one room and join us in the next. I look into his eyes and can't understand how people can be so mean to each other. No warnings, no explanations, but can rip a man's heart and soul out with the signing on a piece of paper, "Terminated". I have now just realized that Loyalty, Selflessness, and Dignity are in a Dog's eyes. If we could all just take a moment and look them in their eyes, maybe, the world would not be so cruel. Thanks Marley and Thanks Jak our Labradoodle for showing us where it really matters in this world. Marley "You Ran With It".
A story from Jeff about The Beast who ate our Sofa posted 11/09/2008
We have 2 boys, 3 cats and 2 golden retrievers. Madison is the oldest, a girl golden. When she was a puppy, we had our share of chewed molding. Next came Jackson, a big dopey male. Jack was a dog trainer's nightmare, much like Marley. We have black stains on our light hardwood floors to remember his housetraining days by, bitten up molding, destroyed stuffed animal dog toys, and a new sofa in the family room. The old sofa (which was only about 5 years old) was ripped apart my Jack, little by little, each time we left the house. I finally got smart and tough with Jack and he has learned well. He and Maddy are only allowed in the family room when we are sitting in there with them and they are not allowed on the furniture. They have managed to figure out that had their chance and blew it. What is left of the old, oversized chair and ottoman that matched the old sofa is in their room, off the service porch. Jack knows now that, if he destroys that, he will be sleeping on the floor ! I just finished reading, Marley and Me. My wife and I have had 5 cats previous to our current 3. When animals get old and sickly and have to be put to sleep, it is always so tearfully sad. Regetfully, death is part of life. But it never gets easy to handle emotionally !
A story from joyce about my mother posted 11/09/2008
Mr. Grogan,
First let me tell you I am an avid reader and this is the first time I ever went on a website to comment. A few years ago I read Marley and me, actually my whole family did. What a wonderful book. So when I saw that you had written another one I couldnt wait to read it. My dear mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 days after last thanksgiving and died on Dec. 19th. My sisters and I were raised catholic but of the varity you were. Your book made me laugh out loud and sob just as loud. And question so many things. I miss my mother with all my heart and so many feelings that I feel you voiced so elequently. Thank you sir, for some relief in my grieving and to know there are good things and people of substance out there. I bet your father was truly a rare breed. Joyce
P.S. hurry and write us something else to enjoy
A story from Bernadette about On The Longest Trip Home posted 11/10/2008
My childhood was a carbon copy of yours, the Catholic schools, daily Mass, the rosary at night and statues all over the house. I too went away from the Catholic faith and disappointed my Dad. He wasn't as forgiving as yours was until shortly before his death in 2005 when he told me "I was a good girl". I have an aunt who is a nun and an uncle who was a priest so our families sound so alike its scary. I thank you for sharing your Dads death with us, it has helped me with my guilt that I didn't do it like my Dad wanted and somehow I failed him. But if I had done it his way I wouldn't have been true to myself ...and that is the lesson I took out of your book. Thank you and God Bless You!
A story from Maritza P. Galasso about My Princess posted 11/11/2008
I justlove Princess as I would love my children. She helped to go through an abusive and traumatizing situation. She was out of my life for few month because I needed to go to a shelter for abuse women and I had it to leave her in the house. I used to sneak in the house when my husband was at work and I was in my lunch time with the risk of getting caught but the welcomming face of princess was worth every moment. Princess never urinated in the house ever but the excitment of see me well and alive was strongest than her bladder retention could handle and she urinated all over at my sight. It was the ten to fifteen minutes of my day that I will cherish with her. I made sure I clean everything to wipe traces of me been in the house. It's funny how things work I did not want a dog because I work full-time and was full-time college student but my husband always have been around dogs specially labs and golden retreivers and my daughter told that a golden retreiver got knocked off by a huge white lab and she had 16 puppies and the owner was given them away because the mother could not feed them all and she was exausted and ignoring the puppies. I live in Charleston, South Carolina and these litter was in Columbia, South Carolina that is about two hours and fourty-five minutes from where they where. Of course i was hesitanting to get this puppy for my husband because I knew like I always did even when I get puppies for my kids that I was ended been responsible for the care of it. However, at the last minute when my daughter call me mami they are almost all gone there are only two female and a male but the male is taken already and I already got one for me and name it Gracie. Are you going to get the dog yes or no because the owner called me. Well at that moment I discussed with my husband and he told well if you want to drive all the way over there be my guess. Funny haha and the dog suppose to be for him. Anyway, that is how I got Princess and she was 5 weeks old and playing hard to get as she ignore me and hide from me. I knew that was trick from her so I can pick her. The minute I hold her I felt this bond and forget about a dog for my husband I knew that she had chosen me as her alpha dog. She wrote in a box on the front car seat and all this time I was thinking how I was going to name it and she put her head out and I looked at her and said Oh my God you look just like a Princess and when she heird Princess she looked at me like she respond to that name and that is when I told her Princess will be your name from now own. That same name we spent almost $400.00 in all the things we thought she will need. She did nuddy stuff like marley but I learned from the veterinarian things to do and I did by the book. She is more human than a dog. My house look like a day care she paly with baby's toy, she sleep with me and now that my husband and I are together again and doing better she sleep with us. She likes pillows. She looks just like Marley in a female version physically with her red collar. Ok I am ending here I can talked forever about her but the reason I decide to write in here is to let Mr. Grogan knows that his book is the first book I ever finish reading and make cry so hard that I could not breath but at the same time make laugh so hard that I pee in my pants (sorry I needed to say that). I am from Panama citizen of US and I had never experience a book with a such great story teller like Mr. Grogan. Thank You and I am so sorry for your lost. However, the best thing you did is keeping Marley alive forever inthis book and I defenetly will go see the movie. This book was my 47 y/o birthday on may 17, 2007. Best gift from my daughter. The responsible of all of this beautiful dog in my life. Good Luck with everything. Maritza Charleston, South Carolina
A story from Maureen Flynn Mansky about Our Lady of Refuge/Erie Dr. posted 11/11/2008
Contrary to the downward spiral in Deroit, O.L.R. is going stong and needs you! We are having our 14th annual auction and are dreaming of you doing an auction item for our school. I am the youngest of Pat and Shirley Flynns kids. We dont remember each other but do have a past connection. I have enjoyed all of your books so much. One of my Refuge friends asked if I knew you and if I would try to contact you. Just wondering if you would help our school out at this years auction? My email is henrymansky@yahoo.com. Please let me know. Thanks, Maureen
A story from Carolyn about My dog ate your book posted 11/11/2008
I thought you would be amused to see the handiwork of my young dog Charlie. A friend loaned me your book and I thought it would be safe in the house, since Charlie had never eaten a book. Ironically, he chose "Marley & Me" to taste test. And he hasn't eaten a book since. I took several pictures which you can see at http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewolfe/3017596347/in/set-72157608902495907/ I was embarassed not to be able to return the book, but my friend thought the story and pictures more than made up for it.
A story from Paula about I feel a part of Marley belongs to me! posted 11/11/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I bought Marley & Me some time ago but I couldn't bear to read it because I lost my beloved Keiko - also a yellow lab in June. I finally read your book today. I cried tears of joy and sorrow & was moved beyond words. Marley encapsulates Keiko in spirit at the end of his life. She too lost control of her hind legs but struggled to stay near us despite her discomfort. She was a great girl who didn't leave my side when I suffered through the most excruciating migraines. She was a dog who never found a food group she didn't like, nor did she miss a meal, but when I was sick she was vigilant. Marley in his young days is my akita, Akaela no doubt. The crazy wacky 80+pound behemoth who has no concept of personal space, commands, what is inedible or indestructible - is Marley incarnate. It gave me so much enjoyment to read your beautiful words and I received a gift- reassurance that dogs teach us to live in the moment, appreciate simple and guilty pleasures and that it's o.k. to be smelly from time to time. Thank you for such a wonderful memoir as a dog lover - your willingness to stand by Marley helps me face the crazy dog in my house with a little more love and patience and yes, pride.
A story from Carlos Aguirre about The Longest Trip Home posted 11/11/2008
John, thank you for The Lonest Trip Home. I devoured it the three days. Normally, a book that size would have taken me about two weeks. I relived my growing up years with you coming from a Catholic family, having attended catholic schools all my life. I didn't have an option as you did in high school, but I think that saved me. I wasn't much of anything, but in trouble quite often. The Brothers of St Patrick kept me on the right track, I've got the scars to prove it. I must admit I deserved every ruler, slug, and paddle I received.
I grew up in LA, now living in Colorado Springs and one of our five children spent a year in Pontiac in the JVC, volunteering at Lighthouse Community Development on Woodward Ave. I knew exactly where Lake Orchard Road and the hospital your dad died was. This weekend I will make a journey home to help with my parents. My dad has ALS and my mom recently decided to stop further treatment for cirrhosis of the liver. After five weeks in a hospital and nursing home she has decided to come home and spent her last days in the home she has known for the last 49 years with my dad. Your book has given me an avenue to burst out in laughter at the funny and happy menories, and weep openly about knowing what's around the corner. I've learned through a death and dying class I recently took that there is life in the dying process. I've cared for my parents like never before, cried in front of them, discussed the unthinkable openly, not worrying so much about when and how they die. But, how am I going to live today?
While living in Colorado, I only hope that I can be there when my mom takes her last breaths, slipping from this world into the next. Thank you for touching my heart with your words. Carlos Aguirre
A story from rachel about marley posted 11/12/2008
Dear Mr.Grogan first i would like to tell you i really enjoyed your book Marley & Me.This book was very touching to me because i too have a lab named Marley.I am 20 and live on the Mississippi gulf coast,a great place to have a lab,.But up until a year ago a lab had never crosses my mind.November6,2007 my dog was hit by a car and killed. thats the day i recieved marley from a friend and as a big surprise.i named him marley after bob marley,i am a big fan, and thats where it all started.two weeks ago my mom found this book for me and to be quite honest i really do not read much but i jumped write into it as i read i thought "if i wrote a book about my marley this would be it".i was shocked about the marley mambo because i made up a song the lyrics are marley mo mambo, when i sing it to him he wiggles around and i have always called it the marley mambo.Marley is also a big fan of putting things in his mouth he is not supposed to have and his favorite is pencils.He does the same exact thing you said your marley did when he had something that was not his. Despite how aggravating Marley can be at times he is a big part of my heart,he is my baby, and i love him.Thank you for writing this book it helps to know someone else went through tough times with there marley. Sincerely, Rachel
A story from Cheryl Barber about Marley & Me posted 11/12/2008
Mr. Grogan, I have never felt the need to write before to any author. I am an avid reader and have had Saint Bernards for my whole life, I now breed and show them. I have certainly had my share of "Marleys"...Including Abby, pictured. I had read your book when it first came out and have recommended it to everyone I know. It has to be the most touching story about a dog that I have ever read. I laughed out loud and cried for the last few chapters knowing what was happening. (Bloat is all too familiar to our breed as well). Your book sits cover out on my bookshelf. In July my Abby was hit by a car in front of our house and she did not make it. She held on for 24 hours getting fluids through an IV while I held her. When she died (at home) I looked up and all the neighbors were standing around us. Some had blankets or bottle of water. All had memories to share. It was amazing. Much as I had suspected, due to Abby's lust for life, the neighbors all knew her name...probably most from hearing me yell to her. When it was done, when she had been taken to be cremated I returned home. Marley & Me caught my eye from its place of honor on my bookshelf. I took it down and read it again, the whole thing, right then and there with out stopping. It seems like maybe Marley & Me helped the healing begin, he was so much like her. I still miss her every day. Shortly after that my other female gave birth to a litter. Enter Mannon...here we go again, and I would not change a thing. Thank you, Mr. Grogan, for sharing your story. ~C
A story from Gwyn Hackett about My Yellow Lab, Ty posted 11/13/2008
Well I have just finished your book. A friend let me read it after I had to put my 9 year old yellow lab down. Ty was bought for my 3 year old son Ryan. Ryan told us he wanted a dog if he would learn to go to the potty. We we brought Ty home when he was about 6 weeks old and he was part of our Family. Ty like Marley did not like storms. He would jump on my back door until you let him in and then he would go to our bedroom and sit and shake until it was all over. January or 2008 he began to lip on one of his back legs and when I took him to the vet he said it was a bone inffection or CANCER. Well it was a very had time from January to July. But we keep him going until one day we could see the pain in his eyes and on his face. July 21 2008 was the hardest day I had every been throught. We as a family took Ty to the Vet and we all were in tears. Ryan was so hurt but he knew we had done the right thing. To say as much we had to have another dog in our life. We have a friend that shows labs and he happen to have a yellow lab who could not be a show dog because he was too big. She gave us this dog who is 4 years old and a 105 lbs. His name is Tomahawk. Who we just love to death. He did not take Ty's place but I now see the difference in the two and I can see both dogs in your book. I can not wait to see the movie this Dec. I just wanted to share some of my story with you and let you know this was the best book I have ever read.
A story from Patty about Your books. posted 11/13/2008
After reading your book, I think Labs and Golden Retriever are very much alike. We have had 2 lifetimes with Goldens. Thank you for sharing your memories. I'm nearly finished with "The Long Trip Home". Did your brother Michael ever get tested for Lyme Disease? I think he should - sure sounds like it. Looking forward to seeing the movie! Very Best Wishes to you and the family! Patty
A story from Roin Infante about Marley & Me posted 11/13/2008
A story from Robin Infante about Marley & Me posted 11/13/2008
I just wanted to thank you John for coming out with such a deap felt and easy to relate to real life story. My husband read this book and boy it totally changed his thinking of our three labs. As men go he was one whom thought dogs are just dogs and how can you be so attached to them. Well after he read Marley and Me he had a change of heart now hes more compasionate and understanding of our pouches. Thanks so much.
Robin from West Chester, Pa www.wcpetsitting.com
A story from megan about our lab marley posted 11/13/2008
thank you john for having a marley in your life too. my parents and i were lucky enough to have a yellow lab named marley. your book was a gift to my mother and it brand tears to her eyes. our family as well, have lost our friend marley. i enjoyed reading your book but i could not finish it i did not want to go through the loss of another marley. our marley was the best dog and a best friend. it was so refreshing to know that another marley was out there and that he was just as wonderful in good and bad nature. thank you for writing the book and sharing your experience with the almighty yellow lab named marley.
A story from Lancie about Sandy and Me posted 11/13/2008
I just finished your book today. It was really hard for me to get through the last few chapters. I tried reading on the plane last night but could not keep my eyes from tearing, I tried again today in the doctors office with much the same result. I finally finished it in my car with no one around! What a touching story. We got our yellow lab Sandy in June and she is now 6 months old. I felt just like Jenny when she said this dog is out of here! Our Sandy just won't quit--I really felt her pain. After finishing the book, I just came home and had to hug her knowing I could never let her go and realizing how fast time flys and knowing our time with her is limited. After finishing you book I have learned to cherish every moment with her even thought she is driving us crazy with her antics I know now I could never let her go! Thank you for letting me realize that no matter how bad she gets, the love and faithfulness she shows us is worth every minute!
A story from Genevieve about Sempey posted 11/14/2008
My husband and I have been taking care of Brutus and Semper for my in-laws for the last 6 months. Semper is a eater of things forbidden. He has eaten a $10 bill, the wicker basket used for dirty laundry, an uncountable number of reciepts, all 4 corners off the welcome mat I own, and the other night, he ate the corner of the cover of my copy of Marley and Me that was on the coffee table. The dog has good taste, he left my husband's book alone, just ate mine.
A story from Renee about The alligator song posted 11/14/2008
I think perhaps my mother sang to me the same song you referenced in the last pages of THE LONGEST TRIP HOME. "She sailed away on a happy summer's day on the back of a crocodile. 'You see,' said she, 'he's as tame as he can be and I'll ride him down the Nile." The croc winked his eye as he bid them all good-bye, wearing a happy smile. At the end of the ride, the lady was inside and the smile on the crocodile." I haven't thought of that song in years, and I'm amazed that I remembered all the words today. That, as well as the lovely thoughts expressed in your book, brought tears both happy and sad to my eyes. Thanks for sharing
A story from Sandy about Longest Trip Home posted 11/14/2008
Okay, okay, I didn't really want to read "Marley & Me". I'd seen it on the shelf in the library where I work and even picked it up a few times and looked at the pictures, then I returned it to the shelf. Do I really want to read a book about a guy and his goofy dog {I'm sorry, Marley) and the answer was always, no, even through I friend told me what a good book it was. Then I read someplace ab out "The Longest Trip Home" which I read and really, really liked. My mother died last January after a long illness and my dad died suddenly this summer at 86. The way you said goodbye to your dad really touched me since I did not have a chance to said good bye to mine in the same way. In fact, I'm crying right now as I write this. I think your parting words to your dad helped me because I'd like to think that I'd have said the same words to my dad. I miss him very much-he was my father and also my good friend. I liked that book so much that now I had to read the Marley book. We were going away and I HAD to have the book but knew that our library's copy was out and luckily for me, picked one up at the yard sale the morning before we left. I paid $1.00 for it which is a lot for me since I borrow most of my reading material from work or pay 25 or 50 cents for books at yard sales, thrift stores and rummage sales. I enjoyed the Marley book very much and can't wait to see the movies. I saw some of the previews and laughed out loud at them just like I did reading many parts of your book. Your patience and perserverance with Marley was very loving and accepting. I meant so say at the beginning that I'm basically a cat person and like small dogs, having been raised with a dachshund. Please find something else to write about since I'm looking forward to your next book.
A story from Donna Williams about My "Marley", aka Kobe posted 11/14/2008
I have just finished reading your book, and it made me laugh and cry. My dog, a yellow lab mix, has just turned 11. He has had his share of 'bad dog' moments, but we love him anyway! He has been fighting some of Marley's ailments since last fall, and has the weak hip syndrome, with one hip being severely degenerated. Some days he hobbles and groans, other days tries to chase birds across the lawn. I think your book has helped to prepare me for the inevetable heartbreaking day when we will have to make the same decision you faced. I have enclosed a photo of Kobe, with his cat, Lily. Most of the time he refused to acknowledge her presence, until the time when he thinks you are not looking. Then he allows cat grooming and snuggling. Thank you for sharing your story.
A story from Kathy about Jake posted 11/14/2008
When I saw Marley and Me on the shelf at Walmart I was instantly drawn to it. I HAD to read it. Let me tell you by the time I finished that book, which didn't take long because I could NOT put it down, I was crying SO hard that my stomach hurt. I have a black lab named Jake, he'll be 11 in January. I know that THE day is coming. The day when you have to make that same heartbreaking decision and I am dreading it. He has been THE best dog. ALWAYS protective of me and my son Adam. I could'nt ask for a better family member. One quick story about Jake...when he was almost a year old, he was outside on his chain. I'm standing there, 8 months pregnant and he decides to go after a bird. Sure enough, he got it. Chewed its head right off. I don't think I've ever been so grossed out. You can be sure I didn't let him lick me or my son for quite a while after that. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Marley and Me in the theaters, but I might just decide to wait til it comes out on video because I'm sure I will bawl my head off and if I'm going to look like a blubbering idiot, I'd like to do it in the privacy of my own home....haha. Thanks John for sharing your story.
A story from Hunter Gilkerson about english assignment =) posted 11/15/2008
John Grogan c/o John Grogan mail, 7th Floor HarperCollins Publishers 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 (212) 207-7000
Dear Mr. Grogan, I am a 13 year old, I attend Bedford Junior High School in Michigan and I have just recently read your book Marley and Me for an English project. For this English project we had to pick out a book that was suitable for our reading, and Marley and Me really grabbed my attention. This book was spectacular and I really enjoyed reading about the bond between you and Marley.
Marley and me was one of the best books Iâve ever read, and to be honest with you I donât like reading but this book just kept me raving for more. On one hand this book was very enjoyable to read about the bond between you and Marley, on the other hand it was heart wrenching to read how Marley died. This story made me think about my life because I have two dogs of my own at home, and I love them with all of my heart. One of my dogs is a golden retriever/lab mix named daisy who is a very kind and loving dog like Marley, and my other dog is a borderline collie named Trista who is an enjoyable calm dog. I share the same bond with my two dogs that you did with Marley and I am really curious on how you dealt with the death of Marley because I once had a yellow Labrador and when he got sick like Marley we had to get him put to sleep and I was sad for weeks and it has been three years since he died, and it still makes me get teary eyed to think about him.
Mr. Grogan I really would like to thank you for writing this book because it really has been an honor to read about your life beginning and read about family growing. Your an amazing author and I am truly inspired by your writing I hope you keep writing because I can tell you now I will be one of the first people to read it because I just loved Marley and Me. I never would have had the honor to read this book if I wouldnât have asked my mother for book selections for my eighth grade English project assigned by my English teacher Mrs. Pilewski.. I will mthat is just one of the many things I loved about your book Marley and Me. Sincerely, Hunter Gilkerson
A story from Robin about My puppy dawgs posted 11/16/2008
I grew up with my best friend "Lady" who was a miniature collie, welsh corgi mix. She was the funniest little dog ever! She would take off for days on end but always come back - PREGNANT! My parents didn't have the money to get her fixed. She had 6 litters of puppies in her lifespan. My siblings and I watched Lady give birth to each litter and she always allowed us to touch her babies right from birth. We would play with the puppies in the backyard, until the last one went to a home, which always ended with us crying as we watched the cute little furballs go. Lady was MY dog. When she disappeared, I would get off the bus from school to find her sitting waiting for me. She always snuck down to my bedroom (which was always in the basement) and sleep with me and steal the heat that came from a vent above us. Like Marley, she would be at my feet and get all snuggled in, only to have to move and follow me as I puttered around. I was 20 when my parents had to put her to sleep after 17 years and still to this day, I cannot look at a picture without letting a few teardrops roll down my cheeks.
Now that I am married with 2 children, life without a dog just wasn't the same.
When my girls were away one weekend, I went "dog shopping". I have always been a fan of small dogs and thought a pug would best suit our lifestyle as my husband and I work shift work. I found a litter near our home that was 3/4 pug and 1/4 jack russell mix. She was a character from the moment I laid eyes on her. She ran to me and jumped in my arms as if to say "take me home now"! When I researched pugs, I knew I wanted to name her an asian name, as that is where the breed came from. I thought about Ming Le, but she was too goofy and it just didn't suit her. I watched her for 2 days before settling on "Ping" with one of the meanings "fair". She is a great dog who is gentle and cuddly! She has a lot of energy and jumps approx. 4' high. My girls love her and couldn't wait to get "Pong". Unfortantely, Pete wanted a bigger dog and we ended up deciding on "Kita". She is our 8 mth old german shepherd who is a perfect dog. She is gentle, smart and loyal who loves to run everyday off leash. I can't believe how we lucked out with 2 loving, loyal dogs who remind us each day of the simple things in life we take for granted.
I bought your book for my girls last Christmas and just got around to reading it this past week. I am a fan of true stories and couldn't put your book down, but feared finishing, knowing how it would end.
I laughed and cried and truly understood what your family went through making the painful decision to let Marley rest.
One of my favourite movies is "My Dog Skip". Again, another true story about a boy and his relationship with his dog. These movies/stories always move me as these animals seem to put everything in perspective as they go through life without a care in the world. Only waiting for you to come with the utmost joy and happiness!
Thank you for sharing your story. My girls and I can't wait to go see Marley & Me and know it will be a favourite that we will add to our collection.
Thank you for reminding us all how life is short and sometimes we rush through it taking things for granted. Reading your book reminded me to slow down and enjoy the simple things!!!
I have included a picture of Ping with Kita. This was the first day we brought Kita home. Of course, she is now 70lbs at 8 mths old and LOVES Ping!
A story from Kathy Walker about Thankyou posted 11/16/2008
G'day John from Australia Thankyou kindly for the two wonderful books you have written. Both made me laugh, or at least smile, frequently. The latter part of the books touched me profoundly. I sincerely hope that you plan to write more books, hopefully about human/animal interaction.
Kind regards
Kathy Walker
A story from Jim about Duchess posted 11/16/2008
Thank you!
A story from Barbara about Candy posted 11/16/2008
I forgot something very important. When you wrote the column about Marley after his death, well the things Marley taught you, like appreciating the simple things in life, like that walk in the woods, the fresh snowfall, a nap in the sun. What a wonderful observation. Also I cried so hard when I realized that little Candy, the little 1 foot high little dog I already sent a note about, brought the same things and the loyalty, non-judgmentat, not needing the material things in life, just getting and giving love, this was Candy, always underfoot because she not only wanted the piece of food you were getting but because she was loyal. That is the time I cried the most when I realized what Candy had given us. When you wrote that Marley had his face in the wind, wet nose sniffing the icy air, I again for Candy did the regularly with her eyes squinting,we have lots of cold air in the winter in Canada. Since this is my second writing, I had better close. I haven't said it but I am so sorry for your loss, I really am. Bless you and yours. Brbara
A story from Candy about Barbara posted 11/16/2008
My story seemed to disappear, so I will write again , as it is therapy for me. I loved the book, I laughed , then from chapter 26 on I cried until below my eyes were chapped, then I re-read it because I still needed to cry. My sisters little 1 foot high dog along the lines of a golden retriever, well she was 13 also, we knew the time would come that we all dreaded, but then illness came on so suddenly , one day she was like a puppy and then she was not eating and couldn't walk, after about 4 days the vet said it was likely a tumor on her spine, there was no choice but to put her to sleep, she was heavily sedated (like Marley) and at the time I though that was awful, like we were doing something sneeky, that is until I read that Marley was sedated too. Candy never felt anything and we all had time with her, and I will see her over the bridge someday. Candy died June 27th of 2008, and of course we still cry for her, then on Sept. 16th beloved Tika, her cat of 11 years died in her arms. I want to thank you for making me understand what Candy taught us to, just like you said in print, the simple things in life, like the first snowfall, a nap in the sun, loving and being loved, I liked the visual in my mind of the dogs Marley and Candy with their faces in the wind, wet noses sniffing the icy air--Candy squinted her eyes, we have lots of cold air in Canada. I, of course will see the movie, but am afraid, if they show it until the end of Marley's life, everyone will be sobbing, but I wouldn't miss it for anything. I am truly , truly sorry for your loss. God never gives us more than we can handle, so he gave Marley to you and Jenny. Bless you and yours. Sincerely, Barbara
A story from KayLee about Memories posted 11/16/2008
Hi i am kaylee and i just wanted to tell you that your book was one of my favorites. I am only 12 but it took me less then 2 days to read your book:i just couldnt stop reading it. Near the end i found myself crying and thinking about all memories of my familys two dogs- Bailey and maisey. I was most attatched to Bailey- playing ball with him and throwing snow for him to catch in his mouth. But soon thier time ended and we got a new dog( a wiener dog, different from our labs but a dog nonetheless)named Daisy. I cant wait to see what new memories will come! Thank you for inspiring me to be a writer and to love dogs even more!
A story from kimberly about my wolf dog posted 11/16/2008
before i turned 8 i has a black half wolf half husky a female her name demon when i was 10 i let her go out into the yard we had a fenced yard i keeped her out for 3 hours when i looked she was gone. i went outside and i found a hole.i looked in the woods cause she loves it when we had a 4 wheeler and i seen her laying there with a meduim side tree on her legs-paws i called my dad he took her to the vet.when she healed she dug another hole i saw my dad looking for her. it was late my dad said we will look tomorrow. when it was sunrise i found her in the street killed.now i see why they have to go thx for teaching me this
A story from Paula about Charope posted 11/16/2008
Dear John, I'm Paula,I'm from Brazil and I read your book.I like so much!I have a dog to, and it is very hooligan,but I like.I love your book,and you have a nice family,and Marley was a good dod. -:Write me please:paulllynhaalcantara@hotmail.com ,I'm sorry,but I'm very bad in english!
A story from eizabeth fleming about An old tale from Italy posted 11/17/2008
Would like to chat over coffee as to how you might like to pen this amazing story. Just read your 2nd book and love your humor...this story may die with my 84 yr old dad and it deserves telling...my cell is 610 220 1129. Thank you for your consideration John, Sincerely, Elizabeth Fleming you can look me up on line www.homesonthemainline.com
A story from Trish about My Marley was named Mackie posted 11/17/2008
I git Mackie from the pound when he was estimated to be 2 to 2 1/2 years old. Like your Marley, my family and I have been drug dowm many South Beach streets chasing after cats, or whatever he wanted. I had to put Mackie down this past June. He also had the same ailments that most lab breeeds suffer from. Hip problems, he was deaf and could hardley see anymore. This was the hardest thing We ever had to do. Reading your book and tales of Marley made me think so much of my Mackie. I relize I will never truely be over the most wonderful gift I was given. Mackie lived to the ripe old age of 18. I was blessed to have him in my life for so long. Having a dog like Mackie in my life made me a better person. Dogs are wonderful creatures and should never be taken for granted. Letting go was the hardest lesson of all, but it was also the kindest thing I have ever done. You will be missed Macadoodles!! Your Mommy
A story from Tracey about Loco Cocoa posted 11/18/2008
I'm in the middle of read Marley and Me. I have to tell you about sweet little Cocoa. Cocoa is a rescue dog from a local shelter. It's a rarity to find chocolate labs in shelters, so when we finally found her, we had to have her. She was fine for awhile, but never liked being crated. We cave and she didn't have to be crated. After several attempts to contain her in a room, we decided she should have the run of the house, this was okay for almost a year. Then we came home to a dismolished foyer. Sheetrock and wood all over. We tried everything under the sun including doggy downers. Nothing has work. I thought we were the only ones out there with a crazy dog. I'm so glad there are others out there. Thanks so much for making me feel that I have a subnormal dog that is starting to be more normal.
A story from Amber Curtin about Lucy the Lab posted 11/18/2008
John, As the owner of a 'spirited' lab puppy named Lucy, I have to tell you how much your book has touched me. Lucy was a dog I got on a whim and has caused me more rage, stress, and sheer happiness in the last 7 months than I have ever experienced. She was for sale on the streets of Baltimore outside of the hospital I work at as a nurse. The seller had her stuffed in kennel too small and she stinked of urine. How could I not save her? Within the first three days I had her she was hospitalized with a life-threatening intestinal infection. A dog I had bought out of sympathy had now cost me 1500 dollars in the first week! She was better after a couple of weeks of feeding her chicken and rice and pedialyte. Soon her personality started shining through. She was knocking my 2 year old on his bottom everytime she was near, she chewed EVERYTHING and I couldn't keep her in the yard to save my life. My carpet is destroyed, my dining room table has gnawed legs and every single opening in my house is babygated. Currently, Lucy has seen me through a divorce, job changes and all the heartache life has to bring. 95 percent of the day I want to strangle her or put her on ebay but there is that 5 percent of the time when she looks at me with those yellow lab eyes and gives me a lab-lick. The shredded masters degree diploma, chewed 150 dollar nursing shoes and countless (unintentional) scratches on my 3 year old all dissolve. A couple of weeks ago I couldn't find her (she had dug out of the yard yet again) and she was swimming in a pool 2 streets over! Lucy is a 65 lb 7 month old now and I know I still have A LOT more screaming left but these dogs are truly amazing when they find owners who can deal with their 'quirks'!
A story from Jennifer about Dogs posted 11/18/2008
I brought home my miniature daschund on a rainy night in April, 2004. She was only a couple weeks old, and I was 10. On the ride home, I began to think of all the amazing memories I would have with this dog. As an only child, Chloe has been with me through everything. When I'm sick, she's there. When I cry, she tries to jump up and lick my tears. She's 4 years old now, and only about 11 pounds. When I learned I would be getting to take her home, I threw all my energy into learning about daschunds, and how to take care of a dog. I wanted very badly to convince my mom that I could be responsible. I used to take Chloe everywhere with me. I have spoiled that dog to no end. When I am home alone, I am leniant on the rules. She is my bestfriend, and I honestly cannot picture my life without her. Now, I am 14 and a freshmen in high school. While I do not take Chloe out with me very often, I still try and make time to play with her every evening. Every time I think about my future, I get excited. Yet, at the same time I get sad because I know that with each year I get closer to graduating, Chloe gets closer to becoming an older dog. While she is 4 years old, she most deffinately has not outgrown her puppy antics. She is a repeat offender in several catergories. I cannot count how many times I've caught her trying to get her tiny self high enough to reach the garbage. Or how many times I've caught her in "the chair" when I'm in the other room. Yet, despite her difficulty to understand common sense, I love that dog to death. From day one we've bonded and I hate to think what it will be like once shes gone.
I read Marley and Me once when I was younger, but I didn't fully grasp the story. Then, last Saturday while I was in Wegmans with my mom, I noticed it on a shelf for 20% off in paperback! I grabbed it, and immediately started reading it once I got home. I'm so glad I spotted it because I can really appreaciate the book for all it's worth this time around. I just finished it about 20 minutes ago, and it was a wave of emotions. Throughout the story I was laughing at Marley's antics, and how close they were to Chloe's. Towards the end, I felt tears in my eyes as I realized Marley's fate. When I was done with the book, I was sobbing. It really made me realize how quickly a dog's life goes by, and how unbelievably loyal they are. I already knew I loved Chloe to no end, but now I will value every minute I have with her, and really appreaciate her. It truly is amazing what a dog can do to your life.
A story from Jane about The Longest Trip Home posted 11/19/2008
Boy, I wish my dad was still alive so I could ask him if he remembers your unfortunate Sun. morning as an altar boy with the candle at Refuge. He was the head usher at Our Lady of Refuge forever and I'm sure he would have laughed out loud as I did when I read your description. It's a great book and I'm so glad I went right out and bought it after reading a review in last Sunday's "Detroit Free Press". Can't wait to pass it on to my other siblings who attened Refuge. What a walk down memory lane. When the Felicians took us to see the convent it certainly convinced me being a nun was NOT in the cards for me. Every year we walked over to O.L. St. Mary's for our "field trip". Those awful blue plaid uniforms with the peter pan collar blouses and "hot lunch day", it all came back to me. Your book is a wonderful tribute to your dad and helped me remember my dad and how dedicated he was to the church too. Thank you for writing it.
A story from Linda Godfrey about Marley & Me posted 11/19/2008
I just finished your book Marley & Me. I have had a few labs in my lifetime and I could relate to Marley's antics! We had a Redbone Lab who ate everything in sight, was deathly afraid of thunder and very nervous and highstrung. But he was a lovable dog and very loyal. I now have a chocolate lab named Boomer who is 10 years old. He is a very large dog and was as a puppy. Some of the things that you wrote about the Marley Mambo and other expressions is so true. Thank goodness Boomer has never chewed anything except his dog toys (and eats the cat food when I leave home). Labs are the best dogs. I truly enjoyed your story - thank you.
A story from Angela about My dog, Bear posted 11/19/2008
For my birthday this year, my boss gave me "Marley & Me." I immediately read it, and picked it up again a couple of weeks ago to re-read. As I finished the last few chapters tonight, I was crying, remembering Bear, our Golden-Retriever/Samoyed mix, whom we had put down on August 2, 2008 after a very brief illness of IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) with liver failure (as in, he was fine on Monday, and on Tuesday night, he didn't eat; same with Wednesday; I had him at the vet on Thursday morning, where he stayed all day, then was transported to another clinic that evening for a blood transfusion. We had to make the ultimate decision to let him go that Saturday morning, and it was the worst day of our lives). I brought Bear home to live with us on 11/1/95 when he was only 6 weeks old - and my husband and I had only married 4 months earlier. We have chosen to not have children (of the human variety anyway!) and Bear became "our kid." He went "bye-byes" with "Mom and Dad" and loved to "shwimmy" in our pond. I crack up during your book remembering Bear's antics, so much like Marley's - practically strangling himself on a leash and dragging me around in the process, stealing food whenever he felt like it, and how he heard thunder before we did (although, thankfully, he didn't destroy things, but he paced and panted furiously and came to "mom" for comfort during a storm), and he only passed obedience class by one point - and it was like he knew it was his "final exam" night because he finally behaved as expected! It's now been 3 1/2 months since his passing and I can still cry because I miss him so much. This book is a definite for any dog lover - it has quickly become my favorite book of all time. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season and beyond!
A story from Dolly Rickerman about You nailed it! posted 11/19/2008
I have had several dogs, but after my last dog was murdered, yes murdered, by our Amish neighbors several years ago, I decided that I couldn't bear the heartbreak of loving another dog. My oldest son and my husband wanted a puppy and I was so against it. I knew who would eventually end up taking care of it...and yes...loving it so much. Max has stolen my heart. We love him so--he is such a smart and special dog. He talks with his eyebrows! Your book was so wonderful and you really hit on what it means to love a dog--faults and all!
A story from Jess about Holly and Casey posted 11/19/2008
I am jessica and i live in south dakota with my two yellow labs. Holly is 6 and she doesnt do much, but my other dog casey is almost exactly like marley. He has chewed up countless things of mine, including my haloween candy :( my old chocolate lab, who was also named casey, was almost exactly like marley when she was old. She was completely deaf, had bad eyesight, and very very bad arthritus by the time she died at the age 17.
The picture is of Casey a couple of days ago
A story from Valerie about Snoopy Spot is Dying posted 11/19/2008
Two weeks ago (11/5/08) my 7 year old son gave me "Marley & Me" as a gift to read while I recovered from surgery. I read it the first night home in bed, and then lay there thinking about all the wonderful moments my son would have growing up with his 4 year old dog.
The very next day my husband had to rush Snoopy to the vet for emergency surgery - his colon was obstructed. A large tumor was removed and he was diagnosed with the most agressive, most invasive form of lymphoma. Even though Snoopy is recovering well from surgery, he will probably only live a few more weeks without chemotherapy, which we can't afford.
We set up a website for Snoopy Spot and are asking for a $1 donation from everyone who sees it. We hope to reach lots of people so those $1 donations add up to save Snoopy's life.
Please visit www.HelpSaveSnoopySpot.com
Love, Valerie
A story from Bill Rhodes about Not really a story posted 11/20/2008
I am 67. Just finished Marley & Me. One of the best stories I have read in my life. I am ashamed to admit it, but I cried like a baby at the death of Marley. Thank you so much for writing it.I could FEEL your pain through the end as much as if I were there living it with you.
A story from Katie about Bandit, my Dog posted 11/20/2008
I read your book Marley & Me, and yes I cried. As I thought about Marley, my dog Bandit, a miniature dachshund, who is one and half reminded me a lot of Marley. Bandit is a small dog, yet somehow he has bundles and bundles of energy. Bandit always finds a way to get into something. One day I left a chocolate bar on my night stand, which is a good 3 feet tall. I came back into the room to find Bandit had somehow gotten the chocolate bar down from the night stand opened the rest of it up and he had yes, eaten it. Unlike Marley, Bandit is still young and alive. I wish the day when he grows old would never come. I cried when I read Marley was starting to grow old and I cried when I read he died. Now I am currently re-reading Marley & Me. I could read Marley & Me over and over and I would still cry at all the sad parts and laugh at all the funny parts. This book touched my heart in many ways. I will never forget the story of Marley. Thank you for sharing it.
A story from Brigitte H. about My Marley posted 11/20/2008
Seven years ago we adopted a yellow lab puppy and named him, none other than Marley. My mom found this book for me a couple years ago and I laughed and cried from the very first page. I could have almost written this book myself, as my Marley is so similar to yours, it's scary. Thanks for writing this. We have bought the children's books and my kids are so ecstatic that there's books about Marley. I can't wait to see the movie. Thanks again!
A story from James Q about Remembering Echo my yellow lab posted 11/20/2008
November 20, 2008
Dear Mr. Grogan:
I just had to write you this note about your book âMarley and Me.â I began to read your book over a year ago but as I got towards the end as Marley was aging and becoming frail I had to close the book and put it away in a draw out of sight without completing it. The reason why was because I saw a mirror image of what I was beginning to go thru with my beloved companion and loyal friend Echo also a seventy-five pound female yellow lab which I had since she was eight weeks old born on Christmas Day 1994. She had turned twelve with many of those signs of aging.
Being alone and only having Echo I was finding it very difficult to face the inevitable. There were times during the last year that I literally carried her up and down the stairs and towards the end I tried everything from special vitamins, minerals and medication to acupuncture treatments, Echo was my life. She was a great dog even visiting nursing homes in her youth as a therapy dog.
Then the evening of September 23rd came just two days after my fifty-eighth birthday when she just was unable to stand on her back legs any longer. As much as I didn't want to admit it I just couldn't allow this suffering to continue for my beloved Echo and so with the help of two friends we took her for her last car ride to our vets office for my most painful task to end her suffering.
Someone once told me that when that time had come it would be as if the ground was pulled out form under me and it sure was as well as the sky opening up and the weight of everything above falling upon my shoulders.
The following day I found it necessary to write a letter to friends and family which I found helped me cope with the pain.
Dec.25,1994~ Echo Noelle ~Sept.23,2008
To the friends of Echo:
Last night at 10:00 PM Echo passed on to the Rainbow Bridge. Walter and I had to put our dear beloved Echo to sleep. It wasn't because she had been bad or injured. She was just very old (14) and tormented physically in pain and unable to walk any longer and appealing to me to set her free. We held her and watched her as her breathing became labored and until our Vet said her heart beat no more. Today we are feeling so low and missing her terribly. With every creak of the floor, we think she is walking towards us; every dark shadow makes me believe she is still napping on the carpet, and for days we will expect her greeting which wonât be there any longer when we come home. We looked at photos of her as a puppy, as a mature dog, and in her gray old age. They reminded us of how loved she was all during her life. And we surrounded her with our love during her passage into death. Echo goes on to a better world where she can leap to catch her favorite Frisbee once again, unfettered by hind legs that move so stiffly, a world where dog biscuits come even more frequently then in her latter days with us; and where smells reveled by the melting snow of early spring will be eternally in her senses. We will always remember Echoâs last moments, but we will take heart in what we said to her and how we hugged and held her as she slipped away. Perhaps that's the most any of us can ask â that weâre loved during life and that there will be someone there to hold us as we die, as we did for our beloved Echo last night. Echo until we meet you again at the Rainbow Bridge and cross over together we will always remember and love you. You have left your paw prints on our hearts.
Daddy, Uncle Walter & Uncle Artur
In the days and weeks following I received many letters and cards with people expressing there condolences and sympathy Echo had truly been an ambassador of love on our block and all the children got to know her and love her. All the cards, letters and emails were comforting however one stood out from all the rest which I will share with you.
Dear Jim I hope itâs comforting to remember the kindness you gave Echo and all the love, loyalty and companionship that was yours in return. And she goes on to say remember Jim that the kindest act of love is to end the pain and suffering of someone who you so dearly loved. Echo knew how much you loved her - she was truly lucky to have such a wonderful friend. God is watching her â she is pain free and happy, waiting for us all.
Well, about two weeks after having gone thru this I opened the draw took out the book I had placed there to prolong that journey and finished reading all about Marley going thru another box of Kleenex tissues.
I am now looking forward to December and the arrival of the movie Marley & Me which is how I will probably celebrate the first Christmas in fourteen years without my Echo on her birthday.
I was able to write this letter to you knowing that you would fully understand the pain of this loss having gone thru it yourself. So many people who never had the privilege to own a pet and have that unconditional love and affection showered upon them have said to me she was only a dog you will get over it you can always get another one. My response to them is: âTo know them is to love them those pets who have become part of our life are just like our child.â Something those people will never ever understand.
I find it so difficult being without Echo and think of having another dog but don't know how I could ever get thru another loss like that again.
A job well done with Marley and Me.I wish you and your family the best of luck, peace and happiness always.
Respectfully yours: James Q.
A story from dennis sherlock about marley-trip home posted 11/20/2008
john, after reading both books, I find alot of simularities. I was born in 1957 like you,(july 30). raised in the catholic faith,( i share the same feelings as you toward the religion). I also own a beautiful yellow lab, named bambi. I cant wait till you write your next best seller, (soon i hope), RIP richard joseph grogan. take care, dennny sherlock
A story from lily about Marley posted 11/20/2008
i read marley and it really touched me. it is my favorite book. it was soo funny and at the end i couldnt stop crying. marley has changed my emotions in ways. i really enjoyed this book. marley will always be a great dog
A story from Karen Dennis about You wrote about my Class! posted 11/20/2008
You were writing for the Sun Sentinel in Palm Beach County ( oh my goodness...Boca Raton!!) You wanted to spend the day with a first year teacher on the first day of school (no self-respecting principal would allow that!) So you came to my room because I taught a ESE (exceptional student education) class and had a first year Speech Pathologist working with me. It was a HECTIC morning! I forgot you were in the room.....I had a little boy go a little wild....and my 1st year Speech Pathologist was getting an education himself! This year..I am still teaching in Boca...but just a regular "kindergarten class" (let me tell you some stories!!! " Mrs. Dennis...the poop won't flush...aahh the life of a Kindergarten teacher!) and we had our Book Fair. Yes, your children's books are front and center and I got to tell them how you visited my class a few years ago. I still love teaching...just as you love writing! I urge all of my friends to give you a "read"! Keep writing and I'll keep reading, Karen Dennis
A story from Ellen Paaimans about Cooper and Belle posted 11/21/2008
Your Book in translated in dutch I have read it and the film will be in Holland in march 2009 I cannot wait. I had labradors blondies all my live and I think they are so special, I have a blond labrador named Cooper and a girl named Belle, I got Belle from a dogshelter and Cooper as a puppy from a dogbreeder they love eachother they are a lovely couple lots of love from Cooper and Belle from Holland
A story from Ellen Paaimans about Belle posted 11/21/2008
This is Belle I got her from a dogshelter, she was found tied to a tree, I saved her when she was one year old and now she is eight and happy living with my other labradror Cooper who is nine, Your book was fantastic I have read it in dutch, and when the film is here in Holland I will go and see it staight away. lots of love from Ellen,Cooper and Belle from Holland
A story from anne banks about all gods creatures posted 11/21/2008
hi there all. yes we are all gods creatures, man or dog, cat or rodent or otherwise.i have two dogs and nine hamsters. i love them all equally. i have had my two dogs around a year and what a year it has been. i think we have learned to live them. They have devoured the furniture, ripped up their beds, dumped in the waiting room in front of everyone at the vets, eaten at least three pairs of slippers pulled over the christmas tree but to name but a few of the constant hi jinks they get up to. but i wouldnt swop them for anything. As for my hamsters lest we not forget the little ones and how profound the effect can be of losing one. George my two and a half year old hamster died in his sleep last july. he had a good long life. I am thirty six. I had tended and cared for him through a stroke in later life, talked to and interacted with that little face all his life we had an understanding. Those black inquisitive eyes that delicate pink nose his teddy bear stance and above all his independant attitude I admired. I found him one afternoon in his cage he had been asleep in one corner in the morning, not where he would normally sleep, but must have mustered the strength to walk into two joined cubes in the cage where he loved to be. he had chosen. he wanted to pass away in his favourite place his teddy bear stance and above all his independant attitude I admired. I found him one afternoon in his cage he had been asleep in one corner in the morning, not where he would normally sleep, but must have mustered the strength to walk into two joined cubes in the cage where he loved to be. he had chosen. he wanted to pass away in his favourite place. I kneeled on the floor with my beloved pet in front of me. I put my head in my hands and sobbed like a child, and I dont mind admitting it. So profound and final. I know he is happy now though. Thats what i l love about this book, It says it all the effect an animal can have on you as a person they become part of you. i am enjoying my dogs and relishing every moment with them. we are all part of this universe and marley seemed to appreciate the heart of it all. marley loved everything except storms of course god bless him. we have much to learn from him as john has pointed out. As we do from all gods creatures big and small.
A story from Michelle D. about My Students posted 11/21/2008
I just finished reading "Marley: A Dog Like no Other" to my 4th grade class. They loved the book. Their favorite part was Marley's trip to dog beach. I just wanted to let you know how much Marley's story meant to them. We read the end of the book today, and several of my students cried. They even made him a card saying how much they love him and that they are sad that he is gone. Thank you for sharing Marley's story with all of us.
A story from Angela about Mickey posted 11/22/2008
I just finished your book Marley and Me and cried like a baby - and I am not a crier by any means. It touched my heart to know there is a "bad dog club" out there. Even though Mickey has been gone for 5 years, my family members still roll their eyes when you just mention his name! He too was a wild man that got into the garbage for a taste of day old coffe grounds just to throw them up on the white carpet, ripped up carpets in several people's houses because of thunderstorms, busted out screens,got stuck in my parents cat door and therefor demolished the side of their house to get out, ate a cake straight out of the oven and burned his entire mouth and lips, (and my personal favorite)went through a glass window not once but twice because I foolishly put my tennis shoes on and left without him. He was the love of my life and devoted until the very end when we had to make that horrible decision to let him go. He was a beautiful, spirited, and the biggest pain in the you know what that I will miss for the rest of my life. Thank you for your book - now I don't feel so crazy for missing a dog that only his mamma could love!
A story from Avery about Old and New Dogs posted 11/22/2008
Dear Mr.Grogan, I'm only 11 years old and I've lost about 4 dogs already. I just got finished reading your book Marley a dog like no other. I laughed at Marley's silly mistakes (and poop piles) And I cried when Marley was put down. your book touched me in so many ways. Now I finally know that my dogs aren't the craziest dogs in the world. Thank you.
P.S. Thanks Marley!!!
A story from Chris about Marley & Me posted 11/22/2008
Hi John your book has really touched my heart from front to back. I received your book as a gift when I too just like in your book was looking though the newspaper because I thought that my 6 month old pug named pickle yes pickle needed a friend to play with. so I was doing a search and ran across an add for labs so I gave the guy a call and me and my girlfriend made our way to Pennsylvania to go just "take a look". so we got there saw mom sitting there like a queen of sorts and then out of no where I saw this flash go by and there was dad barking and then was running from gate to gate. so I thought nothing of it and I as well received the same price $350 I was like well you can't beat that, and so now its 4 months later I don't know how many leashes, socks, doors, walls or plants even though tables and pillows have all been destroyed in his path. now that pickle and onyx have gotten use to each other they work as a team pickle as the brains and onyx as the blunt force, just recently it seams as if they master-minded a way to get almost a full ten pound treat bucket flipped over on the floor and by the time I got to it, needless to say was almost empty and there's onyx doing his own little dance tail wagging in every which way. I have learned a lot from your book and it gave me a little look into the future that it looks as if I am going to have but at any rate iam up for the task so thank you John for writing such a wonderful novel that I can just read over and over again.
A story from Sean about Similarities of life posted 11/22/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan,
I was going to try to e-mail you but didn't no how. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book The Longest Trip Home. One of the most enjoyable things about reading it were the similarities between your childhood and mine. I moved to West Bloomfield when I was 9. Many of my good friends went OLR. We lived just down the road from your family behind W. Bloomfield HS off Orchard Lk Rd. I was about eleven years behind you (my freshmen year was the last year for Mr. Calvin - I think he had really mellowed by his last year, the times in the late 70's were awe inspiring to my friends and I when we were getting ready to attend, I guess those times wore him down). I spent my summers at Dodge Park (later when I was older, I to was forbidden from hanging out at the beach park) and attending the great fireworks on Pine Lake. However, I caddied at Tam O' Shanter golf course(hard work). Sylvan Lanes and St. Mary's College all brought back great memories. My mom still will stop and say a prayer at the outside alter right by the lake on St. Mary's campus when we are driving by from my sister's house. I've since been moved away for many years and many things have changed, but many things have stayed the same.
I especially enjoyed the fact that you used to write for CM Life. I spent many mornings after class (and during) in the student Union reading that paper. I wished you would have expanded more on your time in Mount Pleasant. You were there in the good old days (End of the World, ring a bell), but it was a great place to go to school even when I attended.
Well, I'm probably rambling at this point. My wife and I really like your books. We read the younger children's version (of Marley & Me) to our 8 yr. old daughter so you have another fan.
Hope your family has a great Thanksgiving.
Most Sincerely, -Sean in NY
A story from cathy about i love marley and me posted 11/22/2008
i started reading the book marley and me and i love it. i cant wait till the movie comes out. it reminds me of my dog missy which has been gone for 5 yers now. she was my best friend and she was with me threw the good and the bad times. she was my best friend. shes been gone for 5 yers and it seems like yesterday that i lost her. ive adopted other dogs sense then but ive not found a dog quite like her. shes so much like marley 1 of a kind.but im so thankful u worte these books. they bring so enjoyment into my life.
A story from Halli about Chocolate Lab mix posted 11/22/2008
I recently purchased two books, one of them being Marley and Me. I saved it for last and I am glad I did. I began reading it at around 8:30 am this morning and I finished at 11:45 pm tonight. It made me think of my wonderful dog, Champ. Champ was a chocolate lab/pointer mix. He was brown and had yellow eyes and he was my first dog. I am 25 years old and until three years ago I was a cat person. On 3/31/05 I got my first and only ticket. I had recently told my parents that I wanted a dog for college graduation and as a consolation for getting that ticket they brought home a new puppy. I remember sitting in the bathroom floor, after bathing him, and removing probably 75-100 ticks off his little body. Painful as this was he fell asleep in my arms. That was the moment we bonded. Champ grew into a slobbering, chewing, hyperactive dog. I remember one day I had him on his leash (chain leash because he ate all the others) and my cat came into the yard. I told him no and he settled down until my mom's dog (a standard weiner dog named Rudy) gave chase. It was too much for Champ. He started to run. The leash was in my hand and I belly flopped onto the cold winter ground while my 85 lb dog pulled me behind him. He then realized he was carrying dead weight and turned around to see me on the ground dazed. The leash was wrapped around my wrist and I was screaming for help. I was terrified he would take off again. He thought it was a big game and came to lick my face. After the commotion died down I realized the big monster of a dog had fractured my hand. Another time, Christmas day in fact, I was letting him romp around the yard while I sat outside covered in a blanket. My brother came outside to see if I was ok. Champ saw him and came running. My brother jumped back inside the house and Champ slid across the carport into the wall of the house. He knocked over a ladder and slid my chair about 2 feet. My parents and my brother heard me scream, Champ no stop!!!, but it was too late. After he got up he wobbled and shook his massive head. I'm surprised he didn't have a concussion. Champ had to be chained outside because he ate everything he could get him paws on and them some. In September of 2007 a dog wandered into my yard. She was a beautiful German Sherperd mix. She had the most gorgeous blue eyes (we think she has some Husky in her). I didn't want to keep her because we already had 3 dogs in the yard, but something about her pulled at my heart. It turns out she was abused by her previous owners. We took her in and she reformed my big monster dog. He was abled to get off the chain and joy of joys he didn't eat a single thing off the carport. My monster dog was my friend, protector, guardian, companion, and he could cheer me up better than anything else in the world. On 9/19/08 I returned home from a friend's house and gave him some lovins. The next morning he was nowhere to be found. I'll admit this was not unusual he loved to explore the areas around our home, but he did not return. I later found out that there are had been several dog nappings around our neighborhood. It was hunting season and he was a chocolate lab/pointer mix. I did everything I could to find him, but it was to no avail. I still miss monster dog. I miss sitting outside and him coming to lean against my legs, teaching him tricks, getting kisses. He was the best dog. I now have a new little guy to love. His name is Sammie and I officially adopted him from the animal welfare shelter. He was only 8 weeks old when I got him. He is a Border Collie mix and I love him dearly, but there is a corner of my heart where Champ still resides and truthfully I don't ever want him to leave. Thank you Mr. Grogan for writing Marley and Me. I needed to know that I am not the only one that has suffered physical pain over the loss of a beloved pet. Although I didn't have Champ for 13 years, the two and a half years I did have him hold enough memories to last a lifetime. I would love to get my story out there because dog napping his a horrible crime and it leaves the owner without any closure. I pray that no one will ever have to experience it. Again thank you for the wonerfully witty and amazing story that is Marley and Me.
A story from Janet Hooper about no story posted 11/23/2008
I couldn't find an email address for you. I just read Marley&Me and loved it.I have never had a lab ub have other dogs who I have loved and lost. do you ever go out to Marley's grave? How long has he been gone? wring a book about him keeps him in the hearts of many.
Janet.
A story from Julie about Marley and Me book posted 11/23/2008
Last night my husand and I took our 4 year old daughter to see Madagascar 2. During the previews we got a chance to see the upcomming show Marley and Me, which we thought was quite funny. (even our daughter laughed when Marley was trotting outside the car)
On our way home we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few odd and ends and on our way to the checkout I was surprised to see staring at me on a shelf- at copy of the book Marly & Me. I picked it up and immeditely noticed the pictures in the middle. I yelled at my husband telling him "I cant believe its a true story!"
Well of course the book landed in our shopping cart, mixed in with the ice cream and lunch meat. I started reading almost as soon as I put away all the food.
Your story was so touching and I made it until Marley's first bout of stomach issues before the crying started. I cried for so long I couldnt even read the words through my tear swollen eyes. (and I am still crying off and on, even as I write this) You wrote this story so well and I absolutely cannot wait for the movie to come out. I know it will never be as good as the book (they never are) but I can imagine it will do a great deal of service to your beloved Marley.
I own a dog who is 1 year old and nowhere near as spunky as Marley. But I know the heartache of losing someone that was for so many years your faithful (even if frisky lol) sidekick. I had a siamese for almost 16 years that loved only me. She was the best valentine's present I ever recieved and I still long for her at night since she loved to sleep next to me on my pillow. Oh how I miss her and her quirky, one-owner only attitude. And all the cats in the world will never replace the bond we had together. But us animal lovers go on and create new bonds with new animals, still having that occasional tug on our hearts the ones no longer with us.
Thank you so much to you and your family for letting all of us get a glimpse into your life with Marley. I'm sure he is happy to know that his pillow chewing, dog butt sniffing, ocean puking stories are forever etched in the hearts of everyone that reads about him.
Thanks for allowing us the priviledge of knowing him.
Sincerly, Julie
A story from Leslie Rizzo about According to George posted 11/23/2008
We just read Marley & Me. I cried, I laughed, I laughed till I cried, and cried till I laughed. Those of us who have the honor of being picked by any of these large, slobberly, lope eared, shedding beings are blessed beyond most souls. Our Bloodhound puppy George, has to be Marley's soul-mate. Slobber flung to just above arms reach on the walls, to socks that returned from the deepest, darkest corners of his insides, this 90 + pound bundle of energy has us in stiches and stymied most of the time. We're glad to share George's happiness with his new brother Tater, and as you can see, they can fill a couch with joy. We wish you and your wonderful family, all the joy these awesome animals can bring.
A story from Patricia about My babies posted 11/23/2008
I just wanted to say how much I loved Marley & Me. Never have I read a book that made me bawl my eyes out. I know the aweful feeling and pain of have to put down a beloved pet. I had a cat named Willy. I held him in my hand the day he was born. I had him for 16yrs. He was my sweet baby boy. I had to put him down because he had kidney failure. I greaved for him for 3 months and swore I would never get another pet EVER! Well a year later I adopted Phoebe, a 6 month old Min Pin/Jack Russell for the San Diego Humane Society. She is very well mannered and very lady like. A few month later we moved to a small town in Texas because of my husbands job and I got a job at Walmart. We had been thinking about getting Phoebe a friend but never really acted on it. Then back in Feb Phoebe and I drove back to San Diego to visit my daughter and grand daughter. I stayed for about a week. My first day back at work (Mar 1st)there was a page for customer service. Normally it's to help a customer out with something heavy so I wait for one of the guys to help. They paged again and I answered. Sure enough it was something heavy. Has we were walking to their car I happeewed up 2 couches, 2 chairs, some carpet, furniture, the window sill, countless harness's (while they were on him), shoes, clothes, and who knows whatelse. With all the distruction he's caused I wouldn't trade him for anything!!! Just recently I rescued another dog who I found walking down the side of the road. She was caked in mud and skinny. I took her home gave her a bath and named her Lindy. She's a Shepard/Rottie. Like Phoebe, she's very well mannered except when Wally tries to steal her bone or gets near her food. Here is their picture. You can see some of the damaged cause by Wally. I'm sure you can tell who is who,
A story from sara and eric about midnight posted 11/24/2008
I read the book marley and me to my father as we were going down the road in his simi. My father does not like reading or being read to but when I started reading the book aloud he just couldent get enough of it. At the vary end we were both fighting back the tears in our eyes because we both know how it feels to loose an animal that is close to you. We adopted an dog from the shelter close to where we live and he was old when we got him. Now two years later he has gray on his face and is starting to have trouble going up the stairs. But I know that when the day finaly comes we will think back to the book Marley and Me and we will be able to cope. We are planning to go see the movie when it goes into theaters and we are sure that it will be as funny and heartbreaking as the book. I just hope that Mr. Grogan comes out with another book like that one. He is a vary blessed writer.
Thanks,
Eric and Sara TLC Truck Drivers
A story from Michelle about Claire and Kelly's new mischeif posted 11/25/2008
I just finished listening to "Marley and Me" at work yesterday. I have two dogs of my own, but never have they behaved like Marley. They do have their own faults but their mischeif is small compared to Marley. That said, not even two hours after finishing "Marley and Me" I arrive home to find that my dogs have attacked a trash bag and there is trash all over our first floor. It just seemed fitting that I should come home to a dog made mess (the first time they had ever done this) right after reading this book.
A story from Tom and Jerri Hyde about Sampson posted 11/25/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I can't tell you how happy I was to see the akc announcement you made about responsible pet ownership. My husband and I had discussed this when we found out you were making a movie. We are looking to get a 2nd dog, and have opted to wait till the movie comes out, unfortunately we all know there will be quite a few "Marleys" running around. Our dog Sampson is going to be 4 in February. He is the BEST! But people need to believe you, and any of us Lab lovers...it will take at least 2-3yrs for them to settle down :) It takes ALOT of paitience. But they are so worth it!Thank you for sharing your wonderful story! Tom, Sampson, and myself can't wait to see the movie!
A story from Allison in Florida about Just finished reading Marley&Me posted 11/25/2008
John - I just finished reading Marley & Me. Most nights I was up late literally laughing out loud while reading, causing my own dogs, who were trying to sleep on my bed, to stare at me in amazement. However, I almost did not read the last couple of chapters because I knew how it had to end and was dreading it. Sure enough, I spent the last few chapters crying as I turned each page, beginning with the time Marley couldn't make it to the top of the hill to the cemetery. Your ability to bring Marley alive and part of my life was truly amazing. Thank you for sharing his life with us. (and I am so thankful I have dogs I can carry:)
A story from Heather about My dog is geting pretty old posted 11/25/2008
Dear Mr. Grogam,
A story from Nicole about My old do gemini posted 11/25/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan My dog gemini is getting really old. He is a huski golden retriever mix. He looks like a husky but is the color of a golden retriever. And has beutiful blue eyes. I read your book for a school book repoort and I absolutely loved it. I was crying by the end of the book adn i came out to my dad in the living room and cried "The dog died!" This probably wasn't the best thing to say because my dad ran around theh house for ten minutes trying to find my dog gemini, who as i said is very old. When my dad figured out that i meant the marley in the book he relaxed. I however spent half an hour crying into my dads shoulder and my dogs fluffy coat. I was so sad i was really hoping he would never die like he would be a immortal dog. I did laugh a lot in the book. My mom is reading the book now and is in love. She is getting close to the final chapter and I warned her it would be sais. Right now my dad is also reading the book because he is at the doctor getting his back checked out. I am trying to get my older brother to read it but I think he wont because he doesn't want to get emotional. Well thanks for the great book and thanks for listening.
A story from pjaadm@yahoo.com about Buffy posted 11/25/2008
Dear John: Today I read Marley and me and having a dog myself,your story touched me so much an tho my Buffy is only five and in good health,I did nonthing but cry reading your story.I know the day will come when I have to do what you did but Marley is a beautiful lab and the joy he gave your family is priceless.Thank you for sharing your story with us. Joyce Morello
A story from Amy about Bailey posted 11/25/2008
I am almost finished with Marley and Me. I had to stop reading last night because I was crying so hard. ;o) What a touching story.
Bailey is a German Shepherd Dog. She is now about 1 1/2 years old. I rescued her from a life of lonelyness and misery. She was 4 months old, chained up outside a trailer, full of fleas and fly bites, she had demodectic mange, and was pretty hungry. She had NO idea what to do with human companionship and forget being around other dogs. She would tuck tail and run as fast as she could to the nearest escape.
When we first brough her home, I thought she would enjoy some things to chew on, since she was a puppy. I got her some healthy chewie treats, and she went to town. I didn't realize that she had not had anything to chew on before, so all her puppy teeth were still very firmly attached. I never laughed so hard when, the next thing I know, I look over at her and she had nocked every single puppy tooth loose and they were sticking out of her mouth in all different directions. She looked so happy and I am sure she felt better finally being able to chew those puppy teeth loose. Needless to say, she looked pretty funny for many days until they all fell out and were replaced with her beautiful K9's she has now.
She is quite a handful now! She is socialized now and loves everyone and every dog. She loves to go to the dog park and run and run and run and run and run. The days we go to the park are the best days because she comes home and CRASHES for the rest of the day.
She is still young and we still have many memories to make with her, and I know we will still have many challenges with her. She LOVES the Bailey Boogey as we call it. I believe you refer to it in your book as the Marley Mamba. She will steel our daughters stuffed animal and AWAY SHE GOES! Of course it is only fun when we are running after her while she evades us rather skillfully.
I love the book and I can't wait for the movie or to read the next book! God Bless you and your family!
A story from Amy about Bailey posted 11/25/2008
Here is a photo of our funny girl.
A story from Hillory about Hanklin B. posted 11/25/2008
Mr. Grogan, I relocated as a solo female to San Antonio Texas now almost 4 years ago. Shortly after I moved I took a job as a vet tech at a veterinary office. We had a call from a man who had a "fat, stupid 2 year old black lab" whom he wanted to put to sleep. We took ownership of the dog- and not two minutes into him being at our clinic he took ownership of me. Dr. Fernandez let me take him home every night, quite the best friend he has become. Alone in Texas I could never be with such a loyal lab by my side. Hank started out at 132lbs and with lots of exercise and care he now weighs in at 84lbs. There is not one day that goes by that I feel so blessed his former owner felt the need to give him away. Hank has stuck with me through it all and has even been chosen over all the shining men I have attempted to date!! I have read your book only to stop at page 252 for I just am not ready to find out what is lurking in the shadows of old age for my loyal friend. I will probably finish the book once my big guy is gone. For now, your book has provided many laughs and later on Im sure will provide lots of tears. Until then- what a wonder book. Thank you for sharing your stories- forever changed by the love of a lab we all are. Hillory
A story from Matt Ladd about Mocha the battery eating queen posted 11/25/2008
I have to start by telling you how much I enjoyed Marley & Me. I'm going to try to quickly tell you about my families Chocolate Lab Mocha. We have gone through shoes, kids toys, hoses, kennels, our Cocker Spaniels collars, and the most expensive to date, a package of D cell batteries. To our dismay she got ahold of a new package of batteries and decided she needed to bite a hole in them. Well the acid burned her mouth, throat, and stomach; causing a RATHER expensive Vet trip and sensitive stomach dog food for the rest of her life. What she brings to our lives I do not have the skill to put into words, but the best way I can describe it is simple joy. Thank you for your wonder story and showing me that no just my dog enjoys to eat things it isn't supposed to have.
A story from Matt Ladd about Returning home to Michigan posted 11/25/2008
Mr. Grogan, I just read your blog about returning home to Michigan. I grew up in Big Rapids and quickly moved away the first chance I had by joining the Army. Well after 12 years of being away, the Army taking me around the world and currently landing me in Alaska, I have to admit I miss Central Michigan. The place is a wonderful place to grow up and I did not realize how much it meant to me until I had children of my own. The Mid-West values and the close communities it seems is hard to come by now a days. Yes Michigan has been down on its luck lately but it is a great place to raise a family and I am counting the years until I can call Central Michigan home once again.
A story from Michelle M about About Marley posted 11/25/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me and loved every minute of it. I laughed out loud and could not stop crying thoughout the last chapters of the book. I have never personally owned a dog, but I do have a cat and a true love for all animals! I think your book has inspired me to look into getting dog sooner then later now.
Your book touched me on so many levels. Your tribute was not only to Marley, but to Jenny and your lovely children and the importance of family. It reminds us that we all need to keep the ones we love a little too close, and to cherish every second we have with them. It teaches us to all have a respect for the circle of life including life and loss. Marley and Me reminded me of that tonight...
Thank you John for reminding all of us about the importance of the simple things in life. Its amazing how at times in this cynical world one lovely crazy dog can teach us all about how to love unconditionally and faithfully... We could all learn something from Marley.
A story from Patrick about Book And Movie posted 11/26/2008
Hi John, I now have a labrador named rudy which is 3 years old and a poodle named romen which is about 4 monthes. good bye.
A story from Kate about My new favourite book posted 11/26/2008
Hi John,
I've just finished reading Marley and Me (after not being able to put it down since I started in on Monday) and was so moved by it - Your book has more or less described our life with my dog, Monty, who was sadly put to sleep in March.
Thank you so much for sharing your story - It was a very bittersweet experience - I read the book on my train to work and had fellow commuters looking at me in bemusement as I laughed out loud at Marley's antics! I think you have captured the essence of a cheeky labrador's personality to perfection!
We now have a 9 week old yellow lab, Oscar, who has crashed into our lives and I am certain, we'll have some funny stories as he goes through life.
Thanks again for sharing Marley with us and the very best of luck to you.
Kate London, UK
A story from Kassie about Marley posted 11/26/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me. Never have I read a book that brought me to tears the way Marley and Me did. I cried the last 3 chapters and thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. We have an 8 pound Shih tzu she is kind enough to share her King size bed with me and my husband, she happily dances around the kitchen if you even mention the T word (treat), Her best friend is our 13 pound cat that we got when he was 8 weeks old. They are in love with each other and think we humans are there to wait on them hand and foot no matter what time of the day it is. They lounge around the couch all day and then sleep curled up together in the bed at night. When the cat is out and he comes back in it is as if the 2 of them have not seen each other in weeks. They definatley bring joy to our familys. I am considering a Lab next time but I will be sure to see both Mom and Dad. Your book brought tears it brought laughter. It opened my eyes on life. I fell in love with Marley.
A story from Brandy about Pancake posted 11/26/2008
I read this book awhile back and I loved it. Eight years ago I brought home a six week old chocolate lab and I did not know what I was getting myself into. I named him Pancake (it just fit) and it has been nonstop to say the least. I thought there was something wrong with me and my dog but once I read your book, I felt like I wasn't the only one. I have to say, I did have to put the book down for a few days before I read the last few chapters, but when I think of all the wonderful times I have with Pancake, I know it'll all be worth it. We even have our own song and he'll run into the room when I play it, "Better Together" by Jack Johnson. My mom thinks Pancake and I are crazy but I'm trying to get her to read the book so we can see the movie when it comes out.
A story from Beka VanSant about My Lil hunter, Dusty posted 11/26/2008
Hi John, I am currently reading your book and I absolutely love it. I am only in 7th grade and I still enjoy it! Anyways my cocker spaniel, Dusty is devilish and a handful just like Marley. By having Dusty, I really connected with your book. Dusty is such a hunter! She brings little kittens home, neighbors dog's chew toys, mice, and bones. The first couple weeks when we had just gotten her, We had to leave her in the house when everybody else had to go to work and school. Well we now know that wasn't such a good idea. She had pooped everywhere that you could imagine. All one the carpet. Then after the poop mess, we soon figured out that the pillows were chewed up and fluff surrounded the couches. It was a complete mess! Anyway John, I love your book, and I think you did a great job writing it!
A story from Ashley about my cat, Tiger posted 11/26/2008
Hi John. I'm in 6th grade and i just read "Marley: A Dog Like No Other". I loved it. It made me cry when Marley was put out of his suffering> Anyway, I have a 4-5 year old cat named Tiger. When he was little, he was so full of energy! He would basically bounce off the walls! One time he actually slammed into a door trying to get out! Now, he's geting older. I see that he barely wants to play, but he still has his outbursts/ I tought i was the only one with a rambunctious pet, but I waas wrong. Tiger is always going to be a part of our family, but he's growing old, but i still see that playful side of him every now and then.
A story from Liz about Marley and Me posted 11/26/2008
I loved your book Marley and Me and my preschool class loves the book Bad Dog Marley. I can't wait to share A very Marley Christmas with them. I have a Golden Retriever I named MArley. My first dog was a Springer Spaniel named Nesta and he reminds me a lot of your MArley. We had an outside rabbit and there was nothing Nesta enjoyed more than eating those rabbit turds. I cried and cried at the end of Marley and Me. It is so amazing how much an animal becomes part of the family.
A story from THERESA about BUFFY AND ME posted 11/26/2008
DEAR JOHN, I JUST FINISHED MARLEY & ME, WHICH I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. I CRINGED AT THE DAMAGE, LAUGHED OUTLOUD AT OTHER TIMES, AND THEN CRIED LIKE A BABY AT YOUR LOSS, AND YOUR TRIBUTE. IT WILL BE ONE YEAR SINCE MY BELOVED DOG, BUFFY DIED. SHE WAS A SHIH TZU, AND SHE TOUGHT ME A LOT ABOUT LOVE AND FORGIVENESS. SHE CAME INTO MY LIFE NINE YEARS AGO, AS LIFE AS I KNEW IT CAME TO A SCREACHING END. SHE WAS NOT A BAD DOG BY ANY MEANS, BUT A FEIRCELY LOYAL, LOVING, BIG HEARTED DOG. WE BONDED INSTANTLY. SHE PLAYED TAG, FOLLOWED ME EVERYWHERE, I TOOK HER EVERYWHERE. WHEN I WENT SHOPPING, SHE WOULD SCOUT THE BAGS FOR HER NEW TOY, IN WHICH SHE HAD BINS OF. WHEN I TOOK IN CATS, SHE "MOTHERED" THEM AS IF THEY WERE HER OWN, AMONGST OTHER ADVENTURES. AND SHE SNORED. WE WERE A TEAM. LAST CHRISTMAS, I NOTICED HER "DROOLING" ON ONE SIDE OF HER MOUTH. I TOOK HER TO THE VET WHO INFORMED ME, THAT BUFFYS LOWER JAW WAS ONE BIG TUMOR. (I AM SOBBING AS I REPLAY THIS ON PAPER.
THE VET SAID "THAT BUFFY DID NOT HAVE LONG TO LIVE, WEEKS, SHE TOLD ME, AND THAT SHE MUST BE SUFFERING HORRIBLY. I HAD NOTICED THEN HOW QUICKLY SHE DETERIORATED. I HAD ASKED THE VET "WHEN" AND SHE INFORMED ME THAT BUFFY WOULD LET ME KNOW. ONE DAY SHE DID JUST THAT. I TOOK HER IN, AND HELD HER CLOSE AS I TOLD HER THAT "HER OWIES" WOULD GO AWAY, I THANKED HER FOR HER UNDYING LOVE, ECT. UNFORTUNATELY, I COULD NOT TAKE HER HOME, OR HAVE HER ASHES, THOUGH SHE DESERVED BETTER. THE WORST PART WOULD BE COMING HOME. I LIVE ALONE, AND THE PAIN WAS SO DEEP, THERE WERE TIMES I DIDNT WANT TO COME HOME, OR TIMES I STAYED HOME TO AVOID THE PAIN OF ABOVE. AT NIGHT, I MISSED HER WARM BODY IN MY BED, AND I LOVED TO HEAR HER SNORE, DEEP AND SOFT. THE DEAFNESS OF SILENCE STOLE MY SLEEP. AFTER A WHILE I BROUGHT ANOTHER PUPPY INTO MY SMALL APARTMENT. ALTHOUGH RANGER IS A DIFFERENT DOG ALTOGETHER, I DEEPLY MISS BUFFY. "THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER BUFFY" MY DAD KEEPS TELLING ME. AND SO THATS IT. SHE WAS MY SOUL MATE, EVEN A YEAR LATER, IT IS TOO FRESH. MARLEY AND ME IS A WONDERFUL ACCOUNT OF YOUR FAMILYS LIFE WITH THE WORLDS WORST DOG. YOU ARE RIGHT, DOG PEOPLE ARE ANOTHER BREED. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SHARE WITH YOU. THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH ME. MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE BLESSED THERESA
A story from Katie S about Holly posted 11/26/2008
Dear John, I just finished Marley and Me about 20 minutes ago. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I had to put my golden retriever/chow mix asleep about a month ago. She would have been 14 this winter. Her name is Holly and she was my childhood pet. My parents got her for me in Christmas of 1994 - I was 8 years old. She had a personality that was all her own. My mom and I still joke to this day how she must have had the brain the size of a peanut. On her first encounter with stairs she didn't know what to do with them. She managed to tear a hole in the screen door leading to the backyard and figured out how to open the screen door to let herself outside but couldn't figure out how to get back in. She would run out the door and down the road every chance she got and every time I would be chasing after her either on foot or by bike or in the car with my mom. But like Marley she loved so unconditionally. When I moved out of my mom's, I unfortunately couldn't take her with me (apartments are not fans of large dogs) so she stayed with my mom. The last couple years of her life I rarely had the chance to see her. She too had the same issues as Marley with her hind legs. It was hard for her to stand at times. Two weeks before she died my mom called me and said she wasn't do too well. She had had a heart attack or stroke or something. My next day off I drove to my mom's to say goodbye to my beloved friend. Even at her age she was still so stupidly happy to see me that last time that she got up and hobbled her way to the front door. My mom had put her too sleep a week later because she had another heart attack. She didn't tell me when she did it. It was my boyfriend's birthday and I was making him a nice dinner and everything and she didn't want to ruin the day. She came down two days later to give me a framed collage of pictures she had of Holly and her collar. Since then I've always felt sad. Part of me feels like I should have done more for her. And I often feel bad for not being there. But there wasn't much I, or anyone could do. My mom came to the same decision you and Jenny did and decided it would be best to not let them suffer instead of trying to keep them around longer for your pleasure. Your book gave me peace. I will still miss Holly immensely, and I will miss Marley too. For the time spent reading your wonderful story I felt like I was apart of your family. Thank you so much for writing this book. I work at a vet clinic and I will be sure to tell everyone to read your book. Thanks again.
A story from Nancy Jacobs about Guido posted 11/26/2008
I read your book about a year ago, it was the first book that made me laugh out loud. Our "Guido" was exactly like your Marley. He ran through every screen door in the house. His favorite chew toys were remote controls and shoes. He was a land shark that went after anything in reach. We loved him more than anything. He was family and I miss him everyday since he died in Auguest. I think I need to reread your book and remember the good times with Guido
A story from Aaron about Marley and Me posted 11/27/2008
I just read Marley and Me and could have swore that you were describing our yellow lab, Jack. Jack is a 130LB. and a spitting image of Marley. Here is a pic of Jack just hanging around the house. Jack has caused much frustration but is our best friend and a member of the family.
A story from Aaron about Jack's escape... posted 11/27/2008
Here is a pic of what Jack did to the basement after he pulled one of his mysterious escapes from a metal kennel!
A story from Aaron about Jack and the couch posted 11/27/2008
Here is a pic after Jack decided to introduce himself to the couch!
A story from David Holley about Maggie May Holley posted 11/27/2008
Hi John;
I just finished reading your wonderful book, Marley and Me. I never laughed so hard in my life. Our Maggie (11 1/2 months old) does many of the same things that Marley did. Not quit as exagerated, but still like a yellow retriever. We call our little girl Ms Wiggles also. It was very easy reading because I could relate to every word. Our little girl is so full of life and love as was your Marley. We love her deeply and she reciprocates. Maggie is anxiously awaiting the first snow, she can not get enough of it. Thanks for the great life story. Best of luck with Gracie. The Holleys New Hampshire
A story from Scott Froehle about Katie posted 11/27/2008
Dear John,
I read your book about a year ago and spent the days reading the book laughing outloud, smiling, and crying. My baby girl Katie in a mixed breed german shepard mix. She came into my life back in August of 1996 during a houseboating trip on Lake Cumberland. My mother was down at there place at the lake and went down a road well known for location to drop off off un-wanted animals. Well, needless to say she came across a tiny white haird puppy that couldn't have been more than two weeks old. Mom decided to come out to the houseboat and brought the little bundle of joy with her. I had recently just moved into my own place and decided I would take when I got back to Cincinnati. My parents condo address at the lake was K-2 and the name Katie just fit. (K-2 - Katie). Some of the things that Marley did reminded me obeen more than two weeks old. Mom decided to come out to the houseboat and brought the little bundle of joy with her. I had recently just moved into my own place and decided I would take when I got back to Cincinnati. My parents condo address at the lake was K-2 and the name Katie just fit. (K-2 - Katie). Some of the things that Marley did reminded me of so many things that my baby girl did in her early years. One story in particular was about 3am in my condo with hardwood floors and hardwood trim. I woke to the sound of carpenters pounding hammers onto the wood trim. Much to my suprise it wasn't carpenters. My baby girl had gotten out of the bathroom and got into my golf bag and managed to get out a half dozen golf balls and smacking then around better than I ever hit them on a golf course. Many other stories like that one come to mind. One of the stories I read talked about having to put the book down because she was crying so hard she couldn't read. Well, I am a 37 year old man and I had to do the same. Heck I have been tearing up reading some of the different stories. I decided to tell my story or Katies story because she is now 11 1/2 years old and showing sighns that her long happy life is getting shorter and shorter. I have often thought what will I do when I lose my baby girl. But, the book and some of the stories make me realze that it will be ok. I will always have the memories and so will the people, and the the other animals in our life. Katie is one of three animal in our home, and also has the company of my 11 year old son, my girlfriend, and ex-wife who still cares and love our katie girl. I just want to thank John for sharing his story and allowing me the opportunity to share my Katie girl with the rest of the world.
A story from Jessica from Colorado about My dog Upton posted 11/27/2008
Upton is my Lab-Retriever. His birthday is April 11th. He is 4 years old. His eyes are gleaming brown. Every year his fur gets more golden brown. He is a silly pup. We call him Uppy-Puppy. We are thankfull for him.
A story from Scott F. about Love of our life posted 11/27/2008
Hi John,
I just finished reading your book, and it was one of the best! Yes, it is Thanksgiving and between helping my wife prepare for guests, I kept slithering away in a room, garage, closet, wherever so I could finish the book. I have had dogs my entire life and now have a beautiful Australian Shepherd, Rocca who is the love of our life.
Thanks so much for writing Marley and Me. I canât wait for the movie in December.
A story from Penni about my Marley (aka Mya) posted 11/27/2008
My Marley(aka "Mya") was born on August 20th 2008. I just finished reading your book and honestly I think I should change Mya's name to Marley. I also just heard that there is a movie coming out and I can't wait, to bad Mya wont see it until it comes out on DVD though. Mya looks at me when I say something and it is though she is trying to figure out what I am saying and what is it that I expect her to do. I love her dearly and would not trade her for anything.
A story from Penni about my Marley (aka Mya) posted 11/27/2008
I forgot to add that Mya is a yellow lab
A story from Ingrid Holmqvist about Hello from Sweden posted 11/27/2008
Just read the book and really loved it and Marley was a truly lovely dog. I cried and laughed at the same time. Wishing you all a fantastic christmas and new years.
Sleep well Marley under your tree. Love Ingrid and family. Malmoe Sweden
A story from Mara about My dear Bingo posted 11/27/2008
Hi John! I'm from Brasil, and I want to say that Marley and Me is just fantastic! I cried a lot reading you book, because it remainded me abou my dear Bingo. He died in february, and it was so dificult to accept his death. He was 16 years old and he was in my life since I was 11 years old. Like Marley, my Bingo made me and my family much better people. I miss my Bingo. Just can't wait for the movie in January, here in Brasil. My best regards!
A story from Katelyn about Emmy posted 11/27/2008
I have read Marley & Me twice and listened to it on tape once. I LOVE the book it's my favorite!!!!My dog is a dumb lug who jumps on the counter and eats from the garbage two but I couldn't love her any more. We got her at the animal shelter three years ago and it wasn't long after that, that we signed her up for training. When we went to look at the dogs at the when we went to get her I emedately fell in love with her and knew she was the dog for our family. Now three years later I have shown her in the county fair twice and although she has never won it doesn't matter because she loves me and I love her more then anything. Even if she is just a naughty, naughty Australian Shephard!
A story from Jade about Mya posted 11/27/2008
I just finshed Marley & Me and I loved it!! About four months ago my dad and I lost our Yellow Lab Mya after a long battle with cancer. Mya was an amazing dog and definatly resembled Marley in several ways. I remember the night we came home from Christmas shopping and Mya decided she didn't like our Christmas tree, she had knocked down the entire tree and everything was all over the place. Mya was my dad's partner she followed him everywhere and my dad loved her more then anything in the world. Soon after I had arrived home from college this past July Mya passed away after only eight short years. My dad arrived home one night to find her laying on the basement floor where she often layed, this was the first time in my life I had seen my dad cry. Mya was an amazing dog and will always remain dear to both my dad and I. We now have another lab but a black one this time, Baily who is definetly a hand full!
A story from sydney about my crazy girl posted 11/27/2008
lacey is a goldendoodle and she is crazy! she tears up papers, chases people, slobers on everything and nibbles on your arm.shes only a year old and she is our little baby, we have many years to come..i love the book marley and me a dog like no other!!!
A story from sydney again about the american bear posted 11/27/2008
this is the last picture of my dog bear, he is a lab and was 13 when he died and we though we would never get over it like in the book which i finished about 3 mins ago.we still miss him everyday even though we have our new dog (below)
A story from don nutting about buddy part lab/part pain in the*** posted 11/27/2008
In the past year and a half we lost tucker and then sophie to cancer.they were the most incredible dogs and i thank god for letting us be a part of their lives for so long!tucker died a little more than a year earlier than sophie.we decided to adopt buddy as a companion for our sweet and aging sophie.from the first day he was a holy terror.from our demolised pit sofa group(for which we are still using but cover with sheets)to our numerous destroyed sheets,rugs,pillows,toys,etc. and his thiefing ways daily.the remote control is his favorite.he loves to play frisbee and has gotten very good at catching them.he finds away everyday to do something to annoy me.but like you john i find something about him that makes me love him more everyday.he's only 14 months old with lifetime of memories to build.he just had is first trip to the beach at fort morgan,al.for which he loved the sand and surf.that is where we bought our copy of marley&me and now cannot wait for december 25th to get here for the movie. sophie past 2 1/2 months ago and buddy was very lonely with her passing so we decided to adopt again.so we are glad to introduce bailey,she is a rescue dog(fox terrier mix and 9 months old)one day away from be put down.her and buddy hit it off instantly and are great together.despite being almost half his size she keeps him in check!well at least as much as anyone of us can anyhow.but we love them very much but will never forget tucker and sophie they all have beenso special!don
A story from Don about P.S. Here's Buddy and Sophie posted 11/27/2008
A story from Scott Froehle about Katie posted 11/27/2008
Dear John,
I had wrote a short story earlier about my baby girl Katie. She is growing older an older and perhaps rubbing off on me. I told you she was 11 1/2 when in fact she is actually 12 1/2. She is exactlly a year older than my 11 year old son. Besides it gave me an excuse to post my baby showing her pretty whites at me. She loves to smile and yes I egg her on. But, what can I say she is is my sweetness!
A story from Brittany about My dog Lily posted 11/28/2008
Hi John, I just finished your book and I can't tell you how much it really brought me back to reality with the troubles I've had with my first dog, Lily who is a year and a half year old stafford terrier. I thought Lily was awful with her eating everything she could fit into her mouth, tearing apart pillows, couch cushions, blankets, my underwear and other clothing, shoes, etc. But you can only laugh and think for the best and know this is just the joy of having a dog. Sitting with with Lily on my couch finishing your book brought me to tears. Your story is amazing and really opened my eyes to enjoy every second you have with your dog and have no regrets. I can not wait to see the movie in the theaters.
A story from Fran Rendulic about reading posted 11/28/2008
Jihn, I work in at Rostraver Public Library and do ordering, cataloging and reading the newest books. I ordered Marlie & Me, the 2 children's books and lastly I just finished reading "The Longest Trip Home." I loved all of them,. but especially the one of your life, being a Catholic I really understood your growing up. Keep up the great writing Fran
A story from Olivia about email Me posted 11/28/2008
Mr. Grogan-
I'm not trying to be rude but if you are acually reading this please please please email me at: > Marley and Me is my favorite book and your my favorite author I've read Marley and me over 15 times though there most be alot of people who have read it over 100 times anyway please email me if your Mr. Grogan, Mr. Grogan's child, or someone who liked the Marley and me book. Thank you very very much- Olivia
A story from Lee-Anne Studiman about Bear posted 11/28/2008
This is the first book to actually capture my heart. It made me laugh, it made me cry. As you can see in the picture, my chocolate lab Bear enjoyed it too! I enjoy reading more of your brilliant writing! Thank you!
A story from Barbara about Cornbread posted 11/28/2008
I've read your wonderful book twice and have given many as gifts. Our precious Yellow Lab, Cornbread, died 10/19/08 and my husband and I are heartbroken. He was the image of your Marley and your story is our life with him, too! He loved the beach and luckily our part of Vero Beach was dog friendly! He was a 135 lb. bundle of joy and even in his sickest, darkest moments wagged his tail as best he could when he saw us and tried to walk on hips that didn't work anymore. He taught us more life lessons than our parents tried to! We also share our life with our Black Lab, Katie, who is thirteen. We were all at Cornbread's side when he passed. The emptiness and sorrow is overwhelming even though we still have our Katie. I, quite by accident, one day found an ad for a 9-yr. old male, Yellow Lab, who had been given up for adoption because of illness of the owner. I know he grieved at having to give up this wonderful dog. His name is Jake and he has helped to mend our broken hearts and fill at least some of the empty space our Cornbread left behind. They are such perfect creatures even with all their mischief! Cornbread made our lives complete and each crazy memory is a comfort. The two Labs we have now are wonderful, too, but much calmer than our first baby!
A story from Erika radcliffe about my dogs posted 11/28/2008
I have read "Marly a dog like no other" and this is one of the best books I read. This book made me cry this is Because a few years my precious Fresca die in a hit and run and this all happen in my 4th year of school. this ripped a hole in my heart that leaked out sorrow and tears. This almost killed me to see my spunky puppy lie cold in the hole in the dirt. So I hope Marley sees my Fresca
A story from Christie about My best friend posted 11/28/2008
Dear John, Jenny, Patrick, Conor, and Colleen,
I adopted my first dog from animal control here in Arizona. My life has truly changed for the better. Her name is Rosie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. She is an absolutely beautiful dog. I started reading Marley and me the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and finished it the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was such a touching account of our lives with animals. I read the last 3 chapters (crying, of course) with Rosie asleep next to me on the floor with her head on my leg. Everyday, I love her more and more. Your book reminded me of how precious life can be and how there is the inevitable end. I am lucky to have a well behaved dog as my first. Being my first, she will always be special. Thanks for sharing your story with me.
Christie
A story from Jose about Goldens & Me posted 11/29/2008
Hello! We (Otto & Me) are from Buenos Aires Argentina. IÂŽm spanish speaker, that the reason, because my English is not very good, sorry) Reading the book was like, bein reading about the first time of Otto at home. Otto now, is 5 and a half years old, he is a Golden Retriever, (something like a "labradorÂŽs cousin") He was crying the first night and he was sleeping on a pillow in the floor, beside my bed (with my finger in his mouth) he was destroyng slowly many many things (walls, doors, chairs, sofas, tables, shoes, socks, books, garden, etc.)but that was Ok because I like pets very much. IÂŽve learn to walk with a collie called "Pastor" who was my bodyward since my first day at home. After him, IÂŽwas always accompanied by a dog, Casimiro, Carla, Bobby, Franco ... When Otto was 3 years old, Cata arrived home (a 3 years old Golden Retriever) a couple of months later arrived the firsts 10 puppies then I keep Ataulfa, 8 months later, once again (this time was an accident) others 4 puppies, then I keep Ofelia. Last September unfortunately we lost Cata, because some tumor. Is an incredible experience sharing house and live with 4 goldens retrievers, they are very intelligents and smarts, they are learning many things by them selves and many others are teaching each others. Is funny to see Otto opening the doors to rescue Ataulfa from some room, or Ofelia in the patio, looking throw the windows for Ataulfa like saying "Sister open to me". Thank you John for Marley & Me, I really enjoyed it very much, and IÂŽm waiting for the movie, I hope can buy the movie to see it with Goldens at home (they love TV shows and movies performed by dogs) Sincerly Jose Domingo
A story from Jose about Goldens & Me II posted 11/29/2008
Sorry is me again, I was not right sharing the pic of Otto, here is with his family. By the way Otto took my money twice and I was "waiting" 3 days to receibe my money back (something like moneybox/dogbank). All of them are having a mambo, when are happy, like Marley. Thank you again Jose
A story from Joanne Puff about Marley & Me posted 11/29/2008
I have never been a big reader. I purchased your book about 2 years ago and was bound and determined to read it. I recently was laid off from my job of 37 years as an office manager and had minor back surgery so I had some time on my hands. I have read your book in about a week. I have 3 labs, yellow-lab Peaches 11, black-lab husky mix Angel 7, and pure-bred chocolate lab Coco 4. They are the high point of my day. Peaches is getting to that point of slowing down a little and having trouble going up stairs. I have never experienced the death of a family pet but I know when that time comes your book will come to mind and I will cherish it with my heart forever. I have a 2-year old grandson and will buy him a Christmas book for him. I laughed, cried and smiled as I read your book. Thank you for opening my eyes to reading. I never knew how involved with a book you could get.
A story from Jeannine about Sassy Lady posted 11/29/2008
Dear John, I got Sassy Lady, Maltese, in 1998 at a time when there was much sadness in my life. I had lost someone I loved. She gave me her love and was such a funny puppy that I just couldn't remain sad. She spent the first summer untieing everyone's shoe laces and eating bunny turds on the lawn. Because she was so small(6 lbs.) I never felt she stopped being a puppy. She was mu angel puppy. Many funny stories. Her name suited her and she made an impression on everyone who met her. In Jan. 2007, at the age of 8, the vet discovered a heart murmer. This started the first of 5 cardiac ultrasounds to regulate her meds. Two months later she began behaving strangely. The vet thought it was vestibular disease at first. When I arrived in NH in June for the summer the vet there checked her and thought it was neurological so off we went to Maine to the neurologist. An MRI and spinal tap later I was told it was sterile meningitis. We began monthly treatments with a pill I was not to touch as it was very strong. I also took her to a wonderful holistic vet in Maine who does accupuncture, spinal manipulation and herbal support among other things. By spring of 2008 She seemed to have overcome her problems and we stopped having to have weekly vet appointments. In June I took her to the neurologist for a checkup and we discovered her bone marrow had stopped making red blood cells. She had meds and blood tests weekly and 3 transfusions but to no avail. I lost her Oct. 4, 2008 at about 5:00 PM. All the love and best medical care couldn't save my girl. I have just finished your book and enjoyed it very much but the ending was such a gift to me. Now I understand that the intense grief I still feel is normal. Sassy lived up to her name in every way. She was sneaky, stubborn, opinionated and just right for me. On Good Fri. of 2001 she levitated a female personal product out of the tall trash can and had emergency surgery the next morning. She was too little to pass it. She was always looking for the main chance. One day I had a rotisserie chicken on the table. Someone came to the back door so I took a few steps away from the table, then turned back only to see her already standing in the center of the table chewing on my chicken. She was a very Sassy Lady and interacted with all her special people including the two people at the vet she found most interesting. She would have conversations with them every week. My Sassy can never be replaced but she was so wonderful that I will get another Maltese, or two, very soon. I had her cremated and her ashes will be buried with me when, at some point, I die. There is a wonderful poem "Rainbow Bridge" that anyone who has loved and lost a special dog will surely enjoy. Thank you so much for sharing the story of you and Marley and helping me to realize that this grief is totally normal.
A story from Tina Robinson about Hogan and Zack. posted 11/29/2008
These are my boys! Zack is the rust colored Golden and Hogan is the Light one. Last year Hogan's hips gave out. His hips were terrible and he got to the point of taking a few steps and falling down. He was thirteen years old and his time was fast approaching to go to the big meadow in the sky. My husband called me at work one day and told me to come home it was Hogan an dhe wasn't doing very good. I knew it was time to put Hogan to sleep. His quality of life was done and he was in pain but still I struggled to make the final drive to the vets. We spent that afternoon at home with Hogan and Zack crying and hugging Hogan. Talking about good times and telling him what a great dog he was. My husband even fed him every last one of his treats. At the vet's office I couldn't get out of the car. I needed a few more minutes that lasted for a half an hour. Finally we made it into the vet's office. Hogan could barely make it to the examination room. He collapsed three times and it was only five feet to the door. The vet looked him over and said I may have something to help him. A saleswoman showed up at the her office yesterday with a new drug called Previcox. The vet said what have you got to lose. My husband jumped at the chance but I was skeptical. I didn't want Hogan to go another week in pain.I had made the decision that putting him down was for the best no matter how much it hurt. We left the office with the Previcox. Within 24 hours Hogan was RUNNING down our hallway!! Yes running. I could not believe it. We got our video camara and recorded the event then rushed back to our vets. We are all amazed at the transformation. Hogan turned 14 on August 23, 2008 and he is still here albeit slower but hanging in without pain. Anyone reading this whose dog is suffering from hip issues PLEASE talk to your vet about Previcox. Thank you John for sharing your story about Marley. I laughed, I cried and I hug my boys a little tighter and tell them how much I love them more everyday. I hope my story about Hogan will help other dogs with hip problems. Sincerely, Tina Robinson.
A story from Karen Henry about Arrow the wonder labby dog posted 11/29/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan,
My whole family loved your book Marley & Me! We are planning to see the movie on Christmas day! We fell in love with Marley because he reminds us of our dog Arrow. Arrow is 6 and a constant reminder of the definition of unconditional love and loyalty. He fills our lives and hearts with laughter.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful book and sharing your experiences with Marley with us all.
Best wishes,
The Henry Family
A story from Beth about Ginger posted 11/29/2008
John, Thank you for writing Marley and Me, I'm not a reader but I wanted to finish the book before the movie came out. Not even a week later and I'm through with it. It reminded me so much of the chocolate lab Ginger we had put down last December, she was 12 1/2 yrs old. I believe all labs have the same thunderstorm abnormality. My condolances to you, Jenny and the Children. Thanks again
A story from Zack about Roxie posted 11/29/2008
A story from Valerie about My Two Dogs posted 11/29/2008
Hi John,
I just finished reading your book and I was so touched by your book that I kept thinking about Goldie our 13 1/2 yr old Cocker Spaniel. Goldie was brought home in 1994 when I was only 12 yrs old. I am now 26 and can't imagine life without her. The relationship that you had with Marley is the same relationship that my mother has with Goldie. Everywhere my mother goes she goes, she sleeps next to my mother and howls until my mother gets back from walking Mickey (The white dog in the picture). Goldie is now having accidents in the house. After an accident occurs you can see how upset Goldie is by looking at her face. She will attempt to come up to you and let you know that she needs to go. Sometimes I catch on and sometimes I am so busy I ignore her and then "opps, I stepped in it." We have to carry her down the stairs because she can no longer make it down without falling. Coming up the stairs can be hard as well since her back legs are becoming weak. Typically I will lift her up from behind to help her walk up. The other dog pictured in the picture is Mickey our White West Highland Terrier who we adopted from a lady who no longer was able to take care of him. At first Goldie did not want to have another dog in the house since she had been the only dog for around 7 yrs. After a few weeks she gave up on the battle and gradually came to like him. We are blessed to have him, the love he gives to us and Goldie each day is a miracle. He kisses Goldie each day by lifting up her ear. He is a stubborn dog who must get his way outside and who has been to the vet a least once a year for skin and stomach problems. He is a handful to take care of but I wouldn't change having him for anything in the world.A story from Mike Helwig about Out Lab "Hailey" (AKA Marlene) posted 11/29/2008
Dear John,
We have a 1 year old adopted black Lab from our local humane society. I thought all Labs were well behaved and easy going. Little did we know exactly what we were getting into. We have a two year old Sheltland Sheepdog (Zoey) and thought we were experienced dog owners. Zoey basically trained herself. I have Hailey in an obedience class and she is the class clown. I laugh and relate to your story about Marley and we have affectionately started to refer to Hailey as Marlene. Althought not nearly as well behaved as our sheltie Zoey, she is certainly a great dog in her own way.
Thanks for your story and we look forward to seeing the movie.
...Mike Helwig, Carlisle, PA.
A story from Barb Rang about Sawyer and Me posted 11/29/2008
Hi,
I had heard about you book Marley and Me, but it was only recently that I was able to read it. For me it was a real tear-jerker. All my life dogs have been important parts of my life. Your story told so well has really touched me.
I grew up with a cocker-spitz named Nugget who was the best dog a child could have. He hated salesman and most other strangers, but he loved children and swam with us in our nearby river, played forever in the yard with us, and was central to our lives for many years.
Then, after my dad died, my mom adopted a dog she named Mutt that some friends had found either abandoned on a gravel road or had somehow been separated from his family as he was well-behaved, knew basic commands like sit, stay, and come. The friends spied him under a tree in a rain storm, all wet, his hair full of weeds and briars. He wasn't compatible with their dogs, so they offered him to my sister who knew he was just the dog for our mom. He was her constant companion until she died of cancer in 2000.
When I retired in 2002, I decided that I, too, wanted a dog. I had always wanted a dachshund (Wisconsin in the Badger State, and doxies are the Badger dogs.) Like you, I looked in the classifed ads. I did check on a lady who raised miniature short-haired doxies, and she had 12 of them chewing on my shoestrings when I did view them, but then I visited another family who had only four puppies, a first litter for their mother. The mother was a long-haired doxie, the father short-haired and a blue-blood, The combination made some wonderful little puppies with no papers. No problem, I fell in love with a little guy whom I called Sawyer (for Sawyer Brown, the musical band; for Sawyer County in which I live, and for Mark Twain's character Tom Sawyer.). Sawyer has been a smart, loyal little fellow, although, like your Marley, had problems in obedience school. His teacher finally told me, "He's not a bad dog; he's just a spoiled brat." Image that!!
Thanks for writing such a good story and reminding us how important our dogs are in our lives.
Barb
A story from Theresa Sandridge about Maxy & Bear posted 11/30/2008
John - Thank you for sharing your life and story of Marley. Needless to say I cried, but only because I know of your deep loss. We have had many dogs in our 24 years of marriage, one was even a police K9 dog but they all bonded with my husband. About two years ago when my children were moving out I developed an empty nest syndrome. For 20+ years I took care of someone. I still had that yearning so I went and got me two Chihuahuas. I knew I didn't have the room for a big dog so I went with the smallest one. Maxy & Bear are the joy of my life and definitely my furry little children. I can say now....that I know what true unconditional love is. The loyalty is amazing and without them in my life...I would be empty. I know one day I will go through the heartache of losing them, but for now....my life and heart is full. I can't wait to see the movie next month and again, thank you so much for your book and for Marley. My best wishes to your family.
A story from Lexi Storry, age 9 about Annie posted 11/30/2008
Hi John!I don't have a picture of my sweet,loyal,fur-ball,Annie.But,your book Marley A Dog Like No Other made me cry a lot.I had a dog named Annie and she was probaly as big as Marley.Annie was a sweet dog.She loved to play with me and my mom.I really liked your book, and I bet that if I read that book to her,she would love it to.Annie got put to sleep to, so Marley isn't alone!It was very, very, very,sad for me to see her go.She was old.I think Annie and Marley have a lot in common, don't you think?Well, I guess that's it. P.S. I'm so sorry for your loss of a good dog, Marley.
A story from McKenzy about Sammy posted 11/30/2008
I read Marley and Me I cried. I have a dog named Sammy we have been together for twelve long years. Sammy is a fun and loving dog but we have had are Marley moments. I know one day I will have to make the decesion John Grogan made. But for now I am just going to live to the fullest.
A story from Rebecca Lambley about Cindy My Best Friend posted 11/30/2008
Hi John, I just like to say i'm so sorry for your loss, I to have lost my best friend. Cindy was my world, she's an English Springer Spaniel with a big character as a puppy she was into everything and i mean everything! Cindy once ate a whole 24 pk of crisps from our shopping,whilst surrounded by all the packets she still managed to look completely innocent! She wasn't fussed on the postman and got rid of all of our junk mail and sometimes our bills... Cindy was my only friend and meant the world to my family and i, We had lots of fun together, when we walked her she would only come home when she was ready not when she was told so really she walked us! Cindy liked to sing at the cats outside at 3am! She got sick very quickly and deteriorated and wasn't herself for weeks but she never moaned at all she was a real trooper. Anyway in june 2006 we lost her to cancer and it was the most saddest time of our lives, we miss her everyday and wish every minute she could come back to us, she gave the most amazing hugs you could ever imagine. I now have 3 new additions to my family which come in the form of 2 Greyhounds called Jack and Henry and a spaniel/Boarder Collie cross called Ollie (Ollie is exactly like Marley in every way, he is a real handfull) he has shredded and eaten a ÂŁ20 note, half a dozen shoes, furniture, and the majority of my house, and the list goes on... So i just want to say i hope you have the joy with your dogs as i have had with mine
A story from Devon about My dog Finn life with the worlds goofiest dog posted 11/30/2008
I got Finn when I was no younger than 7. He was my birthday present and I got to pick the dog I wanted. We brought him home in our backyard, then we realized he had alot of energy, its 2008 and it still hassn't worn off. We are shocked about all the things Finn has done in the past years and is still doing now here are some exciting things Finn as done in the past years. He ate 2 bags of chocolate, he crawled under our neighbors fence, he has dragged a role of toilet paper around the house, he has back flipped because he was so excited to see us, he has eaten alot of things in his day, he has stopped traffic going 35 miles per hour, and most recent almost had a wrestling match with a coyote. Again Finn is probably the goofiest dog I have ever seen in my life, besides Marley. The picture is of Finn on the hammak outside in our yard.
A story from Jill Dodson about Sadie posted 11/30/2008
Finished the wonderful book a few days ago. I adopted Sadie about 4 months ago. I am a classic "type A" personality, it was a bit of an adjustment, as I live alone and also am a bit of a Felix Unger type personality, everything in its place. I am now happily ok with dog toys on the floor and tufts of Sadie fur here and there. I guess we needed each other. I adore her and don't know how I lived without her. She is a beauty too.
A story from Bev about My parents posted 11/30/2008
I just finished reading "The Longest Trip Home," and I thought I couldn't weep more than I did reading "Marley and Me!" Wow. My Father is 94 and Mom is 85 and they still live in the home I grew up in. They own a small, modest house but it sits on 2 acres of property. My father still gets on his Cub Cadet lawn mower and mows the lawn in the summer. My older brother also lives with them and between the two of us (my brother helping them with meals and some errands and me taking them to all their doctors' appointments) we have been able to keep them relatively independent. Your book hit so many resonant chords--I have to agree with Father Michael--your writing has indeed been a ministry to me. I so appreciate the stories you've shared, your openness with vulnerabilities and the appreciation you have for your family. This book is a true gift. As you mark another anniversary of your Father's passing, please know your books have made a difference in others' lives. And, by the way, my husband and I are proud owners of a chocolate lab named Bailey (or as we fondly call her, "Smelly Dog.")
A story from Vanessa Brosseau about Marley and Me... Koda and Me posted 11/30/2008
I've been hearing alot about 'Marley and Me' lately, seems like everyone who's read the book thinks Marley is exactly like my 7 month old yellow lab Koda. I picked up the book this week, and finished it within days. I couldn't get over how alike they are, right down to the wiggle. As we speak, Koda just finished devouring my 4th tv remote in two weeks. I grew up with labs, and as soon as I bought my own house, I knew I wanted one. Turns out, male yellows, or at least my male yellow isn't quite as calm and trainable as the ones I grew up with. There are days when I dont think I can take it anymore, between the eating everything in sight, including remotes, cell phone, clothes, shoes, christmas decorations... diggin up my flowers or plucking my rose bushes, the stubborness and unwilligness to learn just about anything, and the lack of pain. Seems like you can't hurt them, the other day, I locked his tail inside the house door, and couldnt understand why he wouldnt come to the car with me, until I realized half his tail was still in the house. I cried a couple of times reading your book, because of how you said it, there are days when i can't take it, but cant really get mad at him, because he's just too happy, and loves life, and me, no matter what I've been through, he's been there, and he can go from "satan" as we like to call him, to an angel when it comes to making me feel better. Looking forward to reading any more of your books...
A story from christian about My favorite dog posted 11/30/2008
Hi, im christian and im 16 years old. I have to say your story made me cry and made me remeber the beough, he's been there, and he can go from "satan" as we like to call him, to an angel when it comes to making me feel better. Looking forward to reading any more of your books...
A story from christian about My favorite dog posted 11/30/2008
Hi, im christian and im 16 years old. I have to say your story made me cry and made me remeber the best dog i ever had. Her name was penny a 13 year old golden retriever. She was so sweet and loving and reading about Marley reminded me of her. She was light hearted and was always by my side. And she too, was afraid of thunder or any loud noise, but instead of being destructive, she just hid. I remeber walking her in the park and wrestling with her in the living room. I remeber coming home from school and she would run down the stairs to greet me, wagging her tail and barking. I loved her and she will never be forgotten and to this day her leash lays on my dresser. I miss her being around, and i miss having a friend by my side. Even my mom cried when penny died and my mom hates dogs, i mean hates them. But sure enough even my mom couldnt handle seeing her leave. Theres alot of memeories throughout the 13 years i had her. She was there for my first kiss, when i took my first steps, my first failure, and my first bike ride...she was right there whether i wanted her to be there or not, she was annoying and always tripping me. But through it all, i fell in love with her and everything she was. It has been only 3 months since she passed, and its still hard to not have her around. And knowing thanksgiving just went by was hard, there was no dog to sit by my feet, no dog to pick up the food we dropped, and no dog to lay on the bed next to you when you sleep. My whole family misses her deeply. And i personally will never forget her. R.I.P. to both Marley and Penny both.
A story from Deb Batdorf about Labs posted 11/30/2008
This was the best book ever about labs. We started out with our first one, a black lab in 2000. the second one cholate in 2003. the yellow in 2006. they are the best dogs. they don't get there brains until they are 3 years old. If they ever get them at all. We could never imiage our lifes without them. They do need to get there exercise everyday. I never know what I will come home too. I won't have it any other way.
A story from hannah munro about my best friend posted 11/30/2008
my dogs name was mojo he was exatly like marley in so so so many ways i loved him so much. when i was in second grade we had to put him down. he was my dads dog and everyone loved him in the whole family. he was a great dog but when he was a puppy he tored stuff up just like marley and when i read this book i reminded me so much of him is was unbelievable to me to find out there was a dog just like mine.
A story from Kate about Living with Destructo (zac) posted 12/01/2008
I read marly and me, it reminded me straight away of Zac our two year old golden retriver, he grows younger every day! He unstuffs pillows, steals food of the bench and worst of all he eats ANYTHING. Around 3 months ago he ate a whole plastic bag, we were SO worried because we thought it might strangle his bowel. And then he ate a rock, he had to have a $800 operation to have it removed. But we love him, he is the most affectionate and lovable dog!
A story from Tom Nolte about My Marley posted 12/01/2008
April, 16 2008
My wife Linda and I and our three children had a black lab female named Mira. She was an excellent dog, not at all like your beast Marley. Mira went on the boat with us every weekend and would swim and fetch until she almost drowned. We would strap a ski vest on her and away she would go the consummate water dog. As our lives began getting very busy with a new and growing business and our kids growing up Mira was getting left in the back yard too much. Linda did not tolerate dog hair in the house so Mira was left alone more and more. My brother had two dogs and loved Mira, so without drawing this story out to long, I put Mira in the airplane and flew her to my brothers place in Houston, we lived in the Fort Worth area, she loved flying in the airplane. Long story short, my brother and I had a serious falling out and I didnât see Mira again.
Linda knew how much I loved having Mira and that she was the cause of giving Mira to my brother. The kids were all grown and on their own now and I kept talking about getting another dog. In June of 2006 Linda surprised me with the news of another black lab from the same bloodline of the award winning field champions that Mira came from. My son Tyson got the sister out of the same litter, both females because we just didnât want the trouble of a male black lab. Anyway, Tyson was wearing a Bob Marley tee shirt one day after he picked his dog up and I asked what are you going to name your dog? I hadnât picked my dog up yet. I suggested naming his dog Marley after âBob Marleyâ, because after all Bob was black. Tyson said no he was naming his dog âKoleâ. Not âCoalâ go figure. I said Iâm taking Marley then because it rhymed with Harley, which I ride. So Linda and I picked up our dog and the training began. Oh the memories of training a new lab puppy. Marley was great though and learned quickly.
The end of August 2006 Linda was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. She told me she just didnât want to deal with a dog. I had taken Marley to bird hunting school, which was also the place where we got the dog from. I called the wonderful lady who runs the training camp and told her about Linda and asked if she might put the word out to find a home for Marley. Linda had surgery, which is the only possible cure for pancreatic cancer, but the cancer recurred. I knew Linda was not going to live long and called to tell the trainer I wanted Marley, but to continue her training. Linda passed away April, 5 2007. I picked Marley up and she has been a great comfort to me. I will never get rid of Marley for any reason.
Many people come up and compliment me about how beautiful Marley is and ask her name. I had many people ask me if I had read your book Marley & Me. I had not heard of your book, but knew I would have to pick it up. I just finished reading your book and felt compelled to write. Marley is your typical loyal lab that follows me everywhere. I take her with me as much as possible. I must confess tears came to me as I finished reading your book because it was just over a year ago that my Linda passed away and my Marley was sitting at my feet as I wept. She put both her paws on me and began to lick me all over as if to say its OK Dad Iâm here.
I apologize if this letter seems convoluted and incomplete. I donât have an editor.
Sincerely, Tom Nolte
A story from Deepti about Reminds me of my dog Caesar posted 12/01/2008
Dear John, I just finished reading "Marley and Me" and I must say its one of the most touching books I've read in a very long time.I have an eight year old dalmatian named Caesar and reading "Marley and Me" reminded me so much about him.Caesar lives with my parents in India, while I relocated here to the US an year ago.My Dad bought Caesar from a family friend, and being our first pet, I was very excited to have him. Caesar became particularly close to my Mom who loves him dearly.She has her own Indian philosophical take on him and says that our family must've been indebted to Caesar in our previous birth,and so now, in this birth, we get to take care of him. It's all about Karma! I understand that the love, compassion and their undying faithfulness can only be understood by loving dog/pet owners. Reading the book, I could relate to so many incidents in the book with Caesar. After a while, it doesn't really matter that he's a dog, they have so many emotions that humans can identify with. I miss my doggy brother a lot. Thank you for writing such a wonderful book.I look forward to see the movie releasing this month. God Bless you and your Family and wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
A Marley Fan
A story from Bella about After Reading Marley; A Dog Like No Other posted 12/01/2008
After Reading Marley, my opinion on dogs has changed forever!!!! I've always loved dogs but after this my, love has become richer and makes me appreciate everyday with my pooch more and more. The saying "A dog doesn't care whether you're rich or poor, just give him you're heart, and he'll give you his," is soooo true! But I'm not writing to talk about my fuzzy four-legged friend, He's still with me, (only 5 yrs) I just wanted to say that all my (past)favorite books have been knocked down a notch and "made way for Marley" !!!! Great job Mr. Grogan! :) Can't wait to see the movie!!!
A story from Bella about After Reading Marley; A Dog Like No Other posted 12/01/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan, my name is Bella and i had a little bit to say about "Waddy." After Reading Marley, my opinion on dogs has changed forever!!!! I've always loved dogs but after this my, love has become richer and makes me appreciate everyday with my pooch more and more. The saying "A dog doesn't care whether you're rich or poor, just give him you're heart, and he'll give you his," is soooo true! But I'm not writing to talk about my fuzzy four-legged friend, He's still with me, (only 5 yrs, I'm 11 yrs old) I just wanted to say that all my (past)favorite books have been knocked down a notch and "made way for Marley" !!!! Great job Mr. Grogan! :) Can't wait to see the movie!!!
A story from Linda about My Dogs Biddy and Buddy posted 12/01/2008
Dear John, I have to commend you on your gift for writing. I enjoyed Marley & Me so much. As all the other stories say, it too reminded me of my dogs, Biddy and Buddy. Buddy is actually my husband's dog--he is a Chow/Lab mix. My Biddy girl is a Lab/Chow mix, and definitely has the personality of a lab. We were blessed with Biddy a year after we got married (in May 1998). My husband was very adamant on not getting another dog, but she did her magic and he fell in love with her. We got her from my brother-in-law, who in turn had taken her from one of his employees--he was going to dump her in the trash bin behind his apartment complex. Greg was not going to allow that to happen, so he brought her to us...and the rest is history. From the day she came home to us, she has been our "princess." My two human daughters can get jealous of her at times, saying "Mom, you love her more than you love us." Of course that is not a true statement, but she is my world. Buddy is also very precious to us, but he has a totally different personality than she does. I could keep going on and on about her, but I did want to share one funny story. I got my oldest daughter a dog back in September of 2002. His name is Kane; he looks to be part golden retriever and yellow lab. He definitely has the personality of Marley--very hyper and active, but oh so lovable. At the time we got him, we lived in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home (less than 1000 sq ft.). My husband did not want him, so he was suppose to stay in my daughter's room AT ALL TIMES. One day I came home and found that my husband's golf shoe had a chunk from the ankle area taken off. There it sat neatly in the shoe. I asked my daughter what happened, of course "she didn't know." I had to come up with a story or for sure Kane would be gone, so I decided I was going to put the golf shoe in our room and say that one of our dogs chewed his shoe. I had the whole thing planned out--I was going to put the shoe on the bed and let my husband find the shoe, knowing I was not going to let my husband scold either of the dogs because he "wouldn't know who did it." Well he didn't find the shoe until the following day as we were getting ready to leave for a graduation ceremony. All the way to Paris he griped about his shoe being chewed up, blaming Buddy, because he just knew Biddy wouldn't do something like that. When we got home that night, there was Buddy chewing on one of my husband's socks!! We joke to Marley:A Dog Like No Other, and I loved it. I have a Yellow Lab named Gabby, and, although it's a she, she can be a lot like Marley. I used to have another dog named Brie, but she got a tumor on one of her kidneys, so they had to remove it, and after that she was suffering, and so, just like Marley, we had to put her to sleep. I wasn't actully there, but my parents were. Yes, I said my parents, I'm only eight years old, but I love dogs dearly. Gabby is, so far, eleven, but I think she'll reach what Marley reached. I have a question, in the book, it says that you went to see the dog named Lucky, did you ever buy him??? Well I have to go now, bye!
A story from Virginia about Bowie posted 12/01/2008
My dog Bowie is an enormus 3 year old yellow lab. We adopted him from a breeder in 2005 for my Birthday (wich was only a few days before his)when i read the end of marley and me i cried very hard. I was sorry for your loss and it reminded me of my old dog zacka, a black lab, who we put to sleep in 2006. You were very right about dogs and i can imagine marley as if i waslooking straight at him. Thanks!!!
A story from Jenn Ireland about My loss for cassidy posted 12/01/2008
I absolutely loved the book Marley and me. I know what it feels like to lose a family pet. We had Cassidy for 18 years he was white with apircot spots and was a minture poodle. we buried him in the backyard. we laid down ceader branches then placed him down gently. we made a wooden cross for him. he also liked to wipe his muzzle off on the bathtub, or the walls or somtimes on the door. I can also remember how much he would love it when we would throw his sqweaky toys for him , he liked to stand up on the couch arm rest and look out for us.
A story from Alexis about Kayley the posted 12/01/2008
My dog Kayley is 5 years old and I am 9 we are best of friends and can NEVER be seperated!But here is a funny story that tells how much she loves me and my family.In June 2006 we were packing our car to go to Disney World but had to go to Charlotte,NC to meet my cousins and grandma and aunt because we were all going together.When we were packing the car Kayley knew we were leaving for more then just off to work or school so she went crazy.Everytime we walked out that door to put something in the car she chased us out or agleast tried to.Then if she couldn't get outside she would whine and whine and whine until in her head it was like she was saying "Now Kayley this is your chance".Then when we went out and I slightly left the door open,that was her chance.Soon after that she raced out of the door knocking my mom down jumping into the backseat.We tried to get her out but she wouldn't budge it was soooo funny!Once we got her out and we were leaving I swear in her head she was saying "NO DON'T LEAVE ME!!!!"I felt sooo bad for her but she survived for a week without my mom and I because my dad stayed home.Now we are sitting in my living room and Kayley is sleeping in front of the fire.I love her and so does everybody else she knows she is just the best thing thaat could ever happen to my family.
A story from Alexis about Kayley the "You can't leave dog" posted 12/01/2008
My dog Kayley is 5 years old and I am 9 we are best of friends and can NEVER be seperated!But here is a funny story that tells how much she loves me and my family.In June 2006 we were packing our car to go to Disney World but had to go to Charlotte,NC to meet my cousins and grandma and aunt because we were all going together.When we were packing the car Kayley knew we were leaving for more then just off to work or school so she went crazy.Everytime we walked out that door to put something in the car she chased us out or agleast tried to.Then if she couldn't get outside she would whine and whine and whine until in her head it was like she was saying "Now Kayley this is your chance".Then when we went out and I slightly left the door open,that was her chance.Soon after that she raced out of the door knocking my mom down jumping into the backseat.We tried to get her out but she wouldn't budge it was soooo funny!Once we got her out and we were leaving I swear in her head she was saying "NO DON'T LEAVE ME!!!!"I felt sooo bad for her but she survived for a week without my mom and I because my dad stayed home.Now we are sitting in my living room and Kayley is sleeping in front of the fire.I love her and so does everybody else she knows she is just the best thing thaat could ever happen to my family.
A story from Linda about Oscar the Pug posted 12/01/2008
I just finished the book. I had to put my beloved pug down last week. I cried so hard when you described all the symptoms he had the same as marley-hair falling out, blind, deaf. I have told my kids we are going to make a scrapbook of pics and stories. Thanks for a cathartic experience. I know now I did the right thing putting him out of his misery, but I miss him so. he was a good dog, never bad, but full of personality and only on this earth to love and be loved. And he was and he did. thank you
A story from Luke about Jessie posted 12/01/2008
I used to have a dog. She was a chocolate lab. She was good, but sometimes she was pretty bad. My mom and dad got Jessie before I was born. She had pups a while later. My mom said that when they first got Jessie she jumped up on the hood of cars. One time Jessie scared my neighbor. When Jessie was alive she was a good gaurd dog. If any one she didn't reconize came into the house she bark and jump all over the place. We live in the mountains, so you could probably say Jessie was a good hunting dog, she never went hunting but I bet if she did she'd be good at sniffing out the meat. Jessie was alive until I was in kindergarden. One morning before school I woke up and Jessie was on my mom and dad's bedroom floor. I got up in my mom and dad's bed then when I checked on Jessie again her nose was bleeding. That's when my mom and dad knew it was time to put Jessie to sleep. It was a sad morning in my house, and before I knew it my dad had Jessie in the back of the and he was getting ready to take her to the vet. I said goodbye to Jessie and went inside, I had to get ready for school. That night my dad buried Jessie. Goodbye, Jessie. I guess Jessie's story is sort of like Marley's, but Jessie was never as crazy as Marley!
A story from ken about Wow posted 12/01/2008
Thank you.Your book was very amazing,i could not put it down until finished it.I am looking foreward for the movie this christmas.Well i now believe my dog elco is a saint after your book.
A story from Nicole about Taddy posted 12/01/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me with my 6.5-year-old daughter. I cried like a baby. She read most of it herself, but we read some parts of it together, so I got a jist of who Marley was. Our 16-year-old black cocker spaniel Taddy died last Christmas and it was awful. He was deaf and almost blind and couldn't chase balls anymore or bark at the mailman. He had eaten his share of dog food and scrap tin and Belgian chocolate (two pounds in one sitting) - nothing could hurt his stomach. He would follow me around the house at night when our daughter was an infant and I walked the floor with her at all hours. He never left my side when I was home. Marley's end reminded me of Taddy's end. And Taddy taught us what Marley taught you - that animals love us unconditionally no matter what we say or do to them, and that maybe we should try to do that ourselves.
A story from Heather about My Babies posted 12/01/2008
Your book has reminded me of all the wonderful flaws my baby Jake has shown me throughout the 6 years I have had him. He does not listen and jumps on everyone who walks in the door. He used to be known as he ball buster...lol...but he has always been the most loyal of my 3 dogs despite his crazy ways and his love for life as you described of Marley. There is just something about that Lab gene that just screams LOVE ME and you just can help but love them. I am sorry for your loss and dread the day I must as well. But your book has shown me in many ways to take advantage of the time I have with him...Thank you from me and my Marmaduke like dog
A story from Tracey about Gooze the Mutt-a-Gree posted 12/02/2008
The book Marley and Me brought back so many memories about my dog Gooze. He had so many similarities. Energetic, hyperactivity, bull headed, and he was his own dog. Most of all he showed so much loyalty and devotion to me. When I read the book, I laughed so hard and said, "That was Gooze and Me!" Then reading on to the end, I couldn't hold back the tears. This book touched me, I'm sure as for many dog owners about how dogs teach us many things though life. I'm looking foward to see the movie opening up on Christmas Day.
A story from tom about max posted 12/02/2008
dear mr grogan. i decided to write this because like you i lost my yellow lab, named max. there are so many great stories i could tell about max but i don't think i have the time and space to write them all. in the winter of 2004 max and i were walking when his right front leg slipped on ice and his leg went straight out to the side. as a result of that he developed a fatty tumor on his right shoulder. as it had gotten larger over the next 3 years my wife and i decided to have it removed. we took max to the vet to have the operation done and picked him up at 7 pm that night. at 10:30 that night while max and i were laying on the floor he looked over to me, closed his eyes and died. it was like someone had ripped my heart out the vet said it was probably caused by a blood clot to his lungs or heart. we moved into our house in july 07 and right away max's favorite place was the front lawn. from there he would watch the kids go by or maybe he was just taking in the world. we decided to plant a tree at his favorite spot. there isn't one single day that goes by that i don't think of max and all that he gave me. the trust, loyalty, friendship, the good times and bad times (like marley), but most of all the love he gave to us. we were his life and he gave us the most beautiful gift that could be given. max died in feb 2008, the christmas of 2007 i had given my wife the book marly and me as a gift. at the end of jan 2008 i started reading it. i haven't picked it up since max died. i can't. i just want to thank you for giving me and all the people who love and care about thier pets the chance to share their stories. this christmas will be our first without max in 9 years. it will be hard for us but having had max in our life and all the wonderful memories of him will help ease the hurt.
A story from Jan Lowe about Nina & Me posted 12/02/2008
As I read your book I was certain you were talking so often of my Chocolate Lab, Nina. From the coffe tableclearing tale to the crazy acts, Nina and Marley share qualities and bad habits. But when I think of life without her as I came to the end of your book, I sobbed and told her all was forgiven and she was still a great dog! Thanks for sharing your story!!!!! Jan
A story from nicole about my dog D.J. posted 12/02/2008
Hi.Im NICOLE I read your book and thought of my dog.His name is d.j.;So let me tell you a little about what he likes to do.When me and my family leave the house and keep the doggy door open d.j. will jump on the couches!So we have to put folding chairs on the couches so the dogs don't jump on them.D.j. is also a scardey cat.Heres one thing that hes afraid of,hes afraid of shadows mostly his.Heres one thing that gets annouing he barks every moring and wakes up the whole neighbor hood.If you want to walk d.j. to bad hill pull you.So I can't walk him.Theres so many more things he does but I don't want to fill up a whole page.Thank you for reading this John.Ta ta for now!
A story from AnnaMarie Ke about Our Best Friend :Kirby posted 12/02/2008
One day in October over 10 years ago; our 2 oldest boys and I went to a farm on the outskirts of town. We were on a mission: to find the family dog. We were overwhelmed at how many cute, cuddly and furry little puppies there were for us to choose from. The farm where we went to pick out our puppy had a large litter that would be ready to go home in 2 weeks. (How would we choose?) I told the boys to just sit back and one would find him. We didn't wait long. After just a few seconds the chubbiest little fella laid right on Logan's foot. We knew this was our "Kirby." Kirby was the star of the family for a long time. He was never a wild dog. He was easily house broken and he always had the best spot-right next to our bed or in the middle of all of the excitement. He has always been a big guy and weighed over 125 pounds. He loved to hang out with all of us and the kids. He was the perfect protector and when 2 more kids joined the family 3 years into his life he loved them too. He never treated anyone like an outsider. He loved mankind and mankind loved him; even tho it took a while. He was so big a few people approached him slowly. We have alot of fond memories of Kirby. My favorites are too hard to pinpoint and I am sad to say that after 10 wonderful years we had to bring Kirby in and have him put down. He had lived a good life, but it was time to let him go. He was full of cancer. He did not suffer and we are gratful for every minute that we had with him. I loved the book Marley & Me, but it took me a long time to finish. I cried with every turn of the page-it really hit home. The only thing that was different between Marley and Kirby is that Kirby never chewed anything in his life. He was afraid of thunderstorms and hated being alone tho. Thank you Mr. Grogan for sharing your story. Dog is really man's best friend and Kirby was ours.
A story from Deidre about Airline lost my dog. posted 12/02/2008
My Marley is named Wembley. Bought in Exeter, England, he came from a horse farm. A little smaller with a boxier head. He ate our rented kitchen floor in England, pulled up the wall to wall carpeting and all the foam underneath and permanently slobbered every beannie baby in my daughters collection. He too stormed my garden with a plant pot covering his head and slammed into the foundation of our house. I think this gave him his epilepsy. Brain damage. He's no worse for it...two pills a day. He's fine. After two years and all new furniture later we moved back to America. My husband stayed behind to pack the house (thank god) Turns out, British Airways lost our yellow lab when we moved back to America from England. I am by nature a very diplomatic, kind, caring person, but upon our arrival in the US when BA could not produce our dog I turned in to the ugliest person in the world. I had never been as direct in my anger in my life. My 10 year old was so worried and we were spending hours in the BA lounge...like an extra meal and a cabernet was going to make a difference. He was no longer a dog, he was our family member. After six hours waiting at Kennedy Airport they found him at Heathrow quarantine. Thank god my husband was still in England. You can only imagine. It was a fear reading your book until I got to the howling part. Wembley was only two. Now we are living in New Jersey. Wembley has had identical bad behaviors as Marley. He has really mellowed out these last few years. He's a slave to his stomach always. However, we have been raising puppies for The Seeing Eye. Wembley is ten now, but they are keeping him young. Can you imagine...we get a seven week old puppy...keep and train him, then at 18 month we have to give him back to The Seeing Eye. Out first puppy named Randolph is with a large blind man in New Jersey (he had a very strong pull like Marley), but our second puppy, Izod , failed the program for "Thunder shyness". Isn't that nicely put? We couldn't be happier. They offer the dog to the puppy raisers first. Wembley is now 10 years old and Izod is almost 2 and is keeping Wembley young. Most people say "how can you do that? How can you give the puppy back?" I can't do it, but I do. I did. It's a win / win. Thank you for your book, but honestly, I can't recommend it to my sister unless I give her fair warning...I have to go get some ice for my eyelids. Thanks John...for helping me re-live my dogs life. Also, I have to tell you, our first time at the beach, Sandy Hook in New Jersey, he swallowed so much salt water that he did a projectile vomit in front of a couple on their blanket and they just said "That was impressive!!"
A story from Laurel about Beloved Pet Roy posted 12/02/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me. The book was fantastic. My sister also read it and she told me to watch, you will start crying. I did, it reminded me of our Brittany Spaniel Roy who passed away 10 years ago. We got him when he was 1 years old from a family that had 2 others. We knew Roy was the dog we wanted, when he jumped up on my mother and none of the other ones did. He was such a good dog, you could do anything to him, and he would let you. We dressed him up in clothes, he was so cute. My Mom and Dad were really attached to him especially my mother. Roy started getting arthritis in his legs and could barely stand up, he was 15 years old. It was so bad he couldn't even drink out of his water bowl. My Mom did what she thought was best and had him put to sleep. She stayed with him while they did it. We had him cremated and brought home. My Father passed away shortly after Roy, his wish was to have Roy with him. During the service we put the urn in with my Dad. Now my Dad and Roy are together again. He was such a good dog we miss him so much. Right before Roy was purchased, we had a 6 week old Cocker Spaniel named Charlie. He passed away a week after we got him from a rabies shot. My Mom and Dad didn't want anymore dogs, but it was so quiet. They decided if they get another dog it would be at least a year old. He also had to take tranquilizers because he was so scared of Fireworks. One time he jumped through the screen door and tore ligaments in his leg.
Thank you so much for writing this book, my Mother is now going to read it. It lets people know how attached you can become to your pets, cats included.
Thank you!
A story from Chris about A questioning catholic posted 12/02/2008
John, My daughter who lives in Austin TX sent us an article from her local paper about your book signing there. In that article, it talked about your latest book, which to be honest, I haven't read yet. My wife and I read Marley and me and loved it. I also grew up in a very devout catholic family. We went to church several times a week, said the rosary daily kneeling around the living room couch, went to catholic school, etc. I too grew away from the church as I got older. I'm 52. I married a lutheran and joined her church but still felt like something was missing. Several weeks ago, our church, St. James in Coopersburg, started a 21 week series called "living the questions" which has helped me a lot with my faith. It basically questions the stories in the bible as to the authenticity, but not the the message. I'm not sure where you are in your faith journey but if you get a chance to hook into that series somewhere, I think you might find it interesting. Peace, Chris
A story from leslie about marley and me posted 12/02/2008
I got your book on September 5th, 2007 when I dropped of my then 6 month old male yellow lab puppy, Tanner, at doggie daycare. I was at my wits end and daycare was my last option. The owner of daycare insisted I get the book after I had told him how Tanner had proceeded to eat the drywall all the way down to the insulation.
I bought the book and began reading. I didn't stop until I was done which was around 2:00am. I laughed, I cried and I realized my 6 month old Tanner was just like Marley! I feel in love that night whole heartedly with Tanner. He has boundless energy, even now at almost 2 years old...he never stops playing. He goes to daycare 3 days a week and everyone is amazed at his energy level!
As the greatest compliment to my "energizer" lab, the day care center now uses Tanner as the "get to know us" for all the new dogs when they come for the first time. Tanner and the new dog spend 4 hours together because Tanner just loves everyone...it's like Tanner runs up to anyone, every dog and with his boundless enthusiasm is saying "Hi, I'm Tanner...wanna play?"
I've now read the book 3 times and even though I know it from beginning to end, it amazes me each time read it.
I love this book!!
A story from andrea bell about shep posted 12/02/2008
i just started reading marley and me when you had to put marley down i thought about my old dog shep we almost had to do this but we let him live but he ranaway and we miss him but then we got missy a giant schunzer she is much bigger than shep well he was a lab mix hopefully missy will have puppies so we will have new bffs
A story from Kamryn about Awesome Book Writing posted 12/02/2008
that was such a good book. Marley a dog like no other made tears sweel up in my eyes. it was very sad. i love the book and was a good lesson. i was surprised when my mom told me it was based on a true story. my mom read it first and told me it was sad. i said i would read it. i read it in two and a half days. i'm now starting on the Harry Potter series. you write very good books. you are a good writer. thank you and i LOVE your book, marley a dog like no other.
A story from Rihanna about stories posted 12/02/2008
A story from kristie about timber posted 12/02/2008
I previously submitted a story about my family's pal Timber. At that time the photo I uploaded didn't show on your web site. Just wanted to try it again. He's awful cute!!
A story from Rick Harrington about Marley & Me posted 12/02/2008
Thank you for writing this book. It reminded me of the antics of Marvin, our Golden mix. The shoes he collected over the years (he never retreived a complete pair, just singles), his abrupt trip to the vet for neutering after a 3 week sabitical with his girl friend, the cats and squirrels he hand his cohort in crime (Trevor) chased along with countless other escipades. Marley's story reminds me of the 17 years we all enjoyed having Marvin. He's still with me, physically, though he has been gone for six years. I received his ashes in the divorce. Thanks again for this wonderful story.
A story from marilyn about loved Marley posted 12/03/2008
I loved Marley and me,even though i cried my eyes out when you had to put him to sleep. Being a dog owner of "BO" our 6 year old Golden Retriever who is spoilt just rotten and as placid as you can get.Our 3 daughters just adore him. i can't imagine our life without him. always there to greet you when you walk in the door. You are so right they are a true friend. Our family can't wait to see the film, i do hope it's in Australia soon too
A story from D. Gray about Harry Dog posted 12/03/2008
My fiance and I kicked off our lives together by bringing home a puppy two weeks after moving into our new house thsi past July. Coincidentally, Harry is a yellow lab.
At the suggestion of a friend we both recently read Marley & Me. The first chapters were eerily familar. As for the rest, I can only hope that our life with Harry is as wonderful as the life that grew for the Grogans out of their love fro each other, their family, and Marley.
A story from shannon baker about Tobi, close relation to marley posted 12/03/2008
If you could meet this dog you would swear its marley, per his head scar...
A story from shannon about crazy tobi posted 12/03/2008
A story from Donna Harrison about Saints and Sinners posted 12/03/2008
I have been blessed to have been adopted by amazing dogs in my life. I have had my "Saint Shawn" - a chow/shepherd mix female; and my "Marley" - a shepherd/who knows what else mix!
Kiska, my little saint, stole my heart the moment I saw her in the animal shelter. She stayed a fairly small dog, dainty, gentle, loving, as well as funny and playful but always well behaved. Kiska always met me at the door with loving dog kisses, sweet as a child. She passed away after 12 years with me. There is still an emptiness in our home even after 2 years.
My "Marley" is Bullet, a stray in a town full of strays. He wandered through my neighborhood for two weeks before I noticed that something didn't look right about his collar. I called him to me (he stopped by often for handouts), and when I checked the collar, it was begining to grown into his neck. I cut it off, and he decided this was where he was going to stay. I posted pictures of him in the neighborhood, but got no responses.
I love how you described Marley's love for life, how he quickly moved on to the next adventure, and never looked back. My Bullet is the same, and after reading your book, I realized that this quality is what I love most about him. He'd certainly had a rough life before I saw him, but once that collar was off, he looked me in the eye and off we went. He runs into fences, trips and falls over his own feet, chases the ball so fast and hard that he will go tumbling over it as he tries to skid to stop, and turns into a big puddle of jello at the very thought of a storm. When I moved into a new house and met the one of my neighbors, a rather proper young man, Bullet simply went to him and climbed up in his lap! Poor guy sat there with all 95 lbs of happy dog in his lap, no way to escape, and Bullet with no intention of moving!
I realized how much both of these dogs have influenced my way of life - one with her gentle spirit and loving manner; the other reminds me daily of all the joys of just being alive.
Here's to dogs! And may we all have a 'Marley' or two in our lives!
A story from Denise about Sable posted 12/03/2008
For anyone that's ever lived with a Lab (and you know what I mean..) your book hits that nail on the head! I have a weakness for the bread and mine was a Black Lab named Sable. Your book filled my heart, and brought back so many memories! My girl pealed bark off trees, dug her full body weight to China and back, ran around the yard with full grown shrubs that she had yanked up 'look at me'...WEEE!!!!. Stole bras, underwear, shoes and socks, then would run around the house with them proudly flapping in the wind! Bring dead birds to the back step as a prize. Chewed table leggs, ate a redwood patio bench! Opened up patio doors with her nose...Inhailed raw hide bones (no chewing at all)...Chased the neighbors cat, go up against Pit Bulls twice her size...and win! And was my best friend and constant companion for almost 10 years. She helped me through a very tough year of caring for my Mother in law that was dying of cancer. That Dog was my rock. My body gaurd. And my best friend. Unconditionaly. We put her down after a battle with Diabetes. On a Labor Day. A piece of me also died that day...Today I have a 97 Lb pure bread Chocolate Lab named India. He's big and dumb and sweet...And loves socks!
A story from Smiley about Our Dogs! :) posted 12/03/2008
I have two labs a black one and a brown one. The brown one is Coco and Biscuit is the black one. Biscuit is one and Coco is three Biscuit is a wild woman and Coco is a sleping dud! My family also has two guiena pig a gecko and a fish! So our house is animal kingdom hahah just kidding! I love Marley and Me it was an awesome book!
A story from tish pasquinelli about book posted 12/03/2008
I just read your book about Marley and wanted to tell you how I enjoyed it and how hard I cried when he died.I knew I would do that and I know when I go watch the movie I will be crying my eyesout.I adore animals,have had dogs all my life and especially weiner dogs.I have a Shiloh shepard who is so smart and she is blind now but can get around so good.You should see her turn the door knob and go in the house when she wants to.It is hysterical.She is also so good with kids.She was a rescue dog.Everyone should have an animal.The love unconditionally.Thank you again for the wonderful tribute to Marley.I will also read your other books too.thanks again.
A story from Shawna about Chewie posted 12/03/2008
I absolutely loved Marley & Me, I cryed for the last 50 pages or so, the whole time with my St. Bernard stairing at me like I was having a mental breakdown.
A story from Brenna about Just Finished The Book posted 12/03/2008
I just finished reading "Marley & Me" and am practically still in tears! This book is a joy for anyone who has ever unconditionally loved a dog or any other animal. I was 21 years old when I welcomed the first dog I have ever owned into my life. Teddy, a shih tzu (who thinks he is a big dog!) is the love of my families life. I never knew the true love animals could bring into your life into the day I met him. I have since moved out of my house, into an apartment where I unfortunately cannot have a dog (don't worry my parents couldn't part with Teddy anyways). Nothing beats when I go to visit him every week and it is like I have never left. He practically does back flips when he sees me and then kisses me like crazy. After reading this book, I will truly never take all the little moments with Teddy for granted. I have truly become a dog lover and will recommend "Marley & Me" to everyone I know.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story :)
A story from Michelle about Kelsey my baby posted 12/03/2008
I got Kelsey 9 years ago. I was 17 years old and I was just about to finish my junior year of high school. I was a lonely teenager as I was quite poor living in my moms friends basement. My mother couldn't give me much of anything. Especially time, money or even much love. But she did do one very special thing for me and that was to allow me to get my very own dog. I searched websites and ran across a animal rescue who gave dogs to good people for free. That is where I saw my sweet girl. She was the size of a large cat and just a couple weeks old. Her mother was a full blooded border collie. Dad was likely a cross between a lab and a Dobermanw. Her heart was that of a lab. She wouldn't hurt a fly. She was a terror of a puppy and quite a large responsibility for a young person to manage. I did it though. Me and her. Just the two of us. I walked her everywhere she was my ali and my friend, but most of all my baby. Me and her it would be, for the two of us had a lot to endure much like John did with Marley. She ate everything. Wall paper off walls, clothes, sticks, flowers, cat food, anything. When I was 18 I moved out and took her with me. I worked at a vet and I'm thankful for that because the discount came in handy. She ate a whole bag of dog food, had to have her stomach pumped for that. She also ate cat litter, pumped again. The worst thing she ever did that almost cost her her life was she ate a bottle of ibuprofen, She almost died she was on iv fluids for a week and they told me she was lucky. They also warned me of the side effects of her eating that. Not taking that much into consideration, I mean she was three. Kelsey has given me so many good times and I am so blessed to have a wonderful dog like her. She makes me so happy. I see the signs of her age creeping up on me much like marleys did, but I hope for so many more years. She's been there through it all and I would do anything for that dog. I loved this book and I can't wait to watch the movie. This book was so amazing. I know Marley was a happy dog and had a great life. I'm very glad I got to read this. Thanks!!!
A story from Anonymous about Quincy the Dog posted 12/03/2008
About 2 years ago, my elderly grandmother decided to get a dog. I was all for it--all she had for company was my grandfather and an illusive, fat cat. But when she told us her amazing thought of getting a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrior--she was 70, mind--my mother almost croaked. Wheatens are known for their boundless energy and hard-to-keep-looking-fantastic fur. But my grandma went ahead and decided to get him. A few months after first deciding to get him, she brought home a fluffy, cinnamon colored puppy with the biggest chocolate brown eyes in the history of the world (except for Marley's, maybe!). I thought this puppy was adorable--until I actually got to know him. Just like Marley, he was nuts. He went everywhere and got into everything; from pen caps to the chocolate cake on the counter. My grandmother trekked tirelessly after him, saying he would get better with age. If anything, he didnt change a bit by the time he was 1. He was crazed, obnoxious, and yet he was probably one of the most beloved friends I have ever had. For some reason, this crazy dog struck a chord in me, something that nothing could break. Behind his thick skull, something about him made me gravitate towards him, shout in his defense, love him more than I think I have loved any other animal--and I live on a farm with horses, dogs, cats, etc. This now cream colored dog was always there for me when I needed him, and in return I was always there for him. I still remember the time when I was coming in my grandmothers garage. She has a large door with a windowpane that starts at about 5 feet and comes up to around 6 1/2, where their is a wooden bar, and then it continues upwards again. When I came inside from the pool that summers morning, I heard paws hit the ground, and suddenly I saw the body of Quincy the Dog suspended in the windowpane, his eyes nearly reaching the wooden bar. And this was from a dog that is to the kneecaps of a 12 year old. When I got your book, it really reminded me of Quincy. I laughed and cried and related in so many ways to the disasters and love Marley brought to your family. Maybe someday I'll write a book like that, but for now, I'll stick with my Quincy the Dog.
A story from Marley Lover about My Chihuahua and Golden Retriever posted 12/03/2008
My Chihuahua,Bugzy,is very naughty.If he were as big as my Golden Retriever,Daisy,then he would be almost as destructive as Marley.He is not even 4 pounds,yet he is very full of himself.He just turned one,and is adorable.I love him a lot,but even an adorable Chihuahua can't replace Daisy.She is a Golden Retriever/Chow Chow mix.My family and I adopted her at a PetSmart.My two cousins,their parents,my brother,my parents and I all saw a sign outside that stated that it was adoption day.My family had been looking for a dog for months,little did I know that I was about to find my dream dog right inside of those doors.I was 6 when we went to check out the dogs.I walked in the door and,sitting pretty as a picture,was Daisy.I said,"Oh Mommy,there she is!"She,and I now,had no clue how I knew that she was a girl and that she was the dog that we were going to get and that was also the perfect dog for us,I just did.We kids ran up to her and laid all over her,giving her hugs and loving all over her.That nearly gave my mom a heart attack.She said that we had no clue if the dog was aggressive or not.But the lady said that she was very sweet and loved kids.In fact,a young couple in their 20s wanted to adopt her,but she told them no because they had no kids and that Daisy(at the time either Goldy or Sandy)needed kids in the house.As we lay petting her,she fell asleep,snoring loudly.That was a good sign.My mom tugged lightly at her tail and paws and such,to see how she would react.Nothing.We decided to get her,and my mom said that if she would have seen her purple tonuge,which is usually a strong indication of there being Chow in the dog,we wouldn't have gotten her because of the fact that Chows sometimes are known to bight.We tried to decide on a name and had a very tough time like Mr. and Mrs.Grogan had trouble doing.My brother was 5 and wanted to name her things like,"Toaster" and "Blender".I wanted the name "Flower",but was out voted when my brother voted for Blender,me for Flower,and both my parents for Daisy.Since she jumped a lot,like Marley did in his early days,her middle name is Kanga.Her full name is Daisy May Kanga and then our last name,which I am not allowed to post.The whole May part just kind of evolved over time.She was probably 1 or 2 when we got her,the animal shelter said that she was 1,but we thought that she looked more like 2.When we first got her,she was terrified of vacuums,and newspaper and trash bags popping.They also said that she was a stray,but we think that somebody abused her and then kicked her out.But she is the sweetest thing,if you ever met her,you would know what I'm talking about.Well,she has gotten older,she will now be turning 8 or 9,and reading Marley and Me has made me realize how much she means to me.Her life is more than half way over and as I am writing this,tears are welling in my eyes and rolling down my cheeks as I realize that pretty soon I will loose her.She can be naughty,but overall,she is a pretty good dog.I love her a lot and have been comparing the stages in Marley's life to her's,when in they put Marley down,I cryed right in front of my teacher,friends,strangers,and one of my enemies because I had grown to love Marley as I read the book as if he were my own dog.It was too heartwrenching to read what Conor wrote to Marley when he died.I was crying and when a lot of my friends asked why,I read what Conor and Colleen had written,but could not read it without choking up and crying a stream of tears.I came home to find that Daisy had gotten into my cousin's lunchbox,my aunt and cousin are temporarily living with us,but I only scolded her a few times and quickly cleaned up the mess,no spankings,because it was partially my cousin's fault.We have told her repeatedly not to leave her bookbag on the floor which normally contained her lunchbox.(f.y.i. this is a different cousin from when we adopted Daisy)I loved on Daisy and do not plan to just blow her off the rest of her life,sure sometimes I will tell her to go lay down,but I'm going to try to make it a point never to spank her again,well,only when extremely necessary.I loved the book Marley and Me because I truly believe that it will bring me closer to Daisy.I can't wait until the movie comes out!The only thing that I don't like about Mr.Grogan is that he apparently,is an Ohio State Buckeye,while I,on the other hand,am a Michigan Wolverines fen.Go Blue!Thank You Mr.Grogan for writing this book!It is the best book ever and I am recommending it to a lot of people,my friend is going to borrow the book from me tommorrow.Well,maybe not,I think that she should buy it for herself.When I lost the book at school one time,I nearly cryed.I had accidently left it in the locker room,I think that I am going to reread it over and over again.I love it that much!I love you Marley!
A story from Kristie about Timber posted 12/03/2008
another picture of Timber
A story from Valerie about My Two Dogs posted 12/03/2008
Hi John, recently I posted a story about my two dogs. I gave you the wrong age of Goldie (the gold Cocker Spaniel). She is actually going to be 15 and not 14. I keep pretending that she is not getting any older. I bet you know that feeling. I also wanted to show you a better picture of my loves. Mickey (the White West Highland Terrier) is 9 and is completely fond of Goldie. Where Goldie goes, Mickey goes. I have to tell you, I have never seen such a loving relationship. I don't know what Mickey will do when Goldie does pass (which I hope never happens but just like in your book, I know that it will come). Thank you for writing such a sweet story. I cried on the train as I read the part about Marley passing. You were blessed to have such a great dog in your life and I am blessed to have two wonderful dogs in my life...
Looking forward to your blogs and movie.
Valerie
A story from Beth about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/03/2008
Just wanted to say, I enjoyed your memoir. I picked it up without even realizing that it was about your upbringing as a Catholic. I live in a very Catholic town and have walked away from the church for many of the same reasons you expressed in your book. It was refreshing to know that there are others with the same thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
A story from Camille about My Cute Dog posted 12/04/2008
Well I just finished reading your book and I cried at my room when I read that Marley passed until now when I remember it tears fall down from my eyes,and your very lucky to have a dog like Marley.And it was really touching when you wrote that Give your a heart to your dog and he'll give you his.I really cried because I felt the sadness.Well now I am going to tell you about my dog.My dog is a roottweier he is 6 yrs. old and he's pretty much like Marley he likes to eat everything and he is such a kind dog.When I was giving him a bath he liked it so much and then I was going to return the shampoo in our house and he started barking and he was trying to follow me, he evern tried to eat his leash.And my other dog is an Italian Greyhound and he is cute but very jealous of our rottweiler.Well I guess thats all and by the way I belive it when you wrote that "A dog is a man's bestfriend".And you are very blessed to have a GREAT DOG with STINKY BREATH!!!
P.S. Camille 11 yrs.old
A story from Meeee Me about Duke the dog posted 12/04/2008
Duke the dog has did many things in the past year we have had him!!We had got him while i was cheering.I got done cheering and my parents surprised me with a dog!!In that year he has did all of this!!I will start to begin what he did. 1.Nocked down the christmas tree. 2.Ended up eating with us at the diner table becausejumped up on the table and ate my food right off my plate. 3.Ran away. 4.Pulled me down the street when i was walking him. 5.Pucked in the car. 6.Wripped the rug and we had 2 get it removed. Well as u can see he has done alot and more I just can't think of any more.So BYE!!
A story from Lianna about I love Marley! posted 12/04/2008
We have an 80 lbs. 8 month old yellow lab who is exactly like Marley. I am up to chapter 19 and I laugh at some of the things that Marley does because it's just like Buddy our puppy. My son has the childrens chapter book of Marley and also the Very Marley Christmas. You can't help but fall in love with Marley (and his family)! Can't wait till Christmas Day to see the movie!
A story from Allison Ekstrom about My Furry Teachers posted 12/04/2008
I have been an animal lover all my life. Growing up with various dogs & cats; I loved them all dearly. At age 19 I moved in with my now ex husband & I was never allowed to get a dog. My ex'x philosophy was that a dog should not be in an apartment. I thought I agreed, but I very much missed my Dalmation Indiana whom I left behind at my mother's home. Well 6 years later & divorced my now husband and I adopted Daisy. A 4 year old Husky/German Sheperd mix. She had a rough background, mostly unknown. But we knew she had at one time been on the streets. And had been adopted 3 times & returned. We don't know why, she is house broken, doesn't mind our cats, is very loyal, & took to us right away. However our sweet girl nips at strangers, goes nuts when it's time to go outside, gets into the garbage, steals the cat food, has seperatin anxiety, & despite being trained is hard headed & stubborn. Seven months later we found ourselves at the same shelter where we got Daisy. My husband spotted a 3 year old golden colored HUGE male Lab standing on his hind legs with a chew toy in it's mouth smiling at us, yes I said smiling. We had to go home & sleep on it. I was getting ready to leave my full time job because of some health & family issues. My husband was a full time student so our income was going to be my 401K. Well the next day we came back & we took Cody home.
Well neither of us had ever owned a lab before. And this one was in the shelter because he kept escaping his previous owner's back yard & running off. His owner considered putting him down for his bad behavior but the shelter staff talked him into just surrending him. Cody is a handful, he pulls when you take him outside, he also gets into the garbage, he jumps up on strangers, he doesn't like certain male dogs, you have to tell him 10 times to lay down & stay, he's run off 5 times, he's destroyed the cat toys, he licks you non-stop, he's constantly by you so he gets accidently kicked & tripped over, he is a 74lb puppy.
However Cody & Daisy are our companions, our teachers, and in their minds our protectors. When I read what I have about Marley I cried. I criend because we've had so many similiar frustrating experiences with our dogs. But we wouldn't trade them for the world. They are part of our family & I love them with my whole heart. Thank you for letting me share my story.
A story from Abby Dietz about The opposite of Dog posted 12/04/2008
I just finished ready Marley and Me! It was absolutely wonderful! (You and Jenny are incredibly brave!). My first dog was much like your first, perfect. My second... well patience is required. Oh its not what you think. Shes not badly behaved, she doesn't eat furnature or gold necklaces, in fact even getting her to eat at all is challenging. Mocha is a very pretty mix of shepherd (markings), Chow(speckled tongue), and Huskey (all in the neck, which makes her look distorted a bit). Mocha was one of three siblings to be brought into Lollypop Farm after being taken away from an abusive owner. I have owned Mocha for almost three years and she will still jump at her shadow, run and hide in the bathroom when the heat kicks on, and will not accept fillet mingion from any man's hand other than my husband. none of my friends or family believe that she can bark, let alone make any sort of sound. In truth, I have only heard her bark twice, although she will wimper when playing with me in the back yard (the only time she plays). Speaking of which, she is afaid of a tennis ball being thrown! I just thought all through your book, what would he have to say about Mocha! You have such a beautiful way with words, and when listening to the book on tape I would just burst out laughing in the car, wondering if I should pull over untill the hysteria subsided. I can only imagine how sad and how funny Mochas life is! Thank you for your story. Thank you for never giving up on Marley. The world is a better place because he entered your lives!
A story from Allison Ekstrom about A better Photo posted 12/04/2008
Notice the chewed up cat toy that Daisy has? That was compliments of Cody who did that yesterday when I was in the shower & the hubby was working.
A story from Holly about My Dog Magic posted 12/04/2008
My dog is crazy. Whenever I try to sit down he always tries to sit where I sit and whenever I get the chair first, he sits on me. On my head. I think he just wants a cuddle sometimes but other times he goes mad and chews my jeans. Once his lead snapped (aaarrrggghhh!!!!) and there was a mean dog (aah!) and there was a van coming (eeek!) and my auntie Helen saved him. She pulled him away in time and we took him home. That was one spooky halloween! That same night, the kettle broke. I made some tea and when I tipped it in the cup it spily out the insides of the kettle! My dog licked the tea of the floor.
A story from Holly about My Dog Magic posted 12/04/2008
My dog is crazy. Whenever I try to sit down he always tries to sit where I sit and whenever I get the chair first, he sits on me. On my head. I think he just wants a cuddle sometimes but other times he goes mad and chews my jeans. Once his lead snapped (aaarrrggghhh!!!!) and there was a mean dog (aah!) and there was a van coming (eeek!) and my auntie Helen saved him. She pulled him away in time and we took him home. That was one spooky halloween! That same night, the kettle broke. I made some tea and when I tipped it in the cup it spily out the insides of the kettle! My dog licked the tea of the floor.
A story from Coleen Lonergan about My Lab Owen posted 12/04/2008
My husband and I bought a house in June 2008, and it came with a dog! The previous owners could not take care of Owen anymore.
I swear he is Marley reincarnated -- only bigger! Owen weighs 112 pounds.
He eats EVEYRTHING, has a penchant for plastic bottles, and if he finds a body of water -- he jumps in.
A story from Amanda about My Marley posted 12/04/2008
We bought our Marley before I even knew about the book or movie, and the book spoke to me before I even read it... I was walking through a store thinking about my 10 week old shih tzu and how I was sure he was going to soil every piece of carpet in our apartment, chew every shoe I own, and if we had made a bad choice in getting a puppy. Then I look to my right at a display of books and there was "Marley and Me". Well I had to pick it up, so I read the back and it was mine and my new husband's life to a T. Minus about 95 lbs of puppy. Needless to say I bought the book and I laughed, I cried, and I was touched by the wonderful life a dog can provide. I just hope that our new puppy can bring as much joy and enlightenment into our newlywed life as it did to yours!
Amanda
A story from jaclyn about my puppy missy posted 12/04/2008
we got my puppy a year ago and every time we left my old dog would let her jump on her back an d get on the counter. she ate everything! then my mom and dad got her a cage and we don't no how she does it but sometimes she is not in the cage. and we no when she does it because garbage is alover!.....marley the second lol o and by the way i love the book marley a dog like no other
A story from Kaylie about Bo definatley a dog like no other posted 12/04/2008
my dog bo is crazyyyyyyy!! hes a great dog and all but everthing that is on my floor or on any floor he eats!! if its to hard to bite on hell just lick itif you drop something on my floor you better pick it up because i swear he will come running and eat it if he hears it drop.you probly see the picture of the dog and say ohhhhhhhhh hes cute and calm but thats the olny picture i have of him on my laptop and its from 1 year ago!!! i mean i love my dog sooooooooooooooooo much but sometimes he can get on my bad side. butt hes sooooooooooo cute and really funney so i might even write about him later on in life but now he gonna be bo my dog but in a couple of years look for a book about Bo by Kaylie
A story from kaylie about bo again posted 12/04/2008
you guys probly read my blog so by the way i love your story it made me cry all night!it really touched my heart.
p.s.im 10
A story from Debbie about Bubbagum posted 12/04/2008
I read Marley and Me a while ago, back when me and my newlywed husband were looking for houses and I went on a big "Lets get a dog!" kick. I started picking up books at the library about dogs and I stumbled across Marley and Me. I Loved it. I couldn't put the book down. I found myself laughing out loud and at then end, I couldn't stop crying because I know how it is too lose a dog loved as much as you loved Marley. Growing up we had Perdy. She was the most loving, loyal, perfect dog there ever was. Never got into the trash, never peed in the house, nothing. We called her our Guardian Angel. She suddenly passed away a few weeks after Christmas in 2000 at the age of 10. We don't know what happened to her. She was a bundle of energy the day before, but the next morning we found her, peacefully curled up in her favorite spot. She looked just like she was sleeping. For months afterwards everyone in the house would find themselves calling for her, yelling "Perdy! We're home!" everytime we walked in the door. It's a tough time for anyone to loose a beloved pet.
When me and my husband finally moved into our new house, I convinced him that I needed a dog to keep me company since he goes out of town a lot for work and we're out in the country with the closest famlily or friends is an hour away. We came home with Bubbagum, or Bubba for short. He is 80lb Lab/Pit mix and the goofiest dog I've ever seen. I got him from my older sister's school (She's training to be a vet-tech and they adopt out the animals they have there) We were able to take him home early because he has what they call "Happy Tail". He get so excited that he bangs his tail against objects (walls, tables, chairs) and hits it so hard it makes his tail bust open and bleed. Well they couldn't keep him in the kennel like that because he was forever opening the wound back up so they let us take him home two weeks earily. I have had so much trouble with him ever since I brought him home. He's chewing everything in sight, stealing the toilet paper, using the house as a personal bathroom and eating all the cat toys we have. He even almost made made my husband late for our wedding because he got loose and wouldn't come back. He thought it was play time. But I love the big doofus.
I was at WalMart a few weeks ago and noticed Marley and Me on the book shelf and bought it for my older sister for Christmas. I couldn't help it and I read it again, and this time I pictured my Bubba getting into all that trouble. He may not of torn through a wall or eaten a gold chain (at least not yet) but he is my Marley.
A story from Melanie about A dog I wish I had posted 12/04/2008
I read Marley and Me just a week ago for my book report. I found it very inspiring and very sad when he died. He must have been a handful to John and Jenny. I wish I had a dog partly because I find them very supportive when you are sad. Marley always knew when to be serious. Like the time Jenny was sick because of the baby and in her bed. She was sick for a long time and Marley was right there for her. Laying his head on the bed to keep her company. I know this isn't really a story, but I just wanted to say that if I could I would have a dog just like Marley. We would go to the beach and we would even go get some ice cream together. If I could have a dog like Marley, I wouldn't hesitate one second to get him. And when I do get a dog, I am going to exactly what John did to decide which dog to get. I will shake or try to scare the dogs and the one that stands out, I'll know it is that dog that I will want. I can't wait til' the movie comes out. John, you are an inspirational writer. Thank you for writing this book. I might even convince my parents to get me a dog just like Marley, if I can find any. Again, thank you and as I said before, sorry this wasn't a story, but I just wanted to say that I would love to have a dog like Marley. Thanks
A story from Charli Green about My Two Dogs: Jackson & Dexter posted 12/04/2008
Dear Mr.Grogan,I have two dogs named Jackson and Dexter. Just like Marley,my dog Jackson is also a Labidor retrevor. But Jackson is a Black Lab. And Dexter(not like Marley) is a Pit-Bull and Great Dane Mix.Jackson has a white bolt on his chest and he has brown eyes, on the tip of his tail is white,it has been like that for his whole life.Also, Jackson is pretty chubby,but he's still my baby. Dexter is pretty skinny,with huge feet for his body, he's black and its white from the top of his foreheazd to the middle/bottem of his chest.He has floppy ears and has brown eyes.He is my baby,too.And Dexter is very hyper.They usually play-fight all the time.As you know my name is Charli and right now I am reading your book called Marley A Dog Like No Other, so far its a good book.
A story from Jade Nicole DeCaeny about onyx posted 12/04/2008
Dear john Grogan, I think i'm your number 1 fan.My name is jade Nicole DeCaeny and I am in second grade.i love the book Marley a dog like no other.It's the best book I ever read!
A story from Anonymous about Our Chocolate Lab, "Sammi-Girl" posted 12/04/2008
What I love about our Chocolate Lab, Sammi-Girl, is that she was born the same year as our oldest child nine years ago. I love that Sammi ate an entire bar of blue Zest soap one winter night before our daughter was born and proceeded to vomit blue bubbles and foam in my new car on our first of many emergency vet visits. I love that Sammi was tolerant of our second Chocolate Lab, Daisy, when my husband surprised us with her one day when Sammi was nearly a year old and our newborn was 6 months old (can you imagine my response?!).I love that Sammi courageously bolts right through our electric fence to "visit" her friends down the street; our neighbor, Bill, keeps an extra leash on hand for the walks back to our house. I love that I can let her run loose on our five acres of land and know that she will come running when I whistle or call for her. I love that Sammi started her poop-eating career at age three and continued to eat it even after our vet recommended we douse the stuff with the hottest hot sauce on the market. I love that Sammi will sit all of her 85 pounds on my lap anytime we pay a visit to the vet. I love that Sammi is always ready and willing to play catch. I love that Sammi has allowed our oldest daughter to play tea party with her, our son to play Superman with her, and our youngest daughter to yank on her tail and ears endlessly without flinching. I love that Sammi considers me her "Master" and follows me around the house during my daily chores. I love that she enjoys car rides with me and barrels into the car sniffing out any left over "chicken nuggegts". I love that Sammi considers apple cores, broccoli stems and carrot peels a tasty treat. I love that one of Sammi's greatest fears is her own flatulence; you should see the way she simultaneously checks out her rear end and bolts out of the room when she passes her horrid gas! I love that she has proudly brought us many gifts ranging from birds to chipmunks to our neighbor dogs' toys. I love that she loves us. I love that all of the memories I have of her in our lives, and continue to make with her, have helped shape who we are. I love that once I finished reading your book, Mr. Grogan, and wiped away my tears, I have reflected on these cherished memories with laughter. She has enriched our lives in so many wonderful ways. I am proud to be the parent of our very own goofy Sammi-Girl.
A story from marlee about Cooper posted 12/04/2008
Cooper is the dog you would want to have. he is just like marley and is always by some one sides. if you want him to do a trick you must give him a treat else he wont do it.cooper is a loving dog. he is sweet and also takes underwear just like marley. he loves to take socks also. cooper is always running around the house and has to small of tail to chase after. he thinks he's smart but i mean hes a dog. but we love him!
A story from Eric Blomberg about my dog (and a little more) posted 12/04/2008
My sister just sent me this book, and I knew I had to write. My wife just knew we needed a dog right after we bought our house in 1992. We looked at all the books, went to dog shows, talked to people about their dogs; went through all the preparations and criteria imaginable. Then she went and got this little fuzzball golden retreiver puppy without me knowing anything about it! I was never much of a dog person before we got Dusty. I had no reason to reconsider after he tore up the kitchen vinyl and committed other acts of vandalism. Over the next few months, and after getting a gold star at obedience school, I began to warm to him. He has been in all respects the most amazing animal I've ever known. We've all been there, or we wouldn't relate to this book as we do. He's still with us, 15-1/2 years old, gray-faced and gimpy, but always has his tail wagging if he's on his feet. I don't really have much to add to all the accolades we heap on our pets. I do have these thoughts, though, for all those owners who would get a second mortgage to pay the vet bills. We didn't think Dusty would live past about ten years old after having two knee surgeries and difficulty getting around our property. We took him to a local veterinarian in a nearby town in the county where we had recently moved. This doctor uses a holistic methodology; raw meat diet, supplements, chiropractic manipulation, no kibble-type food, etc. The results have been no less than miraculous. He could barely make it to our paved road about 50 yards away before turning around and pleading to go back. Not long after he was going for 1/2 mile walks and handling the 6 steps to our door easily. Now that he's 15-1/2 years he's not very active. I have devised a couple of things to get him in and out with little discomfort for him. I built a ramp of 1-1/8" plywood and indoor/outdoor carpet (for traction) so he can go up and down easily. Now, as his hips have stiffened, I also pass a beach towel under his belly, grab both ends, and use it to support his haunches as he ascends or decends. It works great, and he's very comfortable doing it. He also gets an herbal supplement called Clean Air Teapills which have helped him with digestive stability. To the extent I have a point, it is this. All too often dogs are put down before their time. They are carnivorous canines, and should eat as such. Our vet says their diet should mirror that of a wolf or coyote, which get supplemental veggies and grains from the viscera of their prey. Dusty is living proof of it's effectiveness. I love this dog beyond all sensibility and am a better person for having him in my life.
A story from Anon about Sunshine (G Retriever) & Apollo (German Shepherd) posted 12/05/2008
As a child a had grown up with a beautiful bundle of yellow fur named Sunshine - a perfect name for he definitely was. We had him for 13 amazing years and after i got married, we bought apollo he was just the smartest dog - i had gone thru a lot of emotional obstacles in my life and apollo was there always - we sadly had him for only 4 years (died of cancer). please excuse my very short stories about these amazing canines but still their deaths still affect me. we do plan in the following year to get 2 german shepherd puppies. god bless all the four-legged creatures that has given us non-stop unconditional love
A story from Katie about Can't tell you how much we can relate posted 12/05/2008
Hey John. First and foremost I'd like to thank you for taking the time to write Marley and Me. My grandma purchased the book for herself and gave it to me after she finished with it. Being the dog lovers we are, she knew that I'd instantly love it as much as she did. What a wonderfully touching (and humourous) story you've written! My brother and his fiance have a yellow labrador retriever who is now almost 5 years old. He, too, came from a backyard breeder like Marley did. My brother's fiance bought Jake out in front of a Walmart, and a couple months later, she left for college. Her parents didn't want to keep 3 month old Jake, so my brother took him, and thus our adventures with Jake began. He chewed up furniture, clothing, walls, doors...pretty much anything. One time he even got into laundry detergent and was spitting up bubbles the rest of the day. I can't even begin to tell you how much reading about Marley made me laugh to myself about Jake. I love the guy dearly, but boy can he be a handful sometimes.
Thanks again John for the book. It's definitely become my favorite, and I can't wait to see the movie.
A story from Jill about First Pets posted 12/05/2008
Mr. Grogan,
My very first pet, received at the age of 18 months, was a wonderful Persian cat named Pepper. The greatest cat known to man. You saw a mouse, chances are it was in her mouth. Probably dropped on the doorstep, dead as a doorknob. Not always, but usually. Her gift to us, her loving and faithful masters. A porcupine? No question about it! She'd fight it to the death, or until a vet emergency room required emergency quill removal. 5 very comfortable years later, a very hyper, very friendly lhasa apso strolled into her life. The most beautiful blonde strolled into her life, and she could not have cared less. He layed on top of her; she played dead. He licked her; she snorted unimpressed. He attempted playfighting; she swatted his nose unimpressively. And then a thunderstorm hit. They cowered together, each one of them shaking uncontrollably, until it had passed. Suddenly? Best friends were formed. 2 more years passed, and a foreigner was introduced. A mixed breed, 9 month old mutt of a cat. Complete with temper. It took 3 weeks to even come up with a name that wasn't "Meanie". She snarled, growled, and hissed at everrything in her path. Slowly, she became a little more comfortable in our household. Everyday, she was given a bowl of pure cream, and a cookie. She finally warmed up a bit after Pepper retrieved her a few mice. One day, she walked over to me, grabbed the cookie out of my hand, and walked away like she was the Queen. A new pet was born!!! From that day on, it was a constant competition between the 3 who was the Queen Mother... The first cat, the second, and the prima donna doggie. To make a very long story short, the first cat died in 2202, at the ripe and gracious age of 20 after a long bout of old age. Very peacefully, very dignified in her sleep. The second cat, at the age of 17, developed throat cancer, and was diagnosed and gone within 3 days on New Year`s Day, 2002. Very shortly after, 5 months to the day, my mother took her faithful doggy to the vet and was told she was a cruel person for keeping him alive as long as she had. She had no idea he was in pain, and much to her horror, was told he had pancreatic cancer. My poor mother had never caused an animal a minutes distress, let alone prolonged one`s pain. She was so upset, she couldn`t drive home. I will never forget any of those 3 phone calls. It was losing 3 siblings. To read your book, was like reliving those 3 very painful moments. But more important, I got to relive the amazing, funny, unforgettable moment of 3 un forgettable pets. 3 boxes of tissues did nothing to dissuade the laughter I got from reading this incredible book.
Thank you
A story from stacey about Moose and me posted 12/05/2008
Not so much a story but a thank you...My 12 year old Lab Moose lays sleeping on the floor in the sunlight. He is achy and arthritic and coughs alot. Every day I wonder if this will be the day...but then he will pick up a toy, or just smile contentedly at me and I know we have a bit longer. I couldn't read your book for a long time because like I tell my own 3 kids...don't read a book about a dog... the dog always dies...I finally read it, perhaps just to prepare myself for Moose's time. I sobbed so hard that my daughter thought I was going to be ill. You reminded me to look back on all the good times. Bringing the babies home from the hospital to meet Moose. Long walks by the canal, and cleaning animal feces off of Moose after he found something special to roll in. So I thank you. By the way Moose was #1 in obedience school, never needed a leash or fence, always let me go out the door first, and if his hips would let him, he would never leave my side except to roll in a nice poop! Now we have adopted my parents lab, (Bert), and I think we may have Marley on our hands...wish us luck...Stacey, Moose, and Bert.
A story from DebbieMcNamara about My Beagle and Me posted 12/05/2008
I just wanted to share that I just finished reading Marley and Me and I know it is my favorite book and I read alot of books. I am telling everyone about it and can't wait to see the movie. I saw the previews and it looks hysterical. We have a beagle named Snickers and he is the love of our lives even though he is "quite a rascal". I have had dogs throughout my life but nothing compares to the love and bonding we have found in our Snickers. I can't wait to read The Longest Trip Home and I am hoping to get my husband to also read and maybe even possibly begin a writing hobby. He seems to have some of your same kind of humor and wit. Thank you so much for Marley and Me!!!
A story from Diane Taylor about Saying good bye to Buster Taylor posted 12/05/2008
Hi everyone - I'm hoping this will be somewhat theraputic for me so I hope you don't mind. Last nite, my husband and I had to put down our beloved chocolate lab of 13 years, Buster. Today the emotion is very raw and overpowering. We were both there with him right til the end. My husband insisted that we maintain our composure until after Buster was gone so we wouldn't upset him. Easier said than done, right? But we did just that - and then the tears flowed freely. Buster was a kind and loving companion, and I know his spirit will be a part of me forever. As my husband and I drove home from the vet with an empty back seat, we both realized that Buster had been trying to teach us a lesson: love each other no matter what happens. I get it now, Bustie - I totally get it!!!! Thank you for letting me be your mom, and for leaving your legacy of love behind. I will never forget you, sweetie - sleep well:):):):)
A story from Leah about Your heart warming story of Marley and Me posted 12/05/2008
Hi John. My name is Leah and I am a 13 year old girl. I started reading Marley and Me about 4 days ago and I cannot put it down. Not only is it the most magical, sweet, hilarious, and silly story, but it makes me laugh and cry at the same time! I have not gotten to the end yet but I know that Marley dies and I know that I will cry as if Marley were my dog. I have a dog of my own. Her name is Sadie and turned 1 in February. She is an american eskimo spitz and she is also very sneaky, but she does not eat golden necklaces and then poop them up (like Marley)! She hides under blankets, and bites our toes, she wakes us up just so she can have some attention, and she is crazy for "human food." Whenever we eat, she tries to climb up onto the table, but she is too small to do that now. We did have a dog before that was also an american eskimo spitz (they are white and fluffy) named Shayna. She had cancer from ages 11-15 and then we had to put her down. It was so heart breaking, I don't think I could take it again. But I know I will feel just as heart breaking when I finish Marley and Me. Not only do I like your stories of Marley, but also of when you and Jenny were in Ireland and the beds were creeky. And also when you described the way everyone acted at the new town you moved to,since there were crimes, murders, etc. in the part of Florida you lived in before. There were so many little stories that made me laugh histarically! Also when you describe how Marley got out of the jumbo sized cage by his suliva- I couldn't help but laughing out loud! I am so sorry about the times when he spazzed out while it was raining and destroyed your house- you must have done about 10 repairs every year because of Marley! I also love that you put pictures in the book of Marley and your family, now whenever I look back at the book and look at those pictures it will remind me of your stories and wonderful life. You don't understand how unbelievably touching and heart warming the sweet story of Marley and Me is to me and many others. It makes me cry even when there is nothing to cry about and makes me almost laugh so much that I start crying! I have recommened the book to all my friends at my middle school and I urge you to stay a dog lover for the rest of you life to come, like me! Say hi to your family for me and tell them about this comment of mine. Please email me back at smileatme@ct.metrocast.net. I would love to hear how your life is now, since I know about your past already. Lots of love and happiness, Leah
A story from Anna Aslan about my chocolate lab posted 12/05/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, My name is Anna and I am 9 years old. Right now I am reading Marley a Dog Like No Other. I have a chocolate lab named Phoebe. She is the opposite of Marley. She is very mellow, but she has her moments when she is crazy. Today she was dragging me by a towel. This is the second time I have read your book. I am at the part when Marley just tore up the couch and Jenny wants to get rid of him. My mom was the same way when Phoebe was a puppy. She pooped on our carpet right when we were showing her to my best friend, it was so embarrasing! Well I highly recommend the book to all dog lovers and even people who don't like them. I used to be scared to death of dogs. Phoebe changed my life. You have encouraged me to keep loving dogs. When I grow up I will work with all animals. Thank you for writing the best book on earth. Anna from Bellingham WA.
A story from Collbren about My Pets posted 12/05/2008
Hi John I would like to say youre book is the best! I have emaled you all ready but I want to do it again! My cat just passed away my 3 dogs are still alive Well see you next time!
A story from Amanda Paula about Marley posted 12/05/2008
Hi, I'm Amanda. I'm only 12 years old, so forgive me if I say or spell something wrong. I hope that John gets to read this. My mom just bought me Marley and me : A dog like no other. I haven't read it, but I know that he passes away. I am very sorry John, and I know that if he understood or knew about all the things made in his honor, he'd love it!! I just wanted to tell you that, and that Marley is a one of akind dog, who deserves to be bragged about. Thank you for sharing your tory about Marley with us all, because it tells me I should appreciate the time I have now with my pets, because like ours, their time is short. Thank you John. Thank you soooo much!!!!
A story from Jennifer Zajicek about My Dog Sasha posted 12/05/2008
Hi John:
Just read Marley and Me and I laughed and cried more than I have in a long time as I could completely relate to your Marley adventures.
Sasha is our yellow lab and she is now 8 1/2 years old and just starting to gray but her energy and spirit continues to thrive. I think Sasha is the female version of Marley. Just today, Sasha tore my husbands winter gloves apart and I assume some of the parts are still in her stomach. My husband remarked "The coldest day of the year and the damn dog ate my gloves". Also today, Sasha chewed up 2 rolls of toilet paper and rolled with joy in my bath towel as she pulled it off the rack and trailed it through the house. Underwear among other things are her favorite things to chew up. Speaking of Marely who jumped out of the car window, our dog Sasha jumped out of our boat in the middle of the lake at our cottage. Among fisherman with their poles and bait in the water tying to enjoy the peace and quiet of Nortern Wisconsin, here was our dog splashing in the water and 2 maniacs (my husband and I) screaming to get her to come back to the boat.
Despite all the crimes our Sasha commits every day she is the sweetest, most loving and loyal dog. We shamelessly let her relax on the couch with us to watch TV at night and sleep in our bed. She usually takes the middle between my husband and I with her head on the pillow under the covers. Her snoring keeps me awake most nights and of course passing gas from all the junk she eats every day is standard procedure but we wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.
My husband is a hunter and Sasha is a great water fowl retriever but loves pheasant hunting the most. She is a great swimmer and despite her moments of naughtiness she overall responds well to commands including hand signals.
All I can say is dogs are the best friends and family members in the world. I grew up with dogs and my husband and I got our first dog Raysa at the local Humane Society. Raysa was a mixed breed, part Spaniel and something else. She liked to nip at heels so she must have had some sheep herder in her. Raysa was Sasha's big sister and taught her some of her naughty anitics such as barking at everything no matter what. Raysa herself was a unique and fantastic dog that passed away at age 16. This loss was the most heartbreaking time for my husband and I. As Sasha ages we have that sad ache in the back of our hearts. Like most all dog lovers, we wish they could live forever. The hardest part or your book for me was the last years of Marley's life. Our dog Raysa experienced many of the same problems especially with the back legs but she was a smaller dog that my husband could carry out doors to relieve herself. Sasha on the other hand is bigger at 75 lbs. and we have started having discussions on how we will take care of Sasha in her final years. We hate to talk and think about it but her graying progresses every year. The good news is - Sasha can still run and jump with great enthusiasm and her love for us and life is relentless.
I give prayer every night to our dogs (past and present) and thank god for bringing them into our lives. I have added Marley to my prayers and hope that Raysa meets up with Marley in dog heaven and eventually Sasha will too.
Thank you for writing such an endearing book!
Happy Holidays, Jennifer Zajicek
A story from Chelse Webb about My dogs and me posted 12/05/2008
I am almost 15 and my parents and I have 17 dogs, 5 cats, and a tarantula. Yes, its a wild world. I am mostly a dog person, but I love all animals. You were so right about how dogs show us what life really is about. A dog gives their whole heart to us human beings and never stop loving us. I have read Marley and Me almost 2 times and I will read it many more times. It made me cry, laugh, and think of some of my dogs. I had a dog named Nicky. My mom got her in a gas station bathroom. Someone just left her in the bathroom. She was just silly! She would do what I called a Nicky - dance. She would hop up and down, sway side to side, bark in this rough, but loving tone and literally smile. I would go in the backyard and she would jump up on me, knock me down, and pin me down and lick my face non-stop. I loved her so much! She was a ''good dog'', but she had spunk. Nicky had joint problems and one day it took over completely. She couldn't get up, so we had to put her to sleep. I cried and mourned for a long time, but time went on. Most of our 17 dogs are rescues from the local humane society or they strayed in. Our dog, Camp, is kind of like Marley. He jumps, barks, freaks out during storms, has ear infections, eats like a hog, and is so loving, I guess hes just good at being ''bad''. He is just wild. All of our dogs except 1, are outside. My dog rudy is a chihuahua. Hes grumpy, peppy, crazed, afrais of rain, wind, and storms, and eats like a big dog. He is my main dog and love him so much. I love all of our dogs and other pets, but I do have my favorites. Thank-you for writing Marley and Me, and thank-you for inspiring me. Marley & Me is one of the best books I have ever read and will be one of my favorites for the rest of my life. This book has emotion! You had one great dog!
A story from Celeste Paula about My pets posted 12/05/2008
Hi, I'm Celeste, I have a couple pets, and I could only post one of their pictures, he acts much like Marley, but I love him to death, here's Goliath, get it? Anyways, I call him puppsy wupsy. He's the baby out of all three dogs, so he gets spoiled, big time!!
A story from hunter cerise about love your book! posted 12/05/2008
I am Hunter Cerise and I am 9 years old.A few weeks ago I got Marley a dog like no other in our school's book order,and I had to read a book by 12-11-08.So why not read Marley,and I started reading it and I thought it was the best book in the WORLD.At some parts I started to crack up.I have been loving dogs all my life,and my absoloute favorite type of dog is the golden retreiver especially when they are a puppy.I have owned 2 dogs so far,a blood hound and a mutt.My grandmas and grandpas have owned many.I am defenently going to see Marley and Me at the movies ,day it comes out matter of fact.Well,hope you write more books. Your biggest fan, Hunter Cerise :)
A story from Carol about Peanut posted 12/06/2008
Hi John Grogan. i'm Carol and i'm 48. i have not read the book Marley & Me,(by the way, can't wait for the movie!!!) but my niece told me about this so here goes the story of Peanut. Last night Peanut barfed yellow and green colors on ny car tires!!!!!! & pooped yellow & green!!!!!!! every time he vomits he.....Caitlin, my niece, just told me to quote the book."and, Peanut, being cosiderate, never has hit the outdoors or the concrete if he can help it. he always aimed for my tires."
A story from Kim Schlehuber about kasey and me posted 12/06/2008
Hi John, I just finished your book last night. I cried through most and laughed. It is an amazing book. I lost my precious Kasey, a yellow lab, about a month ago. She was my whole world, my best friend always. Most of the things Marley did, my Kasey did. Except she wasn't so scared of lightening, but very afraid of fireworks. July 4th, was always a nightmare. It also seems my husband was always outside in his boxers waiting for Kasey to go to the bathroom. She also did the circles trying to find the perfect spot. After reading your book, I feel almost like Marley was my best friend too. Thank you so much for writing a wonderfull book. Cannot wait till christmas to see the movie and cry all over again. ( A good cry ) Your fan forever, Kim Schlehuber
A story from Ashley E. Washabaugh about My best dogs, Bumper and Riley posted 12/06/2008
Dear John Grogan or whoever else is readin this, I'm Ashley E. Washabaugh and i'm 11 years old.I've been through some tough times with my dogs. Bumper and Riley are strays.The mom named Dana and Bumper is the father.Riley is 1 of the 5 puppies Dana brought with her.They are the best dogs you could ever have. At first i had 2 bought dog, Sasha and Sampson. Sampson was born with liver problems and died from disease and pain of it. My mom's mom has this pet cemetary job running. There are cute little and big dog caskets. Since Sampson was a small shih-tzu I got him a medium kasket. My parents buried him in our back yard. He died on 9/15/08 I believe. I understood how he felt and the vets couldn,t let him suffer anymore so we had them put him to sleep :-( I was very sad. Since my parents had to work very often up in the gas well service sites on trucking jobs, we had to give Sasha our other shih-tzu away. My parents didn't tell me until i came home from school and i didnt get to say goodbye to her because my parents didnt tell me they were giving her away then.Then on july 4,2008 my dad and brother johnny were messin around with the pool filter and dana came around sniffing their legs and feet. I didnt know what to do so i went into the kitchen and got a few peices of Salami. She was extra skinny and she looked famished and parched.I put some water out for her xcept she wouldn't come near the porch with the water bowl. I went into the house and watched. I soon realized she gained enough trust to drink. She drank all of it. I came out and filled it up again. She emtied it. I did it the 3rd time and she got full half way in the bowl. I soon got used to her that day and decided to name her dana. After a few days she was still around. Me and my sister and law went out one day to get some pool supplies until we saw her on the side of the road walkin toward our house with a puppy. We came back after the pool place and we started up the drive-way. I heard but didn't c the pup anywhere.......i saw him under the horse trailer. I gave him a bath and soon named him, Lucky. The next day she came back with 3 more. A black boy, A tan boy and also one familiar to lucky with bigger darker brown spots though.The balck one's name is Rex, The tan boy is Caremal, The last boy, Bear. The next day i saw 2 more come. 2 girls.1 looked like rex and dana.I named it Roxy Rose. I named the 1 the 1 that looked like Caremel, Riley. They were the most hansome and beautiful puppys.The mother was still under wait. I fed her very much. The puppies looked very well taken care of. they were looking chubby like all puppies should and there coats were xtra clean. A month later the mother was very healthy and playful. We had the puppies in the outside dog cage with fresh food and water and a big wooden dog house.I always had to move the cage over so it wouldn't get all mucky. I put a tarp on the top so it was like a roof to keep the heat and rain out of the cage since there was nothing keeping it out on the top of the cage it let some sun through.They got heavier through time. 1 day i was swimmin with my brothers girlfriend, Alayna Jennings. My brother had kabbosi on the table on the dack. Dana grabbed a peice of Kabbosi and Andy had a breakdown. He got a fork and threw it at her ribs. We got out of the pool and tried to calm him down. He just wouldn't listen. He got the loaded rifle and stomped his way outside. He yelled at Dana to come to him. I called Dana xcept He told me that if i called her............... He pointed the gun at her neck and yelled at her at the same time. I cried and alayna did too. I was panicked. Andy came back in and he put the rifle back. I went outside and saw dana on the grass playing with the puppy, Riley. I was as pleased as punch when i saw her alive. I was relieved i was still shaking from the incidince that had just happened. our relationship wasn't over yet. A few months later i saw dana and a strange unfamiliar dog. I soon got used to him quickly. My dad couldn't trust him. I fed the pups and mothers food seperately with the fathers food because the father would nip at the puppies and the mom and dad would get into a fight and i'd have to get hurt again trying to break it up. I soon named the dad Rocky. I layed towels on the front porch for the puppies and parents to sleep on.my mom just got a yorkshire terrier and my sister and law got a morkie. the morkie somehow got upstairs and found bella and................ in a few months the yorkie, Bella had 2 adorable pups named dapper and dixie. Sid was a father!!! They were the silliest things in the world. They always played together and wen ever we put sid with the pups he would start shaking and run away from them ha ha ha!!! After awhile i renamed rocky to Bumper. He responded to the name more than Rocky. I soon put a collar on him and bonded with him really good. My parents then sold all the pups but 1. it was Riley. Dixie and Dapper were still here though. After we had sold the pups, Dana soon vanished. I still wonder where she is today right now. I miss her very much and i love her no matter what happens to her. She was the omst beautiful black and brown hound ever. November 6,2008 our house flew into flames from a burning candle in my brothers room. We r not aloud back into the house until february something, 2009. I miss being at my home and i miss my old life. My 2 fish died from no electricity because they lived with and oxygen tank.Mr. Gubby and Maccoroni. :-( Bumper soon thought as me i na wonderful owner and he stayed until November 3,2008 or so. We don't know what happened to him.My aunt lori was thinking about shooting him or giving him to the pound without permission. My aunts friend, Robbie keeps on shooting him with a beebee gun and no one believes me. But he i was quiet waiting in the truck to get on the bus till' robbie doss comes up and talks about that. He says he shot it with beebee gun on the tush and he ran off yelping. I felt so bad. I did the best i could to c if that was illegale. But i still want to find out. I believe he is causing animal creaulty.My brother has anger issues and he can't help it.Don't blam him.Don't blame anyone. Everyone and everything in the world is starting to get messed up around here.Life is hard but you have to get through it somehow.Don't give up yet. You'll have fantasies and they'll be wonderful one too. I hope you understand.Life is hard. Riley is still here. I live up at my parents office and sleep on a couch now. I miss my old life. Like i said everyone has fantasies.
A story from Shelby about my dog,Gracie posted 12/06/2008
One day I got a new dog.When I got home we played tug o war,well she did. She grabbed my pants leg and pulled.That little sucker was strong! Now she does that every day.
A story from Dave Uhlig about Ace & Toby posted 12/06/2008
I lost my black lab Ace last summer. Here's his website: http://www.mindspring.com/~duhlig/ I just bought a wonderful little yellow lab pup. I can't wait to see this movie!
A story from maddie about my crazy dog posted 12/06/2008
hey john first i want to say my dads name is john lol anyway i used to have a dog but i had to get rid of him and ill tell you why. one day my dad brought home a dog name skuttles. he was the cutest thing bust the very irt night he ran all the way to the park i just live like 2 minutes and later on my brother got hives and skuttles licked them which made it worse. so my aunt she does dog day care she took him and h put him up for adoption that was the worst and the next day my aunt called and ssaid he has been crying all night so she brought over and knowked me down he was so happy and skuttles was like a little tiny thing but everynight he wouldnt stop howling and i read ; marley a dog like no other and i satrted it on thursday and i have a few pages left its awesome and i feel bad because he was scared of thunder that made me sad anyway well ill keep you posted about my crazy dog love maddie
A story from Jennifer about My side kick posted 12/06/2008
I wanted to read this book for the past few years but never could bring myself to. I had a dog for many years named Georgia, she was a lab mix I got for a "free" ad out of the paper.. she went everywhere with me. Although she wasn't completely wild, she had her moments. She was also my "mama dog" when I was sick she would lay her head on my stomach as if she was watching over me. One day I was taking a shower and peeked out to see her sitting on the toilet (the lid was down) just sitting there.. it had to be the cutest thing ever.. She was there with me through my growing up years and the beginning of my marriage.. shortly after we got married we went out and she was left to play outside when we came home I had this horribe feeling something was wrong, sure enough she had been hit by a car.. she was still alive and my husband brought her up to the house where I layed in the back of his truck with her and a bowl of water begging her to just get up and show me she was ok.. I'll give her this..she tried, it's amazing how dogs can put aside their own pain just to comfort us. Her back was broken and there was nothing that could be done other than to let her go. I cried and cried and to this day it still brings tears to my eyes.. We now have a family of 4 dogs that have filled our home with very funny stories and destruction, but Georgia will always have a spot on my heart. I have a portrait of her on my bedroom wall. So I saw the previews for Marley and Me on tv and thought it was time to read the book. I just finished it and although it brought me to tears it also made me laugh and reminded me of some fun moments with Georgia and my puppies now. It's a great book and a lovely tribute to a wonderful part of your family!
A story from sam about my dog skye posted 12/06/2008
hey john.i'm sam and i'm 12. anyway, a few years ago, i had a husky/shepherd dog named skye. in a lot of ways, she was like Marley. She chewed everythin you left in the open. she was terrified of gunsthots and fireworks. she puked up stuff i'd been lookin for for days. she had an awesome ability to jump over stuff that i never thought possible. she also loved running. but one day when i was at school the hook on her collar gave out and she got hit by a car. i cried about her for 3 whole days. i know i'll remember her forever like marley
A story from Aislinn Heathcote about Love in the Form of Four Legs posted 12/06/2008
I stumbled upon Chelsea when I was 14 years old. An animal lover since birth, I begged my mom, to let me "just look at" the animals in our local animal shelter one day. She only let me walk through those doors after making sure I fully understood that "we are NOT coming out with ANY animal, and that is FINAL". I agreed.
Within five minutes, Chelsea, a big, clumsy Rottweiler/Husky mix was on the end of the leash. I just wanted to play with her and that was ALL, I told my mom. And when she turned her back, I whispered into my little brothers ear and bribed him to tell our mother that he wanted this dog. The adorable powers of a seven year old boy are a wonderful thing sometimes :).
And so we left with my new dog Chelsea...who immediatly vomited in our back seat (and on my little brother) which made my brother cry the whole way home. Upon arriving to our house and walking up our porch, we realized Chelsea, for whatever reason, had no clue how to use stairs. Together we hauled her 60 pound butt up those stairs and into the house. And so it began....
We were all, (and our still) convinced that Chelsea was the dumbest, baddest, clumsiest dog in the world. We have COUNTLESS stories about her that make us laugh to this day, the latest being her escape out of our back door where she then proceeded to jump into the Corvette of a very terrified prom queen in a parade outside of our house. :)
But never have I seen a dog more loyal than Chelsea. She was my stepdad's very best friend from the day I brought her home. We would always joke about their relationship and call them "lovers". Chelsea was in love with everyone she met, but never more than she was with my stepdad.
And when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer a little over three years ago, they became even closer. Chelsea was at his side every minute of everyday, right up to the very last minute of his life.
They gave my stepdad only a few months to live...but he ended up fighting cancer for three long years, and there is no doubt in my mind that Chelsea was a huge part of the stregnth he needed to keep going. Even in the most terrifying of times, she was ALWAYS there to make us all laugh, and she was endlessly lovable.
One of the saddest but most touching sights I saw between my stepdad and Chelsea was within the last few hours of his life. Chelsea, still determined to keep his spirits up, grabbed her favorite ball and nuzzled his hand several times. "Not tonight Chelsea" I said. But it didn't dampen her spirits. She simply sat her ball down, gave his hand a good lick, and laid down beside him until his last moment.
Chelsea is seven now. She's slowing down ever so slightly, but is still just as much the puppy she was when I found her years ago. I am 19 years old now and far away from home for college. I major in Zoo Science and interact with many different and amazing animals on a daily basis, but never have I meant an animal that I can love more than I love my big dumb dog. I get to fly back home to Pennsylvania in just a week after 5 VERY long months of being away from home. I very much look forward to seeing my family again and spending a wonderful Christmas with them. But secretly (well I guess not so secretly anymore), one of the things I am most looking forward to is going home again and seeing that big, dumb, but very happy face looking at me through the window (and in the process covering it with slobber). The thing I most look forward to is that big, giant, slobbery welcome home hug from the funniest, most faithful and lovable animal I have ever known.
Thanks for writing Marley and Me. :) It made me appreciate my lovable disaster all the more.
Aislinn Heathcote
A story from Natalie about Barkley posted 12/07/2008
John,
I literally just finished reading Marley & Me and I absolutely loved it. It has been a long time since I have been so into a book that I could not put it down.
My 1 1/2 yr. old pointer/spaniel mix Barkley shares some of the behaviours of Marley, especially the need to eat/destroy random things.
One Friday I came home from work to drop something off before going out with friends. Barkley has his own room, blocked off from the main house by a baby gate that we keep him in while we're at work. His setup is nice with a doggie door so he can come and go as he pleases during the day.
I didn't plan on peeking in on Barkley, since I knew he would get all excited and I would just have to leave again, but something told me to look. My jaw dropped as the floor of Barkley's room was covered with some gray fluff, and he was sitting amidst the chaos. At first I was angry as I realized the gray fluff used to be his dog bed, but when I saw the look on his face I couldn't help but laugh.
As you can see, the look on his face was so priceless I couldn't help but take a picture for the family album.
He's a complete mess, but after reading your book I don't think I have ever hugged that dog tighter. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
A story from Ingrid Gilkes about MY DOG SHEEBA posted 12/07/2008
GREAT BOOK I LOVE MARLEY & ME . REMINDS ME OF MY DOG SHEEBA I THOUGHT I WAS ACTUALLY READING ABOUT HER THE TEARS AND JOYS THE WHOLE EXCITING EXPEDITIONS. SHEEBA LOVES THE BEACH WHEN SHE GETS LOOSE SHE RUNS STRAIGHT FOR THE WATER WHICH IS JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM US.
A story from brooke hubert about jess my dog posted 12/07/2008
hey john i'm brooke and i'm just starting to read your book Marley.sometimes it reminds me of my jess.Sometimes she can be a stinker but other times she can really sweet.she loves to gurd me and my family she really is fun and she has a big heart and i think Marley had a big heart too.
A story from Kim Cooper about Marley posted 12/07/2008
I just finished reading your book. I received it as a gift from my son's girlfriend. She bought it for me because my beloved dog's name is also Marley, but she is female. I can't tell you how this book touched me. The chapter before your Marley passed I had to stop reading because I knew what was coming and I couldn't stop crying. My dog is only eight but she is truly the best dog in the world. I will be truly lost when she passes. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I will definitely go see the movie.
A story from Sarah about Hogan posted 12/07/2008
Dear John,
I loved your story, "Marley and Me." Marley reminds me so much of my dog, Hogan. He is a black labrador retriever, like Marley. I cried and laughed a lot during your story. Sarah
A story from Stefanie about The Helpless Life Of My Dog posted 12/07/2008
One day, right after Christmas to be exact. I got a cute, clumsy little furball named Marley. I found him at a a shelter here down in south Florida. Right after I was introduced to the book "Marley, A Dog Like No Other" I was so amazed at how much Marley had in common with your Marley. I remember that Marley grew up to be 14 years old until he died. Marley died when his hind legs got weak. One day, Marley was climbing up the stairs. He saw me and tried running to me. Since his hind legs were growing weak, he fell and broke one of his legs. I called the best vet in town. She said,"Marley is not able to walk anymore. He has two choices." I asked what they were she told me that Marley cuold have a $2,000 surgery or that we could let him go good night. Since he had suffered so much since his leg was broken, my husband and I decided to not let Marley suffer anymore. So a few days later the vet called she told us to come tot the animal hospital right away. So we did. I asked if I could be alone with Marley for a minute. Then I asked the vet if she could tell me when Marley went bye-bye. She said that his heart was thumping slowly. A few minutes later, she said that he was gone. Gone forever. After all these years. Marledy was my best friend forever and he still is. My good ol' Marley. The tears were worth it.
A story from Tara Lee, age 11 about My Dog and Yours posted 12/07/2008
Dear John,
I just started reading your book, "Marley, A Dog Like No Other" and I just can't put it down! I love dogs so even a dog like Marley melts my heart!!! I wish I could have met Marley myself. My dog, a purebred rottweiler, is named Mesha (pronounced Me-sha). Mesha, for the most part is a good dog, even though every once and a while she loves to get into garbage. Mesha is my own personal protector, anyone who wants to mess with me has to go through my dog first. Even in any rough play Mesha has to be between me and my friend/family member. Mesha may be a rottweiler but she wouldn't actually hurt anyone. In fact almost every night around 6:30 we lay down on the sofa, her head on my chest, and watch a movie. When I get home from school she brings my a slipper or the skin of a toy (after she devours the stuffing). She greets everyone with a welcoming butt-wiggle. Her little tail (or we call it her "nub") wiggling a mile a minute as well. I love sharing stories with you but I'm out of stories right now.
I read your book on my honeymoon, and ate it up! Although, I must admit that it took me two days to read the ending, because I figured people would look at me funny if I was crying on the beach.
I have a 9 year old Golden named Adidas, or Poops as we like to call him. Boy, oh boy, was he bad as a pup! Shredded paychecks, holes in drywall, mangled glasses - you name it! One time, when he was 7 months old, he drug me through tan bark. But gosh, is he worth it.
At nine, Adidas is showing signs of aging, with a white face and bad hips. It makes me sad just thinking about it. Two days ago, we added to our family - a 9 week old Black Lab named Winter, or Winnie for short. Here we go again...
Keep the books coming!
Renee Coonradt Harrisburg, PA
A story from Rachel about Marley posted 12/07/2008
My husband and I were recently married in June. 4 weeks ago we were at a pet store and saw a yellow lab puppy on sale. We both had yellow labs growing up and I talked him into it. This was a totally impulsive decision but she was so cute! We got her home and my sister-in-law was looking up names on the internet. Marley was in the top 10 and my husband said he liked it because of Bob Marley. Since he let me get the dog (against his better judgement) I agreed on Marley as well. I thought this was a good name for a dog. Marley was so wonderful the first week. She was so docile and obedient. My neighbor asked me if I wanted to borrow her book, Marley and Me, to read. I said yes. As I was reading the book, I kept saying, "Oh, I'm so glad she doesn't do that!". Well, she has come out of her shell in the past four weeks. She is definitely showing us her lab personality and we love her so much! She is a sweet dog! This book was wonderful and made me think of my yellow lab from when I was younger. It also makes me appreciate the antics of my new puppy, Marley, all the more. Thank you!
A story from Rachel about Marley posted 12/07/2008
My husband and I were recently married in June. 4 weeks ago we were at a pet store and saw a yellow lab puppy on sale. We both had yellow labs growing up and I talked him into it. This was a totally impulsive-size:10pt;"> Keep the books coming!
Renee Coonradt Harrisburg, PA
A story from Steve about You help avoid a big mess! posted 12/07/2008
John,
I finished reading Marley and Me last night. I don't need to tell you how moving it was; others have already proved that. Instead, I thought I'd share how the book saved me from a disastrous mess.
Within an hour of finishing the book, my eyes had dried and I was watching TV. My 2 year old mini poodle, Rupert, began to hit his leash, indicating that he wanted to go outside. I knew that my wife had just taken him out and that he definitely did not have to go to the bathroom - he just wanted to play in the new snow, or so I thought. It was cold out and I much preferred to stay in the warm house, but since I just got done reading about how dogs remind us to enjoy the simple things in life, including relaxing during a night walk and the joy of a fresh snowfall, I decided to take Rupert outside.
It was a good thing I did. The instant we hit the grass, he went into his circular crouch and let loose with a load of diarrhea, just like Marley at the saltwater beach!
Thank you for getting me to turn off the TV, put on the coat, and enjoy that night walk. Not only did I feel closer to my dog, but it saved me an awful cleaning job... and Rupert thanks you too!
A story from Casey King about Your Marley...My Inky posted 12/07/2008
June 1, 1985 was my Black Lab, Inky's birthday, August 1, 1985 is the day she came home to live with my daughter and me for 13 years, 1 week and 1 day, it was just the 3 famales in the house!
I just finished reading your delightful story and saw many of the same characteristics in your Marley as I saw in my Inky...but I haveta tellya I wouldn't have changed one single solitary thing about her. She had a certain amount of intelligence and was easily trained by my daughter but there were times when I thought what a pain she was...like the time she decided to literally top my 8' dogwood tree. When I arrived home from work she was sitting at the gate with a look on her face like "you are gonna be so pi--ed at me!' I walked over to the gate, said my usual "Hello Doodle" gave her a hello pat to her head and walked inside. I looked out the bay window in my breakfast room...the window where I could used to see my new dogwood tree...except it wasn't there any longer. Instead of my tree in one piece it was scattered about the yard in numerous pieces. She never told me what the dogwood tree did to warrant her toppingit....
She could understand English, really she could but she couldn't spell worth a hoot. that was made clear one evening when my daughter and I were discussing what to get her for Christmas. I told Kelley I had no idea what to get Inky for Christmas...besides we couldn't discuss it right now because she was laying on her bed in front of the fire. Well we began to spell ideas lie DOG BONES, NEW LEAD...each time I would spell something she would look at Kelley then she would spell something back to me. this went on for several minutes and Inky became extremely exasperated where she just got up and walked out of the room and up the stairs...only to return when be bagan to talk and not spell.
I could go on for ages with things she did and ways she enriched our life. But you see she has been gone since June 9, 1997 and reading the sweet story of your Marley has brought back so many snipits of things my daughter and I shared with our "Lady Inkspot of Frenrother" wouldya believe I still miss her terribly and know she will live forever in our hearts and memories AND there will never be another dog like her....she too was a great dog, one we willingly gave our hearts to and both of us knew she loved us so.
Thank you for sharing your Marley with us....aren't we fortunate humans to have had them in our life...
Casey King Richmond VA Human of: Lady Inkspot of Fentother aka LBGD (Little Black Girl Dog) which was her 1st name before we decided on her registered name, Inky, Doodle in short she would answer to just about any name as long as you said it in a sweet way.....Oh I could just go on for days about how good she was and how much we still love her!!!
A story from Dianne about Marley and Me posted 12/07/2008
Dear John, I bought the book, Marley and Me; just to be light reading material on a cool winters day. I then began reading selections of the book to my middle school language arts class. They fell in love with the book. We decided to read the entire book as a class novel. Soon the entire class and I plan to go see Marley and Me at the movies. Thanks for writing the book. My students never knew reading could be so much fun.
A story from Monica, Pittsburgh, PA about Marley & Me posted 12/07/2008
Hello John ~
I am currently reading the last chapter of Marley & Me. It moved me to laughter and to tears but I'm glad I bought it. I had seen it sometime ago but was reluctant to buy it. I had heard a few people say it was very sad and they wouldn't read it. I now disagree with them and told them they were missing out not only because it was a remarkable and funny and touching story but that the writing is fabulous. I think it's hard to write humor but the words you chose and the way you put them together made for a truly entertaining adventure. I recently lost my 13 year old Border Collie Mix named Sampson, "Sam". I miss him terribly. He wasn't as neurotic and destructive as Marley but they had this in common: they were both loyal and selfless with the purest of hearts. Sam had diabetes for the last 3 years and as he lived with my Dad, he was the one who administered daily insulin shots. He was still frisky with that "Marley Spunk" pretty much up until the last few months of his life. And in the words of my Dad, "He was the best dog we ever had." The bond between you and Marley was deep and lasting and I truly thank you for sharing this story with the world. And thank you for explaining how it may have been harder losing a dog in ways unlike losing a person. They understand what the Little Prince had to say about relating to one another: "What is essential is invisible to the eye." Thank you again John and Take Care.
A story from Randi about my dog and marley posted 12/07/2008
My dog is Charlie and he is like Marley in alot of ways he is very wild and when we got cats we had to put the cats downstairs like marley when you got the chicks
My dog Charlieis dark brown and on some of him is black and white little spots he is preety like Marley
My dog could sit and stare out the window if we never moved it is so funny Charlie loves playing soccor I have to admitt he is good at it it is funny he likes passing it back and forth. He loves giving kisses to me
We love like you love Marley I have the book Marley a dog like no otherthat book is the best book ever
Randi Rogers
A story from Randi about my dog and marley posted 12/07/2008
My dog is Charlie and he is like Marley in alot of ways he is very wild and when we got cats we had to put the cats downstairs like Marley when you got the chicks
My dog Charlie is dark brown and on some of him is black and white little spots he is preety like Marley
My dog could sit and stare out the window if we never moved it is so funny Charlie loves playing soccor I have to admitt he is good at it it is funny he likes passing it back and forth. He loves giving kisses to me
We love Charlie like you love Marley I have the book Marley a dog like no other that book is the best book ever
Randi Rogers
A story from Jennifer Blackwelder about Buckwheat posted 12/07/2008
Dear John, Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute on behalf of all of us "dog lovers". Our dear pet, Buckwheat, a yellow lab, was put to sleep on Sept. 22, 2008 at the ripe age of 13. While I can't say he had much in common with Marley on the behavior front(my husband trained him to be an amazingly well-behaved dog)he was as big hearted and loyal as anyone could hope for. Watching him age of the last four years was a heartbreaking but moving experience. I learned so much from him, as you did from Marley. I don't have children, so he was my child. I miss him terribly, especially at Christmas time. I have hung his stocking on the mantel in tribute to all of the wonderful times we shared. Buckwheat was the type of dog that, when my mother called, she asked how Bucky was before she asked about us! He would bring my husband neck pillows and newspapers and cuddled with me for countless hours. He and I had an understanding that is impossible to explain, but I am sure you know the feeling. He never barked, but his eyes spoke volumes. In the latter years his hearing failed him as well. From the ages of 10 to 13 he had a daily regimen of glucosamine & chondroitin vitamins along with Deramaxx and prescription pain relievers for his persistent arthritis. I lifted him up and down the stairs of our elevated house until my back ached, but I vowed as long as he seemed happy I couldn't bare to part with him. His last weekend on earth he slept almost the entire weekend. He fell down with every other step and developed incontinence. We knew it was time. He is buried behind his "ganny's" house since our house was under contract when he died. This way, we will always be able to go back and visit. Buckwheat had too many special qualities to describe here, but he is dearly missed. Now, we start another adventure, as I listen to Barley, our 16 week old yellow lab, whimper in his daddy's lap. I will be appx. 45 if he lives to his expected age. I look forward to the many years ahead, but already know the very palpable hurt I will endure in the end. To me, it is all worth it. Thank you again!
A story from James Morche about Bogart posted 12/07/2008
Bogart was not my dog, but a blued-eyed sealpoint Siamese cat. He was 7. I was 36.He died; I cried. That was three decades ago and I assumed that was all behind me... until I read the chapter where you took Marley to the vet for the last time. I remembered making that same decision.I sobbed like a baby as I read. That brought it all up again.
Cats don't ask much: Feed me, love me and occasionally changed my litter box.
(Bogart was neutered, of course. which made him hump-free Bogart.)
We have two ankle-biter dogs now, one of whom is blind. Marley has made me more tolerant and appreciative of them. Thanks, Marley. Thanks, John.
Jim
A story from Stacey Radley about Isiasc and Roxy posted 12/07/2008
10 and a half years ago we opened our home and hearts to a golden retriever puppy named Isiaac. Quickly he took over our house destroying sprinklers and socks. Stealing icecream from a neighbors todler sent him to boarding school and prompted us to open our hearts to a female golden retriever Roxy.
In terms of temperment they were polar opposites. Isiaac was strong willed and michevious and Roxy had a controllable gentle spirit. As a puppy Issiac ran circles around Roxy who after an hour of playing would prefer a nap.
Sadly we lost our sock thieth young to cancer. His girlfrien Roxy is now 10 and has never forgotten how to be a sweet, mellow loyal or kind. Issiacs goofy nature was a gift if he had been calm we never would have gotten our sweet girl.
A story from Maggie about sorry posted 12/07/2008
My dog had died last year it made are family very sad because we were not their to see him befor he died.Now he is up in doggie heaven with Marley.
A story from Janet Knowlton about Stella posted 12/08/2008
Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful book. I just had to read it as we just got a lab puppy who is now 15 weeks old. Our golden passed away in May and it was so nice to not have the responsibility and freedom of a dog...and then we decided to just go "look" at puppies. The we came home with Stella. I just died laughing at the description of your puppy obedience class because our previous dog got kicked out for being too "social"! Stella is a doll but "stubborn". We are working with a trainer this time around so she will be well-behaved but we'll see! Can't wait to see the movie!
A story from Cherry about Cookie posted 12/08/2008
Hi Mr John, I am from Malaysia and I have just finished reading your book. Your book is the only thick English book that I was able to finish reading it in two days because I have a tendency of falling to sleep within first two pages of an English novel. You are lucky considering that you have your last chance to say goodbye to your dog. I too have a dog previously.His name is Cookie but I prefer to call him Cookie Baby. He passed away about two years after Marley,a day after Valentine's Day during one of his morning walk. I was more unfortunate to not being able to even say goodbye to my dog and it really break my heart on that fatefull day. You see, he used to go for morning walk on his own and he would be back home after a walk but on that morning, he just went out and never came back. Cookie and I are very closed, almost like mother and son for I cared and pampered him very much. Well, I believe that he has nine lives, just like cats considering his lots of dangerous adventure like almost ate a meat laced with rat poison, accidently being leashed under the hot sun for a few hours, slept overnight in the drain and wander off to the highway. Although I know that chocolate is not good for dogs, I believe that they too, should enjoy their life and Cookie loves Cadburry chocolate and durian. He would not eat any chocolate other than Cadburry and he loves to eat ice-cream too. His sudden passing was too much for me to bear at that time but I believe that now he is in paradise and maybe, just maybe is playing with Marley.Well, who knows about it? Last year, I have a new dog, rescued from the street name Blackie. This time is a female dog. Hopefully she can live for as long as she can.
A story from Laura about Loyal Family Dogs posted 12/08/2008
I just want to thank you for writing such a touching book about our furry family members. We have three dogs currently, a 2 year old pug and two 16 year old dachshunds. We too got our dachshunds shortly after getting married and they are the only pets our children have ever known. It is so difficult to watch them grow older but the thought of putting them down is something we have agreed not to do unless they are in pain. For us, letting them go in God's time in their own yard is what we believe is for the best. I often worry about what our male will do once our female goes because she is wearing more quickly than him. I thought I had prepared myself for that time but after reading your book I know that I am not ready. I haven't done enough, loved enough, petted them enough. So thank you for reminding me to take the time to pamper my pets and let my children pamper their pets in their final days.
A story from Carrie about Marley &Me posted 12/08/2008
Hi John! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Marley &Me. I just finished it yesterday, and cried. My 11year old daughter is reading the kid version of it right now and loving it. We do not have a dog right now , but I grew up with a lab mix, Chip, and marley brought back all of the goofiness in Chip. It also brought back the saddest memories of watching your beloved friend age. There are so many more happy memories, however. I was laughing out loud at the "Dog Beach" chapter. When Marley was going to poop in the water and you yelling down the beach!!!! That was hysterical. Thanks again for a sweet story, I truly enjoyed it. Carrie DeGaro
A story from Vanessa in Texas about My Marley posted 12/08/2008
Thank you for writing a wonderful book. My husband and I have a "Marley" named Leroy. It was crazy how similar Leroy's behavior is to Marley's. I alternated between crying and laughing hysterically while reading this wonderful novel. All the character's wonderful. I can't wait to see the movie and also read Mr. Grogan's other novel.
A story from Vanessa in Texas about Leroy's Marley Move! posted 12/08/2008
I could see Marley doing this!
A story from Sandee about Donut posted 12/08/2008
I adopted my precious maltese and pooodle mix Donut from a shelter when he was four months old. Sixteen years later, after many crazy, happy years spent going to the doggie park, car riding, walking for blocks, playing fetch, I became his caregiver for the last two years of his life. I have had Marley & Me on my bookshelf for about a year. I pulled it down from the shelf (was Donut telling me it was time?). I did not want to read it since on November 3rd of this year, 2008, my precious Donut went to rest in the arms of angels. The last thing I wanted to read about was another dog. Last Friday for some strange reason I opened the book and started reading. Uncontrollable laughter bounded forth as my memory was jogged back to the "puppy days" of Donut. Donut never weighed more than 20 pounds, but that never stopped him from wanting to play with the "big boys". Two days later, I finished the story of Marley. It had dawned on me about half way through that this wasn't going to end in a "good way" so why was I reading about another dog's passing. I kept reading (again, Donut were you pushing me along?) and finished it, sobbing just as hard as when I let Donut go to be with the angels. Thank you for sharing Marley with me.
A story from Dawn Saunders about Abbey posted 12/08/2008
I have just finished reading your book Marley and Me. While I was reading it I couldn't help but see some similarities between your Marley and my 6month old lab Abbey. My family and I had to put down our beloved lab cross last October and when my husband suggested a new dog, we thought ok. So we found a breeder and my husband picked out a beautiful yellow female lab. When we got her home she was very quiet, but within weeks she was chewing shoes and anything else she could get her mouth on. When she thought that we weren't looking she would take off with shampoo bottles from the bathroom, so we would have to come at her from all sides to get it away from her, because if you tried on your own she would just hitail it the other direction. She also likes to hide things in her mouth and it is a guessing game as to what you will find when you catch her. I am going to tell my daughters to read this book because it so describes my puppy to a tee. I know what it is like to have a friend of 12 or more years get sick and have to be put down. I hope that you get as much joy from Gracie as we are getting from our Abbey.
A story from Amanda about My own Beast posted 12/08/2008
I have just finished your book Marley and Me several times now. Each time I read it, it just makes me feel better about my dog, Winston. He is a 70 pound springer spaniel. He has done many of the things Marley had. We have baby locks on our pantry and trash. Our Christmas tree looks like we live in a house full of todlers. All the ornaments are up towards the top. The bottom of the tree has lights, but thats all.
A story from Melissa about Quite the opposite.. posted 12/08/2008
I just finished your book Marley & Me. I loved it SO much! The ending got me teary-eyed. I cannot wait for the movie to come out to see it! I have to say though, my dog Chloe is a year old and the opposite of what Marley was like. She is amazingly well behaved and no troubles yet knock on wood. Thanks for writing an amazing book!
A story from Payton about marley posted 12/08/2008
Marley and me is SUCH a great book!Every time I read it I want A Marley of mine own!
A story from Karan about Candy posted 12/08/2008
Hello Mr.Grogan, Thank you for writing the most amazing boook ever. I am a fifth grader that lives in New York. I have a dog too! Her name is Candy. She is a long-haired miniature dachshund. She is just like Marley, a clumsy but loving dog. When I come home from school, she charges to the door and barks like I've been gone for 1 million years. Also Candy loves to steel food. Since she is a dachshund, she can not reach our table. Unfortunatly, I have a 3 year old brother that spills everything. The only time Candy is good is at night. She curls into my bed and sleeps.
A story from Kendel about Lexi posted 12/08/2008
i absoulutely loved marley and me. it was the most touching book ive read. marley reminded me so much of my own bestfriend lexi. she is a german shepard lab mix and is crazy weird and hilarious. she can make me laugh no matter what. she has ripped couches, scratched doors up, eaten our dinner, and did only stuff we agreed the worst behaved dog could do. we call her disabled because she acts mental sometimes. but i love her with all my heart. she has taught me things that no one else, human could teach me. how to enjoy the simplest things in life. i love her to death. she has changed my life from day 1:D
A story from Christine Garcia about Thank You posted 12/08/2008
Dear John,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing Marley's story with us all. My family unexpectedly lost our beloved Springer Spaniel Lucy last week. I a wierd twist of fate I finished Marley and Me the day before she passed away. Your words have comforted me through this difficult time and reassured me that grieving a close family member of 11 years, even a crazy, hyper, stinky dog is okay. Thank You and God Bless.
Christine
A story from Melanie about Love Marley! posted 12/08/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan,
I finally finished reading Marley and Me, only because I procrastinated on the last 3 chapters due to my reluctance to read about his departure. I absolutely love your book! I really felt that the book was written just for me, as I have loved yellow labs since I had mine in Montana. Beautiful Dixie. Dixie has many traits from Marley, although digging was more her forte than chewing. My house was across the street from the school my step-son Cade attended at the time. Although she dug several holes in our back yard, I was still in complete dismay when she dug a hole under the privacy fence and escaped to Cade's school just in time for his recess break. I'm sure you can imagine his "disappointment" when he was outside with his school mates and his dog Dixie came bounding across the lawn!
Unfortunately, I had to leave Dixie in Montana due to personal reasons. It would have been selfish of me to bring her to North Carolina and a confined condo without a yard, when she loved western mountain life and was born and bred for it. However, ever since I left 3 years ago I have been dying for another lab! Your book has inspired my love for labs once again, and I am very much looking forward to the movie! Knowing that Dixie had so much in common with Marley, I can truly say that those dogs sure do keep life interesting and full of zest! My life has not been the same since.
Warm regards, Melanie
A story from Pam Pedersen about Life with Ellie posted 12/08/2008
Dear John, I have known of your book for some time but never wanted to read it - feeling it would be too painful after having lost our (I have to pause and laugh because Ellie just did a "Marley", not silentand deadly and she looked at her hind end and moved to the other side of the room)as I was saying, I could never bring myself to check your book out of the library because I thought it would remind me too much of our first two labs. Our first was Ellie, a black ball of fur we got from my husbands brother 10 days before I gave birth to our first child. I treasure the pictures of me holding her on my huge stomach...and there was no way that precious thing was sleeping in a box. I guess I was in the nesting phase..she slept on my side of the bed in her box from the moment we brought her home. Casey was the "perfect dog". She never chewed a thing, never had an accident in the house and was our daughter's constant companion for 12 years. Casey endured clip on earrings, sat patiently to have her nails polished, wore fluffy tu-tus and countless other dress-up costumes through the years. The only "bad" thing she ever did was to poop under our son's crib when we brought him home from the hospital 2 and half years later. She came to love and protect our son as passionatley as she did our daughter. When the kids were 4 and 6 years of age we moved to the country in Virginia. Casey was 6 and we thought it would be good for her to have a comapanion to explore the cow pastures of our neighbors and hopefully watch over our rambunctious son. And then came Java...our chocolate lab. I believe he may have been realated to Marley. Java came to us through a dear friend who could no longer handle this out of control one and half year old ball of terror. My husband and I jumped at the chance and my friend paid to have him flown from New York to Virginia. While the children and I waited at home Daddy drove to the airport in his new/used pick up truck to get Java from the airline. My husband arrived a few minutes after they had unloaded the plane. He had to go to the cargo pickup area. He showed them the papers authorizing him to pick up the dog. He was met with blank stares by several baggage handlers gathered around the huge empty dog crate.....Java had escaped from the crate....they eventually found him at the employee vending machine surrounded by other baggage handlers who were shoving change into the machine purchasing chips, cheetos, etc and watching Java devour all they would give him. "Hey, mister, this dog is hungry!" And Java was hungry to the end of his life. Although we had seen pictures, I think my husband was surprised at his size - at the time he was 85 pounds (our beloved Casey was 55 pounds)-with the hugest head my husband had ever seen. Java would did not ride home from the airport in his crate in the back of the truck - he would have nothing to do with that.....and so, my husband drove severals miles back to our home with Java slobbering eveywhere in the cab of the truck....my husband swears he saw the cars behind him using their windshield wipers as the slobber flew out the window......Java loved that ride to his new home. This was 1993, before everyone had a cell phone so all the kids and I and Casey could do was wait to hear the crunch on the gravel driveway signaling Daddy was home. Our daughter and son had Casey all prepared to meet her new "brother" - she was brushed to perfection and wearing a necklace or two from our dauhter's dress-up trunk. We heard the gravel crunching and ran outside....my husband tried his best to open the driver's side door and keep Java in the truck but Java was having none of that!!! I will never forget seeing that charging blur of brown leaping out, nearly knocking my husband to the ground and heading for the kids, Casey and I. I grabbed our 4 year old son, my husband was trying to get to our 6 year old daughter to pick her up as she proudly stood with her dressed up Casey as we thought Java was going to attack them.....it was pandelerium for a moment or two....I grabbed our son, Dad got to our daughter, Java kept charging forward and then Casey barked like we had never heard her bark before! It was one bark - low and deep - her hair stood up - she never moved - and Java dropped to the ground in a low submissive crouch......he whimpered...she growled in her throat....Casey went over and sniffed him and he never moved...we all stood there, silent, and motionless. I know my husband was thinking the same thing I was - what have we done??? Ever so slowly Java reached up to Casey's neck with his big mouth and I thought this is it....and he bit off her necklace......he held the string in his mouth as if it were a trophy....and Casey just looked at him. Just looked, never barked, just looked.....her look said I am in charge here...and then the two of them took off into the backyard woods. It took Casey all of 3-5 minutes to put him in his place and let him know she was in charge of this family. Java was a trial for us - he was a "wild" soul...but eventually with Casey's guidance he became not a good dog, but a better dog. When Java was 2 years old I was in the shower one morning and our by then 4 and a half year old son let him out withour permission. Soon after there was a knock on our front door, I was in my bathrobe and there was a woman and her car in our front yard - she stated my dog had dented her car. i was frantic asking her where is my dog? She replied that he was laying in the road...I raced down the half acre drive to find Java indeed in the road - as I leaned over him calling his name he lifted his head and gave me a huge sloppy kiss - in a moment he was on his feet, shaking his head as if to say, "wow, what was that I hit?" He lumbered home, the lady and I exchanged information - come to find out - her car insurance had to pay for the dent - you can not hold a 4 year old child or a dog liable.....those were the good old days!! Java did have a gash on the side of his head from hitting the car. We loaded him up and took him to the country vet we came to love as your family loved Dr. Jay. $25.00 to sew Java up - $25.00 to sew him up when the neighbors cow did not want to play with him....he was indestructable...the perfect dog for our growing son......... Our life in the country was perfect! Casey by our daughter's side and Java by our son's. Yes, Casey eventually taught Java manners and he was allowed to come in the house...it was that or keep replacing the molding around the laundry room door into the garage. As wild and crazy as he was outside, he was very well behaved inside except for the tail....long after our children had learned not to mess with the Christmas tree we still had a tree with ornaments only on the top half because of his tail! My husband's job moved us from our beloved Virginia countryside to the "city" in Indiana. Sadly, Casey died of old age at 12 and a half. Our daughter had never know a life without her beloved dog. She lavished her attention on Java and he seemed to know her need. He would go into her room several times a night to check on her. In fact, after Casey died, Java never seemed to have a peaceful night of rest. He was lonely and restless, going from bedroom to bedroom every night checking on everyone. We had a huge dogbed by the fireplace in our family room where he and Casey would lay together. After Casey died Java never layed on that bed again. We coaxed and coaxed...he would lay next to it but not on it. 6 months after we lost Casey, Java was diagnosed with lymphoma. He willed himself to live for our son and family times. We did the surgery but that only bought us time. Despite his illness Java exhibited "Marley" courage. He loved life, he chased his ball, he rested...he slobbered, he continued to clear a coffee table in one fell swoop of the tail. We went to the vet one morning for a checkup and while the vet did by no means prounce him "cured" - he stated he could not believe Java was still "hanging in there." My son and I brought him home from that appointment and had a Java way to go party - playing with his favorite toys - just messing around and loving him. Four hours later I found Java on the hard wood floor of our kitchen and he could not get up. I could see in his eyes something was wrong. There was no way a child and I could wrestle this 105 pound dog into the car. I called my husband - sounding hysterical...our son was home and I could not find any neighbor or friend to watch our son while I dealt with Java - my husband rushed home - we managed to get Java into the car and rush to the vet - the vet was astounded as he had just seen Java a few hours earlier...... Java's tmeperature was very high and it appeared he had a stroke....I cried, the vet cried. I told the doctor we had to bring our son with us and he needed to see Java "before" - Dr. P. told me that was fine but Java would likely not know we were there. I went out to the waiting area and beckoned my husband and 9 year old son to come with me. It was one of the hardest thinks I have ever had to do as a parent. I could not lie, our son was there with us, and there was no fixing this....our son entered the room clinging to his father's arm. As soon as he saw Java laying there he went to his head and bent over to kiss and hug his dog...our son whispered in Java'a ear and to the amazement of the vet, Java wagged that huge, destructive, lovable tail so hard it banged the table. Java opened his eyes, looked at our son as if to say, "I'm sorry buddy, I tried.." and Java licked our son's face..his tail went limp and he was gone, without any medicine....Java was a great dog!! We lived for a few months without a dog..dog people don't do this well....the kids were lost and I was trying to convince myself I was so glad not to have the dog hair, muddy footprints, or slobber...... We had talked about it as a family. Getting another dog, but we were still so caught up in the grief of losing my Mom, the kids beloved Grammy and our 2 dogs within one year we could not think straight. I had told my husband I did not want another dog because I could not go through that pain again nor did I want to have to be the sole trainer and care giver of a dog. No! I did not want another dog! And now we have had Ellie for almost 10 years! My husband-sneaky man-did pwedven ask me!!! He just showed up from work one day, with this basket, with a huge purple bow (our daughter who is 22, in college, still has the bow hanging in her bedroom)with this oboxious yellow lab puppy in it!! He did not even ask me! The kids were so exicted....Before I could even leave the room the dog had done it's business on my carpet, was biting our son and barking to beat the band!!!! I tramped out of the room exclaiming loudly "how dare you" - "you did not even ask" and "you had better plan on taking care of it yourself because I will never love another dog again - it is too painful..." Ellie is now 9 and a half years old and my constant companion. She has seen me through the teenage years with our son and daugher. I think Casey and Java got the best and most fun years with our family. Ellie has been with me thorugh the toughest of times - high school romances gone bad, prom dates, sports competitions, teaching them to drive and crashed cars, sending tham off to college and then the Navy, Dad traveling with his career....and who is here with me now, as I write this........right by my feet, never leaving my side, the dog, Ellie, that I had vowed to my husband when he brought her home I would never love her because it would hurt to much....my Ellie - she tore her ACL 5 months ago as she got out of the pool and decided to give the rabbit who has lived under the blue spruce for 9 years one more run........ Ellie now has a 'bionic' ACL and knee joint. My husband and I joke she is our third child in college as we wish we could deduct her ACL surgery and her ear infection antibiotics on our taxes....we laughed when she was a puppy and the whole doggy insurance thing was just becoming popular.....oh boy, do we ever wish wer Ellie's surgery and we were very lucky we were travelling to my cousin's home in Michigan who welcomed Ellie. We coould not leave her at her favorite "doggie hotel/kennel" lest she run and play with the other dogs and ruin her new bionic leg. By the grace of God it was not an inconvience as my cousin has 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 horses and 2 goats. Elllie had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! So, I finally read your book this past weekend as I was sick in bed. A friend had loaned it to me - every page Ellie was there with me - sprawled out by my side....I stopped reading often to pet her....and think about all the nutty things she has done - oops - have to go now - Ellie has to go out - we thought her new bioninc leg was still healing but she still managed to get into 3 pounds of Christmas M & M's... steel stomach - never bothered her before - thanks for listening....this has been wonderful for me to express my thoughts...Merry "Marley" Christmas!!!!
A story from Pam Pedersen about Life with Ellie posted 12/09/2008
Dear John, I have known of your book for some time but never wanted to read it - feeling it would be too painful after having lost our (I have to pause and laugh because Ellie just did a "Marley", not silentand deadly and she looked at her hind end and moved to the other side of the room)as I was saying, I could never bring myself to check your book out of the library because I thought it would remind me too much of our first two labs. Our first was Casey a black ball of fur we got from my husbands brother 10 days before I gave birth to our first child. I treasure the pictures of me holding her on my huge stomach...and there was no way that precious thing was sleeping in a box. I guess I was in the nesting phase..she slept on my side of the bed in her box from the moment we brought her home. Casey was the "perfect dog". She never chewed a thing, never had an accident in the house and was our daughter's constant companion for 12 years. Casey endured clip on earrings, sat patiently to have her nails polished, wore fluffy tu-tus and countless other dress-up costumes through the years. The only "bad" thing she ever did was to poop under our son's crib when we brought him home from the hospital 2 and half years later. She came to love and protect our son as passionatley as she did our daughter. When the kids were 4 and 6 years of age we moved to the country in Virginia. Casey was 6 and we thought it would be good for her to have a comapanion to explore the cow pastures of our neighbors and hopefully watch over our rambunctious son. And then came Java...our chocolate lab. I believe he may have been realated to Marley. Java came to us through a dear friend who could no longer handle this out of control one and half year old ball of terror. My husband and I jumped at the chance and my friend paid to have him flown from New York to Virginia. While the children and I waited at home Daddy drove to the airport in his new/used pick up truck to get Java from the airline. My husband arrived a few minutes after they had unloaded the plane. He had to go to the cargo pickup area. He showed them the papers authorizing him to pick up the dog. He was met with blank stares by several baggage handlers gathered around the huge empty dog crate.....Java had escaped from the crate....they eventually found him at the employee vending machine surrounded by other baggage handlers who were shoving change into the machine purchasing chips, cheetos, etc and watching Java devour all they would give him. "Hey, mister, this dog is hungry!" And Java was hungry to the end of his life. Although we had seen pictures, I think my husband was surprised at his size - at the time he was 85 pounds (our beloved Casey was 55 pounds)-with the hugest head my husband had ever seen. Java would did not ride home from the airport in his crate in the back of the truck - he would have nothing to do with that.....and so, my husband drove severals miles back to our home with Java slobbering eveywhere in the cab of the truck....my husband swears he saw the cars behind him using their windshield wipers as the slobber flew out the window......Java loved that ride to his new home. This was 1993, before everyone had a cell phone so all the kids and I and Casey could do was wait to hear the crunch on the gravel driveway signaling Daddy was home. Our daughter and son had Casey all prepared to meet her new "brother" - she was brushed to perfection and wearing a necklace or two from our dauhter's dress-up trunk. We heard the gravel crunching and ran outside....my husband tried his best to open the driver's side door and keep Java in the truck but Java was having none of that!!! I will never forget seeing that charging blur of brown leaping out, nearly knocking my husband to the ground and heading for the kids, Casey and I. I grabbed our 4 year old son, my husband was trying to get to our 6 year old daughter to pick her up as she proudly stood with her dressed up Casey as we thought Java was going to attack them.....it was pandelerium for a moment or two....I grabbed our son, Dad got to our daughter, Java kept charging forward and then Casey barked like we had never heard her bark before! It was one bark - low and deep - her hair stood up - she never moved - and Java dropped to the ground in a low submissive crouch......he whimpered...she growled in her throat....Casey went over and sniffed him and he never moved...we all stood there, silent, and motionless. I know my husband was thinking the same thing I was - what have we done??? Ever so slowly Java reached up to Casey's neck with his big mouth and I thought this is it....and he bit off her necklace......he held the string in his mouth as if it were a trophy....and Casey just looked at him. Just looked, never barked, just looked.....her look said I am in charge here...and then the two of them took off into the backyard woods. It took Casey all of 3-5 minutes to put him in his place and let him know she was in charge of this family. Java was a trial for us - he was a "wild" soul...but eventually with Casey's guidance he became not a good dog, but a better dog. When Java was 2 years old I was in the shower one morning and our by then 4 and a half year old son let him out withour permission. Soon after there was a knock on our front door, I was in my bathrobe and there was a woman and her car in our front yard - she stated my dog had dented her car. i was frantic asking her where is my dog? She replied that he was laying in the road...I raced down the half acre drive to find Java indeed in the road - as I leaned over him calling his name he lifted his head and gave me a huge sloppy kiss - in a moment he was on his feet, shaking his head as if to say, "wow, what was that I hit?" He lumbered home, the lady and I exchanged information - come to find out - her car insurance had to pay for the dent - you can not hold a 4 year old child or a dog liable.....those were the good old days!! Java did have a gash on the side of his head from hitting the car. We loaded him up and took him to the country vet we came to love as your family loved Dr. Jay. $25.00 to sew Java up - $25.00 to sew him up when the neighbors cow did not want to play with him....he was indestructable...the perfect dog for our growing son......... Our life in the country was perfect! Casey by our daughter's side and Java by our son's. Yes, Casey eventually taught Java manners and he was allowed to come in the house...it was that or keep replacing the molding around the laundry room door into the garage. As wild and crazy as he was outside, he was very well behaved inside except for the tail....long after our children had learned not to mess with the Christmas tree we still had a tree with ornaments only on the top half because of his tail! My husband's job moved us from our beloved Virginia countryside to the "city" in Indiana. Sadly, Casey died of old age at 12 and a half. Our daughter had never know a life without her beloved dog. She lavished her attention on Java and he seemed to know her need. He would go into her room several times a night to check on her. In fact, after Casey died, Java never seemed to have a peaceful night of rest. He was lonely and restless, going from bedroom to bedroom every night checking on everyone. We had a huge dogbed by the fireplace in our family room where he and Casey would lay together. After Casey died Java never layed on that bed again. We coaxed and coaxed...he would lay next to it but not on it. 6 months after we lost Casey, Java was diagnosed with lymphoma. He willed himself to live for our son and family times. We did the surgery but that only bought us time. Despite his illness Java exhibited "Marley" courage. He loved life, he chased his ball, he rested...he slobbered, he continued to clear a coffee table in one fell swoop of the tail. We went to the vet one morning for a checkup and while the vet did by no means prounce him "cured" - he stated he could not believe Java was still "hanging in there." My son and I brought him home from that appointment and had a Java way to go party - playing with his favorite toys - just messing around and loving him. Four hours later I found Java on the hard wood floor of our kitchen and he could not get up. I could see in his eyes something was wrong. There was no way a child and I could wrestle this 105 pound dog into the car. I called my husband - sounding hysterical...our son was home and I could not find any neighbor or friend to watch our son while I dealt with Java - my husband rushed home - we managed to get Java into the car and rush to the vet - the vet was astounded as he had just seen Java a few hours earlier...... Java's tmeperature was very high and it appeared he had a stroke....I cried, the vet cried. I told the doctor we had to bring our son with us and he needed to see Java "before" - Dr. P. told me that was fine but Java would likely not know we were there. I went out to the waiting area and beckoned my husband and 9 year old son to come with me. It was one of the hardest thinks I have ever had to do as a parent. I could not lie, our son was there with us, and there was no fixing this....our son entered the room clinging to his father's arm. As soon as he saw Java laying there he went to his head and bent over to kiss and hug his dog...our son whispered in Java'a ear and to the amazement of the vet, Java wagged that huge, destructive, lovable tail so hard it banged the table. Java opened his eyes, looked at our son as if to say, "I'm sorry buddy, I tried.." and Java licked our son's face..his tail went limp and he was gone, without any medicine....Java was a great dog!! We lived for a few months without a dog..dog people don't do this well....the kids were lost and I was trying to convince myself I was so glad not to have the dog hair, muddy footprints, or slobber...... We had talked about it as a family. Getting another dog, but we were still so caught up in the grief of losing my Mom, the kids beloved Grammy and our 2 dogs within one year we could not think straight. I had told my husband I did not want another dog because I could not go through that pain again nor did I want to have to be the sole trainer and care giver of a dog. No! I did not want another dog! And now we have had Ellie for almost 10 years! My husband-sneaky man-did pwedven ask me!!! He just showed up from work one day, with this basket, with a huge purple bow (our daughter who is 22, in college, still has the bow hanging in her bedroom)with this oboxious yellow lab puppy in it!! He did not even ask me! The kids were so exicted....Before I could even leave the room the dog had done it's business on my carpet, was biting our son and barking to beat the band!!!! I tramped out of the room exclaiming loudly "how dare you" - "you did not even ask" and "you had better plan on taking care of it yourself because I will never love another dog again - it is too painful..." Ellie is now 9 and a half years old and my constant companion. She has seen me through the teenage years with our son and daugher. I think Casey and Java got the best and most fun years with our family. Ellie has been with me thorugh the toughest of times - high school romances gone bad, prom dates, sports competitions, teaching them to drive and crashed cars, sending tham off to college and then the Navy, Dad traveling with his career....and who is here with me now, as I write this........right by my feet, never leaving my side, the dog, Ellie, that I had vowed to my husband when he brought her home I would never love her because it would hurt to much....my Ellie - she tore her ACL 5 months ago as she got out of the pool and decided to give the rabbit who has lived under the blue spruce for 9 years one more run........ Ellie now has a 'bionic' ACL and knee joint. My husband and I joke she is our third child in college as we wish we could deduct her ACL surgery and her ear infection antibiotics on our taxes....we laughed when she was a puppy and the whole doggy insurance thing was just becoming popular.....oh boy, do we ever wish we had signed up!!! Ellie CAN but never should run again due to her ACL surgery. Her lab hips are fine but she has arthritis in both knees and we do not want her other knee to require surgery. The vet was actually thrilled we had an inground pool as that was Ellie's 'therapy' as she was getting back on her feet this summer. Thanksgiving came 5 months after Ellie's surgery and we were very lucky we were travelling to my cousin's home in Michigan who welcomed Ellie. We coould not leave her at her favorite "doggie hotel/kennel" lest she run and play with the other dogs and ruin her new bionic leg. By the grace of God it was not an inconvience as my cousin has 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 horses and 2 goats. Elllie had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! So, I finally read your book this past weekend as I was sick in bed. A friend had loaned it to me - every page Ellie was there with me - sprawled out by my side....I stopped reading often to pet her....and think about all the nutty things she has done - oops - have to go now - Ellie has to go out - we thought her new bioninc leg was still healing but she still managed to get into 3 pounds of Christmas M & M's... steel stomach - never bothered her before - thanks for listening....this has been wonderful for me to express my thoughts...Merry "Marley" Christmas!!!!
A story from Herb Mitchell about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/09/2008
John, I just finished reading The Longest Road Home. It was a wonderful reading experience. You are a superb story teller. Your story reached my heart. I am 79. My dad died when I was 15 and my mom 18 months later. In the short time I knew my parents they left me a meaningful heritage. My dad's strong faith and commitment to faith, marriage and family. Reading your book reminded me of how much I missed in parent/child relationships. We (married 59 years) have five wonderful children. My goal is to leave my children a strong heritage of what it means to be a man of faith dedicated to marriage and family. As a dad I have had so many wonderful experiences with my children through the years that I missed. I have experienced some of the same experiences with my children your dad had in raising you and your siblings. I closed your book with tears flowing down my face. Thanks for a meaningful reading experience that reminded me how fortunate, blessed and grateful I am to have a wonderful family. Herb Mitchell
A story from Jen about Moose posted 12/09/2008
Dear John, I just finished drying up my tears from your book and just had to share our own yellow lab experience. My husband and I got our soft wiggly puppy a few months into marriage. I was very reluctant to get a dog and could only see the hard work and demands he would put on us. He is now 6 months old and I canât believe how much I love him. However, unlike your Marley, I believe Moose belongs in the Best Dog Club. Donât get me wrong, he does steal things from the garbage, wants you to chase him around, pulls on his leash and occasionally digs in the yard but he also knows his basic commands, doesnât steal food, obediently goes in his crate at night and loves to snuggle on the floor (though Iâm sure heâd prefer the couch). In our own life story we are on page 28 of your book: We havenâteal things from the garbage, wants you to chase him around, pulls on his leash and occasionally digs in the yard but he also knows his basic commands, doesnât steal food, obediently goes in his crate at night and loves to snuggle on the floor (though Iâm sure heâd prefer the couch). In our own life story we are on page 28 of your book: We havenât had fleas but a very ugly tick, soon Moose will have his manhood taken away and que sera, sera! Iâm looking forward to many more adventures with Moose in the next 10+ years. Thanks for sharing your story. Jen - Attached is a picture of Moose and his friend Buddy.
A story from Scott about Marley and Me posted 12/09/2008
HI John, just wanted to stop in and say how much joy i got from reading your book. I too am an animal lover. my wife and I currently own 1 dog, a german shorthaired pointer. I can certainly relate as most of our friends have labs and they fit the marley bill! so classic. Your book touched me so much, i was struggling to hold back the tears, knowing that at some point down the road, I will have to say goodbye to my wonderful dog "Champ". he means so much to us. One thing that stood out was that dogs are here to teach us something. Champ has tought me patience, love, giving, fun, and to enjoy each and every day possible. So Thanks for this wonderful book.
A story from Ron Trowbridge about Grogan's writing style posted 12/09/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan:
Just finished Marley & Me. What struck me first is that the book is about Marley, not you--or only you insofar as you and family relate to Marley. In short, you are featuring Marley, not yourself.
Too many writers are pretentious and want to show readers how smart they are.
About two years ago my wife, and I thirsted to read books about others who had suffered the death of a loved one. I read Joan Didion's Year of Magical Thinking about her husband's death, and it ticked me off. Didion wanted to show off, wanted to show readers how cute, witty, erudite she was. The book was not about her husband; it was about her.
Your book was about Marley, and the Me and family figured in around the focus on Marley. It was simply and honestly written, which is why it was a big seller. Humor and wit figured in, but they worked: you didn't overdo it.
As I dug the hole for my 16-year-old black lab, she sat next to it, innocently watching me dig. Ten minutes later the needle went in because she could no longer swallow with throat cancer.
Thanks. Ron Trowbridge
A story from Michelle Michalek about Tritan and Me posted 12/09/2008
Mr. Grogan I wanted to thank you for such a great book and I can truly appreciate it considering my yellow Lab Tritan is a Marley of sorts. My mom read your book when it came out and at the same time I was attemping to raise my puppy. She use to laugh that Marley reminded her of my Tritan and she encouraged me to read the book. Unfortunately, my Lab puppy took all my time and I was afraid of what I would learn. My constant question to my mom was. " Does Marley ever get better?" I was looking for hope. I owned many many breeds from Akitas to German Shepherds, to Rottweilers and Pit Bulls but none challenged me as much as my Lab. Tritan came into my life as a gift to me from my dying brother. My brother and I were close and he was afraid that when he past I would be alone and he needed me to have someone. So from his hospital bed he sat out to find me what I said I always wanted, a yellow male Lab puppy of the English type. After many weeks he found just that and I had no idea how much trouble and destruction one puppy could cause. But that was the last thing my brother and I did together. I got Tritan April of 2005 and my brother past away July 1,2005. That entire time frame I cared for my brother and Tritan. Many times I wanted to scream as I watched Tritan pull the entire Kitchen table, that he was tied to across the room to greet a new nurse. Many times I lost hope during training, seeing Tritan had no attention spant trainers, and anyone else. He knows how to get his way, and what he wants. Obedience to humans is not his thing. But he is loyal, devoted, unconditionally loving. I just understand him better now and we have made dog adulthood with occassional puppy outbreaks. But he has saved my life twice, rescued my grandfather and taught me more that all schools and people combined. He can make me laugh like no other and he can test me to my limits. My brother knew exactly what he was doing and gave one the greatest gifts. Life with a Lab.
A story from Courtney about Magic posted 12/09/2008
Dear John, thanks for writing such a wonderful book. I to am an owner of an English yellow lab, whose name is Magic. Magic is about six years old now and has been my constant companion since we got him, even though everyone else wanted to kill him. He to has had his fair share of the title "worlds Worst Dog." he would magically (hints: the name)bring things up into our yard that we have not seen in years. When I read Marley and Me i couldn't help but think about my best friend because he to runs around in circles in the yard, chases rabbits(or any animal for that matter), jumps in the smallest of mud puddles, and has somehow worked his way into my heart. This book has definatly had the biggest impact on my relationship with magic and it also gave me peace at mind knowing that I'm not the only one who has left my house wandering what crazy stunt he's going to pull next.
A story from Justin B about My Black Lab posted 12/09/2008
Where to begin. It was nearly two years ago. I was a 20 year old college student and was coming off a somewhat nasty break up with a girl that I had been dating for nearly a year. I tried many things to try and help me get over the hurt of losing her, but I couldn't seem to find a remedy. Subtle things started pushing my mind's thoughts towards one thing more than any other and that one thing was of course a dog. Before I go any further let me go back to my first dog.
I got my first dog as a three year old kid. It was an Easter/Birthday present. My aunt and uncle picked me up about a month before my birthday and a couple weeks after Easter and took me to a home nestled neatly in sprawling hillsof a rural home. We pulled up, put the truck in park, and their only words to me were, "go pick out any dog you want". As a three year old I was overflowing with joy and wasn't even able to contain my excitement. When I was able to stop fumbling around with my seat belt and pry the door open, I stumbled out of the pick-up in excitement and my eyes first laid upon a yard full of little black, grey, and white, furballs fumbling around the yard, doing their best to look happy and excited for what they hoped would be their owner. I explored around as any three year old would, blindly, not really sure what I wanted or was looking for. I went form puppy to puppy, each nuzzling their nose into my stomach as I walked/crawled to each one. For some reason or another I finally settled on a dog and before I knew it we were back home with mom and dad and I had my very own six week old Shi Tzu puppy. I didn't care about the breed, or anything else, I just knew I had a best friend to explore with me in the yard and roll around in the dirt and mud with. All of my child hood memories were with this dog, which I eventually named Coco. He was my pal, my best friend. I spent many an hour in the back yard watching him chase around a basketball as I shot countless basket after basket. He never tired and I quickly fell in love with this dog. The years passed, my love and loyalty for this dog exceeded almost that of everyone except my closest family members. Then the worst came. I was 17, a senior in high school, and was only a several months away from graduation and then Coco took a turn for the worse. He was already 14 years old, blind, and walking was a big chore for him. Then he started having seizures and I was starting to fall apart. After a visit to the vet, more than a few tears shed, we decided putting him down would be for the best. I mean he was 14, that would be like a al months away from graduation and then Coco took a turn for the worse. He was already 14 years old, blind, and walking was a big chore for him. Then he started having seizures and I was starting to fall apart. After a visit to the vet, more than a few tears shed, we decided putting him down would be for the best. I mean he was 14, that would be like a human living to 98, so Coco had a full life. I couldn't bare to take him to the vet and had my grandpa do it. He was a bird hunter and had owned numerous dogs over the years and this wasn't his firs time to take a beloved pet to be put down. I still miss Coco and think about him every day.
As I return to the present, where my story began, I now am the proud owner of a black English Labrador. Like I earlier said, for some reason, no matter what I tried, I couldn't seem to kick my heart's yearning for my ex, and then the ingenius idea to buy a puppy entered my mind. My thoughts immediately went back to the countless happy thoughts with Coco exploring every nook and cranny of the backyard of my childhood past. This time, however, I had done some studying and online research, and had decided that I wanted one of two dogs, a Lab or a Beagle. I scoured the classifieds for nearly a month and then I saw the perfect ad. "Labrador puppies, all shots, house trained, $50." I was sold and nothing was going to keep me from getting one of those puppies.
I made the 45 minute drive to the location of the house in high anticipation of what awaited for me. I found the location, an apartment complex neslted on the outskirts of town. I parked my car and walked up to the door, heart pounding on my chest, and knocked with a big smile on my face. Before I knew it, the dad and/or man of the house was coming down the stairs with two armfull's of black and brown puppies, barely six weeks old. I took and held several up and looked them in the eye. I didn't exactly know what I was looking for, but I did know that I would be sure when I found it. I initially took one of the brown labs and my heart melted and I thought that was it. A friend had tagged along with me. I looked back at her as I was holding the first puppy I grabbed and she was paying no attention. She was lost in the eyes of one of the black Labs. She quickly grabbed it and told me I had to get this one. I hesitated at first, and then took him from her. I held him up and looked into his eyes, my heart melted, and I started to realize this was the dog. He had a small defect on his hind paws, he had one extra thumb claw and that made me fall even harder for him. Not even three minutes later I decided this was the dog. I paid the $50 and we were on our way.
Next came the interesting story of how I came up with the unique name for my dog. We were on our way back to my house and passed a gas station called McDoogle. At that time we were discussing possible names, and not even five minutes after passing the said gas station she recommended the name Doogle. I was hesitant about it at first due to the rarity and questions it would bring up when I told people my dog's name. However, over the course of the 45 minute drive we started calling the dog Doogle more and more, and the more we did so he started to squirm and whimper in excitement more and more.
It's been nearly two years now. My mom just recently finished your book and quickly recommended that I read it. It didn't take me long to realize that my Doogle was a Marley of sorts. I not only fell in love with your Marley, but quickly fell in love with my Doogle even more. Doogle isn't a full blood Lab and is a little smaller than your typical American Lab. In fact, his physical stature resembles an English Lab moreso than an American Lab. However, all of his personality and traits resmbled that of an American Lab. He is full of tireless energy. I don't even know if there is a word to describe such, but the excitement and pure joy he goes through each time he sees me goes beyond what any word can explain. He immediately goes into another gear. His entire body and tail begin to not only shake but nearly quake in excitement, and as soon as I begin to pet him, I truthfully start to fear that he may collapse in being overly joyed of the attention. And this isn't something that just happens every few times I greet him when I return home, this happenes every single time he sees me.
Thankfully, he is past most of the troublesome puppy stages but Doogle has cost me probably close to $1,000 in repairs and replacements. As a 21 year old college student that is a significant hit to my bank account. However, I wouldn't trade any of what he's done for anything else in the world. He's chewed threw countless electrical cords to TV's, DVD players, and my XBOX. I've had more than a few electricians tell me that I was lucky he wasn't severly electrocuted and injured. He's eaten/swallowed/chewed up many ink pens only for me to find him with a tounge almost completely covered in blue or black. I still can't leave him alone in the house more than a few minutes, because if I do, I'd only return to find the garbage ransacked, or a pillow chewed up. While my initial reaction was to beat him into submission I never could bring myself to do so. As soon as he would look up at me with those big brown eyes, tounge hanging out of his mouth, my heart would melt, and the most I could do was tell him in a stern voice "NO!" and spank him.
I have a hard time believing there is a more loyal dog than my Doogle. He sleeps in my bed everynight and I wouldn't have it any other way. As soon as I bring him inside around 11:00-11:30 p.m. he acts like it his first adventure into the house. He leaps onto my bed and attacks my face, licking my face until it is drenched in dog slobber. The times when I've been down or sad he can sense it, and will come and lay his head across my chest or even right up on my face and won't move until I command him to do so. He longs for my attention and I truly believe he would give up food or water for a week if I would compromise by staying in my bed with him for that week, doing nothing but petting him and playing with him.
Your book was one that made me appreciate my Lab all over again and made me realize even more that when I eventually do get married and have a family I must have a family dog. And that dog will more than likely have to be a Lab.
A story from Haley about Marley, a dog like no other posted 12/09/2008
Your book was the best book i have ever read i just finished reading it for the second time and i still cried like a baby when you put him down Marley sounds like he was a really great dog and i mean it! I have a dog to and his name is Charley, he is a Sheltie mixed with a daschound, and a german shepherd. He is a really cute dog and he is one of my best friends(because my cat, Harrison is also my best friend) and i love him i've had him for a year now and this is his second winter with us! Charley absulutly loves the snow he will chase the falling snow flakes and stick his head right into it. When he was a puppy he was so small he could hardly get on our porch! Charley is just like Marley in ways, so hyper and coming and running at you and jumping on you when you walk in the door, following you every where. when we just go out side for a second he will act like we have been gone for days. He is a very odd yet awesome dog. Thank you for writing such a great book! I hope i can read you other books to i'm sure they will be just as great! I hope you and Gracie have a friend ship like you and Marley did and will always have, and like me and Charley(and Harrison) do to!
Haley
A story from Alexander Rao about Debate speech posted 12/09/2008
I am a huge fan of Marley and me. So much in fact that I've read it 4 time going on to my 5th. A few years ago I lost my dog Shadow, who was hit by a car and died in my arms. The pain I had from loosing him mad me go numb even after I got another dog named Jett(pic up top). This book made me remember the times I had with Shadow and helped me accept the loss. I love this book so much I have turned it into a debate speech. The form of debate I do is called dramtic interpataion (DI). In this event we take a piece of published literature and cut it into a 10 min memorized story which we then act out in from of judges several times. I really hope I can record this for all of you to watch. I love performing this piece, and the judges who watch it all tell me after thay it makes them want to hug and play with there dogs, or that it reminds them of some lost but loved pets. They then say there going to buy and read the book. I can't wait until the movie comes out! Thank you for telling the world about this AMAZING story.
From Alexander Rao PS-this past weekend I received my first Debate Trophy for my presentation on Marley and Me
A story from Lee about Marley and Me posted 12/09/2008
I just finished reading your book and I had to write and tell you it was the best book I have ever read. I laughed and needless to say I cry at the end. I had a cocker spaniel that Marley reminded me of. I also had to have her put to sleep and it was heartbreaking. If people could learn to give the unconditional love that a dog gives, our world would be a whole lot better off. Thank you for the wonderful memories you brought back of my beloved Mandy.
A story from Michelle Alspach about My new puppy Cooper posted 12/09/2008
A month and a half ago, my boyfriend and I decided to get a yellow lab for a pet. We both grew up on farms, and have an overwhelming love for animals. Although we live in an apartment, we thought that the amount of time that we would be home right now was reason enough to take on the responsiblity. When I first got Cooper, I was constantly trying to perfect him. If he was going to live with us in the apartment, he HAD to be well-behaved. Things actually have been going quite well, and I've been amazed at how good of a dog he has been. Considering we are renting an apartment, we are lucky. However, reading your book has made me realize that perfection isn't all it's cracked up to be. Although I will still strive to help Cooper to be a well-behaved companion, your book helped me to see that no matter what, animals touch our hearts in a way that is incredibly unique. I cried very hard hearing of the end of Marley's life, but it was so wonderful to read how much he has touched your family's life throughout his journey. Your book really brought out my curiousity of where the lives of my boyfriend and I will take us. All I can say is that I hope Cooper will be with us for a long part of the way.
A story from Katelyn C about Abby posted 12/10/2008
Where do I start?
Abby was like a sister to me. I remember getting her when I was ten, and she grew up with me. When I moved away for university, she was the reason I kept coming home. Sadly, age took it's toll on Abby, and she got very sick very fast. When I came home for my 19th birthday on June 14th, she was acing strange and not eating. When I left the next day, she acted a little better. On the 18th, Abby's kidneys started to fail, and she had to be put to sleep.
I cried for days. I wouldn't go home because the house was too quiet. There was no clicking of nails on the linoleum floor, and no sloppy kisses when I came home. I couldn't take it, and to this day, my apartment where I go to school is plastered in pictures of her.
In August, my parents got another dog, another black lab named Izzy. Izzy is the reincarnation of Marley, I swear. Within two weeks of being home, she had escaped her pen, demolished a apple tree sapling, destroyed a 24 pack of bottled water and made a lovely mud mess on a tan carpet -- all in one go.
However troublesome Izzy may be, once you know the unconditional love of a pet, you'll never be the same. As an apartment dweller, I itch (no pun intended) for the day that I'll be able to have a dog of my own, because you miss that connection that you have with a pet.
Thank you John for writing this book, and allowing people like me to bawl for the last 5 chapters. :)
A story from Connie about Marley & Me and The Longest Trip Home posted 12/10/2008
Dear John,
After reading M & M, I went to the bookstore to purchase The Longest Trip Home, since I had some time on my hands while vacationing in Kauai. I loved both books.
Your father reminds me of my grandfather who had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and was a living Saint. I saw the great power of true love (sacrificial Love) to change people and therefore the world, and realized that since God = Love (and Life, Truth, Beauty and Goodness), that God does exist (even lucifer believes in God). Imagine that the faith of your father is 100% true and the communion of Saints is watching His plan unfold. A sincere prayer asking for that faith will help you to understand it; it all makes sense if you look at God's relationship with human-kind from the beginning and from the roots of Catholicism: the Jewish Faith. Your Mom was so wise to have Sader meals at your house. My Mom took us to synagogue a couple of times per year as I was growing up and told us that this is the root of our (Catholic)faith. We had a healthy respect for our Jewish "cousins". Consider your Catholic upbringing and example from your parents as a true gift. It is as real as the Love your father had (and still has) for you.
A story from Marta about my dogs posted 12/10/2008
I had thought I would never own another dog as kids were finally grown and moved away but kids come back (no one told me that). With kids moving back some of them bring dogs with them and so my story begins with a one year old dalmatian named Harley who immediately went to war with me stealing the jewelry I make and sell in an arts and craft buisness after I had spent hours working on a particular piece and hundrends of other transgressions like taking off and having me running down streets chasing him waving a hot dog to get him to stop. Shredding all the paper in the house. I read a book that said if you have a dog that is active you might want to think about getting another dog for him to play with especially if you do not have the time to play several times a day. Enter Molly. She was born on 9-11-02 so we should have thought a bit on that one. The moment I brought her in the door Harley looked at her and went to the back of the house for three days refusing to eat or have anything to do with us. Molly however was the most happy go lucky dog I have ever seen. No one was not her friend and she spent her days running from room to room quickly laying wet kisses on all of us only to bound off in search of someone else to shed her abundant love on. Her greatist thrill was stalking Harley. He would be laying peacefully in the living room sound asleep and she would get a flying start from across the room leap in the air, land on the foot stool and catapult herself onto the center of Harley's back. That would create a flurry of screams from Harly as he jumped up terrified only to find her gone hiding behind another chair watching the whole thing with that dalmatian smile, tongue hanging half way to the floor, tail going a hundred beats per minute, mission accomplished!. This went on for several years until this May 8th when we had to have our beloved Harley put down for health reasons. I made my husband and son take Harley in the to vet as I could not do it myself. I buried him in the back of my yard after I had him creamated. We still have Molly and she has become one of the Saints you talked about in your book. She has seen me though the deterioration of my mother's health (Alzehimers) and also my father's. She stayed close to me while I fought breast cancer laying right next to me on the bed as I recovered first from surgery and then from months of chemo. Do men or women have truer friends who will listen to everything you tell them and answer with a kiss? I now cannot see my life without a dog.
A story from Barbie about My Precious Bruno posted 12/10/2008
My story is about my quirky dog Bruno. He was a beautiful Italian Greyhound. Although he was uncharacteristically fat for his breed-people said he looked like a sausage-, this only added to his charm. I cannot count the number of times I was on a walk with him and someone has told me what a beautiful dog he was.
Everyone in my neighborhood got such a kick out of how he walked- always prancing in front, occasionally looking back at his companion as if to say, "Are you coming???"
Here are some more of his quirky characteristics: He always wanted to sit where you were sitting- whether that be in the car- he always made it to the passenger seat before you got a chance to get in and if you left him in the car to run an errand, he would immediately move to the driver's seat; or on the couch- he would rarely jump up and sit with me when I asked, but when I got up, I usually came back to find my seat taken (this is evidenced in the picture which was taken just after I had gotten up in the morning- he always slept with me :)); He was an expert at getting treats- he always adopted this soldier-like stance (we called it "attention mode)" whenever he wanted a treat- very effective; He would howl whenever the fire trucks went by; He understood Greek and always got excited when my dad spoke to him in it; He had his own jingle- also developed by my dad; He loved bread and would always go inside and out many times before deciding whether to eat it or bury it (when he buried it we always said he made a deposit into his account); He always walked very slowly when he was trying to get away with something- usually food; His favorite toy was a little orange Frisbee we got him when he was a puppy; and above all, he loved his home and his peoples.
He had a special relationship with everyone in my family and he brought us all together through his love and our love for him (even my dad who didn't want a dog was smitten with him).
Sadly, just this past Saturday December 6, 2008, we had to put Bruno down because of health issues. He battled with Kushings, seizures, and thyroid problems his whole life and recently suffered from kidney failure- he did beat it for a few months, but this time it was too much for his little body.
I will never forget the sight of his little face in the window peeking out to see where I was going, or to check out who was about to enter his turf. He meant everything to me.
Thank you so much John for writing your book and for allowing me to share my story- it helped me more than I can say.
A story from Farimah about A chance encounter at a book store posted 12/10/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan,
Browsing through an aiport book shop recently, I came across Marley & Me, a book which I had never heard of and which sparked my interest due to the cute dog on the cover. As big a dog lover as I am, I must confess that the idea of a book all about a dog didn't particularly appeal to me. Just as I was putting it back down on the shelf, a woman passing behind me told me that Marley was a must-read. When I shared with her my reservations about a whole book dedictaed to the antics of one dog, she gave me an assured, grandmotherly nod and said, 'It isn't JUST about a dog. It's a wonderful book.' So, I bought it. Read it. And now I feel grief-stricken. On a train journey in London today, I finished the last few chapters amid a torrent of tears. Dozens of very reserved British passengers discretely watched me, not knowing whether to interfere and ask if I'm okay or to just ignore me. I sobbed like I have never done with any film or book. Thank you for giving Marley such a fitting tribute by writing your beautiful book and, also, thank you for sharing a slice of your life with so many people. Anyone who has ever lost a pet can fully understand your motivation for writing the book and the love, grief and joy you experienced as a result of having Marley in your life.
All the best to your family.
A story from Kyle Anderton about My Dog posted 12/10/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan I loved your book Marley and me it reminds me so much of my Lab Tess She has to be one of Marleys sisters because alot of the stuff Marley did Tess did. Tessy is now ten years old and deaf and quite weak but her spirit is still of a puppy. It breaks my heart to see her all old she is my best friend I got her for my 15th birthday I am now 24. It took almost a year to read the ending of your book because I can relate I still get emotional when I think about it. That someday I will loose my best friend. I can just hope in the after life we will meet again. I cherish the moments I have with Tessy right now but someday she will to also have to be put down. Thank you for your great book it has helped me so when I do have to put her down it wont be as hard. Thank you. Kyle Las Vegas Nv.
A story from Kim about Best Friends posted 12/10/2008
Awesome book! I always thought I would have another dog after my Golden Retriever Griz, left us in 1991. I did, once, but still have not recovered from losing my best friend, protector, babysitter- GrizBear. I now foster dogs, but after reading your book, I may try to give my heart again. THANKS!
A story from Amanda about My Cute Mush posted 12/10/2008
HI
I have a really cute bulldog named Jack. He is a little like Marley. My puppy is a biggggg mush he loves people and loves his owner. Marley did greet people my pup doesnt even bother to sniff you . He is really playful and is always knocking down the garbadge. We yell at him but he seems like he could care less. He is werid with other dogs.It is like he likes other dogs and he hates some. He hates glass doors he never knows there even there its sooo funny he walks right into it. Its funny because he does it everytime. Ha ha! The book Marley was soooooo good i read it and fell in love couldnt put it down. It was sad at the end i got teary. I always show my puppy the cover and he always seems to bark at it he he. I cant wait to see the movie. My puppy doesnt bite he nips alot and it hurts but he know to stop. My puppy loves mud today is a rainy day and we have to bring him outside on a leash or else he would go right towards the mud pile. Aaaa bath with him is as funny as when we brush his teeth. He loves it! He is good with kids he doesnt nip or bite them but he will to adults. He loves playing with them he HATES the cold he rather cuddle with you and stay inside somtimes he still goes to the bathroom in the house when he doesnt want to go outside because of the cold. My dog would love Marley and i would too Marley is such a cool book and was a great dog. Hope all is well
A story from Valeria about Lamparita posted 12/10/2008
This is my dog lamparita, her name is spanish for lamp. I no that might seam a little weird but her dads name was Bonbiyo its spanish for light bulb they have those names because they live in a shop, machanic shop. Yeah anyway my grandpa found her and she lived in a tire, so then my grandpa brought her home for the day. But we pleaded and so on she was suppose to stay for a week and she stayed for like about........7,8,9 or 10 months.I got so atached to her when she arrived that first day she would cry and cyr all night. Then lik she would destroy the lawn and my dad sent her back to the shop. I cryed for a long time. But i would visit her like 3 times a week ar maybe every day. Then she had like um 5 puppies but then like all of them died and never made it to 2 months.When she had her puppies sence she was so atched to me she would only let me and my grandpa close to her. She is a realy great dog and i love her alot and shes still here with me. For christmas the only thing i want is her to live with me and not at the shop. i no shes happy there too but i want her here with me, to be with me on happy and hard times. Hopefuly for christmas she can stay for a while. I hope She lives for as long dogs usaully live.......and that pic was her when she was a puppie.
A story from Kelley McCracken about Cleo posted 12/10/2008
Dear John, You have touched my heart deeply. As I am reading your book I see my yellow Lab Cleo in every page. I laugh out loud with the stories of the pillow fluff every where and the kitty litter treat brought to you while you were sleeping. I had the pleasure of having Cleo be apart of my life for 14 years. She was a stray puppy who wandering into my life one day. It was during the time I was going through a divorce and she was a great companion during that time.
When I first meet my new husband, he did not care for "BIG" dogs and suggested we find her a new home. He soon found out how protective of him she truly was. Steve was working in the yard with a hedge trimmer when she started to bark in a very different tone. He realised she was warning him of danger. He was about to upset a hornets nest. Cleo got between Steve and the hornets and she took the brunt of their punishment. Cleo won Steve's unfailing love from that day on.
As she got older she could no longer hear so I taught her my own style of sign language. She also needed help getting onto the bed as she had bad hips. Yes, she slept at my feet on my side of the bed. I slept for many years in the fetal position. Now I wonder why my husband and I never had children.
The other night I was telling Steve of the book and he said, "maybe the next dog we get can be another yellow Lab?" I, without resistance said, "that would be wonderful". Cleo will always be in our hearts and family memories. She was my best friend.
I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out. Thank you sharing Marley with us. People who are not dog lovers are really missing out.
Thanks for the memories! Kelley McCracken
A story from Carrie Brogden about Madison posted 12/10/2008
My parents are both small animal vets and I have been surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, etc. my entire life. I grew up with a very special little mutt named Mindy who was always there for me and loved me unconditionaly. My story revolves around my english mastiff, Madison. Reading this book has brought a flood of great memories, fun times and in the end pain and loss back to me. I got Madison the summer after college. She literally was the best dog. She was loyal, loving, kind and gentle. She was with me thru many relationships until I met my husband, Craig. She was a constant companion and I was lucky enough to take her to a lot of places with me. For the last six years of her life I lived with a huge backyard on a horse farm. She was a gentle giant to my two children that were born while she was still alive. The guilt I carry is this.. when she was over 12 years old I could not bear to take her to be put down. I knew it was well past the time of her quality of life. She could not stand without great difficulty, was deaf and much of the last three months of her time lived in the backyard. She had never been a backyard dog. She had always been a house dog and yelped to come in after five minutes of being outside. In the end, she did not have bowl control and could not walk up the back steps so she was relegated to coming in the laundry room at night by herself and then back out in the yard in the daytime. She had given me so many incredible years and in the end, I did not have the strength to say goodbye to her. I should have been kinder, less selfish and not let her suffer. All she lived in life was to be with me. It has been two years since my husband took her in without me to be put to sleep. I carry incredible guilt for not being capable of saying goodbye to her. It was just too much for me to bear. I just want everyone to know that I loved her so dearly and she meant the world to me. I have pictures of my kids laying all over her while she lets them climb her like a mountain. I still think of her all the time and this book has inspired me to get an urn for her ashes. She should be here with me in my home office as that is where she always wanted to be, with me and for that, I so loved her. I only lasted six weeks without a mastiff and despite the fact that I was 7 months pregnant with my third child, I got another mastiff, Sparta. Sparta is as kind and wonderful as Madison was but will never replace the love I had for Madison. I realize that the capacity for human love is great and I will always have room in my heart and in my house for a mastiff.
A story from Noah Johnson about About Ace posted 12/10/2008
ACE was my dog from 2005-2008 well July 16th,2008. When I last saw him he had tears in his eye's. I still miss him. I loved him so much. Now I have two dogs named Mia , Spike. Ace was just like Marly.I have read all your Marley BOOKS.the end
A story from Hailey Williams about Marley and Me posted 12/10/2008
Wow Mr.Grogan your story Marley and me is the greatest book i have ever read it is such an inspiration i have just lost my dog Daisy. Someone had shot her on purpose it is not the same as your story but just like your dog Marley but just like our dogs died with us in they new that they loved us but if you can message me back i have read your book 3 times i have the hard cover one with pictures and just the paper one i love dog books like yours and like old yeller and yours and if you can email me back just type it to bullygirl97@earthlink.net
A story from Rachael about Shelby posted 12/10/2008
Shelby was my moms dog. I do not know when she was born but I know when she died.She died on September 13,2007 4 days before my birthday. I was driving home with my dad and when I came home I went to call Shelby and there was no answer, I tried again still no answer. I went to look for her and I saw somethimg black in the pool.......... It was Shelby's body in the pool she was gone forever. I had never cried so hard in my life, I ran to my dad and told him what I saw. We put Shelby's body right next to Hucleberry's grave (my brother's dog that died of lyme disease). Shelby will now rest in peace and I miss her so much and I love her too much. THE END
A story from Tara Davis about My "Marley" posted 12/10/2008
I never would have thought a book could touch me so much. I laughed out loud and I cried. By the end of the book I felt like Marley had been part of my life. The best book I have read. And now to my "Marley." Her name is Ashlee. I got her when she was 6 months old. She is a beagle...my baby. I adopted her from a family who could not keep her because they were moving. I began to think later this was a lie. The first night she was at home she peed on my bed!! For the next two months, I had this lovely event to look forward to. Finally, she stopped and I was so glad thinking it was all over...it had only began. While my husband and I were sleeping, she chewed apart my husband's ear bud. A few weeks later, she chewed the wire for my husband's computer headphones. The very next day, I came home to the side of my couch chewed off and scattered around my living room. That is when the kennel became a must. The thought of a beagle ramming the door is quite an image. I came in after work one day and found my couch cover shredded. I couldn't figure out how. Ashlee was in her kennel. I later found out that night, while putting her to bed, the door and the plastic around it were broken. So of course, Marley's episode with the kennel kept me laughing. Well with a broken kennel, Ash, as we call her, slept on the bed. The next morning I woke up to wet feet and her munching apart my husband's prescription glasses. We bought her toys but they always ended up all over the house, even the "tough" toys. So at this point, my husband wanted her gone. I wasn't so ready. I loved her. Despite the mess she made and the money we had to spend, she made me laugh when nothing else could. She tripped over her own feet. She stepped on her ears making her roll. She never quite figured out stairs and still hasn't to this day. She runs with her nose to the ground and runs into things head first. I guess she finds those smells more important than running into the table leg. But she means so much to me. She sleeps on a pillow above my head at night. She lays by my side on the couch. She follows me everywhere. Even if she has to get up to walk only a foot. She still has her LARGE appetite, carrying 10 treats in her mouth just a few days ago to avoid them going to her "sister." She is now 2. I wouldn't take a single moment back. I thank John Grogan for writing Marley and Me. For if it wasn't for Marley, I may have continued to take all those moments for granted.
A story from Kim Robison about Our Phoebe is just like your Marley posted 12/11/2008
Today I went to the library to return the books that I had just finished and to get a few more. I saw your book, and decided on a whim to read. I read it in about 3 hours. I laughed and cried. We have a labrador retriver named Phoebe, she's 10. We bought her for $50.00 at Savannah Flea Market when my husband was stationed at FT. Stewart, GA. I was eight months pregant with our first child, Jewelianna (now 10). From the moment that I saw Phoebe, I knew that she was the one. She has been there for us through thick and thin, and three kids later. I wouldn't know what to do with out her. Your story of Marley, is incredible. Phoebe did the same stuff. She shredded several porclein dolls, shoes, blankets and chew toys. Phoebe had one toy that she actually carried in her mouth like it was her own. It was a stuffed ducky, well minus the stuffing and the squeeker. Phoebe is my best friend, we have noticed more and more how she walks a little slower, sleeps longer and that look on her face. THose big brown eyes still have the energy, but her body says no. Phoebe has been my constant companion when my hubby was gone over seas, my protector, my wine drinking buddy and follower of my kids. Thank you for sharing your story of Marley. I can't wait to see the movie..
A story from David Z about marley and me! posted 12/11/2008
Hello, i just got my pup hes 4 months old, your book was amazing story makes a reader laugh and cry, very touching stuff
A story from Cassie Zurawsky about Candy posted 12/11/2008
Marley & Me reminded me so much of my yellow lab, Candy, who recently passed away. She was a guide dog for the blind for much of her life and she was about as selfless as any animal could be. Although her life was short in comparison to most people, she devoted most of her life to helping people. When she passed away I could not believe the pain that I felt and the hole she had left in my heart. Nor could I believe the compassion and understanding so many dog lovers gave to me during that difficult time. I was so inspired by Candy's selfessness, unconditional love, and constant joy in life that I wrote about her for my college essay. The lessons I learned from her are too numerous to count. I know that I foreve will be able to close my eyes and see her big brown eyes.
A story from Myra Hughes about Black Lab posted 12/11/2008
John, what a story! I just finished Marley and Me and am still tearful. Our special dog was Abby, a black lab. We let our daughter choose what to get because we already had a cocker who was devoted to our son. Soon, it became apparent that Abby, too, picked our son as her object of devotion. She "raised" him thru his rebellious teenage years and I felt a little less concerned about him because I knew she was always right there with him no matter what he was doing, protecting him. Abby had an aversion to guns and no one knows why. We never had many around but when my son got a air rifle she barked and let it be known how unhappy she was until it was out of sight. The same thing happened with a pistol. If she wasn't with my son, she would lay facing the door, waiting for him to arrive home. We raised a racoon and Abby and he would play for hours with each other. At only eight years old, Abby was diagnosed with cancer which had matasticized to her brain. Our son asked us to go with him to have her put to sleep. All three of us cried and still do when we talk about her. Our son is a veterinarian now and a wonderful person. I know that part of who he is was formed by the loyalty and lessons learned from Abby. We've had lots of animals along the way but none compare to her.
A story from Jill about Best story! posted 12/11/2008
This is my baby. I know she isn't a lab...but I am the biggest dog lover there is. Anytime I am having a bad day, I think of this book, and I look for a movie trailer to watch. I will be one of those people at the movies on Christmas night.
I am a teacher in the Lehigh Valley, and I would love for Mr. Grogan to come in to talk to my English and Reading class to talk. I myself would just enjoy meeting him, but I think he could be a an inspiration to some of the kids learning support students.
Amazing book!!! And would have loved to met Marley!
A story from Tom Owens about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/11/2008
John, Your great book captured my attention thru the time taken to read it; now I can't get it out of my mind. The best retelling of a life's journey I've read. Such a wonderful, emotional rendition of relationships, their value and influence on others' lives. Well done. I have a semi-estranged 41 year old daughter, who recently became a single parent of my grandson, coming home for Christmas next week. My relationship with her has been rocky for years. I believe her imminent visit may be our last chance to repair it. Much of what I've just read will help me in putting forth my best efforts to effect that much needed repair. Thanks so much.
Tom Owens
A story from Mandy Friga about My Dog Rolen posted 12/11/2008
Thatâs my little angel Rolen. I truly believe that he is a toddler going through their terrible twoâs trapped in a dogâs body. But I wouldnât trade him for anything in the world. He actually throws himself on the ground and throws temper tantrums. He does this very often and it can be embarrassing at times to have a 90 pound dog crying like a Chihuahua. He has also figured out how to open our bedroom door when me and my husband are at work and chewed up our brand new bedroom furniture, but how can you stay mad at something as cute as him!! He sleeps in our bed, he eats when we eat, and he has no doubt in his mind that our house is his home and we are just visitors in his world. Although he has his problems I truly believe he is the smartest dog in the world and has more personality than some people. Dogs are amazing and loyal creatures and your book shines light on the amazing friendship that can be developed between man and his best friend. Thanks for an amazing story.
A story from Sandra Young about Sheba posted 12/11/2008
Sheba is my 5 year old Min Pin (the small one in the picture). She gives me so much joy. I am the freaky dog mom who dresses her up and shares her pictures and stories with everyone. I just finished listening to your book on tape. What a great story. It is so wonderful that so many people can relate to your story. I only hope that your story helps soften the hearts on all the people in the world who don't realize how important animals are and how they enrich our lives. Thank you for such a great book!
A story from Sandra Young about Sheba posted 12/11/2008
A story from Tifffany about My Dog Marley posted 12/11/2008
Hi, I am reading some of the other stories, and laughing, and crying, and realizing that there are tons of "Marley's" out there! I had a blue chihuahua also named Marley, and he was a little stinker too! He was very attached to Mommy, and I was just as attached to him. My boyfriend got him for me when I was 24 and in between jobs. I loved that dog from the minute I saw him in hte pet store window, all 3 pounds of him! I wouldn't leave the store until I had him in my arms. He had such personality! I won't say he is the worst dog ever, but I did see my 8 pound chihuahua push open a window, pop out the screen, jump on the roof, onto a potted plant, and was outside playing when we got home. His only injury was a scraped chin!! What a lucky little fellow!! I lost Marley, a few months before the book came out. It was very hard for me, and I really identified with the Marley from the book, because my dog was so mischevious as well. John Grogan wrote the book beautifully, and I think he reached out to so many people. dogs really do make our lives a happier place. I have since married that boyfriend, and we have 2 lovely little chihuahuas, but there will never be another Marley. I hope everyone is lucky to be blessed with a dog like that! God bless.
A story from Paola about Lara's life posted 12/11/2008
Hello Mrs. Grogan! I have a long history, but very beautiful. I have a dog, she name is Lara, she has 12 years old. My brother and me wants one dog, but my parents don't want. So my brother buy Lara if your money. When you coming home with lara, he put here in my mother bed. After that our famly will be a dog. Lara is a big dog, very inteligent, strong and beautifil, but when she has 11 years, she Has undergone a surgery and after that she stopped walking, but now doing physical therapy in the water and returning it with your movements. In short this is your big story of a dog loving and strong.
A story from Paola about Lara's life posted 12/11/2008
Hello Mrs. Grogan! I have a long history, but very beautiful. I have a dog, she name is Lara, she has 12 years old. My brother and me wants one dog, but my parents don't want. So my brother buy Lara if your money. When you coming home with lara, he put here in my mother bed. After that our famly will be a dog. Lara is a big dog, very inteligent, strong and beautifil, but when she has 11 years, she Has undergone a surgery and after that she stopped walking, but now doing physical therapy in the water and returning it with your movements. In short this is your big story of a dog loving and strong.
A story from eileen about max posted 12/11/2008
i love to read and as a teacher i recently scooped up every copy i could find of "Marley a dog like no other" i can not wait to have my students begin to read it. I read the first Marley and cried, then when I read a dog like no other I cried even harder. I do not have a yellow lab but I do have a 120 pound golden. My husband and i were lucky enough to be contacted by a golden rescue group about 3 hours away from us. we adopted max on the spot. his owner had als and could no longer care for him. at first we were hesitant to adopt him as he had always only lived with an older gentleman and was not used to kids. this dog helped to change our son's life. our son has a form of autism and does not like to socialize with anyone or thing. he also did not like his room for some reason and would often take his blanket and sleep in the hall on the floor. when we brought max home it was instant love on both parts, a boy and his dog. my son will now interact with more people (mostly those he meets when walking max) and will gladly sleep in his own room as long as max is by his side. max loves o sleep on his bed and even though he leaves behind large clumps of yellow fur where ever he goes and i threaten to dye him blue to match the carpet i would not trade this dog for anything. he always greets us at the door with a "present" from his toy bucket and smile's all the time if my son is sick he will lay with him till he feels better even if it means no bathroom breaks for hours. plus he has never had an accident in the house. i know we won't have him forever but we cherish every minute that we do have him. God put dogs on this earth because of what they can teach us not the tricks we can teach them
A story from Marley Lover about I luv marley! posted 12/11/2008
I've already written a story about my Golden Retriever,Daisy.I have come to find that she has some Yellow Lab in her probably!I love the book Marley and Me!I actually wrote in my diary that I didn't want it to end!My friend is still begging to borrow it!We had our book fair this week,and I was very happyto see the book in there!Not just one,but two different copies of it!That was the first day.But I went back on the third day,the child ones were sold out!And there was only 1 copy of the adult version left!I was so happy!A lot of people got the book!At least 2 people in my class got the book!One of my friends almost got a second version!But he didn't.
Marley and Me is a great book about a family and their dog.I've been telling my parents over and over that I want tickets to the movie for Christmas.That is all I've been talking about!I am a HUGE fan of John Grogan and Marley!I loved the pictures that were in the book!Thank you once again,John Grogan,for writing this amazing book!I read that you wrote this to get over your grief from Marley.I have to say that I do the exact same thing when I need to get over something.
A story from Brandy about Comparing Marley to Sulley posted 12/11/2008
I read Marley and Me and i absolutely loved it! I actually caught myself laughing in class while reading. My family and I just adopted a new puppy from my Grandma's house. He is a yellow lab/chow mix, 4 months old and he is Marley reincarnated, I swear. Several times while reading I would compare the way Sulley, our puppy and Marley act. We named him Sulley after the monster in Monsters Inc. After we seen the previews of Marley and Me in theatres we wanted to change his name but Sulley fit to perfect because he is a monster. Within our first two weeks of getting Sulley we went through two water dishes for all three dogs and he strung toilet paper all through the house several times. We have never had a dog with so much spunk and energy. I unofficially diagnosed him with Doggy ADHD. We had to go and buy him at least a dozen toys just to keep him occupied. When you are walking through the house he will grab onto your pant leg and actually pull until he rips your pants. He will sit anywhere on you that he can reach. We were camping and my mom was lying on the couch of our camper, Sulley just jumped up on the couch and plopped right down on my mom's head. He wouldn't budge. He can barely reach the toilet but he manages to drink out of it everyday (because we have no water dish anymore). Today I was lying on the couch and he came and gave me a big wet kiss, but after he left the room I smelled kitty litter. I wiped my forehead and there were several grains of kitty litter on my forehead. Reading Marley and Me made me realize how much dogs can impact your life. I laughed, cried and hoped that when Sulley gets full grown he is just as happy and fun-loving as Marley was. Thank you for writing a book that touched so many dog-lovers.
A story from Kristy about Sydney posted 12/11/2008
Dear John and Jenny, As I write this you are both probably at your movie premiere. Good luck to you both. I have just finished your book for the 3rd time and am eagerly awaiting the movie. When I first read your book I was going through a difficult divorce I read it in 3 hours at the book store. I laughed, I cried, and I felt for the 1st time in months. Thank you for bringing me back to the life of laughter. I am living your story- but the main character in my book is Sydney. I should have known when picking up our dog at the breeder that I was in for trouble when they said "goodbye to chewy". That was definately a predictor of future behavior as she has chewed(and swallowed) everthing from drywall, doors, VCR tapes, eye glasses, screws/nails and any variety of clothing. At christmas time I need to put aside extra money each year for the christmas decoration destruction fund. Sydney is the bull in the china shop. She barges though a room and knocks over knick knacs with her head while her tail is clearing another table. She is 8 and still has the exuberance of a puppy- every breakfast and dinner time her eyes light up -it is christmas everyday to her. Sydney, who has survived three cancer surgeries shows me how to live life to the fullest.Just as Marley brought joy to your family - everyday Sydney reminds me how the little things in life(in her life- food)are what bring us happiness. Thank you for your story
A story from Tori about My Dog Sunny posted 12/11/2008
Here is a picture of our puppy Sunny Dee the day we brought her home. She looks so sweet and innocent but things sure changed. She is now 6 months old and we call her the female Marley or the Blond Bomber. I am 9 years old and she chews up my toys and bites the bottom of my jeans when I am in them which trips me. My cats are always hiding. They only come out at night when Sunny is in her kennel. If she didn't sleep in a kennel she would trash the house at night. We hope she grows up and starts to behave. She should be a good hunting dog.
Thanks, Tori
A story from Barb Emmett about Your visit to Godfrey's near Reading, PA posted 12/11/2008
Hi John, I'm sitting here this evening reminiscing about your visit to my shop for a book signing event for "Marley & Me" back in Dec. 2005. Must be the time of year and the fact that your movie will be out soon and I'm seeing the commercials for it on TV. You were so kind to agree to do a book signing for me at pretty short notice and for a new small business like mine. Talk about supporting small business entrepreneurs! THANK YOU. Hearing you read excerpts delighted all of us and you had our customers laughing and crying. Many of my customers this holiday season wanted to chat again with us about how special it was to have you here. Looking back, it was truly a magical day for all of us dog lovers at Godfrey's. And now, we're waiting with eager anticipation for the movie release.
This year my husband and I lost our beautiful, funny, smart golden retriever Tucker to cancer. He was just 4 months shy of his 12th birthday. His passing has been very hard for us; my experience in loving Tucker led me to volunteer work with a local golden retriever rescue group and led me to my passion - creating my business for fellow dog lovers at Godfrey's. Fortunately, we're still going strong at the shop. There are a lot of dog lovers here in eastern PA!
What an incredible journey these last few years have been for you and your family. I would love for you and Jenny and the kids to come out again to us for another book signing, so whenever you get any down time (yeah, right, I'm sure!) maybe you'll consider it? We're not far too far for you to come. I don't know how you handle all those arrangements now; before it all fell into place so easily. Perhaps I should contact your publisher to request a book signing event?
I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and all the best in the coming year. Enjoy 'Movieland' and your premier. These are huge events to celebrate and 'be in the moment.' All the best, Barb I was going to upload a photo of you standing with our shop's Santa Paws but I wasn't sure you'd sppreciate it!
A story from Alyssa about Your Book posted 12/11/2008
I don't have a dog, but I'm getting one next year. I read you book Marley and Me and I just wanted to let you know that I think you are a wonderfun author and that your book made me cry for Marley. You made me feel like I was part of the family and that I was actully there experencing it with you. I really hope you read my letter and I really liked your book.
~Alyssa/#1 fan
A story from Amy about Daft dog heidi! posted 12/12/2008
Hi and i just finished reading your book for the first time last night! I really love your book, the way how you showed that bad dogs maybe aren't as bad as we think they are! They're something special! I'm 12 and i got my dog when i was 11. We live in the middle east and we got heidi from a rescue shelter when she was a couple of months old and still small. In our first week she was a nervous wreck alot of the time. Me, my sister and my friends decieded to take her to the compound tennis court so when we were playing tennis could chase after the balls. Unfortuantley she was terrified of loud noises and a truck whizzed by and heidi charged through the tennis court iron gate- getting her head stuck in it!!! The fire bergade came to saw the bar to free her but they could'nt do it because she was yelping and jumping all over the place because of the horrific loud noise. All the compound had come out to support her, a man who is extremly good with dogs came to try and calm her down- even the police came to report it! But nothing was working. My mums friend said that the only last option was to call the vets to sedate her. So they came and heidi calmed down a little so the men were able to chop the bar open. Poor Heidi had been stuck in the gate for 3 hours! She was put in the newspaper and described as a 'daft mutt'. Heidi had become famous!!!! Heidi has become a very naughty dog. Ripping everything up, stealing food of the table and most of all she never runs out of energy which means she gets extremely hyper! But i love her because she is very funny and is just trying to help us (IN THE WRONG WAY!). Something that still makes me laugh is the classic dog will bring in the newspaper to their owners- heidi rips it up and leaves it scattered round the garden. It's incredibly frustrating! I hope everybody enjoys reading my story. And i absoloutley love Marley and i wish that my dog could of met yours!!! amy :) :-)
A story from Leslie R. about Marley or Maggie? posted 12/12/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me through a constant flood of tears. I have had to say goodbye to three dogs in my lifetime. It never gets easier. The love they give is unconditional. While reading your book, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I received curious looks from strangers as I was sitting in the airport at JFK waiting for my flight home to South Carolina, and then while sitting in class. The stories you told about Marley reminded me of my current 70 lbs lab mix, Maggie. She is an absolute nut!! She steals the remote control or a tiny piece of paper and runs!! I think she lives for us to chase her! Like Marley, she is a pain in my ass, but I love her more than some people. While I was reading the book and crying, she watched me for a minute and then got up from where she was napping and curled up at my side. It was as if she knew my heart was hurting. Dogs are amazingly intelligent animals. Thank you so much for writing this book. I recommend it to everyone dog lover I meet.
A story from Shakirah_MALAYSIA about Thanks for Marley posted 12/12/2008
Mr. Grogan, thank you for "Marley & Me". As a Muslim, we do not keep dogs as pets but my family cat, Dutch came close to being one. He was protective of our family and fiercely loyal. He also got into fights often enough and was nicknamed Bionic Cat by his vets. The last medical treatment they did for him was free of charge. I knew they hoped never to see us at the clinic again as I was there with Dutch almost every week! We knew that when he came to us, he had health problems and was not expected to live long. However, I saw a cat that was bent on living and he truly lived life to the fullest. He grew into a tough adult, had lots of kids and survived way past the life expectancy dictated for him. And most of all, he had quite a few adventures, good and bad. It's a lesson Marley and Dutch has taught me, never take life for granted and live, live life to the fullest.
A story from Margaret about Our Bambi posted 12/12/2008
I just finished reading your book Marley & Me. I laughed and cried, especially this morning when I got to the part where you had to say goodbye to Marley. We had a white german shepherd named Bambi that we got when she was 7 months old. She was our big baby. Our vet told us she was the only one to pick out which tech was going to take care of her when we boarded her. The first two times we left her, we took her bed and stuffed toy and when we picked her up, we got a bag that had the bed and toy in it - shredded to pieces. After the second time they told us not to bring anything with her. She was the best dog, but like Marley, suffered with ear problems. We could say "Ears" and her ears would fold flat against her head, like "I don't have any ears!" We finally had to make the same choice as you as to what was best for her. We were getting ready to go home to CA for Christmas and she had not been well. We knew that she would not survive 3 weeks in the kennel. It was a very tough decision, right up to the time we took her to vet, my husband wanted to have them run some more tests on her. When my daughter arrived with Bambi, she told us Bambi had been throwing up blood and that was the decision maker. I stayed with Bambi as they put her to sleep and talked to her until Nicki told me she was gone. Even she had a hard time with the decision. She had been our vet since we got Bambi. This was in December 2007 and we opted to have her cremated. We have her ashes on top of my curio cabinet with her favorite stuffed toy sitting on top. I didn't know my husband had kept that one toy. When I brought the ashes home, he went and got it and put it with her. We still miss her alot. While reading your book, there were things that reminded me of Bambi and I would smile at the thoughts. I grew up with dogs and it seemed we never with out one. Right now we seem to be suckers for stray cats. Our latest addition arrived the week before my birthday. Tinker is our 4th cat and at only 5 months old, so unlike the other 3. I think our house would be too quiet if we did not have a cat or dog in it. Thank you for such a delightful, and heartwarming book about man's best friend.
A story from Beth about Bear, Cammie and Duchess posted 12/12/2008
I just finished Marley & Me. Laughed, cried and began to mourn the last 3 beloved dogs that we've had in our family. That's Bear in the picture. He was a mutt, but mostly black lab we think. He lived for 16.5 long years. He was the most calm, loyal, all-around wonderful dog ever. Cammie and Duchess were both pure bred Yellow Labs. Duchess left us in 1991 but was smarter of her counterpart, Cammie. Cammie was the female version of your Marley in many way. We miss them all, but cherish every second we had with them. I wasn't there when Cammie and Duchess departed this life, but I, much like you did with Marley, held my Bear until he was gone. I'll never forget it, but am glad that I got to hold him before he left us. I cried (I'm 36 years old) like a baby at the vet, so much so that my dad was embarassed :(.
Anyway, thanks for that wonderful little book you wrote. I plan to pass it around to my friends and coworkers for their enjoyment, dog lovers or not.
A story from Lucie about shelly posted 12/12/2008
hey I'm Lucie and my dog shelly just had puppies three monthes ago. And one of them act just like marley so I hope you don't mind but we named it Marley! And now he's three monthes old, And when he became one month and a half he became very attached to his three siblings but we gave them away to other friends because we couuldn't keep them. And it seemed as if his heart was broken and now it still seems that way and I don't know what I should do so I've tried asking around but nobody knew. So then I read your book because I read it a long time ago and I wanted to read it again. So after I read it, it actually helped me with my dog and I got Marley a new friend and now he's happy and fufilled! thank you!
A story from Lucie about shelly posted 12/12/2008
hey I'm Lucie and my dog shelly just had puppies three monthes ago. And one of them act just like marley so I hope you don't mind but we named it Marley! And now he's three monthes old, And when he became one month and a half he became very attached to his three siblings but we gave them away to other friends because we couuldn't keep them. And it seemed as if his heart was broken and now it still seems that way and I don't know what I should do so I've tried asking around but nobody knew. So then I read your book because I read it a long time ago and I wanted to read it again. So after I read it, it actually helped me with my dog and I got Marley a new friend and now he's happy and fufilled! thank you!
A story from Michelle Nack about Emily Elizabeth posted 12/12/2008
I just finished "Marley and Me". I had bought it when it first came out but had to put it aside. See, we had a great friend that touched our lives that we lost. I wasnt able to touch the book. Not strong enough.
Soon I was strong ready. Time had passed. The tears had stopped. Once I started, I couldnt put the book down. It made me feel like I was there. It also made me feel the pain again of having to put Emily Elizabeth down. A very good thing about reading that book of yours is that it made me get past her death and back to her life. This Christmas I plan on making up a scrapebook of Em's life with us over her 12 1/2 years with my daughter, something we can do together to honor Emily. You are right about the fact that they are family. Once they are gone, there is great loss.
Thank you for reminding me what an honor it was to be called Emily's mom.
Emily Elizabeth's Mom Michelle Nack
A story from Naylys about Skye posted 12/12/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me. I'm not a dog owner,although I've babysat my friend's beagles,given them their meds and lots of lovies.I was the human mommy to two feline babies, Skye and Rufie-we found each other at a no-kill shelter.Those two "brothers" loved each other,different as they were: Skye was tiny and lithe, while Rufie was huge and slow.They slept in front of the fireplace with arms around each other.Sadly, our Rufie died at age 5 from cardiomyopathy.Skye mourned, walking around the house,looking in closets for Rufie.We cried often,missing him deeply.After 2 mos. we brought 2 more beloved tiny "babies" home from the shelter,Zach and Mollie.Zach is huge and slow like our long gone Rufie (but not as bright!),while chubby Mollie is "impaired" somewhat: although 16 now,she still acts like she's a baby.Saddest of all, we lost our best loved Skye on 1/2 from massive kidney failure-he was 19 years, 2 mos. and 2 wks old.He was sometimes cranky, sometimes a little crazy,"talked" a blue streak,but the love coming out of that tiny 7 lb. body!His old age problems were funny to us:his little potty mistakes we called "presents".Skye was loyal,loving, protective of our daughter and our house,highly intelligent. Once he caught a snake in his mouth and brought it to us.He'd keep me company when I weeded.He walked on a leash,stopping and moving along on command.He undertood: when I asked if he wanted to go out,he'd run to the closet that had his leash,wait for it to be put on him,then run to the back door.The day we had to put him to sleep was one of the worst days of our lives-as you say,how is it possible that we can love a non-human creature more than we love any human? But it is possible. We miss him every day.He was one very special boy.He gave unconditional,unending love.
A story from Mikael Andersson about Xavier and me posted 12/12/2008
Just want to say thankÂŽs for a great book - it really touched my heart and made me love my own dog even more. Now IÂŽm just waiting for the movie to come to Sweden, but I have to wait until february/march next year..
Mikael Andersson Helsingborg/Sweden
A story from Brady Steinour about My dog Molly posted 12/12/2008
I loved Marley and Me! It was the best book I've ever read. This is my dog Molly.She is a Labradoodle. That is a lab and a poodle mixed. She is a lot like Marley. When the UPS man comes and we don't get the box she will rip it apart. I guess you could say she is the worlds worst dog next to Marley. She is about 7 years old in dog years. I love her a lot. I love her a lot more because of the story Marley and me. It was the best book I ever read. I laughed and even cried at the end. Your my favorite author. Thanks, Brady Steinour
A story from kevin about losing your dog posted 12/12/2008
i read MARLEY A DOG LIKE NO OTHER and when i got to the part where Marley gets bad off and they put him to sleep and not that im a big emotional guy or any thing but I cried and knows what it like to lose dog or as i should say "member of the family" i had a black lab for 10 years and she wondered out to the highway and got hit by what we think to be a trash truck and its hard losing a famly member and thats why i like MARLEY A DOG LIKE NO OTHER.
A story from felicia about Rogue posted 12/12/2008
this is a picture of me and Rogue, our one year old mix of a dog, on a camping trip with her tied to the thickest tree i could find because she pulled out the first one after seeing another dog far in the distance. when i started reading your book, i thought, wow, this is rogue! Then when i got to the part about starting a family, i realised...this is my life, i recently just had a miscarriage and we are trying again for another baby, i only hope we can be as lucky as you guys were with this next child, and hope even more that Rogue will be loving big sister to our child that Marley was to your children. Thank you for sharing your story with me, because after reading it, i realised other people go through the same things we do, including the crazy exhuberant dog
A story from Kim about The acquisition of Sandy posted 12/12/2008
We acquired Sandy when she was approximately 2 months old. I had finally convinced my husband that we could handle having a dog in the house again. One day he up and took me to the local animal shelter. The shelter had made a statement that they were becoming overly full on animals and would have to start putting them down if they were not adopted. When we walked in I was intent on getting a small dog with a friendly disposition, good with children and did not shed hair all over the house. These qualities I was looking for in a dog because I knew they would be a house dog. Our yard is not fenced so our new family member would not have free rein of the back yard. There were quite a few to choose from as well. When my husband asked me which one I liked the best I had chosen a nice female, she was a couple of years old and had a wonderful disposition. Unbeknownst to me my husband had his eye on another puppy. She was adorable, small and a solid fur ball. I saw her paws and I knew of her being a lab. I told him that she was small now but would eventually become very big and hair would be over the entire house. She would need loads of exercise and she could prove to be quiet destructive. It was love at first lick so we took her home with us that day. Come to find out she had been dropped off just that morning by an in home nurse. The owner had just had a stroke and was unable to care for the puppy and none of the family wanted to care for the dog. She proved all of my theories to be right. Hair all over the house and she would tear into everything. She is now going to be 2 in February. Her temperment has calmed some (but not a whole lot), she is a true momma's dog. She follows me everywhere I go and minds me far better than anyone else. I have never seen another lab with her facial coloring though. Every picture I have ever seen of labs have the black nose and eyes, our Sandy has a pink nose with pink eyes. She is truly one of a kind in our eyes.
A story from Paula about Living With My Dog posted 12/12/2008
I remember one time I had a dog named "Lou".He was such a good boy I had him for 16 years!.Awwwwwww he would alaways chew on everything he got.I remember the time we were gonna watch a Christmas movie and when we found the movie Lou had it in his mouth it was pretty funny.Oh and how he would sneak out his cage and we never could figure out how but anyway after he got out of his cage something always seemed wrong.He would hide something somewhere everytime one time i found a very old corndog under his blanket in his cage.Thats the place he would hide everthing its was very funny.He turned out to be a big dog though.But by the time he was 11 years old it was time to say goodbye.From this day I still remember all the funny stories about him and I will never forget them or my dog.We still have his ashes.And thats my story.Enjoy!
A story from Paula about Forgot To Say Something posted 12/12/2008
Marley&Me is such a great dog I use to have a dog that weighed 115pds
A story from Jill about An unlikely Angel posted 12/12/2008
Here's my Mom in her favorite last pose - a pose for her church directory.
Nearly three years ago, my mother lost her fight with breast cancer a few days before Christmas. The night she died, she told my middle son (with unflappable assurances) that she'd be with Jesus for Christmas and not to worry about her. He was a heartbroken 11 year old and it hurt to see him in such pain - and yet, why was I so mad at my Mother for using her deathbed as another way to 'minister' to my children? She knew I'd never confront her about the one thing we disagreed on - religion.
I could go on and on - the similarities in "The Longest Trip Home" rendered me hysterical one moment, raw with ache the next. I picked up the book as a way to pass the time at an out-of-town hockey tournament, not nearly expecting the 48 hr watershed of emotions I found on each page. I've managed to simmer just above the pain of losing Mom's 'bigger than life' presence until now.
Mom wasn't Catholic (Dad was before Mom converted him. He's been gone nearly 20 years - I got both ends of the spectrum growing up!). But if we swapped stories, she was just as devout in her beliefs and she'd be the 1st one to tell you she was 'slain in the spirit' and moved in all ways spiritual for the Lord. Reading your book, I laughed out loud and found myself desperately aching for my mother, whom I had a love/hate relationship with for my whole adult life.
Thank you for sharing your stories. An unlikely 'non Catholic' Angel is laughing with your Dad tonight - they've both managed to worm their way in again you know, sprinkling their wisdom deep within our souls.
As year 4 approaches for you and year 3 for me, know that your book has done wonders in allowing me to reflect honestly and ever-more objectively on my mother's intentions: securing my soul into heaven. A little lofty maybe, but isn't that a right of a parent?
Thankyou for bringing some of the joy and positive memories back - where only pain and loss were lurking regarding Mom.
A story from Cherie Pannizzo about My sweet Baci posted 12/13/2008
My chocolate Lab, Baci, was a surprise Christmas gift from my husband in 1995. Other than normal puppy behavior, she grew up to be an exemplary dog, possibly the anti-Marley.
She was a wonderful member of our family for 11+ years. Sadly, we lost her in 6/07. She & Marley are probably having fun over the Rainbow Bridge together.
It was a tough summer without Baci... finally at the end of that August I surprised my husband & son by adopting a puppy. I didn't get a Lab because I didn't think anyone could fill Baci's "shoes". We now share our home with a Plott hound mix named Levi, and we call him the "anti-Baci". He's Baci's polar opposite, and is probably a lot like Marley was. He definitely makes us laugh a lot with his goofiness.
With Christmas approaching, I miss Baci's presence even more, as it was her favorite holiday. She was like a little kid! Best wishes to you & yours during this holiday season.
A story from Trista about My Marlee posted 12/13/2008
I have just finished reading "Marley and Me" and could not help myself from posting a story. First off, I would like to say that John Grogan is an incredible writer. I have never laughed so hard out loud or cried so much when reading a book, it was so heart warming and I wish that I could have met Marley. I also would like to say that I can relate so much to the Grogan family and Marley for I have my own, although my Marlee is a girl but I think that she is the female counterpart to Marley. She just turned one yesterday and I was hopeful that her mischieviousness was due to still being a puppy but after reading this book, I realize that she may stay like this forever...oh no I may have to re-mortgage the house. Marlee's most outrageous story that I would like to share with everyone happened when she was about six months old. She woke up earlier than me this one Sunday, and decided that she was going to make her momma a piece of art, one that I would keep forever. She went about snooping around the house for her supplies, low and behold she found some Sharpie markers (they had been there from the day she came to the house) on top of my desk in the office, and she decided that her canvas would be my brand new cream carpet. When I awoke about a half of an hour later I walked into the hallway to find her with markers scattered about and a blue one hanging out of her mouth. Needless to say I was extremely angry and she could not understand why, she looked at me with hurt feelings because I did not appreciate her present. About ten minutes or so later I could not stay mad at her and chalked it up to life experiences...I now shut the bedroom door when I go to sleep so she can't go on anymore unsupervised scavenger hunts! I want to thank John for letting us share the wonderful story of Marley, and to thank him for teaching us that animals give us so much love and loyalty and everything else is replaceable. Thank you to the Grogan family and most of all to Marley!
A story from Maddie about marley posted 12/13/2008
I'm only 11 and I read Marley a dog like no other. My old dog just died and i couldn't help crying at the end. When i herd there was a movie i was so excited. I'm going to see it Christmas day!! This was the funniest book i have read!! i love John Grogan writing. I laugh the whole book
A story from Gerri Kraft about Your Great Book posted 12/13/2008
I only want to tell you how I am an animal lover and had to put two Golden Retrieves down and I now have another 9yr old Golden. Your book Marley and Me was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I laughed so hard at the antics and the way you expressed them. (Although I had no such problems with any of my dogs lol) But I also cried my heart out, I had to stop reading and get myself together many times I actually sobed and really felt your pain and heart ache as Marley started going down hill. I went through the same pain and will again in a few years. God Bless You for being able to love Marley in the way you did and over look all the insane things he did. I believe most people would have gotten rid of him. I am from Spring Hill, Fl, but have grown up in N.J. and also reading the Philadelphia Inquire. Glad you got another dog. Thanks for reading this. And again God Bless You. My e mail address is gerrikraft@tampabay.rr.com
A story from Kathleen Gibbons about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/13/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I don't know if you read these posts but I am compelled to tell how touched I am by your story about your mother, father and family. I met you through Marley and Me and knew I liked you. I just didn't know how much until I read your recent memoir. I was one page into it and sobbing like a baby. I read your words " remember me in your prayers" and I was done. So many of your religious upbringing stories paralleled my own experiences. Like you, my parents were devout, committed Catholics. My mom and dad were similar totally devoted loving Irish Catholic parents. They said the rosary together daily and in their later years attended mass daily. Their goals for me and my three siblings were the same as your parents. I have struggled my entire life trying to feel like I belong with the Catholic faith and have failed. I have always marveled at my parents unquestioning faith. I have longed for that peaceful simplicity of surrender and acceptance they found so easy and natural as did your parents. I was born in 1958 and experienced the changing social/moral landscape you did. I struggled with what I wanted to do and what I knew would please my parents. Loves eventually pushes one to make compromises, as you know. I lost my mom at 87 to alzhiemers; a lady to the end. Complete devotion and trust in Christ and fearless when facing death. I am lucky to still have my dad. He's 96. A leprechaun in a tippy cap, he struggles on a walker to daily mass. He would die for the church and Jesus. He is my hero just like your dad was to you. Thank you for sharing such a personal, moving story. I am so grateful.
A story from Jacob Wooden about My dog Mae posted 12/13/2008
Hey John, I love marley a dog like no other. I have a story to tell you. Me and my dad's dog Mae died in 2006, she had to be put to sleep. I brought in a picture for my class that day when she died because i could always look at her in class. I saw some of her child's, only 4 of them. One is named Oscar, the others i don't know. She always escaped when we put a big febce for her. i still miss her today. She was the nicest dogs i ever met, she was a beagle, she was 13 when she died.
A story from Jacob Wooden about My grandparents dog Bart. posted 12/13/2008
Hi John, Its me again. My grandparents dog Bart was nice and loveable. He died from a fox, the fox bit Bart, thats how he died. Bart was VERY old when he died, he was 14 in people YEARS!!!!!! He was a beagle also. He was one of the oldest beagles ever lived problaby. I just wish that he would live forever.
A story from Cassandra about Teddy posted 12/13/2008
Okay...So hello John Grogan....if you're reading this. I am in the process of reading your story, "Marley and Me". I absolutley love it! I was never so emotionaly attached to a book as much as I was to yours. I just can't describe how good it is. I am afriad to read the end because I'm pretty sure I am going to cry. :)
Anyways, I have a little dog story. The picture above is a picture of my brother, Teddy (my little dog) and I. We adopted Teddy when he was about 9 years old. We still have him and he is one of the most adorable and loving dog I have ever owned/seen. Unlike Marley, he behaves very well. (Other than jumping up on the kitchen table and eating treats left out. Like the time he completely ate our Ginger Bread house we made for Christmas)Other than that hes a sweet and kind dog.
When we adopted him, the people there told us he would most likely egnore or dislike my brother and I. They also said he had an agressive edge to him. When we brought him home, it was one of the best days of my life. (I love dogs so much). Weeks past, and his agression was fading away. Today, he has absalutly no sign of agression and he loves my brother and I to death. (He just needed the right people to take care of him.)
He became a very protective dog. When friends come over and he sees us resseling or playing around, he would start barking and acting as if to nip our friend's ancles. If my brother and I were to ressel, he would protect me, unsted of my brother. (He's a lady's dog)
He loves small and warm places, like under the blankets or pillows. (If these objects didn't exsist, I don't know what Teddy would do) He is a "personal heater" once hes warm. I love him to death and so does the reast of my family. I don't know what we would do without him.
A story from mckenzy settles about sammy posted 12/13/2008
Marley reminds me of my dog Sammy. We have spent 13 long years together and have had our marley moments. One day in the summer of 2006 we were headed to Tennessee. It was late at night and we had speny almost four hours in the car sammy had been sleeping, but when we stoped for gas we smelt a weird smell. We turned around and Sammy had relieved hinsekf in the back seat. I knew it would take a while for my dad to trust him again, but now that Sammy is older my dad tries to forget all the bad things he has done and remember the great things he has done for all of us. Sammy is my best friend and will always be even when his time comes. I know one day I will have to make the decison Mr. Grogan made, but for now Sammy and I will just live our lives to the fullest.
A story from Maria Mendoza about My Shih-Tzu Benny posted 12/13/2008
Well, may I start off by saying I LOVE Marley & Me. I'm a 17 year old high school junior who plans on being an artist in some area & maybe a writer in some time. In my life, I've ALWAYS wanted a dog - one of my very own. My entire life, my parents had their mutt by the name of Gin Gin, She lived until I was 14 years old. We had a few other dogs in that time, but none of them really mine. They were just for the family. I had plenty of cats - even mice. But a dog was my dream. Now, many teens get cars for their 16th birthday. I begged for a dog. My mother figured she could NOT deny me one considering my parents had split up in May a few months earlier. It was November now & I was done begging. I'd almost given up the good dog fight, but i never stopped secretly desiring one. Well, with $400 dollars & a newspaper classified add, my mother took me on Nov. 12th - 3 days before my birthday, & got me my very own dog. I named him "Benny" after a character in one of my stories. & I doted on this dog then on out...
Perhaps 3 months later
around the time this pic was taken actually!
my sophmore Language Atrs teacher
who i found to be a bit..."odd" put nicely
hands out books to our class called "Marley & Me."
"Well this sounds pretty ok..." says Maria to herself, being the picky reader she is. At this point, I was really not enjoying my pup as much as I should have. He was a menace! So hyper & needy!
much like yourself, Mr. Rogan, I hadn't read ANYTHING on the breed before I bought him! So when I read you did the same, I had to laugh out loud! In class, by the way!
But, after reading all the junk you needed to go through with your little pooch, it was nice to know my dog wasn't the only one who had pulled those stunts! He did EVERYTHING Marley did!
and still kinda does!
He knows his basic commands, but only listens if I'M the one giving them! He eats everything, barks, even
and get a load of how awkward THIS IS!
tries to, erm, "date" both our cats, Violet & Daisy...
mega icky stuff
Well, I just today finished reading "Marley & Me" for the 3rd time now. it speaks more & more to me every time I do. I take what you say & put it into action. I consider my dogs feelings when he wants a walk.
we live in an apartment so they're a frequent thing
& hes served as such a loyal loving friend in all my hardships...
Through 3 boyfriends....6 breakups....countless sick days.....& oh so many lengthy phone calls that bother him because he knows "Mommy isn't talking to ME!!!"
hes an attention hog!
& even through the rough transition of my father & mother coming back together to work out their marriage.....he sits by my side.
I want to thank you. your book is a God send. My mom is reading it, & I'm getting my new boyfriend to read it
hes a lil bookworm! & yeah I got a good feelin' bout this boy if you were thinkin' "Hmm.....after 3 boyfriends? Is she nuts?"
Its taught me so much. I'm going to buy your other book & I plan on buying "Marley & Me" the movie when its released!
Thank you so much for your time. You have really touched my life with your wise words on how all people should see their animals - not even just dogs. THank you, & God bless.
- Maria D. Mendoza of PHX, AZ.
P.S. Give your family my good wishes - including your pets! And I only chose this pictue because it was the first time Benny proved he was a camera hog! He was running around,
chasing his tail....yeah i'm rolling my eyes in humiliation
and I said "Benny! Look at me for a sec, piggy!" He literally dead stopped, looked at my phone, and gave the cutest smile!!!! Once he heard the camera go CLICK CLICK, he was off again, in hot persuit of his tail, as if it had stolen his dog chow. Then, not 10 seconds later, barreled head first into our mirror wall.......
Dont worry! he was on the chase again in about 3.2 seconds.... :)
A story from Mary Healy RN about A Connection posted 12/14/2008
The Longest Trip Home was recommended to me by Dr. Franklin's PA, Danielle, because of your mentions of our hospital. I am a Registered Nurse at St. Joes in Pontiac, and I have been through the cancer fight with my own father and we are so blessed that he won the fight and is still living. I am honored to work with the staff members you talk about in the book. We are the same age, and I lived many of the same struggles as you and your family-the rebellion, the Catholic conundrum, parental guilt trips and now part of the sandwich generation. Bless you for sharing your story. I cried like a baby as I recalled my fathers best and worst moments and the loss of my own mother at Christmastime. When they make this into a movie, please come back to St. Joes and visit.
A story from Rachel about Ironic loss posted 12/14/2008
I just got back from Roatan, Honduras. My best friend visited last week and forgot her copy of "Marley and Me", so I brought it with me for some reading on the plane. I finished it in the plane on the way back. As I was coming home on the highway I received a phone call..."We're just confirming Freya's recheck appointment for tomorrow at 10:30." I had no idea what was going on, so I told them I'd be there and hung up. When I called the dog-sitter, she said Freya had collapsed on Monday and had been unable to get up since. She was on steroids to help inflammation and some pain killers. When I arrived and saw her for the first time, I knew it wasn't good. I'm trained as a veterinary technician, and had seen such paralysis before. Her hind legs were cold, and her tail limp. The sitter (a good friend) said she hadn't fallen or anything, a definate possibility since we live in Ontario and it's snowy and icy out. We struggled to get her in the car as my friend cried, and I consoled her, telling her it wasn't her fault. When I got in the car, I lost it...I knew what was going to happen, and I couldn't believe it. She'd been so healthy, and absolutely no sign that this was going to happen. I brought my other dog, Mumford, with us to the veterinary clinic that day. They were nice enough to slip us in ASAP, beacause though she wasn't in pain, she was uncomfortable, and I couldn't let her stay like that. As he injected the Euthansol, I held her front end in my lap and her head in the crook of my left arm. She looked up at me, then to Mumford who was on my right side. Then she was gone. She left very quickly, and without a struggle. As I got to thinking about the whole thing, and the strange fact that I had just finished tearing up while reading "Marley and Me" only a couple hours earlier, I couldn't help but wonder if it might have helped me be strong for her. Knowing I wasn't alone in my loss is helping a lot, and finding out I could come here and read other people's stories has made such a difference. Freya was kind, gentle and loving. Everything an Irish Wolfhound is supposed to be. She may not have been "trick" smart, but she knew what she liked...her soft dog bed, the couch (which I couldn't sit in when she was on it, so I was relegated to the arm), and her puppy treats. The groomers loved her, as did everyone who met her. Sometimes I lost patience with her when she was enjoying the snow and sub-freezing temperatures and Mumford and I were freezing, but I never meant it. I should have cuddled her more. I should have taken more photos, and i should have spoiled her rotten. I miss her more than I can say, and though I know I did the right thing, I wish I would have been there sooner to soothe and comfort her. She was always there when I needed her.
A story from Rina Seidel about My own Marley! posted 12/14/2008
Dear John: First I wanted to say that I loved your book! I laughed and cried out loud so much! I even had a stranger hand me a tissue when she saw I started to cry towards the end of your book. I had to write because I have a Marley too! His name is Taz ( I think it may be Tazmanian the devil for short!) He not only is just like Marley, but is a mamma's boy fromthe first day I picked him up. I can not even close the bathroom door without him next to me- he goes absolutley crazy!! He has gone through 3 rugs, $120 dollars(he seems to smell money and eats it- I even did the laxative thing and came out with a corner that read 100.....)numerous socks, underwear, hats, receipts, you get the picture! But at the end of the day- he is our baby! I love him for more than anything and even though I have thought of giving him away during his worst moments, I knew I could never follow through.... You are so right... Taz does not care how much money I have,what type of car I drive (he has totally ruined my back seat from trip to the vet- enev in his kennel and being sedated!)as long as there is a hand on him and some food, he is a happy camper. His tail has broken glass, knocked over candles, plates and anything else in the way, including babies!!! I can not imagine life withour my Taz- and reading Marley- A Dog Like No Other which was a gift from my 10 year old, has giving me the hope that he may just have the spirit that Marley did, and that is OK too. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us!
A story from Beverly about my dogs posted 12/14/2008
A story from Chandler about my dogs posted 12/14/2008
This year has been a tough year and an even tougher year for my dog, Dash. Dash's best friend, Delilah, a chocolate lab, passed away. She had cancer in her hip. It started in February and ended in July. It got her so fast. When we went to the doctors, we knew what was going to happen. Then when we came home, Dash was so depressed. So then, I was told that we were going to get a new dog. We looked everywhere and found two dogs. One was named Ginny and the other one was named Foxy. We had to take Dash to see which one he would get along with. We ended up with Foxy.(the one I wanted) We took her home and put her in our backyard and she was a little shy, but she liked it. We ended up naming her Ginger. Dash and Ginger always play together. And she chases our cats all around the house. Happy Holidays to everyone!
A story from SpicyJose about little perprica posted 12/14/2008
Howw about u guys come over to my house and we can go into the basement and talk about popsicles.
A story from SPICYJOSE about little peprica posted 12/14/2008
please go on to www.spicyjose.com to check out my website........we have lots of things about marley and the latest mega gossip. Iluv this book............
A story from Jake MIller about Marley and ME is so awsome posted 12/14/2008
I love this book and i have read it over 230 times....i wish i knew Jhon Grogan i <3 him
A story from Robbin about Saving Josie's Life posted 12/14/2008
I read your book about 3 weeks ago and I loved it. I would be laughing on the train reading it and then it tokk me a half hour to read the last 5 pages due to the fact that I could see through my own tears. But the real reason I am writing to you is because you and your book actually saved my best friend Josie's life. Josie is a 11 year old Rhodesian/Red Boned Hound Mix. On Friday night she became restless which for Josie is abnormal since normally she is a very sedate dog. About 1 am she awoke me crying and yelping in pain. I let her out afew times and then about 2 am realized her stomach was swollen. She had what Marley had known as BLOAT which I had no idea about before reading your story. I called and took her to the 24 hour emergency hospital and they saved her life. Knowing she may not make it through a major surgery I suggested from what I read in your book about the less invasive procedure. They performed the procedure and now 2 days later I have my best friend back. Thank You for saving her life........
A story from Jenn about book and movie posted 12/14/2008
I read Marley & me when it first came out. then when the first cimercial caem for the movie i was so excited. i cant wait to see it on christmas day. Yeah!!!!!!!
A story from Emma about My Dog posted 12/14/2008
My Dog, Biscuit, seems a lot like Marley. I juat finished reading your book when I was in church. My dad left the ading your book when I was in church. My dad left the room to get some coffee, when he came back he saw me crying because I had just gotten to the saddest part in your book. I didn't just have tears rolling down my face, but I was sniffling and my dad told me, it was okay and that Marley lived a good life. John Grogan, I can't even imagine what you went through with Marley. I am so glad that you chose to tell this story- it definetly touched me.
A story from Morgan about Our own crazy dog posted 12/14/2008
I just finished the book today- and I just couldn't help but think of our own crazy dog, Bailey. At only 4 years old, she has given us already more than a lifetime of memories. Equal parts loving and mischievious, she has provided some of our biggest belly laughs over the last few years. She too failed obedience school, and at 10 months old I thought we'd have to get rid of her. Although ridiculously intelligent, she had a stronger independence and only decided to use her brain-power to help her get into things. Thank God we stuck through it- although never fully obedient, she's turned into a great companion. She lives for knocking people over, getting into trash, and playing catch- but most importantly she lives for making our lives that much more fulfilled and enriched. Tomorrow she goes into life-saving surgery to repair damage she's done to her insides by eating a shoe six months ago. We've done everything we can to save her, but couldn't afford the $1000 surgery to save her life. Due to the kindness of a stranger who saw in Bailey all the wonderful things we've seen for 4 years, our surgery is almost paid for. What a blessing, at this time of year and with this economy, to get the gift of having our dog longer. As I look at her laying by my feet, she is just a shell of the dog we had six months ago. 20 pounds lighter, and without her boundless energy, we are hoping to bring her health back to what it once was. Thank you John for sharing your story about Marley- I laughed and cried, and hugged my dog that much tighter.
A story from Katherine about Best... Or Worst posted 12/14/2008
My dog is just like Marley: the best, but a trouble maker!
I love the book and I can't wait to see the movie!
A story from kailey about my crazy puppy cali posted 12/14/2008
dear Jhon my puppy cali is a compleat maniak (left) one time we where cooking meatloft and she put her 2 front paws up on the conter and knoced the crokpot on her head and she was covered in meatloaf like i said my dog cail is a compleat maniack(she is in the picture with her sister)
A story from Anne about So there really is life after... posted 12/14/2008
Thank you so much for your wonderful book. My little Dela, a registered BBD (big brown dog), and I had our last vet visit together this October. She was my best friend for 13 and a half years...a miracle in itself, given that she was about a 70-pounder. I think she and Marley would've had a great time together! I remember taking her to the dog park early on in her life, and I would lose sight of her for moments at a time when the grass was tall. No big deal, right? True, until one day I watched a surreal sort of domino effect occurring. During one of these types of moments, I struggled to watch the tip of her tail above the grassline as she ran to her favorite pond to swim. Strangely, I started to see small children flying to each side as if they had been thrown. Dela emerged and triumphantly flung herself into the pond. Was she remorseful? No! She had grabbed another child's doll, and trotted just out of arm's reach while the parents griped, the child cried pitifully, and I yelled and tried to catch Dela! Did I mention her full name of "Dela Dammit"? Thank you again for the delightful read... I am particularly thankful for the Author's Note at the end. (1) Yes, bad dogs have got to be the best thing on the planet. And (2) I'm glad to hear that recovery occurs, and that someday I won't fall apart just thinking about how I miss her. Best of luck with Gracie. Congratulations and condolences on finding a well-behaved dog!
A story from cristan about our other pup posted 12/14/2008
we have another puppy 2 o by the way i am kailey 's twin so our other puppy luce ate a 20 carrit dimond nekles that was my twins and we got so mad at her we almost kiked her out of the hose. another time she was playing with her sister cali and then they started growling at each other and then luce started barking ai cali and then cail barked back and that was there very frist time barking and it became a barking fight so our 6 year old dog comes in the room and she startes barking. the pups where 10 weeks and the dog was 6 years old
A story from Shannon about The Desinator posted 12/14/2008
My dear Desi was there the very day i came home from the hospital which was the day i was born.11 years of pure excitement had rushed into me and Desi's life. But this terrible year led me and my dad into a state of shock. In July my best friend's mom had died. Then all of a sudden a flood of deaths barged into other life's too. On the terrible day of November 5th I was sent for early dismissal from my school. Wondering why I was going so early I was informed that my sweet 14 year old Rat Terrier was to be put to sleep. I spent 15 minutes with Desi then we headed off to the Vets. Desi wouldn't eat any of the chocolate I gave her and I knew from then that it was her time. The Vet gave soothing words but they would just not work. I cried and cried holding my Desi thinking that it would protect her from anything. After a while it was time for me to let her go. I hugged her while she peacefully drifted away. I sat there crying hoping that Desi would come back, but instead she peacefully lay beside me. It toke me a few hours to toughen up but to this day it still hurts me. I wear her collar around my waste and I put her name tag on a necklace. I hope that Desi comes back to me in another dog form just like Marley came back to John.
A story from Amanda about My Sincere Thanks! posted 12/14/2008
Well, I should start this by saying Thank You! For saving my releationship with our Lab, Max. January of 2008, my then Fiance and I decided we were going to extend our family(my Fiance, my 5 year old son, and myself)by buying a puppy. We chose to buy from a breeder a Yellow Lab, Max... Little did we know, he too would change our lives. Small, soft, sweet, and CALM. He was the worlds BEST dog. Learned to sit, give both paws, lie down, everything at only a few months old. And then with the next breath, he was COMPLETELY out of CONTROL! Nothing and I mean NOTHING in our house was, or still IS, safe! Even as it is in our hands Max feels everything is free game to him!! And what is it with TISSUES?!? I have to say I was 100% on your wife Jenny's side with saying "that DOG has to GO, NOW!!!" I too found myself late one night, screaming out of control at him. I even tried chasing him, unsuccessfully, round and round the dining room table trying to tackle him! Hoping to maybe beat some sense in to him.
Then October 2008 we got Married and were planning our Honeymoon in Jamaica. We were lucky to find a Trainer, that would work with and train Max while we were gone. When he returned to us, yes it was QUITE amazing the difference, till slowly the old Max was pretty much back to normal. Endless unsuccessful trips round and round the dining room table! My manager then gave me your book. I read it slowly and carefully, some parts over and over. Some parts I would have to put the book completely down and wipe away my tears from laughing SO hysterically. Mainly, that Max is MARLEY! To the "T"! Of course in some ways a little better and in other ways a little worse. In the end, if it were not for reading your book, and putting it all in to perspective, I do not think that I would be able to say that I do truely LOVE my dog! Beyond all the bad behavior and lack of ANY manners, his loyalty and ability to show true unconditional love, shines brightest! Today I cant help but shake my head and laugh at his actions.
Max has and will continue to to change every day life. Its just now, that I am able to understand HIM much more! This is who he is, and we are who we are. Loving each other all the same. And for that, I again, Thank You!
Very Much, Thankfully Yours, Amanda Fulton and Family...Max too!
A story from latetotheparty about marley and me posted 12/14/2008
I have just NOW gotten to reading your book and read it in its entirety saturday and today, with my own dog, a not-quite 4 year old red heeler mix shelter rescue lying beside me and our temporary (10 months so far) "Marley" trying to push his way on to the sofa and between me and my Bailey. As I read, I recognized SO MANY of the behaviors you described..... the Marley mambo, the tail o' death (my term), the unswerving love, loyalty and devotion and the boundless energy. Although Buddy-the-Giant-Lab is not technically my dog, I suspect that he has become my dog in his time here. As I type this, he is out in the yard, barking his head off at some critter in the woods, making sure his people and siblings, (which include 2 cats) are safe and secure. Although he is about twice my Bailey's size, and rolls her around routinely, I suspect that I will have to get her another dog if and when he and his "dad" ever get back on their feet and move out on their own.
I do hope that you read these posts and know how your story has touched SO MANY hearts.
A story from Bonnie about "Barley" posted 12/14/2008
Oh, how I wish I had a scanner to upload a picture of Beauty, a.k.a., "Barley," to show how much Beauty resembled Marley on the cover of the book... Walmart, here I come... After losing "St. Sam" (A Samoyan - Sam is in our wedding pictures)... We decided on cats, as we had two little girls... WELL... As fate would have it - "St. Butterscotch" and Sugar met untimely ends... Thus, we decided on a dog. I was undetermined to have a Yellow Lab or nothing - Yes, I saw "Old Yeller," but after having a Samoyan shedding everywhere, I wanted a short-haired dog. (Oh, was I mistaken...) I heard labs were wonderful family pets. And all the wonderful yellow labs shown on all the commercials... I was sold!!! My husband, Joe, humored me - and we found Beauty... We found the ad for Yellow Labs in the paper... I went to the ATM to take out enough cash to bring home a dog (should we choose one... More like WHEN I choosed one...) We got a flat tire on the way to look a the dogs (an omen???)... Well, one puppy, the runt of the litter, ran up to me -- and my pocketbook -- played with me, and then took the envelope of cash off to play with. After getting the envelope back, this little runt took my checkbook off to chew on!!! As a fiscal-minded person, I knew this dog was for me!!! Of course, for my husband, no one would live up to St. Sam... "This is the dumbest dog..." "What a stupid dog..." Then, almost one year after aquiring Beauty, rigth before Father's Day, I see "Marley & Me - Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog" on the supermarket bookshelf. The picture of Marley looks nearly identical to Beauty!!!! I bought it as a Father's Day present... In all the years I've known my husband, he has never found a book he could get interested in. After giving him "Marley...," he could not put it down... My husband hadn't finished the book, and he had a renewed compassion and forgiveness towards Beauty. And, he coined the name "Barley" for our Beauty... And he has given "Barley" a little more slack ever since. Thank you, Mr.Grogan, for sharing your story to the world - it has made a difference in the life of a wonderful yellow lab named Beauty.
A story from Lauren about MY LIFE posted 12/14/2008
HEllo John.............I loved ur book........P.S YOu cry so hard at the end!!
A story from Carmen Bott about My beautiful Sasha girl posted 12/15/2008
I recently had a holiday with my family and my mother gave me Marley and Me to read. I must say I have never been so touched in my life and thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Marley and his antics! I am a real dog lover and enjoyed ever second of the book, reading it in a couple of days. I must say I bawled my eyes out when I got to several parts of the book, not only becuase I could really put myself in your shoes having had a "naughty" St Berdnard called Pete! But also becuase I have an old Kelpie cross called Sasha who is 15 years old now and well and tuly into her twilight years. I cried for hours, becuase I felt for you and your family but also becuase I felt for my impending decision I will have to make in the next 12 months as my lovely girl gets older. She is doing ok at the moment but I fear that I no longer have a great deal of time left with her. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful story, it has really made a huge difference to my life.
Cheers Carmen
A story from Tom about Saying Goodbye posted 12/15/2008
It's not quite 3am, and I know that in just a few hours I am taking my beloved Jasmine to the vet for the very last time. She's resting peacefully in her bed on the floor, but she cannot rise to her feet anymore and the slightest movement causes her to flinch in pain. Arthritis has ravaged her hips and legs, and like Marley, she is nearly blind, very confused, and the sparkle has nearly left her eyes. Just weeks shy of her 16th birthday, she can no longer relieve herself with dignity, being forced to sleep in soggy fur on "doggy diapers".
I've spent the last seven hours reading "Marley and Me", crying, wiping up my friend as best I could, holding her head, crying, and reading some more.
Jasmine was born the day after Christmas and I had hoped she would have one more Christmas with me. But I realize that prolonging her suffering for even a few more days to reach some artificial number on a calendar is unconscionable. I choose to celebrate her life, remember the long pain-free walks and runs in the sunshine, and cherish the thousands of days she gave her love to me unconditionally.
I know I won't be able to see the movie until I can by it on DVD and watch it with a box of tissue and let my grief flow, but the book has been a tremendous help to me.
A story from Kim Robertson about Our dog Mollie! posted 12/15/2008
Hi everyone, we picked up our little chocolate labrador puppy in June 2007, we had this image of an obedient well behaved well trained dog. How WRONG we were. I am sure Marley and Me was written about Mollie! everything he did, she has done aswell. A friend bought me the book for Christmas as she knew how mental Mollie was!! I have never laughed and cried so much at the same time. We too were the worst in puppy training. All the other dogs were just sat there and Mollie and I were flying about everywhere!! She certainly has character and I would not be without her for one minute despite having to replace our kitchen!! and having to apologise to parents of small children as she grabs their sticks and drags them off into the bushes!! Mollie will run straight through you and opposed to round you, so you have to remember to bend your knees. After watching the trailer I cannot wait for it to come out here in the uk (13 March 2009). Mollie is always there for us with her unconditional love, she is great fun and when i am feeling abit down, she is always there for a hug. She does love socks and when my husband and I try to catch her, she just goes head down bottoms up and we end up chasing her around our kitchen for ages. There are so many more things that I could tell you about Mollie but I would be here for ever!! Congratulations on the book and movie. It could be our lives!!
A story from Carol V. about Princess Jasmine posted 12/15/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me and laughed and cried through it. It reminded me of my beautiful Jasmine, a full blooded black and white Siberian Husky. She was also 13 when she passed away three years ago. She was a very special dog who was gentle, playful and loved to run...and run away. I lost her for 9 days once and put an ad in the paper offering a reward. A lady called and said Jasmine was there at her farm...3 miles away. I drove to get her and she was glad to see me...and hopped right into the car as if it were a couple of hours instead of 9 days since she left. She escaped the yard many times and once I had to go to court because someone filed charges that I let her run at large. I finally put her on a long leash in the yard so she would stay put...lol. She loved to ride in the car with me and take long walks. She was my companion during hard times, being married to an abusive alchoholic and she was always by my side as a loving companion. Later I remarried and she adored my new husband who loved her too. She is buried in our yard and a portrait of her hangs in our living room. I will never forget Jasmine.
A story from Deanna Moore about Dolly & Me posted 12/15/2008
I've gotten the chance to read Marley & Me a couple of times. The first time I read it was a little over 2 years ago. After I had read it, my dog, Dolly had to be put down. She was the world to me. She was rare. A Dalmatian with blue eyes. She wasn't the best dog in the world, but she let me know it was okay to be different. She got into the trash a lot, and often stole Christmas presents from under the tree. Her and I wereley's story with the world. You've helped mend a lot of broken hearts.
A story from Lindsey about Getting our baby girl London in our first year of marriage posted 12/15/2008
My husband and I married April of this year and couldn't wait to get a puppy! We began looking at newspapers and the day I went out "just to look" is the day I picked out our baby London and brought her home for us June of this year. My husband was surprised when he called me while I was at one of the breeders and I picked up to tell him "I'm purchasing our new yellow lab puppy, call you right back!" When we brought her home our neighbor brought over "Marley & Me" to my husband and told us that we absolutely had to read it now that we own a new yellow lab puppy. Your book "Marley & Me" touched me deeply. I laughed so much thoughout, thinking of our own memories we're making with London. She's definitely tried to jump out the window before like in the book and scratched my husband's car. Plus she loves to eat anything and everything! Some of her delicacies include broken glass, an entire brillo pad, and a beer bottle cap. We had absolutely no idea how dirty our floors were until we got her because even after vacuuming, she will find SOMETHING to chew on! We've called or visited the emergency vet so many times, they suggested we set up a special savings account for the many "London Instances" we can probably expect throughout her life. She's already had stitches and she's only 8 months old from an accident she had with some hedge trimmers one Sunday afternoon! I just wanted to say thank you for writing this story....the early days of you and Jenny reminded me so much of how precious this time is with my husband so early on in our marriage. It also made me so happy that we have London and how special she is to us. We are already so in love with her and I can't imagine how hard it will be in the end of her life when we will have to make a decision that you and so many others have written about in this blog. And it is true that time passes so fast because she's already 65 pounds and when we picked her up 6 months ago she was only 15 pounds! I loved the quote in your book when Marley can't make it to the church on the hill and you talk about how the journey inbetween is really what matters in life. It is so true and this book will help me to really appreciate the time I have with London and the journey I am beginning with my new husband. I read the last couple of chapters with London in bed and sobbed so hard I could barely read the pages! I think I will look at her in a whole new light now. It's now my husband's turn to read the book and I think he may even shed a tear at the end of this heartwarming, amazing book. I can't wait to see the movie! Congratulations on all of your success!
A story from Marisa Giorgio about I loved your book..thank you posted 12/15/2008
I just finished reading your book. Cozy nite near the fire. I fell like you are my family. Being blessed to have our first dog 1 year old Chloe. I would be devestated should something happen to her. Your book was done so well..I never remember crying and laughing so hard. I purchased 3 books for my family. Thank you for sharing and being down to earth. Marisa Giorgio
A story from marquisha about my dog eddie posted 12/15/2008
I WAS HELPING MY GRANMOTHER WITH HER GARDEN WHEN A CAR COMES SPEEDING BY AND THROW A PUPPIE OUT THE WINDOW HIS NAME IS EDDIE HE LOVES TO PLAY I ASK MY GRANDMOTHER CAN WE KEEP HIM SHE SAID YES AND NOW HE IS 10 YEARS OLD AND SO CUTE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
A story from marquisha about my dog eddie posted 12/15/2008
I WAS HELPING MY GRANMOTHER WITH HER GARDEN WHEN A CAR COMES SPEEDING BY AND THROW A PUPPIE OUT THE WINDOW HIS NAME IS EDDIE HE LOVES TO PLAY I ASK MY GRANDMOTHER CAN WE KEEP HIM SHE Briefcase\JNES\Docs\untitled.bmpSAID YES AND NOW HE IS 10 YEARS OLD AND SO CUTE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
A story from Stefanie Elliott about Hurley posted 12/15/2008
Although my ex and I only had Hurley for a short time (four years) he left a lasting impression on our lives. We obtained Hurley from a shelter in Charlottesville, VA. where we had resided at the time. He was a crazy little furball or energy and paranoia. He was a sheperd mix about 60lbs. He, like Marley, was scared of thunderstorms and was destructive. Many times I grew insanely angry over his destructiveness, he ate lingerie, shoes, dental floss which is not pleasant to remove once digested ;), and countless other objects. The memory that is the most vivid is the day Hurley ate a highlighter. He had buff colored fur around his mouth and once he decided highlighters were an ideal snack for a dog his muzzle turned blue. I couldn't be angry, he looked to pitiful with the mouth full of blue and guilt.
A story from David In OK about Aggie Dog posted 12/15/2008
We are owned by an 8yr old yellow lab named Aggie (see the attached pic). She was born at the Veterinary School Hospital at Texas A&M University - hence, the name, 'Aggie'.
Aggie is not pure bred; she probably has a little hound dog blood - she's got speckled forepaws and is taller than a standard lab but, she is definitely a labrador retreiver from the neck up.
In the world according to Aggie, there are rules that everybody has to abide by ... she has her set of rules and the knows times when these rules apply and, correspondingly, you also have rules that you have to follow so that both parties complete their assigned duties and the earth continues to turn.
If you fail to do your assigned duty at the specified time, she is sure to let you know that you screwed up and you had better pay attention.
I was recently laid off and the country's economy is not looking good, but that's not something you worry about in Aggie's set of rules. I'm glad we have Aggie to keep us paying attention to what is really important.
A story from Holly about Sparky posted 12/15/2008
One time people came into the house too clean out the air ducts and he was afraid! He was so scared he jumped on our dining room table and started to cry. When they left he got down and ran on my lap. Than he just laid there!
A story from Ashely about Christmas posted 12/15/2008
I was 13 years old and my dog was 1. He had never incounterd snow before. He ran outside and started freaking out. He was biting the snow, and snarling. And he didnt stop for hours after the snow stopped. 8)
A story from Rachael Byrne about My Dog Ollie posted 12/15/2008
I have just finished reading 'Marley and Me' and the same as most people Ollie is Marley. It's funny that you always think that 'only my dog' could be like that but its reassuring that we are not on our own. We had Ollie this time last year at 7 weeks old and we picked the wildest pup from the pack, sometimes i think that was a BIG mistake but deep down i wouldn't change a single thing about Ollie. Yes he has tore up my lino kitchen floor more than once but you can't help but love him. He's always here to keep me company as my fiance is away in the army. Ollie loves nothing more than being off the leash and getting wet n dirty and the beach is definatly a favourite. When Ollie wants your attention he always nudges you with his nose and snuggles his head in, and if you don't respond he will keep on each time the nudge getting more forcefull. As for the yellow magnet he can't be 5 minutes without you following you from room to room, he even has to be in the bathroom with you, and if you have bubbles well you can forget having a peacefull bath. As stated before Ollie loves nothing more than the water, so one evening he had been out with my dad when they came back my dad decided to bath him, so as you can imagine bathing a lab can get quite messy so my dad stripped to his pants so save getting his clothes wet, so now if ollie cathes my dad in the bathroom with no clothes he automatically get's straight in.....and he will sulk if you do not bath him, so comical. Well that's enough about Ollie. 'Marley and Me' was a great book and i always like to read true stories but this is the first book that has ever made me cry! I cannot wait until the film is out in the UK it's not to miss.
A story from Rita about FofĂŁo and me posted 12/15/2008
Hi John and dear readers, The story below is from my aunt, who asked me to translate it into English.
A story from Jean about whats up posted 12/15/2008
Hi John I read your book and it is a bomb I hope your felling better about Marley that is a real bummer
A story from Olivia Gallagher about Thunderstorms posted 12/15/2008
We have a five year old black lab, Jack Black. He, like Marley, is terrified of thundestorms, but fortunately is not destructive. He just finds a good place to hide....under the bed, in the shower in one bathroom or in the bathtub. Surprisingly, he is also afraid to go in our pool, but readily runs into the ocean. My son and his friends tried to take him in when he was a pup, but I think he never could figure out how to get up the steps and out of the pool. We are fortunate to have two beaches close by that allow dogs and he visits often. He is truly the family dog and spends time with each family member, although technically he is my son's dog. He has brought so much to our lives and taught us all the meaning of unconditional love. While not quite as exuberant as Marley, I certainly recognized many traits in Jack. I thought you did an excellent job not only telling your story, but also educating the reader about the breed. The story of your family's evolution along with Marley was such a treat. I look forward to reading your next book.
A story from Heather about Bad Dog, Marley posted 12/15/2008
Tonight we had "family night" making cookies and reading stories. We cut out our cookies and while they were baking and then cooling we read stories. One of the stories I chose was Bad Dog, Marley. Because we have our own "Bad Dog"-Baxter the Beagle, I thought my children would really enjoy this story. Boy did they (they are 5, 4 and 2), but I didn't realize how much until my 4 year old daughter selected her two oookies to eat. She chose a dog shaped oookie and a bone shaped cookie. She then proceeded to act out her favorite parts of the story with her cookies. She soon had the other two helping her retell the story. As I finished cutting cookies I laughed and nearly cried with love watching my children play together and bond over a story. I will never forget the sqeals of "bad, bad Marley" coming from my two year old and the four year old pleading "please, please can we keep Marley." Never again when Baxter is a bad beagle will I ever say "that dog has to go"!!! Thank you for a wonderful evening.
A story from Donna about your books posted 12/15/2008
John, I just finished Longest Trip Home and I can really identify with your story about your catholic upbringing....I was telling my kids about it and they couldnt' believe about the "corporal punishment" and the comment about your mom being little Napolean set my laughing hysterically..Of course I cried when you spoke of your dad dying...I also cried when you told about Marley dying and I have to tell you that on Dec 25th when it opens I will be there ready to see Marley.... I had an experience when I was in 1st grade that I remember like it ws yesterday..we had to raise our finger either 1 or 2 for obvious reasons and there was a boy in my class that kept waving them back and forth well the num Sister Joesylian just ignored him it wasn't time to to (we went a a class) well he coudlnt hold it and wet himself she took him i n the coat room and really spanked him as if it was forever with the ever famous ruler...I was so tramitized byt the whole thing...I often wonder what ever happened to that nun or that boy..thank you for sharing your stories
Donna
A story from Allyson Sturgeon about My bad Golden Retreiver posted 12/15/2008
The culprit to this was our 2 year old Golden Retreiver, McKinley. I thought that it was fitting she would try to eat a book about a fabulously bad dog. She for the most part is a farily good dog but for some reason she wanted to eat this particular book. I had borrowed it from somebody and they laughed so hard they wouldnt accept the new one I ahd bought for them. I read this book a while ago and have wanted to show this wonderful piece of art...Our 13 year old Damlation is much like Marley (aka kicked out of obedience class, eating birthday cakes off plates, eating the walls, and also her aging, very much like Marley. We are going thourhg that ageing process now, its very sad). It is funny how we all defend our horribly bad dogs forever (Daisy my Dalamtion is an angle to me). We would all fight till the dead to try and make "other" people believe they are normal and wonderful to have around.......This book now is on our coffee table, and what a conversation piece it is. It has made many of my friends go buy this book and understand how great it is......Thanks for the story of such a wonderful dog.....Allyson and Jeff
A story from Ashley Gainey about Marley posted 12/16/2008
Hi john! i just finished marley and me. i have to say, i love the way you write. it speaks to people. ive been up all night finishing it, because when it got to the point where i knew he was getting older, i started crying. im such a sap for animals. anyway, here i am trying my best to read this book through a blurr of tears. and i couldnt put it down until i read the last word of the book. im only 22 and im getting married this sunday coming up, and i can only hope that we find a dog as great as marley. lol. i know he put you through a lot, but i can only hope to have the same thing someday. i had one dog in my life time that touched me the most. she was a pure white jack russell named zoe. she had a rough start from the begining. we owned the mom and dad to her and she was the only one to make it. it was the mothers first litter and we had problems with her taking care of my little zoe. and she was very mean to it. i think if i ever had left her alone she would have killed her. anyway, i held the mom down so zoe could eat everyday and the rest of the day zoe would hang out with me. we did everything together. and she was so funny. when i met the man im about to marry, she wanted nothing to do with him. she would climb on him and pee on his shoulder. lol. i think she was jealous. but anyway she didnt live but about 7 months and was hit by a car. i cried and cried over this dog for months, she was like my little child. but like i said, you book has given me hope to find another great dog out there some day. i just wanted to say thank you and im looking forward to reading your new book.
A story from Pam about Sophie and Me posted 12/16/2008
Sophie... where to begin. I have only had her less than 2 years. I am such a sap when it comes to animals and after having to put two of my dogs down in the last 2 years, I wasn't sure if another dog was for me. But... a girl at work was circulating this picture of this dog that needed a home or else the vet where she was being held was going to put her down because they needed room and no one wanted to her. I fell hook, line and sinker. I mean look at that face. Little did I know that the cute face was there for a reason. For as much love that she has, she has in mischevious, downright bad behavior. Over the past year, she has chewed every piece of furniture in my house, destroyed several pairs of my shoes, one of my Longenberger baskets and every single pair of my gloves has something ripped or torn on it. She has calmed down somewhat, thank goodness, but still has her moments when you just want to beat her to a pulp, but then she looks at you and my heart melts and I can't bring myself to do it. So I make her stay outside a while and clean up the mess and we start all over. I have come to realize that things are replaceable, but the joy and love that comes from a dog is priceless and something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
A story from Brandy and Lisa about My dog pepper posted 12/16/2008
Oh my gosh! i read Marley and me and i felt like someone was writing about pepper. some things are different,like Marley's love for diapers,for pepper it's socks! Marley sniffed crotches and pepper sniffs butts. (not dog butts)we call him Dr.Pepper and Mr.Hyde because all of a sudden he will start to run hot laps in the back yard. Sometimes he will forget to stop and will run straight into the gate! for the first month almost every morning he would throw up a sock! he just grabbed it and world swallow it! When he chewed on furniture we tried putting that bitter spray but he just licked it off! You look into those pitiful eyes and just melt!
A story from Lynette about Barkley posted 12/16/2008
I finished reading Marley and Me and I cried so darn much!!! I felt the love you had for him no matter what the situation or circumstance. I have a 13yr. old Bassett Hound named Barkley and his age is showing through as did Marley's. I cherish every single moment him. I'm fortunate to work out of my home and Barkley is my constant companion as are my other 2 dogs, Lukia who is also a Bassett Hound and Sparky my Jack Russell. They are good to each other and a blessing for me. Thank You John Grogan, you've opened my eyes even more to how precious our moments are with our four legged family members. Please say Hello to Jenny for me!
A story from Lillie Van Scoy about Leah posted 12/16/2008
I have just finished Marley & Me yesterday. What an amazing book! It made me cry and realize how much me and my fiancee's 7 month old puppy, Leah, has in common with a lot of misbehaving puppies.
Leah is not a full bred Lab. She's half lab, half deer hound. Her father is a lab, and he's as laid back and lazy as a lot of good natured dogs are. So is Leah's mother. But Leah is quite the opposite. We have just set into motion really trying to get her behavior under control. Especially, after last week, about a day after we got her back from the vet's after she got spayed, she tore up my fiancee and I's room, and ate an entire can of Shrimp Pellets (fish food). She chewed her potty training pads to shreds, and even stole my fiancee's pill bottle full of blood pressure medicine (she didn't eat any pills, thank God, but the pill bottle suffered a lot of damage), and attempted to eat my digital camera (which amazingly still works). However, despite all these autrocious behaviors, we still love Leah very much, and would be very upset if anything ever happened to her.
A story from Catherine Simmons about A Dog Like No Other posted 12/16/2008
I truly love Marley: a Dog Like No Other. Even with "Saint Shaun" to compete with this wild lovable mutt still won the heart of the nation( or at least mine and my cats, plus the Grogan family).Even until the end he was a lovable magnet and companion.And to me that's the best gift ever.
A story from Haley about My Brothers posted 12/16/2008
My brothers (my dogs) are completely different. Charlie (my dizzy cock-a-poo)is two years old, and is extremely weird yet smart, and lets you anything, pick him up and hold him,you can twitch his ears...etc. On the other hand, my jack russel terrier (Sunny) is sort of uptight and independent, but rarely is calm, and lets you pet him. These boys even sleep in different ways. Charlie- Curls up at the end of the bed,then always gets up and moven every five minutes throughout the night.Sunny- lays on your face or on top of your head, then climbs down and starts licking your pillow. My point: My pups can be nothing alike.
A story from Kasey about More than just a pet... posted 12/16/2008
First off, I have to say that Marley and Me is the best book I have ever read. I grew up with a chihuahua named Mickey. When he was a puppy, he decided that Barbie was his favorite snack and chewed the hands off of my favorite Barbie doll. That was probably the most naughty thing he ever did. He more than just our family pet, he was a member of the family, as most dogs often are. He then became the alpha of the house and sat on his pillow as a king would ordering around the peasants in his kingdom. My brother and sister and I tortured that poor dog to no end, just to get laughs out of it. The best was when my dad was replacing the tile in our kitchen and the floor underneath was sticky. Many times we would call Mickey into the kitchen and we could come running in get half way, and then realize his paws stuck to the floor. We still laugh like crazy, 16 years or so later, when telling that story. He was a great companion, and I still have a hard time sometimes talking about him. He was one of a kind for a chihuahua. Today, my husband and I have a Puggle named Molly. She quickly became a member of our family the day we brought her home. She chases her tail, sniffs and chews through the garbage and eats everything she can, from blankets to colored pencils and even Christmas decorations. We call her 'Dagger Paws" because she always feels compelled to land her 20 lbs of fury right on to your stomach if you are lying on the cough. I once had a doctor ask me if everything was alright at home because of the bruises I had on my stomach from Molly jumping on me. However, I love her dearly and while reading Marley and Me, recognized some characteristics in her that Marley had. Fortunately, Dagger Paws is not nearly 100 lbs and cannot harm us that bad when she jumps on us. Thank you, John, for the wonderful gift you have given to us by writing about Marley. You give comfort in grief and sympathy in naughty behavior and you understand what it is for a dog to be so important in your life. I cannot to read your other book. From one Dog lover to the next,
Kasey
A story from Shae about Dizzi a Dog posted 12/17/2008
I have a big big dog who is adorable yet loves to run off play nip and do all kind of crazy things! I love her deeply!
A story from Paula about Marley, Mo & Kitty posted 12/17/2008
I loved your book I read this book some time ago I talk about the book all the time and finally got my husband to read just last weekend he could not put it down I had told him that Marley reminds me of our dog (black lab) Mojo we call Big Mo we love her even if she swallows socks every chance she gets and eats like she hasn't eaten for days. we also have 2 other dogs (Kitty)aka Kid, lab very calm, and then there is Marley (Beagle-Yorkie) 20 lbs of wild he got his name from a company named Marley where my husband found him wired to a fence brought him home and he has ruled every since. one funny story we were walking on the trail and Mo & Marley saw a squirrel game on!! it was funny walking behind my husband as the dogs took off and my husband held on they sent him into flip but still hanging on to the leases. Without our dogs we would be lost they give so much love and keep us going that's for sure Love your book, it was so well writen.
A story from Renata Ventura about Toto the dog Brazilian posted 12/17/2008
A story from stephanie about bob and me posted 12/17/2008
marley and me reminds me so much of my big bad bob.It will be two years this week since he has gone.Their will never ever be another dog in the world like him.I dont know if its all labs but he was not the sharpist pencil in the box. We have had him jump from first floor window to take himself to the pond.He has helpfully taken the kitchen lino up and many more things like that.He was not bothered by thunder but a feather would send him running . big bad bob will always be in my heart and never forgotton
A story from Meredith about Maggie posted 12/17/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me and absolutley loved it. However, it should come with a warning label! I was crying and my poor husband just looked at my like I was crazy--he just needs to read it. Our Maggie is nearly 12 years old and like Marley in his later years, is going grey all the way to the ends of her ears. She has been my companion longer than anyone--with me since college--she's been there through dating, marraige and now two beautiful children (who, also like Marley, she loves dearly and is protective of). The book really made me have a new appreciation for my "shadow" and has reminded me to cherish every moment with her. Dogs lives are so fleeting but the joy they bring is worth every tear! Thanks again for a great read.
A story from Stephanie about Nike posted 12/17/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me, it was one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of receiving. My family and I have recently added a new member. Nike is now 3 months old and appears to be a Marley clone. We are all waiting to see if she will live up to the crazy, destructive, disobedient and WONDERFUL creature that Marley was. Thank you for the laughter & tears!
A story from Marlynn Lindenfeld about The Long Road Home posted 12/17/2008
Dear John, Just finished The Long Road and was amazed that we both grew up(20 years apart)in Generous Motors towns, Flint MI,reared cradle Catholics and lived in Berrien County later. You need to know that the awful editor of the awful paper was my brother-in -law,Bert, who recently passed away in the very same way your father did. He was one of the oldest survivors of Pearl Harbor in these here parts.Even his children,2 M.D.s and an attorney, would agree he was a task master but a good guy. Thanks for your stories and Christ's peace to you at Christmas. ML
A story from Jennifer Lomassaro about Candie posted 12/17/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me. It made me laugh and cry. I had my dog Candie for nearly 17 years. I had to put her down when my youngest child was just 2 months old. I was glad she had made it to see my son William born. She was such a sweet, good natured dog. My parents and I picked her out just before my 12th birthday. Sort of the way you picked your childhood dog was the way I picked mine. Candie (a beagle/sheltie mix) and her sister were in a cage together at a shelter. I called to the dogs and Candie was the one that ran out. Her sister hide in the corner. I knew she the one for us. She was my best friend. She was the for me for the rest of my school years, she let me dress her in clothes, kept me company when I was home alone. When I had my first child she laid under the crib and acted as the baby monitor. She would always come out to get me when my daughter woke up. She was smart and dopey at the same time (if that makes any sense to you). Finally we could see after 16 1/2 years she was having bowel issues, walking issues, and we discovered she had lumps in her nipples. I made the decision to put her to sleep. She just couldn't go on. It was as if she held on long enough for me to bring my second (and last child) into the world so she could see him before she died. When I drove her to the vet, she put her nose out the window and smelled the air. When I got her to the vet, he looked her over and said it really was time. I stayed with her while he put her down and she and I locked eyes and it was as if she was telling me it was ok. Then she was gone. It was the sadest day of my life. Still is. I have never gotten over it and never will I am sure.
I too keep her collar in my drawer so I can still look at it and touch it every so often.
Thank you for bringing so many memories back to me through your book.
A story from Megan about Marley continues to influence lives posted 12/17/2008
I would like to start off by saying that this book has truly touched my heart, I loved my dogs dearly before but now I feel even more in love with them. Madison, my golden retriever and best friend of four years, is a lot like Gracie; calm, tender, and to top it all off she has the sweetest disposition of any dog I've ever met. She had puppies about a year ago and we ended up keeping one, his name is Gator and despite all the shoes he's chewed, the holes he's dug, or how many times he's tried to escape he always seems to work his way back into my good graces. I suppose you could say he's a quasi Marley, not quite as destructive, probably because he has a best friend in Madison. Thank you, Mr. Grogan for being an awesome writer and sharing your life with the world, and thank you Marley, where ever you are, for teaching another human a life lesson.(This picture is the epitome of my brothers and I's relationship with our dogs, Gator is of course the one trying to make a break for it.)
A story from My Labrador about Goofy Antics posted 12/17/2008
This is Elwood. My Fiance and me just finished reading Marley & Me. We had a lot of areas we could relate, but realized how much we got lucky with our dog Elwood.
Some of the goofy things elwood does: When he plays in the snow he likes to shove his head in the snow and breath untill he his sneezing uncontrollably. he also like to use his nose as a plow and push snow out of the way.
On walks when he is not pulling our arm off he is running into the back of our knees trying to collapse us from behind.
he talks in his sleep quite a bit often waking us up in the middle of the night. With whimpers and half hearted barks.
There is so much more to list. If I were a talented writer like yourself. I could start a book of my own, only it would probably be shorter because he is actually very well behaved.
A story from Sam about Dog Years posted 12/17/2008
I just recently decided to read Marley & Me because I just got a new dog. People kept telling me how good the book is so I gave it a shot. And it was one of the best books I've ever read. What really struck a chord with me was how fast dogs really grow up. I wish puppies would stay young forever! But I am excited for the new movie coming out. Take a look at this Facebook application I found. You can have Marley find gift ideas for your friends:
A story from Amanda Freitas about Fred & Me posted 12/17/2008
My name is Amanda, I'm 14 years old and I'm own a Shih Tzu bicolor only for 11 months. It's my first dog, before him, I was owner of 3 beautiful cats. After reading Marley & Me, I canât sleep without thinking more in the book and the story, the book moved with me so much. Well, Fred is a crazy dog. It is very loving, loyal and companion. It is very playful too, always when I meet with him, Fred is already behind a toy to play with me. But he is very stubborn, craven and destructive too! Want and bite everything what he sees ahead. He is afraid of storms, and fear of heights. When he go out, always, he wants to smell the people and the animals. But, he is my dog, my love, my eternal pet. I donât see me without him. When I travel, always I miss him. He reminds me a lot Marley, although they are of different races. Thank you for writing a book so wonderful, and tell the story of your family with Marley. I am your fan and your family, and Marley, of course. I would love your answer John, my email is amanda_freitasa@hotmail.com ! And tells Jenny, that I admire her very also. Thanks a lot for everything, very successful for you and your family! Amanda Freitas.
A story from Wendi Hamm about The furry kids posted 12/17/2008
In our family we have three skin kids and three furry kids. The furry kids are Owen (left), Shana (middle) and Cotin (right). Like the three skin kids, they are cousins and enjoy getting together for some good play time. This picture actually captured them standing still. My daughter (one of the skin kids) and I read your book together. It was excellent and really captured the true spirit of a great dog! Bravo. There aren't too many books that can make me laugh out loud and/or cry, but Marley and Me managed to do both. We can't wait to see the movie, as the previews had us laughing in rememberance of the stories in the book.
A story from Jessica about The Past And Present With Dogs posted 12/17/2008
Dear John Grogan,
I wanted to send this to you letting you know how your book really touched me. I was always a book fanatic. Wether it was Harry Potter Books or Romance Books or Funny tales. But your book Marley And Me seemed to be one of the only ones that has touched me. You see, i once had a dog named eski. He was a wild guy who seemed to get through a lot. We went on vacation and left him at my grandma and grandpa's and he managed to bite their fridge plug out. All of their food went bad. So as you can imagine reading marley and me brought so many memories back to me that i had almost forgotten. Sadly Eski wasnt becomming friendly in his old age. He would only show respect towards me my mom and my brother. Anyone else who was lingering around would get bitten. So eventually we had to make the wise choice and put eski to sleep. I still remember that day. That day i held eski for the last time. I had that feeling that made me want to never let go. Knowing it would be the last time i would snuggle up to my best friend. He died infront of my eyes. Once the vetranarian put him down he callapsed in me and my moms arms. I cried thinking that he was in his usual deep sleep. Feeling that this wasnt the end. But eski was gone. and i had 2 accept that. After that i never thought i could have a dog. Even though it was fun while it lasted in the end it was the worst feeling i could ever imagine. I have moved on since then but i feel that the joy he brought me when i was really young can never be replaced. i am now 12. at that time i was around 3 or 4.
I just wanted to let you no that i have never honestly been able to relate to a book such as yours. Tears welled in my eyes. I now have a dog sierra. She is the light in my life. Yes i dont want the end to come any time soon...because i am a true animal lover I also have a cat... 18 years old. and I dont want that day to come. every day i spent time with her. Chic Chi ,Sierra,Eski Just Know I Love You Guys From Deep Inside My Heart. FOREVER xoxoxo
A story from Chandler about my dogs posted 12/17/2008
This year has been a tough year and an even tougher year for my dog, Dash. Dash's best friend, Delilah, a chocolate lab, passed away. She had cancer in her hip. It started in February and ended in July. It got her so fast. When we went to the doctors, we knew what was going to happen. Then when we came home, Dash was so depressed. So then, I was told that we were going to get a new dog. We looked everywhere and found two dogs. One was named Ginny and the other one was named Foxy. We had to take Dash to see which one he would get along with. We ended up with Foxy.(the one I wanted) We took her home and put her in our backyard and she was a little shy, but she liked it. We ended up naming her Ginger. Dash and Ginger always play together. And she chases our cats all around the house. Happy Holidays to everyone!
A story from Chandler about my dogs posted 12/17/2008
This year has been a tough year and an even tougher year for my dog, Dash. Dash's best friend, Delilah, a chocolate lab, passed away. She had cancer in her hip. It started in February and ended in July. It got her so fast. When we went to the doctors, we knew what was going to happen. Then when we came home, Dash was so depressed. So then, I was told that we were going to get a new dog. We looked everywhere and found two dogs. One was named Ginny and the other one was named Foxy. We had to take Dash to see which one he would get along with. We ended up with Foxy.(the one I wanted) We took her home and put her in our backyard and she was a little shy, but she liked it. We ended up naming her Ginger. Dash and Ginger always play together. And she chases our cats all around the house. Happy Holidays to everyone!
A story from Jenn about Chaos thy name is Bailey. posted 12/17/2008
When I tripped over Marley and Me in the book store every trip in for about six months to a year, I picked it up and perused the cover a couple of times largely because the adorable lab on the cover. As an avid reader, I am embarrassed to say that I didn't decide to actually read it until my favorite actress was slated to play the part of your wife in the movie adaptation. So many parts of the book reminded me of my golden retriever/standard poodle hybrid, Bailey. She's eaten carpeting, cell phones, cameras. She routinely swims in her water bowl (in the kitchen). Before being banned from the bathroom, she took great joy in accompanying me in the shower, licking rivulets of water from the shower walls, the floor, my legs. She is currently walking around the living room with the label of a 20oz bottle of diet Pepsi clinging to the fur of her neck by the miracle that is static energy. She once got a hold of a bottle of spray glitter used for hair on Halloween, punctured it with her little pointy teeth and sent it careening around the room spewing glitter on the floors, couches, walls. The ceiling.
Marley and Me was a wonderful book and made me appreciate Bailey for her sweetness and loyalty even in light of her more mischievous qualities. Big thumbs up! jswiley@gmail.com
A story from Cassady about Marley and Me & Valentine posted 12/17/2008
Hello my name is Cassady, I just finished reading Marley and Me and i loved it. i can't wait until the movie comes out, Jen is one of my favorite actors, so I hope the movie is as good as the book. I have a dog now named Valentine and even though she is a shih-tzu she reminds me of marley.the end of marley and me made me cry alot (and i was in school) every one came up to me and asked me what was wrong and i just pointed to the book. but it was of corse the my favotite book ever. (and you look a lot different now than you do in the book ;-) ) I hope your dog Gracie is good and i wish great wishes to you and your family. Merry Christmas Cassady
A story from Jessica Ross about Jaci.. The Worst Dog Story posted 12/17/2008
My dog is so similar to yours.. she is horrible as you can see she broke her leg by climbin' a fence and jumping to the otherside. Needless to say she was not graceful and fell full force on her back leg resultin' in a emergency rush to the vet. She is a yellow lab and the I swear she is ADHD HORRIBLY, but we love her anyway. Needless to say we deal with all the boo boos she puts on our house because we love her.. Your book was the best and I cried and laughed until my husband finally had to get in on the action too. I love how you told about the bad things and the good. YOu didn't make him out to be a great dog but a lovable dog.. a BIG differnece. Kudos to you
A story from Hannny about Marley posted 12/18/2008
Hi John, I just finished reading Marley and Me, I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. It made me smile, it made me laugh, it made me cry. I have my dog, he is not as crazy, destructive and disobedient as Marley, but he has pure heart as Marley had. And now I'm waiting for MARLEY & ME the Movie to cross to my country, Indonesia. Thank you for the laughter & tears, John. by the way, could you send me one of Marley's pic when he was a puppy??? please please please...... If you please, here is my email : hanny_raharja@yahoo.com I'd be very very happy :) Thank you very very much
A story from Hannny about Marley posted 12/18/2008
Hi John, I just finished reading Marley and Me, I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. It made me smile, it made me laugh, it made me cry. I have my dog, he is not as crazy, destructive and disobedient as Marley, but he has pure heart as Marley had. And now I'm waiting for MARLEY & ME the Movie to cross to my country, Indonesia. Thank you for the laughter & tears, John. by the way, could you send me one of Marley's pic when he was a puppy??? please please please...... If you please, here is my email : hanny_raharja@yahoo.com I'd be very very happy :) Thank you very very much
A story from Vicky Gilman about The likeness posted 12/18/2008
Have to do this in 2 parts. Ricochet who is the pup here is my newest Born Sept 10 2008. It took me from May 08 till now looking at alot of dogs to finally find the right one to replace my Gus(Marley in the later years) I read the book in 24 hours(not all at once but might as well be-I couldnt put it down and repeated parts in my head while i could not read more) I have always has a deep love with yellow labs so always owned them. He is such a funny boy. Of course as any lab owner knows they are not happy if something isnt in their mouths. Same goes for this lil guy. He loves certain t.v shows(kid ones for sure-hannah montana he jumps and plays at the screen) He dont have the tilting of the head like alot of pups got side to side goofy looks. Unless watching kid shows. He loves my girls and kids in general. He worships me and listens to me. Rarely anyone else. I bought him at 8 weeks and 1 day old. There was him and one other brother(Lady told me there was 3 brothers left-Ad stated 8 left ready to go on the 10 of sept- I called the 11) she brought them out to me and the othere brother was shy and kinda shyed away from me but Ricochet almost jumped out of her arms at me. Of course I held both just be sure BUT I went with Ricochet because he showed love to me and attention to me as I did him. That was the point to make sure we both connected. The next day I paid for him and had to go to work for a bit so he joined. The next day I set a vet appt while I was working and LOW AND BEHOLD the company car break down. Of course I have to call the boss and I was busted.lol. I only deliver meds to nursing homes and we all know our elders just love animals brings spirits up so I figured what would it hurt then this happens. Well he catched up woth me at the tow yard and he falls in love.....Not that I knew that then. So I had my friend drive 50 miles to pick him up so didnt get n trouble and then later my boss asks Hey, where did that lil sh
t go I loved him.!" Here I thought would get in trouble and dang it if I would be allowed to bring him along... Just the begining of our life... Ricochet has torn off wall paper and shredded the camo(pine shedding filled bed) I made for him. TOYS galore.... Spoiled rotten. He acts great when I am around BUT when my fiancee is around he acts a fool. I say no he stopps. He's so wonderful....PART 2 coming with the reason I again have a yellow lab pup
He's everything I lost with Gus.
A story from Vicky Gilman about Likeness 2 posted 12/18/2008
The pic is Gus-While we were in the vets office the day he was put down. I couldn't put a leash on him because cancer was in his throat and I didnt dare give him more pain than he already indured. I adopted Gus feb 2007. I seen his pic on Petfinder and fell in love from second one I seen him. I called to see if they still had him they did I went right away and after a few minutes we were driving away into a new life. I took him 2 days later to the vets(found out he was about 5 years old-his owners gave him away because he killed a new goose they got-Never had he been with foul of any kind they just got it on a spur he killed it they rid him..WRONG WRONG(their loss my gain) for all his testing and shots and to get neutered and TO THE WORST NEWS OF MY LIFE HE HAD HEARTWORM. So I asked what I needed to do and they gave me a payment plan(I wrote all the checks out for the days and they sent them to bank on that day only HONESTLY)50.00 every 2 weeks till it was paid off. He was cured and cleared of all worms. After a few scares and a few times back to the vet he wouldnt eat but certain food and he was good. As anyone knows whos owned a Lab they are almost impossible to keep settled down(especially with heartworm YOU HAVE to keep them calm-SO HARD TO DO BUT HE DID IT UN HAPPLILY TILL I THINK HE REALIZED HE WAS FEELING BETTER BECAUSE OF IT AND THEN HE SETTLED DOWN AND JUST ENJOYED THE EXTRAS.LOL) Things went great we bought a house in the country and he loved it...Free run... He stuck by me all the time... Up my butt as some put it....But he loved me and I love him.. I think he realizes I saved him from death because he was an older dog and then tend NOT to be adopted. We had a bond that was unbreakable. And once I noticed he was changing for the worse I took him too the vet(shhh... would have gotten in trouble for that bill-paid in cah privatly.lol)I noticed his eating was changing even went to gravy food and beter food and he didnt like it then his LUMPS were being felt... They were cancer. I knew at his age it would prob be 60/40 and not worth putting him through the surgery,guess he was still weak from his heartworm treatment(wasnt even a year since) so since he was still happy and eating and drinking(once i found the right food for him) the vet and I waited till he showed the signs of not being happy and or in pain(the vet told me you will know-she knew and had seen us together so she assured me I would know) Even down to the day he seemed happy alot until I asked him if he wanted to go for a ride and he got to the truck door and actually looked back at me like "mom, you want me to do this?" And Gus Tried. But my daughter and I had to lift him up. She wanted to be there for this(call it life exerience or wrong she wanted it and i wasnt denying her of this of her pet) We got gus up in the truck and he even gave us a lick and a few wags but by this poing he was bleeding by his mouth so we tried not to excite him too much but still hard when he seen a dog.lol. I lifted him out of the truck at dr. warners office and Brianna and I stoppped and sobbed silently just looking at one another_knowing Gus was not stupid. He felt it and since the cancer was in his lymph-noids(neck-throat-legs)We couldnt(sure some could)put a collar on him so I used a bed sheet to just give the wrap I needed to direct him. Doc went throught the procedure and asked me if I wanted my daughter there and I asked Brianna for reassurance from what she had said before(she wanted to be there through it all) and so the doc proceeded to explain it all to US both. (I remember when my mom had to put a dog down a few years back the first shot didnt do it nor did the second and I was SO MUCH IN FEAR of this happenign because it becomes torture then-So I had to make sure and double check that one shot would do it and he would be ok)NOT know what hit him(so to speak)She reassured me and BRianna and again told us how it would go and walked us step by step as she did it while we said our byes(I never say GOOD-BYE-Thats a forever word and I know I will see him again-Almost see him n Ricochet-)Gus laid his head on me as he does when hes tired and he kissed Brianna and I(I think he knew)and laid down again and she inserted the needle and he was gone almost immedialtely.. She listened for his heart and after a moment she said he was gone... I tried to close his eyes(dummy me.thought they closed eyes like we do guess not...)She told me they don't close their eyes. God, I wish they did!!! But ok so next they ask me( i kinda took affended like an ass but they werent being like that at all guess i was just being a mom who lost a kid) She asked me(mind you after they gave my daughter and I OUR time-Think it was like 20 or so minutes they came in and asked how we were and Brianna and I looked at one another and nodded,it was time they took him. They asked us if we wanted him cremated there or taken home and I said home(had I known my fiancee didnt pay the mortgage and that 3 months later were losing the house-I would have cremated-But he is buried in the back yard with a cross(yellow-for breed-Doves and angels for God-who he now resides and the girls symbols they love bunnies and butterflies. Maybe I will make a 3 just for his covering...Although now I feel I am leaving him as he was once left by his first owners. I wanted him to be home forever.... Anyone who reads this can comment me back or give me thoughts vic_da_brat@yahoo.com
A story from Vicky Gilman about Likeness 3-ending photo posted 12/18/2008
Gus setting before in the ground.. Now the debate......... I have removed all objects from his site but this one. House is sold cuz of foreclosure so now what?????? Help me heal please..
A story from Kay Clark about Cole posted 12/18/2008
I have two mild versions of Marley, Fred is 4 yrs. old, part Huskey part ?, and looks like a black Lab with a curly tail. Cole was born July 1st. he is part black Lab and part Mammonth. I just bought your book yesterday and read up to chapter twenty when I had to forced myself to put the book down on my end table to get some sleep as I work nights. Needless to say I forgot to put Cole in his crate. I was kinda in that half awake half sleep stage hearing paper being ripped, then it dawned on me that Cole was out of his cage.....I flew out of bed to see Cole with the book 'Marley & Me' hanging out of his mouth. Of course Cole wanted to play keep away then tug of war. But I manage to get it away from him. After wiping off the drool I lost pages 139-144 and the first page of pictures, the front cover is chewed up at the bottom and teeth marks all over. Luck is on my side tho' I can still read it, its just a little stiff. Bad news is my sister wanted to read the book when I was finished. She is an advid book reader.. Guess what she will be getting for Christmas. LOL So far I have really enjoyed this book, I have laughed out loud, not many books can do that. I think Cole did a good job on designing the book cover, it makes it look really authentic.
A story from Tanya Brown about Cosmo posted 12/18/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I dont know if you really get to check these blogs or not. You should know what Marley & Me has done for me. I never wanted to read it because i knew it would break my heart. When i saw the move was coming out i had to read it. I lost my lab, Cosmo, in June. I still miss him every day. I started reading the book and cant put it down. It makes me laugh out loud. I guess my poor old Cosmo was doing bad his last year. I feel like thats all i was remembering. This book is making me remember all the crazy things he did when he was young. I can never thank you enough for helping me remember him as he was and not just when we were losing him. Thank you. Tanya
A story from Carline about George posted 12/18/2008
I just finished Marley & Me this morning. My son read it and had been urging me to read it for some time but I just couldn't bring myself to do it because I feared that it would, as it did, leave me sobbing like a baby. However, with the movie opening Christmas Day, I figured it's better to hear the story, first, from the horses mouth. I am delighted that I relented and read the book, in spite of the small fortune I was required to invest in Kleenex. I'm not one to, typically, jump in on blog sites but the parrallels between this story and my own were too similar to keep. My ex-husband and I were married in 1988 and shortly, thereafter, added George, our yellow (well, sort of orange) lab to our family. For the first 5 years he was our only child, and I often have wondered if he is the reason we had no children for 5 years. Like the countless stories told by other lab owners, George was crazy. Bursting at yhe seams with boundless energy, he was a chewer/digger extroidinaire and the master of some of the craziest quirks imaginable (well, yes, I'm quite certain you can imagine). With each page, a new flood of memories came rushing back. Like John and Jenny, we, too, visited Ireland during the same time period. Like John and Jenny, we, too, missed George so much we called him daily just to speak to him over the answering machine. By the time we boarded the plane to come home, the countdown to "Lovie"(our nickname for him)began. Each passing hour was one hour closer to "Lovie" As you can, again, imagine, having been without us at home for 2 weeks, the reunion was bittersweet. Thoroughout the next several years. George saw us through the birth of 2 children and many happy family memories. We, also, added a companion for George, named Gracie, who eventually was force to relocate with a relative in Pennsylvania after we could no longer handle the neighborly assault against us on her behalf. Unfortunately, after George died, so did our marriage. The memories of our years with him encompass the happier times of my life. Thank you for sharing such a personal testament to Marley with us.
A story from James Costa about "The One I Kept" posted 12/18/2008
John, I just finished reading Your HeartWarming story....'Marley & Me'. I enjoyed it very much, and it was The Best Book I read this year. I currently have a Golden Retriver who is 13yrs. old. And I know that His time is coming soon. He's a Great Dog...Warm & Loving. The reason I am writing to You.... I Wrote a Book which I Titled "The One I Kept". It's mostly about My Love for My Wife Susie. How I met Her...and How She Kept Me....All These Years. And Her unwavering Love for Me....even though I probably never deserved such a Love. I was wondering If You would want Me to send You a Copy of My Book. Read it....and if You think it is worthy of publishing. I too was born in 1957, not in March, but in May. and although Writing is not My Main Career....I believe that I wrote a Good Book. Thank You, James Costa - 28493 Aspen Dr. North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
A story from James Costa about "The One I Kept" posted 12/18/2008
John, Here is My e-mail address should You be interested in My Book: "The One I Kept". Thank You, J.C. harleyman2007@hotmail.com
A story from Kate about Squirrel and Lily posted 12/18/2008
I just finished reading a book that I am disappointed I had not read sooner. "Marley and Me" sat on my husband's window sill in his tiny little rented lake house for the entire 12 months we dated. Then sat on the book shelf in the house we bought together after we got married for another year before I just recently saw the preview for the new movie and decided there was no more time to procrastinate. "Marley and Me" starts out at about the same place in life my husband and I are at right now; a newlywed couple trying to decide if they are ready to move on from being the parents of two dependant dogs into the realm of real parenthood. My husband owned Squirrel, a two year old yellow lab when we first met. I was the proud owner of Lily, a very spiteful miniature dachshund. Squirrel is a lover of people--much like Marley--so it only took me opening the front door of my apartment when Wes came over for our first date for Squirrel to fall in love with me and vice-versa. Lily, on the other hand, wasn't so keen about losing my un-divided attention. Her first attempt at getting even was to poop in Wes' bedroom while on a visit to his house. I assured Wes this was very unlike Lily. She never had accidents in the house. As it turned out, it was no accident. Upon being reprimanded, she immediately jumped up on the couch, turned to look at my future husband and peed on the spot. I was mortified! Wes took it in stride. Pretty soon Squirrel, Lily and Wes became the best of friends. Squirrel and Lily began to realize that together they could be a dynamic duo. With Lily's brains and Squirrel's brawn, they have gotten themselves into and out of some mighty big predicaments! I loved reading about John and Jenny's blossoming family and I look forward to the days ahead for Wes, Lily, Squirrel, myself and whoever else might come along. I hope we make as many happy memories to look back on and cherish as John and his family have. Thanks, John, for recounting the story of your family and the time you shared with the world's worst dog.
A story from Doglover about Addie posted 12/18/2008
Hello I am 11 years old and I just finished reading "Marley a Dog Like no Other" I loved it! I think it is my new favorite book. In the middle of the book I was cracking up and at the end I was crying. Marley reminds me of my dog when it comes to stealing food, gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaking loudly, and pulling on the leash.
A story from Bailee about Marley posted 12/18/2008
Hi John,
I stumbled across Marley and Me 11 days ago in Long Beach airport and fell in love with Marley, your fuzz ball of trouble. To me the book was an emotional rollercoster ride, I smiled, laughed and cried (I cried and smiled when I read about your chidren's pictues that where buried with Marley:). I will read the book over and over and over again. My cousin bought the children's copy and the tears have already started. Before my cousin had heard of the book or movie, they bought a yellow lab and named him Marley.
I loved your book. May Marley have plenty of screen doors to chase through in heaven.
Bailee
A story from Cathy about Zeddy posted 12/18/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me. I had bought the book for my husband and I to read as a early Christmas gift. Two months ago we had to put our yellow lab down. He was 11 years old and he had cancer. You never realize how much someone or something has impacted your life until they are gone. We knew how much we loved our Zeddy, but the impact of us having to let go of him has been beyond our imagination. He was the best part of us and a huge part of our family. He grew with us as we started dating, our marriage and our first child. Our son's first clearest word was "dog". He was the sweetest and most empathetic creature I have ever had the pleasure of coming into contact with. Marley and Me was such a therapeutic book for me to read because there were so many familiarities - and for the first time I did not feel so alone in our grief. It has been hard and our house still feels so empty. We too brought our pup home to be buried in our backyard and so many times I find myself looking out to his grave and I talk to him. He was such a comfort to me throughout many transitions in my life - I will truly never forget him. I wanted to thank Mr. Grogan for writing this book because though it was a tribute to Marley, I also felt like it was a tribute to our companion, Zeddy. Though I feel like some days this ache in my heart will never end, I do take comfort in all the dog lovers across the world who know what it truly means to love your dog and know that they make the best parts of who we are as human beings I love you Zeddy...
A story from Tina about Martha and Me posted 12/18/2008
Every day I take a walk during my lunch break. I listen to an audio book and just finished "Marley and Me" today. Wow, how Marley's story touched my heart. Apparently one tissue is not enough for the ending, good thing Starbucks is on my route and loaded with napkins. I really connected with you when you shared your final 'party' with Marley. My daughter Samantha, (pictured) and I knew we would have to put our wonderful pound puppy down the next day, for her sake, at 14. We had asked friends to drop by to say goodbye to her on her last evening (pictured). We laughed and cried and shared all the stories we had. By the morning, we had to steel ourselves, moving like robots to get though the event. To the vet, saying goodbye and staying with her through her final moments...then home to face the weeks and months of grief. Who knew she could touch our lives so? Right now I am looking at her doggy Christmas stocking hanging with the rest...embroidered with the word "spoiled" and a vinyl sleeve for her picture, bow on head of course. Don't all dog owners have that shot? Martha's ashes are nearby in a stone like container. The words "Dogs leave paw prints on your heart forever..." engraved in the stone. Truer words were never spoken.
Thank you John for sharing your story. Thank you for letting us share our stories. I've laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed them. Merry Christmas all.
Tina from Torrance, CA
A story from Tina about More Martha posted 12/18/2008
A picture of Martha, story to follow, when she and my daughter, we both young pups. Circa 1994.
A story from janine bernaldo about fluffy and rusty posted 12/19/2008
In October 2002 we got our new puppy a Foxy we named Fluffy, after her pomeranian mother.even though she was short haired.You can imagine the laughter that greeted us from the receptionists a the vet surgery.From a young age I rubbed her on the chest as part of her Mummy time.Oh what a mistake that was!!Everytime you sat down,she launched herself back to an upright position ready for her exclusive indulgence.And everyday without fail she would run around like speedy gonzales around and around the couch.Fluffys a real sweetie,very loving and affectionate,shes our baby, or should I say was until Rusty came along.Oh Rusty,he's a 12 week old Jack Russell so very different to our gentle,placid Fluffy.He loves to start fights by going straight for the juggular!Then he starts to make these unnerving noises like our Australian Tassmanian Devil.Beleive you me Its the devil himself reincarnated,I swear!!So far in two shot weeks,his chewed th wires on our mouse,rendering It totally useless,pulled my slats down on my verticals,chewed cane chair,pulled carpet up,taken paint off the sliding door and help desroy his dog toys.My carpet was cleaned a little over a month ago,well you'd never know that now.My daughter begged and pleaded to have him.I;ll look after him,his cute blah blah blah.So far weve'd dog sitted most weekends.Hey I didn't sign up for that,you know having older teenagers and all,but I should've known.what was I thinking!I've fallen In love with him now,what can you do.
A story from CMM about Seamus- only 5 lives left posted 12/19/2008
I have to tell you,I begged and begged my fiance to let me get a dog in our new condo- my final plea "I'll pay for everything, he'll be my dog"...I finally got Seamus, my pure bread-show dog Beagle...thinking since he was from a breeder and pure bread I wouldn't have any problems! From day one he has been a mess! Within the first few months we had him he got viral-papilloma in his mouth (for those of you who do not know what this is- please google photo's of it, it is absolutely disgusting...looks like cauliflower in their mouths)...a few months later he got neutered and immediately ran into the lake (a dog who did not like water before, of course liked water when he absolutey was not supposed to) - causing him to swell where "they" used to be and dragging the healing process out 3 more weeks...doubling the price of the surgery since he had to go under two more times to help releive the swelling (I won't go into gory detail)...then this past May while I was out of town I got a call from my neighbor at 1am saying they found Seamus in the parking lot limping...seems that my fiance had left him out of his crate while he went out for a boys night...Seamus nudged the window open, clawed out the screen and jumped from our second story condo, landing on the concerete...we are certainly lucky he is alive and only had to have a $2,500 surgery to remove his Femoral head on his hip. And then a few days ago he clawed open the cabinet that houses his food, over ate, and distended his stomach...so thats where 4 of his lives have gone. (and I do know that it is cats who have 9 lives, not dogs, but I have to look ont he bright side of things here!) But I have to say, Seamus is my son, I couldn't love him more if I had given birth to him myself. After caring for my crazy dog after his surgeries, illness, and crazy times I have come to realize what the true meaning of love and caring for someone means. He's my little baby and I don't know where I'm going to find anymore love in my heart when I have children of my own...but I'm sure I'll find some! I just finished "Marley and Me" last week...I hadn't heard of it before, then maybe 6 mts ago I was walking through my neighborhood in Miami, FL and they were filming at a house down the road! So I wanted to be sure to read the book before the movie came out...and I think it was named wrong...I think it should have been "Seamus and Me!"
A story from Amy Clark-Walters about Animal Shelter posted 12/19/2008
Hi John! THis is not really a story, but a request. First let me say I loved loved loved Marley & Me. Last Christmas I bought about 25 copies and gave them to all my animal lover friends. You have an amazing way of writing. The words go right to the heart. I am a board member for the Cheyenne WY Animal Shelter. Each year we have a big fund raiser, The Fur Ball. This year out theme is "O Give Me A Home". We have a great turn out,and raise quite a bit of money for the Shelter, and the animals. At the fund raiser we have a silent auction, with various items people can bid on. I am wondering if you would be willing to donate an autographed (and maybe a few words that tug on the heart strings) copy of Marley & Me, that we could sell in our silent auction......I know it would be a big hit, and bring in a good sum of money. It is all for the animals, and I know you have a place in your heart for the animals. I am so excited about the Marley & Me movie. Casn't wait to see it. If you would be willing to help us out it would be greatly appreciated. You can E-mail me at wyorunner50@yahoo.com, or you can mail your donation to Amy Clark-Walter, P.O. Box 2222,Cheyenne WY 82003. John, I hope this message gets to you,and that you can help us out! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. Sincerely, Amy Clark-Walters
A story from Nik about Maize and Blue posted 12/19/2008
I've been deployed to Afghanistan for just over a month now, with 5 to go. Someone in my deployed office saw the pictures of my two Golden Retrievers and recommended Marley & Me. Reading the book made me realize just how much I miss those two knuckleheads. Similar to John, my newlywed wife and I brought Blue home shortly after getting married. We actually picked him up from the backyard breeder a couple days after returning from our honeymoon. He is about 4 and a half now and has settled down a bit from the crazy puppy days. But his yearning for affection and companionship is what prompted us to bring home Maizie last February. She's a year old now and still every bit the puppy. Watching their companionship form was almost as fun as developing mine with them. His occasional spastic sprinted laps around the house to burn energy are more frequent since we brought her home, and every time they wrestle it's like they may never get the chance again. The book made me realize that Blue is closing in on the halfway point of his life already. I don't know what's the sadder thought... the day I lose one of my closest companions of my young adult years or watching poor Maizie have to adjust in the final years of her life without her life-long companion. The lessons you touched on in your book are spot on. He was the first living being that I had to care for. My new wife was finishing college while I was at my first duty station, and it was just Blue and I during his young puppy months, living in a bachelor pad, teaching each other lessons. Me teaching him the manners of a dog and him teaching me about responsibility, selflessness, and unconditional love. All lessons that I needed to be taught as a new husband.
A story from Nik about Maize and Blue posted 12/19/2008
I've been deployed to Afghanistan for just over a month now, with 5 to go. Someone in my deployed office saw the pictures of my two Golden Retrievers and recommended Marley & Me. Reading the book made me realize just how much I miss those two knuckleheads. Similar to John, my newlywed wife and I brought Blue home shortly after getting married. We actually picked him up from the backyard breeder a couple days after returning from our honeymoon. He is about 4 and a half now and has settled down a bit from the crazy puppy days. But his yearning for affection and companionship is what prompted us to bring home Maizie last February. She's a year old now and still every bit the puppy. Watching their companionship form was almost as fun as developing mine with them. His occasional spastic sprinted laps around the house to burn energy are more frequent since we brought her home, and every time they wrestle it's like they may never get the chance again. The book made me realize that Blue is closing in on the halfway point of his life already. I don't know what's the sadder thought... the day I lose one of my closest companions of my young adult years or watching poor Maizie have to adjust in the final years of her life without her life-long companion. The lessons you touched on in your book are spot on. He was the first living being that I had to care for. My new wife was finishing college while I was at my first duty station, and it was just Blue and I during his young puppy months, living in a bachelor pad, teaching each other lessons. Me teaching him the manners of a dog and him teaching me about responsibility, selflessness, and unconditional love. All lessons that I needed to be taught as a new husband. He truly is a good, mild mannered dog now. Maizie is proving a bit more difficult. But man I love those dogs.
A story from Steve about First Meeeting posted 12/19/2008
Just wanted to say that I just finished reading Marley & Me. I grew up with dogs - first a Siberian husky, that much like Marley, my parents brought home when they were first marrried. Tanya was like a sibling growing up. When she died at the age of 17, it was like losing a family member. We were dogless for a few years after that. When I was in high school, my father came home from work one day with Casey, who was a 1 and 1/2 year old Golden Retriever turned into the local shelter no doubt because of his rowdy behavior. I remember opening the basement door and all of a sudden this big puppy jumped up on my chest nearly knocking me down. He remained very frisky for many years. There are countless stories of him as a food thief, including the time he ran off with my McDonald's cheeseburger. As I chased him through the house, he managed to unwrap the burger and eat it without slowing down. Despite his ill behavior at times, he has become an irreplaceble family member. He's now over 13 and on borrowed time. My infant son has become friends with Casey. While he will not likely remember him, we have many stories that we will tell him of Casey when he gets older.
A story from Pat about Gizmo posted 12/19/2008
I read Marley and me and laughed so hard as I have grown up with golden's and have had a few episodes that were similar to some of the things Marley did. But I always wanted a pocket dog and so my husband got me a Boston terrier little did I know that this dog that stands 2 feet high and is about 20lbs and has just turned 2 could give me such a run. There is not a gate or door that can hold him and everything in the house has been in his mouth. I think he has read the book and is trying to out do Marley!
A story from Amber Pine about Jack posted 12/19/2008
Dear John, I just want to thank you for Marley & Me. We had a Chocolate Lab, Jack. He only got to be 8 before he passed in the same awful way your Marley did. I loved that big dumb dog. Our vets here in Indiana were not as clear as yours in Pennsylvania. The same events happened to Jack, it was like you like you were descibing my dog. I found so much joy and closier with your book, and although cannot wait to see the movie, I am sure your words will be better. I just wanted to take a couple minutes to thank you. Your story really touched me. Oh yeah, by the end of the book, I think I was tie with just as many good laughs as I had good hard cries.
A story from Arlene about Wicket posted 12/19/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me. Although, I knew I would cry at the end, I did have many good laughs. My Wicket wasn't a Lab, but a Shitz Tzu. As the snow falls outside, I remember how my husband would plow a path across the backyard so that she could do her business in her favorite spot. Snow would be as high as 24 inches above her, but she would still try to plow thru. I had stitches in my side when Marley saw snow for the first time and tried to make a u-turn. Shitz Tzu's have very short snouts and Wicket would bury hers in the snow all the time. As many of your reader's have stated, you haven't had a life unless there has been at least one in yours. I have been blessed to have 5. Two in childhood, and 3 as an adult. Its been two and a half years since we lost Wicket and I still miss her terribly. Maybe some day I will take that path again, but it doesn't seem to be the right time now. From your book, Marley was blessed to have had you and your family in his life and I think he knew that, hense his complete loyalty. Thanks again for such an enjoyable story. From one dog lover to another, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
A story from Nora about My dog, Ariel posted 12/19/2008
Last year my beautiful sharpei lab mix Ariel died. I rescued her from a local dog shelter. The poor baby had been beaten and starved in her previous home. She was my best friend for 5 years before she died of old age(she was 14). She was a sweetheart that was a lot like Marley in many ways. I read your book a couple of weeks after she died and i was happy that someone knew what i was going through, that someone adopted a friend and lost him. Your book helped me cope with the loss of my dog and my loyal friend Ariel. Now i have a beautiful year old saint bernard named Izzy that i got when she was 8 weeks. -Nora
A story from Charoltte about Marlie posted 12/19/2008
marlie is a crazy dog who has fianlly found a home shes live in 3 ndifferent houses and shes on 1 and a 3/4 i love her sooo much she reminds me of marley
A story from Dianna about Kirby and Me posted 12/19/2008
I just finished reading your book. And it touched my heart. I don't know what I would do without my lab Kirby in my life he puts a smile on my face every morning and every night before I go to bed.
A story from The Raeder Family about Chester The Worlds BEST yellow LAB posted 12/19/2008
Today at 4:20 I was touched with the saddest news that sank my heart. My beloved friend and my brother (with fur not flesh) will have to be put to sleep and sent off to doggy heaven due to Cancer. His name is Chester and he was an amzing 7 year old yellow lab and did the most amazing things. He was brought into the Raeder house a loving, gentle, and restless joy of life. Chester was supposed to be a fantastic gun-dog but turned out being affraid of everything especially loud noises. So are Grade- A Gun-Dog was no just a ball of golden yellow fur that moped around. One summer the canal that runs through the city and is backed to are home became a play-center for chester. He jumped right in and swam all the way and part walked to a nearby McDonalds. Last summer my friends and I were having a lemonade stand and Chester decided to pee on my friends leg. And last but not least Chester had many run-a-ways and would frolic in the street so one summer day Animal Control caught none-other than Chester Raeder playing in the street and he got picked up by Animal COntrol and rode in the front seat. Though Chester will not be spending Christmas with us he gave us the gift of many great memories. I love Chester and always will no-matter what. The memories I have from him will always be chersished and I will always remember Chester as the Worlds Best Dog. Thank you John Grogan for writing Marley and Me!!! I just so happened to finsih it the day we found out Chester had Cancer and would soon die. Reading about Malrey helped me cope with this time and I greatly thank you. Marley and Me was a great book and since we have to put are dog to sleep due to cancer to I can really relate to it. Chester I am so sad and un-prepared for this time. I wish I could just hug you and say I love you and goodbye. Chester I know you are going to die i just want to let you know that i will always love you and goodbye!
A story from Kay Windiate Benesi about growing up on Erie Drive posted 12/19/2008
My sister Janet got wind of the fact that the guy who wrote Marley and Me and the Longest Trip Home was one of the four Grogan kids who lived just across the street from our mailbox on Erie Drive. We lived down the long driveway that went past the Penny's driveway. Our house was on the lake. I was born in 1949 so am older than you are. I am not a Catholic, so attended Roosevelt Elementary in Keego Harbor and then went on to the old West Bloomfield High School which at that time was a 7th-12th grade school. I do remember going into your house once or twice to visit your sister Marijo. And I remember all the kids cutting down to the outlot next to the Penny's property rather than walking all the way around. That made perfect sense and it was always fun to watch all the activity. I am currently reading your book "the longest Trip Home and am finding it especially wonderful since I know all the places you are talking about. I had forgotten that we called the boat basin "the Lagoon" so I got a kick out of that. I remember the boys in the neighborhood always pushing the girls into the mucky water. I ice skated many evenings down at the boatbasin and also swam all summer out at the raft. I actually worked at Dandy Drug Store until I got fired for shoplifting some of the merchandise. It happened at the end of the summer and I remember telling my parents that I just decided to quit a little early. So I could relate to a lot of your telling your parents what they wanted to hear. Our Lady Of Refuge was always somewhat of a mysterious place to us protestants. I remember seeing the nuns walking down the streets and thinking that they were really witches in their dark clothes. I remember attending Mass once at Refuge with my friend Roberta Reisler and I found it mysterious as well with the priests speaking in Latin. I was actually scared. Thank you for writing your books and Congratulations on having them be so succesful. I will definitely go see the movie Marley and Me. Sincerely, Kay Windiate Benesi
A story from Amy Meyering about The Meyering Dogs posted 12/19/2008
My family and i decided to get a Dog to lets us know who is at the door and so on. We got for free and named her sassy. My dad trained her she was attached to him to all of us. she loved Bones and until we got our second dog didn't even knew to let us know when some one was at the door. She was there waiting for us each day after we got off school. She even found a litter of kittens. She wanted to play with them. Her first christmas My father and I searched all of san Bernardino for the biggest bone. It was about 4ft long she had the gone with in a month. She hated when you pet her tummy unless you were brushing her hair. She was a German Shephard mixed with Beagle. Her first christmas with her new sister Brandy. They dragged small trash can with treats in side of it outside but it got stuck sassy was inside brandy was outside pulling while sassy pushed. Sassy had wounderful life and got a third sister cookie where they all had there first trip to the beach. Brandy ate somebodys picnic basket. Cookie went on the beach as the waves came up and sassy Played fetch with me and my dad. Sassy passed away on October 9, 2008 and Brandy passed away on November 19, 2007 all we have is Cookie but she keeps us busy. We will all miss both Sassy and Brandy but they are never far from our minds and always in our hearts
A story from Lorraine Hollett about My Cat Boo posted 12/19/2008
I don't have a dog, but if you'd met my pets, you'd know why I was posting this. My cat Boo is almost like Marley in cat form. He claws the furniture, chases me around, steals food of the table, plays a little too rough, and runs away when he goes outsides. He likes wrestling with my 9 year old cat and also with me, even though he's only 1. When he goes in the backyard, he likes to runaway and explore with the stray cats. Once he ran away at 5 o'clock and we couldn't find him until 9 o'clock at night, twenty feet up in a tree in a strangers backyard. My father, my little brother, and me(I'm 16) had to take a ladder and rescue him. Your book, Marley & Me, which I adore, taught me something. It taught me too enjoy each moment with Boo, because he's no longer a two week old baby drinking from a bottle. He won't last as long as I do, and I need to cherish any crazy thing he does, whether it's biting my arm while I rub his belly, or stealing meatloaf right off my plate. Boo and Marley have also taught me to live life to the fullest, and to enjoy every moment, however simple.
A story from Lauri Lacy about Chloe posted 12/19/2008
My husband turned our lives upside down this January by bringing home a yellow lab puppy. Chloe's development and behaviors mirror Marley's as a pup. The similarities were incredible.
Last weekend I listened to the audio book of Marley and Me on a road trip. The story made me miss Chloe so much and I could not wait to get home to her. Only I came home to find she had had diarrhea throughout the house. (apparently she chewed through a bottle of liquid soap.)
Chloe has many interests. She enjoys "helping" in the kitchen, "wrapping" x-mas presents, re-arranging furniture and reorganizing shoes in the closet. This all in addition to swimming, long walks and playing with her "big sis," a chihuahua named Lupita.
Chloe did see her first snow in Houston,TX last week! It didn't phase her though.
I woke up from a nap this afternoon to find her eating the box of Marley and Me. Too ironic. Look closely at the photo!
A story from Heather about Thank you posted 12/19/2008
I am not sharing a story right now but I did want to say thank you so much for sharing your story about you and Marley. I just finished reading it and laughed so hard and cried even harder. I have a dog named Montana who lives with my parents I got her as a stray in 1997 we think she was 2 or 3. She is having such hardships in her life right now that reading the ending to your book it made me think of her. She was the best dog you could ever have. Never behaved like Marley, but I saw so many things you described about him in all my other dogs that I have had int he past and have in the present. I so loved the part about Marley's first experience with snow. I live in NH and snow is nothing new to us but it is so fun watching the dogs experience it for the first time. Thanks again for sharing your story it made a wonderful getaway for my breaks and lunch during a work day.
A story from Ashlie about Love my baby and Marley! posted 12/19/2008
I read th book about a month ago. I read while at work and fought the tears from running down my face, not just from Marley's passing but from my fear of loosing my baby at some point too. This book is hands down the BEST story I have read in many many years. I am an animal lover as well. I have a very special dog in my life who recently had emergency surgery which doctors said was 50-50 on her making it or not, LUCKILY she made it and is doing very well. I just thank you for writing this book. It touched me so much! I completely understand the love you and your family had for your precious pet Marley he was such a spirit as I think all pets are! I have told EVERYONE i know about the book and urge them to read it and watch the movie that is coming soon. Your book has been such a treat for me and I feel so blessed to have read it. THANK YOU!
Ashlie
A story from Ashlie about Love my baby and Marley! posted 12/19/2008
I read th book about a month ago. I read while at work and fought the tears from running down my face, not just from Marley's passing but from my fear of loosing my baby at some point too. This book is hands down the BEST story I have read in many many years. I am an animal lover as well. I have a very special dog in my life who recently had emergency surgery which doctors said was 50-50 on her making it or not, LUCKILY she made it and is doing very well. I just thank you for writing this book. It touched me so much! I completely understand the love you and your family had for your precious pet Marley he was such a spirit as I think all pets are! I have told EVERYONE i know about the book and urge them to read it and watch the movie that is coming soon. Your book has been such a treat for me and I feel so blessed to have read it. THANK YOU!
Ashlie
A story from Mandy about Kobie posted 12/19/2008
I've seen hundreds of the world's worst dogs. I do dog rescue, and get to meet all the "horrible" dogs that are relinquished. I applaud you for keeping Marley through all his antics. I've seen the broken eyes of plenty of dogs with different stories. My girl Kobie is one of those with a story. I am her third (and final) owner. She was returned to our rescue in horrible shape, and the lady who returned her said she was a horrible dog. Among my girls flaws are that she is a border collie mix, a notoriously difficult house dog, she has severe seperation anxiety combined with being an escape artist, the house breaking of an 8 year old dog took about a year to get down, a garbage fettish, and a need to be within eyesight of me 24-7. She has broken out screens and windows to follow me when I leave the house. She has cost me hundreds in veterinary bills from dog fights over food. But she is also one of the most loyal dogs I have ever met. She's smart and playful. Although she is now 10, she has the energy of a 2 year old, and has no problem clearing a 7 ft wall to try to follow me when she leaves. Since I foster dogs, she is valuable in teaching manners and rules to new fosters. She also likes to share her bad habits. She is also terrified of thunder, fireworks, and gunshots. I call her my million dollar dog from all the fixes I paid for at my last place I rented. But although I'm the only person she will listen to, she is very obedient.
A story from Terri Akers about My Marley posted 12/20/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan and all dog lovers, I picked up your book, Marley and me, at the airport on the way to Thailand to visit my grandaughter. As I got into the book I realized I had read it before but this time it was different as I had lost my 12 year old yellow lab to cancer Sept. 15th. Aside from the destructive behavior, Amber was exactly like Marley. I could have been reading her story. She was my constant companion, bodyguard, nurse and best friend. I wish I wanted another dog but I just want Amber back. I nursed her to the end because I had lost 2 other dogs in the same year, a 16 year old border collie and a 6 year old stray we had taken in but had a heart condition. Both had to be put down and I knew I couldn't go through that again. So with the help of my good friend and veterinarian I made her comfortable and pain free. I can't tell you how many times she went down but got back on her feet. She had a great life with 80 acres to play and protect and a river we spent many summers in. Besides writing to tell you how much your book meant to me, I had an idea while caring for Amber. Pet hospice. Someone to help care for your pet so you don't have to make that final decision and then question it afterward. I'll never forget Amber wagging her tail while I cleaned her up after an accident. I did not like seeing her suffer but isn't that just part of dying? Again, thank you for a great story about a great dog. I will get the DVD so I can watch it at home. And hopefully someday I will want another dog. Best wishes to you and your family, Terri Akers
A story from Megan C-F about A Love Forever posted 12/20/2008
I never understood when people said "a dog is a man's best friend". I grew up with a black lab named Taffy that my mother had since her junior year in high school. My parents divorced when I was just a baby, and my mother and I moved from California to Pennyslvania where our family was with Taffy and our cat, Emily. We, the pets and I, were all my mother had to comfort her beyond what family could. I never understood my mom's love for Taffy, or my own until I grew older. Taffy lived to about 17 years old, I was 8. And it was the most painful thing I experienced in my life that far. My mother had since remarried and had my younger brother. A month later we adopted Winnie, a chocolate lab, boarder collie mix. She looks very much like a lab, but thinks like a boarder collie. As a pupper she was very high strung, the vet wanted to put her on Ridalin, we declined, thinking she would grow out of it. Winnie was always by my side as a puppy. To think of it, I slept with her in her giant crate the first week we had her home, and hid all the things she chewed up as a puppy from my parents. We grew up together, both going through adolescence together and getting into trouble, yet we still clug to eachother like glue. Winnie was with us for the move from PA to MD then back to PA to two different houses and finally where we have lived for the past 8 years. We have been through it all together and been everywhere. Our favorite place along the beach. She waits for my by the door, and greets me when I come home. It pained me to leave her when I left for college in the fall of 2007. I was leaving my best friend. My parents would put the speaker phone on so I could talk to her, and my mom would tell her when I was coming home, and even sometimes not tell her, and she would sit by the door waiting for me...just knowing that soon I would show up. I read Marley and Me my freshman year of college and laughed so hard I cried and cried so hard I laughed. But it made me realize the love I had for Winnie, the same love my mom had for Taffy, and the same love John and his family had for Marley. Winnie is the "family dog", but everyone knows that she is mine. I love her forever, she will always be in my heart. And I now know that a dog IS a (wo)man's best friend. And I believe that with every fiber of my being. Winnie lays beside me on my bed (we share) snoring loudly and kicking her feet, at 10 years old, as I write this. I know she is happy I am home for the holidays, and I am happy to be with her and have this shared love...forever.
I never want to think about it, but when it is Winnie's time to leave us, I want her creamated and put in the wooden box I found at a flea market one day, it has a heart shaped lock on it. And when it is my time, I want our ashes mixed together, and spread along the most beautiful beach, so Winnie and I can run along it, together, forever...
A story from Angela about Remembrance of our father posted 12/20/2008
John, Our dad, pronounced dead several times throughout his life, living one remarkable life had showed us life was far from over. In 2004 he suffered a triple b time, I want our ashes mixed together, and spread along the most beautiful beach, so Winnie and I can run along it, together, forever...
A story from Angela about Remembrance of our father posted 12/20/2008
John, Our dad, pronounced dead several times throughout his life, living one remarkable life had showed us life was far from over. In 2004 he suffered a triple brain injury, lost his memory, learned how to walk, talk, and eat all over again. He was remarkable at age 68. He was then living with metastatic bladder cancer and trying to understand life as it now was. One eye went one way after the accident and the other another way. He saw with double vision, but he pushed on as always. My sister, a dog lover and owner of a deaf boxer that reads sign language, gave our dad your book so he could pracice reading something fun to to try and get his vision back. He practiced until he was able to finish the book...laughing all the way through it. The separated print allowed him to read the book. After that, he put down 3 books a week and learned how to ride a bike so he could go to the library and get more books since he could no longer drive. He passed away Nov. 10, 2008 from cancer and we thought he was invincible. I just decided to read the book that gave my father such joy in reading. I'm laughing too. Our family is going to spend Christmas day at the movies to see Marley & Me. This one's for dad. Thank you John.
A story from Muriel about Grogan Books posted 12/20/2008
Having been reared, from age 5 to age 14, in a Catholic orphanage (Sisters of Providence), I can so relate with your remarks about Catholicism. I so enjoyed reading your "Memoir." Your parents were marvelous role models and I consider you very fortunate to have had them. I must also add that I very seldom laugh, cry, etc while reading one book. Marley & Me did just that. What a wonderful book. I'm satisfied after reading the book that I do not have to see the movie. Good Bless You at this Christmas time and keep the good books coming.
A story from Emily about Chip posted 12/20/2008
My dog Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Chip for short) was the best dog anyone could have ever asked for. Chip was a German Shepherd â Sheltie mix; she was the same size as a Sheltie but with all the physical attributes of a German Shepherd. She was amazingly well behaved though, much like Marley, she decided to go her own way at the obedience classes. It was suggested she not return after a certain class that she decided she didnât feel like participating in, so she just curled up in a ball and fell asleep. He knew what was right and what was wrong, and displayed this knowledge often. If we were out of the house for the day and she had to use the bathroom she would hold her bladder until her eyeballs turned yellow and you returned home. Once you let her out, she knew not to wander to far from the house and would never pass the telephone poll outside the house. Her behavior when company was over was amazing. The second someone came in the house, she would run up to them and sneeze on their feet as a sign of acceptance, the rub up on them and purr at them (yes, my dog did purr) Chip was one year older then I was, and she knew that and was unafraid to show that. As the âolder sisterâ she knew her place in the household. She showed respect for my two older sisters, who were also her elders, but she treated me like a younger sister. When we would get in the car, she would sit in the front seat, and it was best to leave her there and just take the backseat. If you moved her, you had best be prepared to have a dog sitting in your lap for the rest of the car ride. My most fond memory of my dog Chip is every Christmas morning I shared with her. Up to her last Christmas with us, she would race down the stairs, knocking people over on her way, to get to her stocking. She would then proceed to open the gifts in her stocking and for the rest of the morning throw them in your face... literally. I cannot tell you how many pictures she interrupted by throwing her new toy in them, or how many times the lens had to be cleaned per gift exchange due to the massive amounts of nose rubbing she did. She also developed a taste for Boston CrĂšme Doughnut fitting one Christmas. She decided to play ninja and lick every last drop of filling out of a doughnut, then went into hiding. Christmas mornings are so dull now because she is no longer here to compete with you for gift attention. As time went on, she developed selective hearing. You could call her for hours and she would not come, but the second she heard her dish being filled, the scraping of dishes, or the sound of a tuna can being opened, she would appear within 3 seconds of the sound. It was truly amazing. Chip was put down two years ago this January; she was 17 years old and was going into organ failure. Her memory lives on with us every day because we continue to talk about the memories we shared with her, such as my sisters getting ready for prom and having to deal with the dog hair flying everywhere. Her collar is still hanging on the backstairs and occasionally, if the breeze is just right) it jingles and reminds us of her. We could not have asked for a better dog to share our time with, nor a better companion to share our lives with. Chip, we love and miss you and you will always be our little angel, and my big sister. Rest in Peace.
A story from clarissa about barney the labrador posted 12/20/2008
We have laughed and cried listening to your life with Marley. We have our own golden lab called Barney and we live in Bristol, England. He too likes to rummage through the waste bin and likes to rearrange household accessories, pot-purri is a favourite. One day we came home to find potatoes placed on each rung of our stairs (Barney learn't he only likes them cooked. If we are trying to pack anything away he will purposefully go and find a toy to drop into whatever container as if to say "I can do that". Barney had a bad start in life and came to us as a walking skeleton with inflamed ears, digestive problems and epilepsy. Because of this he is very clingy, and needs to be in physical contact with us as much as possible. When he first arrived he could only sleep if I kept my hand on him until he was in deep slumber and he still needs reassurance during the night when he has a nightmare. Even with his bad start, he is the sweetest, loving dog you could wish for. He hardly ever barks and will even let you take his food away mid meal. Talking of which, Barney likes his food very much, and just last week got into the Christmas box of food stored in the spare room and helped himself to a total of eight chocolate and marzipan cakes. Having already had to say goodbye to two very good furry friends, I dread the day when it will be Barney's turn to say goodnight. At least we will know we gave him the best life possible, even only taking holidays that he could come on too. We look forward to seeing Marley the film and assume it will come to England. Enjoy your success and thank you for the enjoyment you have given to dog lovers everywhere.
A story from Nikki about Shamrock and Frisco the yellow labs posted 12/20/2008
Reading Marley and Me, oh boy did that bring back some memories. I'll start off with Shamrock, our sweet and insane labrador who we put down three years ago. She was not the brightest crayon to begin with, but I grew to love her as if she was my own sister, my mother had grown up around dogs because my grandmother had always had collies, well as a present to herself and well, I suppose to me too was getting a sweet lab puppy. She was too dense to learn any tricks but we loved her none the less. And she was surprisingly small for a lab but she was always full of boundless energy and for a baby not always the best thing but she was my play mate. As, we both aged (we were mere months apart in age), we stayed by each others side thick and thin. I remember coming home every day from school and she'd rush the door, get it open and come greet me when I got out of the car. She got out of the house... a lot to say the least and it was always with our dalmation, Nation (who is a whole story in her own), and Nation would always find her way back but Shamrock would just mosey around the neighborhood, and someone would always bring her back, that crazy hound never found her way back. She was always getting into some kind of trouble whether it was getting out of the house, walking into random houses, stealing food, stealing the mail, eating garbage, you name it she did it. Now, when Shamrock and I were nearly 8 we moved once again, and by now she was being cranky but she was still that crazy puppy. A few months after moving into a much larger house with half an acre for a back yard, and Nation being put down my parents decided oh, let's get Shamrock a play mate. Right, because that made all the sense in the world. Off, we go on a family trip to a farm to see some lab pups, well we didn't even think to ask to see the sire (who turns out to be just like Marley's dad), and were all excited to see the puppies. My mother decides I want a pudgy one, well she finds her pudgy puppy alright, who has never grown out of it. So we are on the way home, my cousin and me in the back seat making a cute braided collar for our new fat puppy and put it on her. Well, she ends up in the back of the jeep bouncing around like crazy, somehow hops over the seat, gets to the front and sits in my dads lap who is driving, we still question how she did this. Now picture an 8 year old matriarchal lab getting a new puppy in the house. She was beyond mad, she snapped at Frisco a lot, but I guess it worked out they became pretty close pals. Well, Frisco is part of the Bad Dog Club. She has eaten her way through dry wall, twice, ripped up the tiles in the bathroom, eaten forty dollars worth of change, destroyed the garbage every chance she gets, and loves to run wild throughout the neighborhood even at 9 years old. With Frisco though, she's a hassle because she's allergic to everything, and over eats, way too much. I remember when Frisco was a puppy we left her with my Grnadma and went out to Peoria to visit family, well we decided we would like to have Shamrock along so we have my parents in the front seat, my cousin, brother and me in the backseat and Shamrock on the floor. You see my dad didn't want to bring Shamrock but we wanted her with, so stealthily we snuck her in the car and covered her with a blanket. We get five minutes from the house and stop at a gas station. Well, we decided to be sly and say skunk instead of Shamrock, but you see she's really dumb and would come ot any name you decided to call her (pancake, sausage, hampster, ANYTHING), she decides to pop her head out from under the blanket. My dad yells but decides we can bring her anyways. Finally, we get there and my uncle happens to own two lakes and a lot of land, well turns out Shamrock is horrified of the water, who would've guessed? But, that didn't stop her from sitting on the bank making sure nothing bad happens to us kids. My god, how I miss that old girl. The funniest story there is of Frisco, has to be the time I was babysitting my brother with my cousin, and it was just after thanksgving because my parents were putting up Christmas lights. Well somehow Frisco made a mad dash to the door, and got out. My brother who at the time was still in diapers runs out after her and my cousin and I have no idea about this because we are too preoccupied playing Sims. Well, our neighbors see my brother and dog so they pick them up and bring them home, and just laugh because the same thing had happened to them only a few weeks earlier. It's funny thinking about all the stuff with Shamrock now that she's gone. With Frisco though, we have lost a lot of stuff, and she loves to play the wiggle game. Now she has a lot of companions, she has three labradoodle brothers, and one labradoodle sister. Trust me, they are all a hassle, and have many of their own horror stories. Especially Fozzie with his 110 pounds of lean, rippling muscle who is petrified to go outside by himself. Then Phantom who is insanely bipolar, Star who is a freak. And Roni who literally clicks at your heels and likes to sit in your lap even if he is 80 pounds. Our house will never be empty of a dog, seventeen years and I have never been without a dog.
A story from theresa about Molly .... the dog with endless love posted 12/20/2008
Molly is a 3 year old Miniature Schnoodle whose sole purpose in life is to love anyone and everyone she meets (whether it's wanted or not). She is as sweet as can be and is indescribably cute. However, Molly never quite learnt discipline....barking, scratching, pulling on leashes and jumping up on everyone she meets are just a few of her less than endearing qualities. Despite this, she has an ability to project love like nothing else I've ever encountered. There is nothing quite like a Molly cuddle...she puts her head back on your chest and looks up at you with the deepest brown eyes that just scream "I love you".
One early winter morning, as I was walking Molly around our city block, we came across a homeless man in a doorway camped out in a sleeping bag. Before I could blink an eye, Molly jumped up onto his chest, lay down, tucked her head up against his chin and gave him her best "I love you eyes". I had no idea how he'd react, and was frightened that he might take offense to this wet, snow covered greeting from a strange mutt. Instead, he looked up at me with tears in his eyes and said that this was the nicest thing that had happened to him in a very long time. Molly finished her cuddle, said her goodbyes, and moved on to the street lamp across the way. I know that jumping on strangers is considered taboo in most dog training circles, but I had never been more proud of her. She had no preconceived notions about this man, no fear, no disgust, just pure, honest-to-God love. To this day she continues to share her unbridled love and affection with anyone who pauses long enough to look her way.
A story from Bryan Adam Lloyd about Sierra posted 12/20/2008
hello this is Bryan Lloyd again this is the second time i have did this the last time i talked about Rambo buster and safiar this time we took my dog pudge to to the Adrian Michigan humane society. and a day later we got a new dog she is 4 different breeds she is pit bull, black lab, sheepdog, and collie she has white on her chest and paws she is black and about 7 months old now we got here before the school year started she is cute and here name is sierra. my uncle still has daisy we still don't now what breed she is but we now she mixed with smaller dogs. back to me i don't have a picture of her she is very playful thought i just thought i would wrote to you john grogan to tell you how cool you book is and i cant what to see the movie and thanks for giving me the opportunity to write my dog sierra says hi thanks i will write again very soon
A story from Racheal about My dog Harvey posted 12/20/2008
My dog harvey is the best,although he can be a pain sometimes but he is absolutly the perfect dog for me! hes a Bernease moutain dog and he climbs on EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE!!!! just like marley no matter how much he drives me insane hes still my little lovable pooch down inside!!!!!!!
A story from Angie Gulley about Max posted 12/20/2008
I just finished Marley and Me... it only took me a day and a half. It made me think so much about my Maxi Boy. He was my baby. He came into my life when he was only 6 weeks old. I remember how he used to stay in a play pen because he was so small I was scared he would get hurt. When he was around 6 months old, he started bleeding when he would go to the bathroom and was throwing up blood. I rushed him to the vet (in fact, I was in the parking lot way before the vet was even there!), he told me that he had parvo from what he could tell. He told me not to get my hopes up, Max would be dead by the next morning. I remember informing him that I would not leave until he did something and so he gave him a shot and again told me not to have too much hope for him. I sat with him for the rest of the day. Just holding him and telling him how much I loved him and if he had to go to heaven I would understand. The next morning I woke up to the old Max. He healed and it was a miracle! He never fought with any other animal! He loved all animals, he took up with them like they'd always been there. He loved kids! When I would babysit, for one in particular, he would lay over his lap and growl at the mom for trying to take him away. He never did bite anyone though. He just didn't want the baby to leave. When I would bring home a new boyfriend he would hate it! He would growl and bark and try to pee on them. I was definitely his! He was my baby. Him and I were only separated for a week in our life together, and that was when I was getting married. He tried his best, when we were in our new home, to dominate my husband. Every time my husband was near me, Max would try to mount his arm! You can guess, we quickly got this problem resolved. The years went by so fast with him! When he was 9 yrs old, over the summer, he became sick. I knew it was for selfish reasons and I know I should have put him to sleep.... I just couldn't do it. I kept telling myself he would get better like before. I really believed in my heart of hearts that he was invincible! He would have great days! He would seem like he was just suffering from old age, nothing more. Then one afternoon, October 23, 2007, I came home with my little girl to find him in the corner acting funny. I remember picking him up, rushing out of the house trying to find my dad. I didn't know what else to do. I ended up at my sister's house. It was there, in my arms, that my baby boy looked up at me as if to say "it's going to be ok." He licked my hand and took his last breathe. Then he was gone from my life forever. I never knew my heart could break so much! I still miss that little guy more than anyone knows. My sister, in February 2008, gave me a new puppy. His name is Tigger, he's a tiny Chihuahua. He has won my heart. He has a lot of Max's characteristics! He doesn't fight with other animals. He took up with our cat as if they'd always been together. When we had kittens, he would try and mother them! He is a great little guy and I know Max would love him too!
A story from Angela gluchowski about my cats posted 12/20/2008
My cats are named Rascal and Lacey Rascal is so lazey and Lacey is so silley like she plays with the ornaments like she uses it for a punching bag and Rascal cruls up in a ball and I love them so much!!!!!!!!
A story from Sherry about "Sulley" posted 12/20/2008
Here's a few more pics of my little baby, he is a one of a kind, he's 4 months old, and the cutest thing ever, but I've never had a dog like him, and I'm a dog lover I've had lots of dogs over the years, he keeps us all busy and laughing all the time, he can be so loveable at times, other times he's a holy terror, he likes to get the toilet paper and run thru the house with it, he's done that a couple times now, and he thinks he's a lap dog, but he's not, he's a Lab, he always has to sit on you, whether its your feet, your lap your head if your laying down, your stomach or your back, he snores louder then my husband to, Brianna our 10 year old daughter was making a snowman last weekend and she had 2 sticks, she put the one in, and as soon as she turned around he jumped up grabbed it and took off running, he also likes to eat the kitty litter, gross I know, Brandy our 16 year old daughte was laying on the couch last week and he came upto her and started kissing her all over her face when he was down she smelled something and when she wiped her face their was kitty litter all over her, totally gross but extremly funny...LOL he don't like it when the other dogs bark, he hides, usually on my lap, he weighs about 35 pounds already and he's only 4 months old, I think he's gonna be a big Lab, I know he is definately a unique dog, he does something different and funny everyday, he is like having a 2 year old around, he loves to pull on your pant legs as your trying to walk thru the house, and has ripped alot of pants around here, he chews on everything, I mean everything, even metal things, If your eating chips on the couch he's either sticking his head in the bag and helping himself or he's just taking them out of your hand or your mouth, You definately would fall in love with him, within the first 2 weeks we got him he could shake, speak, sit, roll over, lay down, sit up and alot more, anyone who meets him is guaranteed to fall in love with him. Oh yeah, we named him after the Walt Disney movie "Monsters Inc" the blue monsters name was "Sulley". He is our little monster....but ya gotta love him!!
A story from Tatiana tancredi about congratulations to "Marley and me" posted 12/20/2008
Last April I rescued Kenny, a dog who has turned out to have some very Marleyesque behavior. He was a dirty, emaciated, and just down right lovable six-month old runt. He won me over in the first day I had him, which turned out lucky for both of us, because on the third day he fell ill with parvo.
Six days and one hefty vet bill later, I brought him home to nurse him back to health. He was what the doting ladies at the vet's office referred to as "puppy velcro." He just could never get close enough to me.
I'll admit I encouraged bad behavior. See, he was just so sweet and pathetic, I had to let him curl up next to me at night. Luckily, at the time, as a builder, I had a series of jobs where I could take him to work almost every day. We bonded fast and strong. In addition, he socialized into a dog who loves everybody and everything he ever met.
Over the next several months, he left his rough start in the dust and evolved into the fastest, friendliest, and most playful lad at the local dog park. He can draw the most timid or cranky pooch into a friendly game of chase, and boy, does he love to run.
He's a mutt; a wonderful, handsome, adorable mutt of the kind that everyone can't help but speculate on what he might have in him. The gigantic lolling tongue and the ginormous ears still defy description. More than doubling in size, he hasn't grown into either. The jury is still out, but I've always been pretty sure that a bit of him is lab, so when I saw your story on the shelf, I snatched it up and read it in a single sitting.
By no means are our dogs identical, but the parallels were enough that you had me in tears by page 49. The wanton chewing of prized property, raiding of trashcans, prospecting on countertops, even though these lunkheads know in advance that Daddy doesn't like! Else why would he be hiding under the kitchen table when Daddy gets home? This is tempered by his uncanny ability to read my moods, his endless devotion to being by my side, and most of all, his incredible, unbelievable, passionate exuberance for life. Seems like a simple idea, but I think you nailed that concept in your book in a very touching way. So, thanks.
Because, maybe Kenny isn't going to be the perfectly trained heeler. Maybe he'll always tug a bit on the leash. Maybe he'll never learn to roll over, balance a biscuit on his nose before I tell him he can have it, or fetch a ball without playing a bit of keep-away.
Maybe I'll ease up on him a bit and make some allowances. Maybe he can be my perfect dog without learning to be the perfect dog. Maybe, after his rocky start in life, he deserves to live the life of a rock star. I'll keep working with him, but I'll love my Kenny however he works out.
A story from Melissa Older about Milo posted 12/21/2008
This is me and Milo. I love him but I think he's more naughty then Marley because he sleeps on an bed destroyed all the tennis balls and can finish a bone in 1 min. I got Marley & me and I aleady love Marley and how he nibbled on your fingers and ilove all the pictures of him my fav was Marley as a puppy looking over the side of the box. He looks so cute, Ican't wait to get more Marley books
A story from Danielle about Miyah and Winston posted 12/21/2008
This is me and my lovely puppys = my husky/malamute mix, Miyah(pronounced like-Maya) is the absolute love of my life. shes basically the opposite of marley, but i wouldent have asked for a better match with me =. i rescued her from people who basically, just kept her alive. she was 11 weeks when we got her, and she was dirty and wet because it was raining but since day one, she has been my best friend. shes now 9 months and every day i get reminded of how much of a better like i have because of her being in it. my other puppy is a pure bread great dane, Winston. he was a pretty skinny when we got him but hes fattening up = i have had him for 3 weeks now and were a happy family =.he is now 11 weeks. they are my life and i couldent have been blessed with a better one. they complete me. through there puppy stages, chewing and eating everything up to them cuddling up with me in the couch, to pulling me on walks, they make my life so much more meaningful. thanks for reading =
â„â„Danielleâ„â„
A story from Sue about Angell posted 12/21/2008
Everyone has the best dog. Somehow Love makes that possible, wish I could find a way to can that type of love so I could give it away. The world would be a much better place.. I had Jack, he was a "vicious man eating Pit Bull" who captured the best of all life could offer regardless of the ugly looks and mean comments ignorant people would make. My story is not about the great pitbull debate, it's about a hospital in Boston where miracles happen for our pets every day. I lost Jack in May to mast cell disease, a type of skin cancer that was misdiagnosed by my vet locally. He is the second dog I've rushed in to the Angell and although the second I've lost to cancer, somehow this was different. I had hope when I walked in to Angell. They've figured out how to can that love and still clinically treat animals and in many instances miracles happen. After just having read Woodson & Me in USA Weekend, I would suggest (and plead) to John Grogan and his family a trip to an orthopedic specialist at this phenominal facility. Replacement surgeries are done, alternate and East/West therapies are available, and if nothing clinical applies, pain management is available. It works, and it's so worth it. All you have to do is walk through the door and you will understand. You're surrounded by a staff of hundreds of doctors and clinical specialists who are pet lovers and they understand.
A story from June Fluegel about Marley posted 12/21/2008
while getting ready to see the movie of Marley and Me, I reread the book. Once again I laughed and cried.I had to put 3 of my sweethearts down, a year apart. I opened the paper this morning to find an article of you and your family making the movie. I was so touched by the new dog I had to tell you and your family thank you once again for being who you are and how I have read all of your books and how much I have loved them. You sure know how to write a book. God bless you and your family.
A story from Harry about Faith posted 12/21/2008
Hi John, I just finished your wonderful book, The Longest Trip Home. It's evident that you inherited your mom's story telling talent. My wife and I are your age so I could relate to much of the stories you tell about growing up. Also, I lost my dad to cancer on Sept 17th, 2006. He was 83 and I loved him greatly. My wife and I grew up Protestant; she was Baptist and I First Christian church. When we married in 1978, we started going to the Methodist Church. We attended on a fairly regular basis but I never felt a close relationship to Jesus. I mentioned more than once to my wife that I felt that I was "going through the motions". Right after Dad passed away I hit a brick wall. I felt so lost spiritually and came to realize that I had nothing firm to hold on to. Three months after Dad passed, I found myself knocking on the door of the rectory in our tiny town. The priest led me into his living room and I talked for a long, long time. I had felt a pull to the Catholic faith for over 30 years and now I knew what I had to do, which was to convert to Catholicism. My wife and I had the privilge of visting Rome about 5 years ago and we made the trip to the Vatican. We purchased several rosaries for friends and I don't know why but I bought one for myself while there. Shortly after that a cousin of mine finished years of research on our family tree and I was intrigued to find out that we were Catholic until my forefathers came to Missouri in the 1700s. (There was no Catholic church close by in the area they moved to so they went to the Protestant church). Shortly after that visit to our local priest, I started attending Mass every week. Soon, Father invited me to start attending the RCIA class that was already in progress. Although my wife did not attend the class, she started attending Mass with me every week. I came into the Church in April of 2007 and my wife came in the following year. I'm very very blessed to have such a wonderful wife and I thank God for her everyday. I'm also blessed with a son that is now a police officer. But most of all, I'm in a very real relationship with God for the first time in my life and I know that the Catholic Church is where I need to be. I thank you for sharing your wonderful story with the world. I'm sure it was not an easy thing to do, John. I also pray that your spiritual life continues to grow. With the way you finished your book, I know that you're on the right path. God Bless you and your family. Harry
A story from Danielle about Marley & Me posted 12/21/2008
Hi John,
A story from Danielle about Marley & Me posted 12/21/2008
Hi John, It is hard to truly convey how mush I enjoyed your story. I am only sixteen years old and have had a dog a black lab in fact that I grew up with she dies a few years back. This story had me laughing and crying as I remembered life with my loving companion and how much I miss her being at my feet and the safety she brought me. Thank you for this wonderful story that I will take many life lessons away with me. And thank you for helping me remember my dog Lucky and all the joy she brought me. You are truly an extraordinary author and Marley & Me has now become my favorite book.
A story from Leslie about Me and my two labs posted 12/21/2008
I had a black lab when I was a kid she was fourteen whaen she had to be put to sleep. i still miss her a whole lot, but I had another lab when i was a kid she is ten. Her name is Honey because she is a yellow lab. Honey remides me a lot of Marley because they bother are kind dogs but not well behaved. The only time honey behaves is when I take her on a walk around our neighborhood. When we let honey out to play our mini dachund just loves to play with her. I know what you went through with Marley when you had to put him to sleep. My cousin also knows what you went through because she had a puppy to put him to sleep because he got really sick, so she was really sad because that was her dog. When I read the part about you having to put Marley to sleep I just started crying and could not stop. I really did love the book Marley and Me
A story from David Larson about Dog ate my dinner posted 12/21/2008
My wife had prepared dinner and I was late getting home, so she put it in the microwave and latched the door closed. No sooner had she done this and our chocolate lab, Buzzeye, decided it was time to learn how to operate the door latch on the microwave. Being the smart dog that he is, he had the door open in no time. Then he used a skill we know he has had for quite a while: He grabbed the plate by the edge, carefully lowered to the floor without any spills, and leisurely consumed my dinner.....
A story from Terri Zakszewski about Little Lucy posted 12/21/2008
We also have a special needs dog. Her name is Lucy, and she is the sweetest dog in the world. When she was six months old, she's two now, she wasn't playful and hyper like a puppy should be. We took her to the vet and discovered that she had the same problem as your dog Woodson. She was in alot of pain and could barely walk. We decided to go ahead with the surgery called femoral hip osteotomy. It was a complete success. Lucy is no longer in pain, can run with the rest of them, and after one year can now jump up on the couch. She enyoys long walks and the vet encourages daily walks to keep her muscles strong. We are so happy we went ahead with the surgery. She's the sweetest loving puppy in the world. I can't wait to see Marley & Me.
A story from Lorin about Saved us he did. posted 12/21/2008
I truly believe that my wonderful Dalmatian Buddy saved me, himself and my other two Dalmatians from a potentially tragic event one day. I had placed an overfilled teapot on the stove and turned the burner on high. Figuring I would hear the whistle of the teapot when the water boiled I left the kitchen and returned to my office to continue working. As is the case so often I slipped into 'the zone' and totally lost track of time. All of a sudden Buddy came into the hallway to my office and started barking. Now Buddy was not the type of dog that would bark without reason, but I was focused on my work and found it somewhat annoying. "Buddy, be quiet!!!" I shouted, but his barking continued. Three times I scolded him to no avail. Finally I decided to get up and find out why he was being so 'bad'. As I walked out of the office it hit me like a punch in the stomach, it was the overwhelming smell of natural gas so strong it almost caused me to wretch. Now I've smelled natural gas before, from an extinguished pilot light or the many times I've lit hot water heaters or gas furnaces, but this was overwhelming. "Oh MY GOD!!! I thought as I rushed into the kitchen only to find that the teapot had boiled over and extinguished the flame on the stove. I have no idea how long the burner had been out, but the smell of natural gas was sickly thick in the air. I shut off the stove, rushed my dogs out of the house and proceeded to air out the house. I cannot imagine what would have happened if he had not alerted me of the danger.
Buddy my boy, how many ways did I love thee, I simply cannot count. We taught each other so much about life and love, patience and understanding... Though you have taken your journey to the 'Bridge', I know in my heart and soul we will meet again. My darling dog-boy mere words cannot express the undying love I will always feel for you.
A story from Jennifer Reyes about My Star Looking Down on Us posted 12/21/2008
My dog Star was a German Shepard. I got her when I was in 2nd grade, and we stumbled upon her one day when a neighbor was giving away free puppies. I was weary about getting another puppy, since at that time in my neighborhood someone had just stolen my puppy. But my mother encouraged me to get this adorable German pup and instantly she grew on me and my family! The first night in her new home, I can remember her whimpering and howling in the kitchen where we placed her and me crawling out of bed and bringing her into my bed. She would follow me to school and run back home (it wasn't far) and when I got my first car, she loved to chase the car to the end of the street. We were avid soccer players in my family and she soon picked it up on it. She was smart and funny to watch and play with.
She also hated loud noises, 4th of July she could be found cowering under our dinner table, when I had my first baby, she was gentle and loving and my baby girl loved her soo much. They both as well shared their first snow winter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We had moved here a year ago from CA and I could tell my Star missed her CA days. She passed away Nov of 2008, and fortunately she passed away in her sleep. She was 14yrs old and still greatly missed. The hardest thing was coming home and her not greeting me at the door, wanting a rubdown or hug. Waking up those first couple of days were tough, I kept expecting her to come strolling in and looking at me, thinking "Why are you sad?" She taught me how short life is and her loyalty to me and my family was astounding. She was happy and playful and I will always remember her in my memories and my heart as my little German pup. She's up there in dog heaven, dodging baths and playing soccer. We love and miss you Star.
A story from i love marleyandme about dogs rock posted 12/21/2008
i thought marley an me was a good funny book i have a dog named sugar she is so cute i love him she is 6 she loves to play she always gets into the trash and then paper is all over the house
A story from i love marley and me about dogs rock posted 12/21/2008
hi again i love marley and me it rock i have a dog named sugar i love him he look like marley and but he has diffrent fur color but as tiny as marley when he was a puppy marley and me is a good funny and sad book but i love it xoxo marley and me lover
A story from Betty O'Keefe about My disabled daugher and our two black labs posted 12/21/2008
Mr. Grogan, I want to thank you for writing such a wonderful book, because I have been able to read and share this book with my daugher , Rebecca who has Huntington's Disease. She is 34 years old and she is the richest blessing that any mom could ask for . We have two beautiful black labs, Mandy and Abbey who are 6 yrs old. They are sisters, and are the most loyal loving dogs that anyone could ask for. Pictured next to Becky is Mandy, she is the alpha, the larger of the two, she weighs about 75 LBS, Abbey, the smaller one is on the chair in the background. Becky is in mid to latter stages of the disease, and these dogs have been with us for 6 of the 10 years that she has been sick, they came to us 5 months after we lost our beloved Maggie, our black lab we had for 13 years...Becky was so lonely at home, and we started out to get one, but decided on two, and they have been a joy and blessing ever since. They hover over her and have been with her throughout most of her illness, they have been there for her when she was still able to walk and play with them, and have watched her disease progress with each day, but thier loyalty remains steadfast...with care givers in the house now full time as both my husband and myself work full time, they are the constant companion and true freind she has always had by her side.,They have even become a little sad at times when she has bad days..They are so intuitve .when she goes to day care 2 days a week to the local nursing home where she will eventually be placed, they cry and wimper to watch her go on that bus...I just want to share this with you and to tell you that your book has been such a source of pleasure to us..I have been reading it to her for 3 weeks, at least 3 times a week before she goes to bed, and I must tell you what it has done for her and for me as well..She looked foward to the nights I was home and could not wait to hear more of Marley's story and his many adventures..and most of all Mr. Grogan, it brought back so many wonderful memories for her...she would smile at some of his many sheninagins and then she would remember her "girls" when they were pups and all of the wonderful times they shared as they grew..and now she just basks in thier attentiveness of her, and she knows how much they love her..I want to thank you so much for that..My husband and I are taking her to the movie after Christmas,Although her cognitive is not so well, we know in our hearts that she will thouroughly enjoy the movie, because just seeing her face and smile as I read her your book tells me she will love every moment...I truly beleive that YOur book has been a blessing in her life, just as Marley was to you and your family, just as Mandy and Abbey are to ours...It has been so difficult to watch our daughter's condition deterioate with each day, I am ever so thankful for this wonderful book and the opportunity that it allowed me to spend such quality happy time with my daughter..it is a memory I will hold deep within my heart always Mr. Grogan, and I look foward to reading your next book. God Bless you and your family. Sincerely Betty O'Keefe Becky Wallace and Mandy and Abbey too!
A story from Linda, Philadelphia about Dog Love posted 12/21/2008
John, I worked at a Press Clipping Service when I first read your column about Marley in the Inky, I had just lost my beloved shitzu at the age of six by a cancerous tumor. You made me feel better. Then my brother gave me your book and I could only get to page 231 without crying, until tonight...I now have a JRussell/Chiuhaha mix and I think Marley has reincarnated himself in her. The way you described the good the bad and the sad just made me appreciate both the loss and the current chaos. Dogs are an unbelievable sense of unconditional Life. Your ability to convey these feelings through your prose is nothing less than exquisette. Thank you, I look forward to your new book.
A story from Lucy Bates about My adventures with my 3 1/2 Labs posted 12/21/2008
Hello Grogan Family: I just finished reading your book on Friday, 12/19/08. My daughter had read it and passed it on to me. I had the hardest time getting to the end because I knew how the end would be. As I was reading the book, I laughed;I was angry when you were angry and upset and cried, of course. For those of us who are lab lovers it's like having the same dog with different names. My first lab was black, named Nikko. He was my first real dog and was so loyal to me. I also have lots of happy, sad, expensive, etc. stories to share about Nikko. Unlike Marley who was kicked out of obedience school, my Nikko placed second place in his class. Never would I have imagined that he would be trainable. The first day at the park before class, I was walking him around getting him used to the environment and I guess the wide open grassy field became too much excitement for him, that he bolted like a wild horse and literally dragged me through the park until I let go. I know that people around me were dying of laughter and I of embarassement. So when he placed second place, you bet I was standing tall and proud with his diploma and red ribbon in hand. I had the joy of having him around 16 years. When the day finally came to put him down I had a vet come to my house and saw him die peacefully. We buried him on our propterty and even made a small gravestone with his name on it. I don't think he was as bad as your Marley though. Living in Arizona, during monsoon season was the most challenging time to keep him calm due to the lightning and thunder. We tried conditioning him by putting rocks in a 2litre soda bottle and making lots of noise to no avail. He was still scared of storms even the wind made him nervous. To think that this breed is known for hunting birds. A couple of years later, I adopted another dog who was half Chesapeak Bay and lab mix. He was a chocolate beautiful colored dog named Buster Brown. He was also a male dog and people always warned me about having 2 male dogs at the same time. I never encounted any problems but Nikko let him know early in life that he would be the alpha dog. He was so docile and loveable and protective of my girls and I. Buster was part of my life for 15 years and died of colon cancer. That was around six years ago. Knowing how rambunctious my first two labs were you think I would have sense enough to have stayed away from that breed, but I didn't. Four years ago my oldest daughter began whinning and saying she wanted a dog. I told her that maybe what she really wanted was a boyfriend. She was not interested in that idea although being 20 years old. So in November of 2004 we headed out for the address listed in the newspaper advertising Black Labs for sale. You know the rest of the story. We brought this little six week old puppy home and played around with diffrent names as if naming a newborn baby, finally we all agreeed on Rocco". The name fits him to the tee. He is like an Italian gansta bully. Rocco controls everything, everything is about him first. First up the deck, in the pool, out of the gate, the first to eat, to get bones. He is a very selfish dog but I love him nonetheless. Obedience training didn't work for him so we quit the classes after a few weeks. Two years ago my daughter who so wanted a puppy, left town and left me to handle this beast and bully. Rocco is four and I keep hoping that soon he will grow up. Good thing is that he finally quit chewing on everything in sight. Walks with him are very stressful and he only wants to run wild. When we do go walking, there is some vacant land where I let him loose and he runs with such vigor and vim you think I would have him penned up in a 12x12. He has lots of back yard where he roams all day chasing birds and occasinally catching one or two. He's also a soccer dog, he has an indestructable ball and plays soccer until he runs out of breath. The time he chooses to play is early morning when the neighbors I belive are still slepping and the neighborhood is quiet. Not only does the ball make lots of noise but he barks as he chases this ball around which can be very annoying. He loves tennis balls but also loves to take off the green felt and sometimes shredding them to pieces. About a year later after buying Rocco, my neighbor made me an offer I could not resist. Her sister was giving away her yellow lab that was used for bredding by the Sheriffs Department. They bought all her puppies and used them for K-9 dogs. She was getting old and couldn't breed her anymore. The only promise was that I would have her spayed and keep her as healthy as possilbe for the remainder of her life. "Yes", "yes" I said without any hesitation. She came to me with a pedigree and blood championship lines. Her AKC name is Fritz's Tu Tu Chantilly Lace but to us she is Buttercup or Princess, or My Baby. She reminds people of a snobby rich lady waiting to be catered to. Her name also fits her personality. Friends that come over laugh at how exact the names fit our dogs. She will be 11 years old come December 29, 08. It's no wonder she has a hard time getting up and down. She sleeps alot and loves to be inside in the winter time. If she's cold or hungry she has a distinct bark that tells me exactly what she wants. People think I'm crazy when I tell them that. Dog people know when dogs are telling them something and they can even spell, I swear to that. I wanted to read the book before the movie opened X-mas day and am now looking forward to being one of thousands who will also be watching this movie with much enthusiasm.
A story from Erin about your book and my dog posted 12/21/2008
I have just finished your book an hour ago and I was weeping becuase of those strong worded sentences but mostly this one, "You know all that stuff we've always said about you? I whispered. What a total pain you are? Don't believe it. Don't believe it for a minute, Marley. he needed to know that, and somthing more, too. There was somthing I had never told him, that no one ever had. I wanted him to hear it before he went. Marley, I said. You are a great dog." That had really warmed my heart to see what loyalty Marley had and love you shared with him. Now, my dog, she is not as loyal as Marley was, or such a pain, but there is somthing that my dog,Bonnie,has that Marley had never had the curage to do, she bit's like a chopping machine, even when she's in a good mood. When I would come and pet her back she would snap, well more like chop, my hand off(not really, but she would break skin)and I would bleed. Now you may get a ton of stories like this, but our storie is kind of like yours becuase before we got Bonnie we had a westie named Kelly and she was from a pure breed and was the sweetest dog, but the male(dad of Kelly) was nuts. Now we went to an amazing breeder and the whole group was so sweet and we just had to get the bad draw out of the pick. she is the sweetest dog i've ever meet but she can be very , very cranky at times. I remember when we were going to oick bonnie up, I was wearing clogs and we were in a play pin with the puppies and i steped back and what do you know the little puppies paw was there and i heard a yelp, spun around and saw the little puppies eyes look up at me with little tears and then I picked her up and tried to comfurt him, a few years later i see the dog and the owner told me he could'nt walk well for 3 months.i was so sad.
A story from Patricia Gawronski about My dog Cosmo posted 12/21/2008
I adopted Cosmo at 4 months old he is part English bull mastiff and sharpei. He is cute and adorable little did I know he could be evil. We had him for about 2 months and we kept him and the other dogs in our back bedroom which had a day bed and dog beds chewies, water the works well cosmo decided he didn't like the carpet so he ripped it up himself under rubber and all then he ate the day bed mattress. Needless to say after he destroyed my backyard landscaping I had to cage him when I was not at home. My vet actually recommended it. Well Cosmo is now 4 yrs old still is very playful and loving. But still likes to get into trouble his favorite is trying to hike out cement wall to get to our neighbors dogs. He has not accomplished that yet and of course he loves to swim in our pool. I loved your book my friend recommended it after hearing what I was going through with Cosmo. I can't wait to see the movie on Christmas Day.
Well thanks for listening Pat and Cosmo
Sorry I didn't have a current picture
A story from Brianna about Marley and Me posted 12/21/2008
I never intended to read this book. But of course afer the first few pages that plan was in the trash and I was up at all hours of the night reading until my eyes went blury either from reading a bit too long or tears in my eyes from laughing so much, and even -toward the end- from crying of the life lost. Each time I read a book with an animal in it that you get to learn about, I grow close to it, like it had been my own. But man, I guess my eyes have storage for extra tears that I never knew I had. After I was done with the book my shirt (there were no tissues available at the moment and once the tears start flowing, you can't do anything) looked like it had gone to a water park. It wasn't anything too discriptive like Where the Red Fern Grows, which made me cry, but it was plain and simple, but the tears flowed ten times harder. I have two dogs who split Marley's personalities. A sweet dog, Rio, with a destructive side if left alone too long, and a big slobbery dog, Cosmo, who is on the dumbo side. Rio is a Golden Labrador and Cosmo is a Saint Bernard, so yes, big dogs. Since we've adopted Rio we have had a rug, a few stuffed animals, and some decorations have to be either sewn up or thrown out. My sewing kit now stays outide of my closet and on the couch by the demolition area. Even though he destroys, his sweetness makes up for it all. He- a 70 pound lab- even thinks he's a lap dog when in his playful mood. Sit on the ground, and you're toast. And apparently he doesn't know how to wag his tail, so his whole bottom moves side to side, knocking you over and running you into things while trying to maneuver through the house to get something to eat ot get homework books. He is as happy as can be, too. When he does something bad and I scold him, he starts doing his cha cha slide, his bottom moving side to side, tongue hanging out, a grin on his face, eyes glittering as if to say "you wouldn't scold a poor old perfectly innocent dog like me with this cute a face as me, now would you?" I think he must be testing us. His advantage is our weakness. A cute face against the not so prone to it teenager. Who's going to win this time? Well, it's not like it's a guessing game. Of curse we let him know what he did was wrong, but he never seems to give a care. Just Marley always knew what he did was wrong, even if he couldn't help it, like while during thunder storms. John, I wrote you an email, and you don't have to reply, as it says. It's just nice to swap stories. So here's to Marley, one of the most loved dogs I will ever know.
A story from Julia Atkinson about Bad Dog Marley posted 12/22/2008
Dear Mr Grogan,
My seven year old grand-daughter, Sidney, just loves Bad Dog Marley and we read it together with great delight every time she comes over.
My own experience is with a Beagle called Jess, my little shadow and faithful mate. Jess became ill and her behaviour became agressive. Finally I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. That was ten years ago and I still miss her.
Recently an email friend of mine in South Carolina lost her Cairn terrier to illness and I sent her your book, Marley and Me, in the hope it would help her through her grief. It did indeed help. So from Sidney and myself in Australia and Margaret in South Carolina, thank you.
Julia Atkinson Brisbane, Australia
A story from Tracy Rectenwald about Riley & the Christmas Tree posted 12/22/2008
I just finished reading your book and cannot wait until the movie comes out on Christmas! I have recommended this book to a few people already. I absolutely loved it. My puppy will be 8 months on Christmas Eve and I have already experienced a lot of the things you have described Marley as with my Riley. There were many parts in the book where she acts so much like Marley. I would catch myself saying, "That's just like Riley!" a lot! She definitely has the nickname 'Drippy' because of how she drinks her water too! I put the picture on here that I did because she decided to get up close with the tree and the next thing I know it's falling straight to the floor in slow motion (after this picture was taken of course). I got her as a birthday present from my fiance. At the time we were looking for a yellow lab with quite the personality! I told him I think we got the right one! She is a great dog and I loved when you said dogs have such short lives and spend a lot of it waiting for you to come home. She gets so excited for that and all dogs are just so special because they have that loyalty and don't ask for much. I am so glad I got to read your book (1) to know more about how this breed acts and all the joys they can bring (2) to be more prepared for her personality (3) to just laugh it off and enjoy all the special moments. Like Marley, Riley has a great personality and there is always something new with her. But even those things that happen where we might call them bad dogs, we will laugh about it later! That makes them who they are and makes them great dogs!
I am truly sorry for your loss of Marley, but I am so glad you got the chance to have such a great dog and to tell your story to others.
A story from Andy Clayton about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/22/2008
Thank You John. I laughed so hard in the begining and cried so hard at the end. We would skip Mass and go to the local soda fountain. One of us had to run in the church and grab copys of the The Church Bulliten to prove we were there. My Dad has prostate cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's and Altzimer's. He taught me to sail. He got me my first real job at 16 as a clerk at The American Stock Exchange. Bought me my first suit. Dealing with adults was an eye opener. I soon found marijuana. I was a "stoner". Flunked out of college in 1973. My girlfreind looked like she came from a centerfold of Playboy. Blew that. 35 years later don't have much to show for it. Lived in 20 places and had 20 jobs. Would not trade it for second. The life ewperience was great. The bitch is. 55 years old and how to tell the story? Mom & Dad still beleive in me. "Your ship will come in".
Joe, Thank you how to deal when death comes. I can now write a tribute to my Dad.
He was the best.
Thank You, Andy Clayton
A story from Kenn Nordstrom about Marley & Me posted 12/22/2008
Dear John,
I am getting ready to see the Marley & Me movie on December 26. I hope it is as good as the book.
I bought the book in February 2006 on a flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul to Tokyo and on to Hong Kong.
On the flight ascent I was laughing so hard, I had tears in my eyes. On our descent into Tokyo, I was crying so hard, I had more tears in my eyes.
MY wife and I are now on our third GR (Golden Retriever) and we have loved and enjoined each of them. But back to your book and Marley in the shed during a thunderstorm... GR #@ was named Elle. She was the docile of our dogs, except when there was a thunderstorm brewing. I never needed the Weather Channel to tell me a big storm was coming. Elle knew, and she made sure I knew a storm was coming! When we lived in South Carolina during hurricane season, I knew for a week there was a hurricane coming!
Here is a picture of GR #3 (Emma)! She is the most mischieveous of the bunch. Great dog!
Best wishes for a great holiday. Regards,
A story from Laura Nichols about Woodson's Hip Troubles posted 12/22/2008
John, I just read the story about your new pup Woodson. In 1986 we bought a Chow pup and named her Sasha. Same thing happened to us that happened to your family. She started falling and just not acting right for a pup. Same deformity as your Woodson. When contacting the breeded we were told the same thing - bring her back and we will give you a new one. Well that wasn't an option as she was already in our hearts. We worked with her and built up her muscles and cartilage and helped her up and down. She did have both hips operated on - the balls of the femurs were removed - and we had her for an amazing 13 years. She has been gone since June 12, 2000 and I still tear up over that day I put her down. She was my first baby and brought me so much joy. Had I taken her back she would have been put down. So hang in there and love that "Woodsy" like no other. And I'm sure he will bring you much joy.
Thank you for your stories.
Laura Nichols Wauconda, IL
A story from Carolyn about Bailey posted 12/22/2008
Our story with Bailey began after our dear 16 yo golden mix died. My husband had had a stroke years before and the old golden "Butkus" was old and slow enough for Dom to take him for walks. He was a big part of Dom's recovery. Dom had lost his sight from the mid-line to the left in each eye due to the stroke, so we thought it may be a good idea to invest in a dog that could help him as an assistance dog. We contacted all the right breeders, and found one on the opposite side of the state, during an ice storm, we decided to go "look at the pups." Needless to say, with my 33 year old daughter, twin 3 year old grandaughters, and my brain injured husband, we trekked to almost Vermont from the Cape, in Mass. to "look at the pups." Dom fell in love instantly with Bailey. On the way there we were trying to think of names. Dom thought Blue would be a good name....we said no.....your only saying that because you have a blue jacket on. Then Buddy, or Buck, but we called Butkus that so we would have to wait and see. Bailey father's name, as it turned out was Blue. His mother's name was Maley, so...Bailey suited our little darling. We didn't have too many issues with Bailey except for housetraining until he reached just beyond 12 weeks. That's when he started chewing....EVERYTHING. Walls, cardboard turned into confetti in 60 seconds flat. I still find all kinds of things in the backyard. Last Halloween he ate 1/2 a bowl of wrapped candy. I blamed everybody in the house not thinking that Bailey could eat that much chocolate in one sitting....and survive. Then a couple of days later, I had to apologize when I was cleaning the backyard, it seems it was in fact Bailey that ate all that candy. He never did make it as an assistance dog officially. We were canine school drop outs from at least 5 different schools. It wasn't until he was about 5 that we finally got a certificate of completion, not graduation. He just wouldn't to the long down. But he did accomplish his role in a bigger way. He kept Dom going for many years. Dom had someone to take care of, and Bailey took care of him too. Bailey would pull me down the street like a loco, but with Dom he walked gently by his side. Dom pasted away at home a few years ago, and Bailey was with him all day. Bailey was there when the police broke in, and when they took Dom away. Bailey's face has aged since that day. He howls 3 times a night now. I can't imagine what he dreams of. He's only 7 years old, but acts like he's eighty. In one day, he lost his best friend, and his job. We try to get him involved in new jobs, but he still miss the one he was intended to serve. I miss him getting into trouble days. I'll trade them back in a heartbeat if it meant he wasn't so sad. Thanks for your story John....I'm sure our dogs have their stories to tell as well. Carolyn from Mass.
A story from Anthony about Santino posted 12/22/2008
John,
My wife and I loved your book and are planning to see the movie. This is our dog Santino. He is eight now and still in his prime. Like Marley he has many phobias, like walking on hard surfaced floors and water. Yes I said water. He is deathly afraid. In reading your book we found that we are not alone in living with a dog who is scared of his own shadow. We carpeted our entire house just for him. I know the day will come when I have to part with him but in the meantime I will treasure all of the special moments we had and will continue to share. Thank you for writing this book.
A story from Barbara Godun Bourgeois about Marley & Me posted 12/22/2008
I finished Marley and Me last week on the train. I commute from Levittown, PA to NY everyday. I loved the book. As many, the tears were rolling down my face when I read about his passing. But the very end when you talk about "Lucky", I thought for sure I would read that you adopted him. I've been wondering what happened with him? Was he already adopted? Did you think it would be too much for you or were you just not ready yet? My family and I adopted what we thought was a lab mix this past April. Chevy was found wandering a highway in Georgia and came up with a shipment of lab puppies. He was the only puppy left when we approached the shelter about adoption. We took him home and within a few weeks, the vet said she thought he was a Pinscher mix, my kids and I though a German Shepherd mix but after reading Marley and Me, I have a feeling he may have some lab in him (even if by osmosis from a week or two amongst those puppies). Like Marley, he picks things up and ignores the "drop it" command and goes into "evader" mode. But he's been a joy. He wakes me most morning - either to go out or just because he doesn't like being the only one awake. He didn't get thrown out of obedience school, but I think they only gave him the diploma out of pity. When the vet first mentioned she thought he was a Pinscher, I was a bit dismayed and she said, "having a lab is like having a child with ADD and no meds." Throughout your book, I was reminded of that comment. I'll be looking for the Marley children's books for my niece's little girl - she turned 2 last month - hopefully, I can find a stuffed "Marley" to go with it. Thank you again for sharing such a wonderful, heartwarming story.
A story from Susan Conn about Marley the Ghost of !! posted 12/22/2008
His name is Maxwell, but could very well be a recarnated Marley, but I do love him to pieces! Max has his share of Marley antics, I remember coming home and how he managed to open the trash compactor I will never figure out, but he took everything he could reach out of it and placed it on the livingroom carpet in a nice circle. As my husband and I walked up the celalr starirs, there he was in all his glory sitting in the middle of the trash wagging his tail as if to say - lOOK WHAT I DID, AREN'T YOU PROULD OF ME !!!! Then the time I went home during a thunderstorm and he literally chewed the couch and chair into bitesize pieces! i never knew there was so much foam in a couch ! I can totally relate to Marley in Maxwell. I can't bring myself to read the end of your book, as Max is near the end, but i do want to see the movie, except the end of course. I do love Maxwell and I know someday there will be another Lab in our home. Max has his buddy Madison a Female Black lab, who is going to be really lonesome.
A story from i love marleyand me about dogs rule posted 12/22/2008
i love marley and me its a good book but its sad at the end i love it i have a dog named sugar i love him he is 6 he is so cute he follows my mom around the house he is as small as marley but a diffrent fur color its so cute when he begs to go outside i love the book marley and me it rocks i wish i could have a dog like marley xoxo marley and me lover
A story from rachael luton about what i thought about the book posted 12/22/2008
dear john, i am just 12 but, i like to read when i read the book marley not marley and me just marely, i cried last night on my couch i stayed up most of the night reading the book. chapter 19 i didnt really cry, but when you made the decion to put marley to sleep just broke my heart i couldnt stop crying.i love dogs i have 5 dogs and one is very old his name is cozmoe.cozmoe has been my dog for 12 years.when i was just a baby my dad broght cozmoe home.soft and cute.i am thankful to still have cozmoe.it makes me happy to see him run.sometimes he goes back in the woods and chases the deer.i also live by woods.one time just like marley cozmoe ran into the woods when it was raining i was told to stay inside ,but i couldnt bare just standing there waiting for my father to bring him back so i put on my jacket and i got a flashlight and went to find him.back in a little clearing in the woods i found him and my dad.i got in alot of trouble but i loved my dog,and i still do.now i have a little puppy named parker.parker bothers cozmoe so i try to keep him away from cozmoe.anyway i really liked the book and i am sure to see the movie now i am finished with the book.thanks for reading what i thought about the book! p.s. tell ur family i said im sorry for their los and tell marley i said he is a good dog too. rachael luton
A story from rachael luton about marley posted 12/22/2008
dear john, i am just 12 but, i like to read when i read the book marley not marley and me just marely, i cried last night on my couch i stayed up most of the night reading the book. chapter 19 i didnt really cry, but when you made the decion to put marley to sleep just broke my heart i couldnt stop crying.i love dogs i have 5 dogs and one is very old his name is cozmoe.cozmoe has been my dog for 12 years.when i was just a baby my dad brought cozmoe home.soft and cute.i am thankful to still have cozmoe.it makes me happy to see him run.sometimes he goes back in the woods and chases the deer.i also live by woods.one time just like marley cozmoe ran into the woods when it was raining i was told to stay inside ,but i couldnt bare just standing there waiting for my father to bring him back so i put on my jacket and i got a flashlight and went to find him.back in a little clearing in the woods i found him and my dad.i got in alot of trouble but i loved my dog,and i still do.now i have a little puppy named parker.parker bothers cozmoe so i try to keep him away from cozmoe.anyway i really liked the book and i am sure to see the movie now i am finished with the book.thanks for reading what i thought about the book! p.s. tell ur family i said im sorry for their los and tell marley i said he is a good dog too. rachael luton
A story from Luke V. about Incredible posted 12/22/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I am only 12 years old and i was trully touched by your story. I was wondering how i could contact you when it said i could talk to you on this website on the book. After finishing your book i cried for a very long time. i went downstairs to say goodnight to my parents and my eyes were watering. They looked at eachother but didnt say anything. I have never lost a dog but i really could feel your pain reading the book. i read Marley a dog like no other but im trying to get a copy of the adult version. Thanks you so much for writing that book and im very sorry about marley. By the end of the book i was in love with him. I hope you are enjoying gracie.
A story from Kristin about Me and my girl posted 12/22/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me... Your story really touched me. On July 3 of this year I had my 13 year old rottweiler put to sleep. I can honestly tell you that is was the hardest day of my life. I knew it was coming but how do you really prepare yourself for the inevitable? I, like your Dr. Jay, have a wonderful vet (whom I tease on I regular basis that I should allow him to take care of my children) we did all we could for her. She went from weighing about 115lbs to a mere 70 in just a few short months. I began cooking meals for her every night and giving her medicine to help ease the pain. But at last a brain tumor took her life. It was not inoperable but I did not have the heart to put my Deliah through that. My husband is over seas and was while she passed, I joked with her before he left that if she could just give me one more year. She gave it all she had. I don't know if she would fit the bill for your "bad dog club", just often misunderstood because of her breed, but there was not a mean bone in her body. She was just big and loud and clumsy... It took a long time for me to get to coming home and not hearing her toe nails clicking on the tile waiting for me. It says a lot about what kind of person you are if you can stick it out with your best friend till the end, through all the ups and downs. Thank you for sharing your story. I am happy to "have met Marley".
A story from McKenzie about Marley & Me posted 12/22/2008
Mr. Grogan,
I couldn't wait to read Marley and Me so when I bought the book I just couldn't put it down. I finished in about two days and was raving about it to all my friends. I cried so hard in the end because dogs die evryday, yeah, but the way you describe your crazy adventures with Marley you learn to love him and you can't let him go. I lent my book to one of my friends and two other got mad at me for not lending it to them. One of my friends couldn't wait to read it they had to go to the store at 11:00 at night and get the book. The friend I lent my book to still has my book because her mom is reading it. All my friends cried! I can't wait to see the movie!
A story from Shawn about Woody and Camo posted 12/22/2008
In Aug of 2006 I had been sucked into, very easily, the ownership of one 12 week old choc lab that we named Woody. I read your "Marley and Me" that fall - great read and I read it every year for Christmas break. Lots of fun stuff and stories about Woody the next two years. Then enter, Camo - Woody's littermate and neighbors dog made his way to our home as part of the divorce of our friends.
We had to laugh out loud at the trailer where Marley tore through the house and went straight for the pool, as our boys did that exact move in Aug, at a friends pool party. They go for the water holes of all colors and smells, yet hate to get a bath (go figure).
Our lives are a constant blur, with 3 duaghters and these two goofier than goofy dogs that never cease to entertain.
Looking forward to Christmas break this year. One day I will get a pic to post out here of my 170 pounds of goofiness (the dogs not me!) for all to enjoy.
A story from Sarah Dygert about you're heart warming story posted 12/22/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan, I just finished your book , Marley & Me. To be honest, I could not put it down. I've now read it a number of times, and I wish I could lie and say I heard through the word of mouth about your book, however that is not as the story goes. I guess I offically heard of your book the way millions of other die-hard movie-goers heard of it. My favorite part of the movies, the previews. I'm an extreme dog lover myself. I have a 5 year old "puppy" named Brutus, and so when I saw the movie preview, I knew this was right up my alley. Reading the book is always better than the movie no matter what they try to do, so I knew I had to read it. I love to write, and I do it for fun, more as a hobby than anything, I don't think I could come close to ever telling a story the way professionals do, espically the way you told the story of Marley so well. I loved this book from beginning to end. Obviously I knew the inevitable was coming, and that is when I slowed down on my reading. Through the book I grew attached to reading about Marley, as I'm sure many other readers did as well. I quite literally fell in love with your dog. I balled my eyes out at the end, for the last few chapters actually, when you started telling about walking up the hill and Marley couldn't quite make it so you had to sit down for a while, that's when I knew it was going to be a little sad and a little harder to read and accept from then on to the end of the book. Although I have a dog of my own, and of course your story had me thinking of my pup the entire way through, I couldn't help but to love Marley the whole way through. I have to admit although you say he was the worst dog in the world and those are sometimes the bad ones are the best kinds, i almost said a tiny wish that my dog was bad. He's far too small, I think, to be bad. He's a 5 pound chiuahua, and everyone holds a sterio-type to a little guy like him, that he's to be an annoying, yappy, ankle biting, pain in the ass. But in reality, like Marley, he is truely the heart and soul of this family. I bought him for myself as a Christmas Gift to me haha and when I moved to Florida, the same part you lived in when you first got Marley, my mom adopted him as her own. She wouldnt let a little guy like him move down to the "Gator State". So in Ohio my doggie stayed, and he is obviously now my parents. I know that one day the unstoppable will come, but until then I will enjoy and love every second I get with the little guy, and reading your book has made me appericate him that much more, not that I didnt already. I just wanted to say thank you for the touching and heart warming story that you told for all of us to read, enjoy, and simply, fall in love with. Thank you for a book to put at the top of the list with my favorite reads, ever. Sincerely, Sarah
A story from Lisa about Thank You posted 12/22/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan -
I read your story Marley & Me a few years ago and to this day I strongly urge all dogs lovers to read it. When I first read your book it was after having to put my beloved dog of 6 years to sleep due to unknown medical reasons. After tests upon tests the vet admited that he didn't know what it was a despite sending samples to Michigan State University and Detroit Vet. Hospital; the reason for his illness is unknown still today. Reading your book caused a lot of tears, but they were tears that helped to heal and for that I thank you.
On December 1, 2006 I welcomed into my life a 6 week old female chocolate lab. I was raised with labs as a child, but all were older dogs in need of a home. Never had I had the experience of raising one from a puppy, I was however prepared for the worst and let's just say that Lexi does not disappoint. To date she has pulled so many antics that it has me scratching my head and asking "how". Thus far she has opened a window and jumped through the screen, climbed on top of furniture to get to the window sill to eat a Christmas decoration (we recovered the sleigh, but Santa is still MIA), escaped from her crate through the 4" wide opening she got by pushing the door away from the crate while it was still latched, undid slide latches from the inside of the crate and pushed aside 40lbs of dog food to escape, and my most favorite of all....undid padalocks and slide latches to get out of the crate, pushed the latch on the screen door, pushed open the inside door, let herself in the house and shut the door behind her. I honestly am considering nanny-cams to record her antics because I just don't know how she can do it. Despite all of that I don't regret for a minute that I have her and can't imagine life without her. Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful book, it is comforting to know that my dog is not the only one who loves mischief.
A story from Anthony,Codi and lori about our dogs posted 12/22/2008
Dear Mr Grogan im currently reading your book. Im a 12 year old boy. I love your book and i can relate sssoooo much because all my dogs ate and chewed everything! If we left them home alone we would come back with walls scrached, couches aten. No matter what they chewed or what they've eaten we loved them forever.
thanks for your book Anthony Zoval
A story from David Larson about Dat Dawg ate my dinner posted 12/22/2008
My wife had prepared dinner and I was late getting home, so she put it in the microwave and latched the door closed. No sooner had she done this and our chocolate lab, Buzzeye, decided it was time to learn how to operate the door latch on the microwave. Being the smart dog that he is, he had the door open in no time. Then he used a skill we know he has had for quite a while: He grabbed the plate by the edge, carefully lowered to the floor without any spills, and leisurely consumed my dinner.....
A story from David and Tara Larson about where do I sleep posted 12/22/2008
Every night I have to make the tough decision of which one of our Labs has to move over and make room.
A story from meg about my dog posted 12/22/2008
Dear john, i loved reading "marley & me". it was very sad when i got to the part where you had to put him down. here is a story about my crazy dog. my dog hunter is a very crazy dog. he eat dryer sheets and, stffed animals. he digs many holes in yard.eh loves people!
A story from Emily M. Bono about My dog Betty posted 12/22/2008
Dear John, I'm sorry about Marley. He sounded like a great dog. My dog Betty is a Female 50 pound English Bulldog. She loves to play with me and likes to try and play with my cat Ginger. She loves to run outside in the snow and she also likes to race me in the backyard in the spring, summer and fall. She loves going on long walks but she hates the rain. Betty is my first dog and so far my favorite.
A story from emma about cages posted 12/22/2008
hi. I am emma. i am only 7. i have a dog named Sadie. she licks her cage open like marly.
A story from kelly blackwell about Breeder of Puppies in Photo posted 12/22/2008
IO am the Breeder of the Puppies Pictured in the USA weekend story I am beyond upset that you are saying this puppy came from my kennel and using thier picture in a National publication claiming one of them is severly dysplastic , hip dysplaisa is strictly genetic and is more often than not the result of so called ''breeders'' who refuse to x-ray their breeding stock to say it is no ones fault is not true it takes concertede effort to have one that dysplastic that young ,namely breeding two dysplastic dogs go to www.offa.org to learn more and please do not identify this puppy as coming from my kennel I am very upset by this as all my breeding stock is OFA certified and we take great pride in the dogs we produce please have them print a retraction and go to the Labrador club website to learn more about this disease or contact Dr Keller at OFA
A story from kelly blackwell about Diamond Bar Kennel posted 12/22/2008
Please contact me via my website I am very upset by this story and the fact my puppies are being identified as dysplastic
A story from Joe about The book posted 12/22/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan,
I just finished your book, it only took me about 4 days to finish. I had planned on reading it as soon as I was finished with school for the sememster. I saw it for the first time a while ago, and then it just kept reappearing in my face.. I took it as a sign to read it, and I'm so glad I did!
This is my Roxi, she is only 13 months old. We got her from my aunt who's dog had a liter. I honestly have not had one regret, we love her so much. She's able to leap over our fence in the backyard, she's getting in the trash when we leave her home alone, she's constantly diggin holes in our yard, and other mischievous behaviors; however, dealing with all that is still worth having her around. There is no price on our companion.
A story from Angela about Your Book Helped Me Through posted 12/22/2008
Well Mr. Grogan, how can I put this. Thank you for writing the book Marley and Me. True story, in Aug. 2006 right before I was going to get deployed to an old Soviet block country I made the decision to put down my dog of 14yrs. I never went to the vet with that intention until I realized my old pal could no longer stand on his own. I told my mom, who kept him, that I was going to take him to the vet to get his nails cut and a check up. Unfortunatly, my decision had to be made. I cried for days afterwards and just couldn't stand knowing that he was in our life for 14yrs and I took him. While looking for something to read on the plane I noticed your book and figured this could help me through with my coping. It did, but because I bought the book a couple of weeks after putting Teddy down I could not help but to cry for your loss of Marley. It brought me back to the day I had to make the same decision you had to make but it also helped knowing that you cared for him as much as I cared for mine. Thanks, loved the story and thanks for helping me through my deployment.
A story from connie pitzen about Severe hip dysplasia posted 12/22/2008
Dear John: I had the opportunity to read "Marley and Me" in the summer of 2006 and what a great read it was. I have since purchased the book for friends as gifts. About the time I was reading the book, my husband and I decided we wanted a dog to complete our family. We drove 120 miles and bought a 13 week old beautiful chocolate lab born 4/29/06 whom we named Hershey. After arriving home with her, we realized that she was very uncomfortable and actually scared of her new surroundings and us, as well. With lots of love, after a day or so she warmed up to us. She has remained, unlike Marley, very laid back and very sensitive. Hershey was fairly easy to potty train, although the first week or so she had massive diarrhea. I suppose maybe the change in food had something to do with that. A short while after I noticed that when she defecated her back legs would shake. I guess I never thought a lot about it. We had a great summer! I tried to take her swimming 1-2 times a week and to play with her 100# yellow lab cousin(my sister's dog) whom is alot like Marley. At Christmas, the kids all came home and brought their dogs. Hershey loved that! It was unseasonably warm and they were able to be outside playing long and hard. The following day, Hershey's tail was dragging and she had quite a limp. I rushed her to the vet, they took x-rays, and I was told she had severe bilateral hip dysplasia. Looking at the x-rays almost sickened me. The femoral heads were no way close to connecting with the acetabulams. I called the breeder and his respone was "bring her back and I'll give ya another one". Realizing that not only did I not want another one of his dogs but I was sure that Hershey would meet her demise behind his barn, we decided to take her to Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital on 1/02/07. Hershey was a little over 8 months old at the time. "Too young for a total hip replacement" they said which left our options at a femoral head osteotomy in which they simply remove the femoral head and it fills in with scar tissue, however they do lose mobility, or triple pelvic osteotomies. Being told that TPK's are only done until the age of 10 months, are usually successful, and loss of mobility is less, we decided to go that route. We left Hershey at the hospital and they operated on her right hip on 1/04/07. I was able to bring her home 2 days later. What a thrill it was to see her!! She was shaved on one side, had a good sized incision, with quite a few stitches, and with the post op instructions, I knew the next fews weeks would be hell. They send you home with an E collar(Elizabethan) for short so they can't get at the stitches. Well, we went through several of them. She was a houdini at chewing through and getting that thing off although the stitches remained in place. Six weeks later her left hip was scheduled to be done but we missed it by a week due to a snowstorm and the drive of 110 miles. So seven weeks after her first surgery, she had a TPO on her left hip. Again, we went through several E collars and sleepless nights for me sleeping on the floor beside her kennel every night, again, for a week. Do I love my dog? I would do all that again in a minute. No matter what the cost, the extra work, or sleepless nights, she is worth every bit of it. Since then, Hershey has done quite well. Her hips have been reconstructed and she carries wires, plates, and screws in them but she can run like the wind and swim like a fish. I love my Hershey. She is my best friend and there's nothing like having her here.
Connie Pitzen
P.S. We also have a 17 year old inside diabetic cat and an outside cat with feline Aids. Although my husband and I both love them all, he says if we get any more, they'll be stuffed.
A story from Amber King about Marley would be so proud! posted 12/22/2008
I checked on my puppy the other morning and she apparently found your book so delicious that she decided to retrieve it from the end table and dig right in to the delectable pages :) You just cant make this stuff up!
A story from Jamie Lynn Couture about My beloved Maggie posted 12/23/2008
Mr. Grogan, I first heard about your book when reading Cesar Millans book. A few days later my boss (and friend) told me about a wonderful book she was just about finished reading that she wanted to share with me when she was done. When she finished, she was unsure if she should pass it on or not. See, my beagle Maggie was diagnosed with Lymphoma in September and had recently started to decline rapidly. I insisted on reading your book and she reluctantly handed it over. I also have a pup, so the beginning of the book had me relating to what I am currently going through with her. But, as I came towards the end and knew where the story was going, we had to have our dog Maggie euthanized. I thought about putting the book down for awhile, since dealing with her death was so painful. Any little thing could trigger another crying session. But, I picked the book back up, and must say, reading what you went through, knowing that every pet owner goes through the same thing and that I know I will have to deal with these feelings again with my other two, it helped me through the healing process. I cried, and I related to your pain. It's amazing how these four legged furry creatures take over your heart, and give you such loyal unconditional love in return. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Jamie
A story from Chloe Broadwater about My pup Liberty posted 12/23/2008
I love my dog i had her since she was a puppy .She is a dachshund,dappled.She is a little bit over protective ,but I love my dog.She is the best ever.I wish she could stay all my life.Libby is awesome!!!
A story from connie pitzen about Breeders posted 12/23/2008
This is being written to Kelly Blackwell, the breeder of Woodson: Our dog, Hershey, came from an OFA certified breeder. Please read her story aboout her severe bilateral hip dysplasia. After Hershey's TPO's, we were required to wait until she was a year old to report her condition to the OFA. I did speak with Dr. Keller at that time. The cost of reporting was $100.00. Her before and after x-rays also had to be copied and sent to them. It was well worth the effot and the cost. I feel that if someone is looking for a laborador retreiver and willing to research breeders of such dogs, they should be able to go to a site and find out if the breeder has had a "problem". I have found that most breeders, such as the one we bought Hershey from, are unwilling to admit they have had a problem and,in fact,are very insensitive to it. After all, they are just dogs, isn't that right, Kelly?
Connie Pitzen
A story from Debbie Ulla about MY BELOVED EMMA posted 12/23/2008
Just over 2 years ago I brought home my new bullmastiff puppy Emma. A month before I had lost both my boxers Shelby and Gracie within 6 weeks of each other to cancer. The house was just too empty, so along came Emma. I knew she would be a big dog, just did not realize how big. She gained 30 lbs the first month I had her. OMG I am going to have a pony. She was like every other puppy only with alot of strength. I trained her very early to behave when I walked her. She was great until she saw a human being. This dog just could not get enough attention from people. Everytime I went to the park right beside me, people would vacate. They were not worried about their little dogs, they were scared Emma would get away from me and knock them over. My girlfriend down the street would hold onto her front porch when she saw me coming. I just laughed. She was so harmless for a 130 lb diesel engine. Like you, nothing was off limits in my house. The one thing I really remember is when she was a year old and saw the lawn mower for the first time. I started mowing the lawn and before I knew it she grab the wheel and ripped it right out of my hands. I was scared of her getting hurt so I put her in the house. The room at the back of my house was the dining room. It had nothing but picture windows. When I finished I went inside to find Emma on top of my new dining room set looking out the window. I crinched as she dug her paws into the wood as she hit the floor. I just stood there and thought oh well it is now christened. On Nov 17th this year I was almost finished reading Marley & Me. That same day in horror I watched Emma get killed by a car in front of my house. I am still devastated. I could not finish your book until today because I knew the ending. I am so glad I finished it. Your love and compassion for Marley at the end brought me peace to my life again. I can now remember the great moments with Emma instead of the tragic end. I want to thank your for such an incredible book. My daughter and me will be seeing the movie Christmas day. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Debbie Ulla
A story from Laverne Shea about Toby posted 12/23/2008
I just finished Marley & Me and it brought back memoires of Toby, my black lab. One day at work I saw a truck hit a balck dog outside of my office. Needless to say, being a dog lover, I ran out. His leg was laying open & possibly broke & the truck left. Another couple saw it and agreed to take him to the humane society. I held him in my lap til they could get their car. I called the hhumane society everyday to check on him, and was told they hadn't located the owner as yet and couldn't do anything for him til they did. They wrapped his leg and put antseptic on it but their hands were tied without an owner. After the sixth day of me calling they told me he was mine. I picked him up within a hour & rsuhed him to my vet. The next day I was told there were no broken bones, Just muscle damage that probably would not heal. I took him home and nursed that leg daily. He was 6 months old. His easy temperment and loving personality won me. After about two months he showed his real self. Still loving & very playful. He would argue with me if I wasn't playing with him or doing what he wanted. Off to obedience school. The instructor felt sorry for him(oh how he could limp when he didn't want to do something). Somehow he graduated and never forgot the commands. We have a pool & of course he thought it was his and anyone that came over, came to swim with him.(he thought) On days when it was just him & me, I would swim, float on a raft, dive. He sayed in the pool as long as I did and pushed around on my raft. When I dove, he would follow off the diving board and I had to go deep or he would land on me. We went through at least three liners, he chewed on the outflow valves under water & dive for anything that was at the bottom. He was my constant companion. he stole towels, shoes, toys, from anyone that came over to swim. A game he thought was fun. All he wanted was love & play. He played on his final day. He started throwing up & dry heaving & by the time my husband came home he couldn't even get up. We rushed him to a vet hospital, my husband driving & me blowing air into his mouth. He had a tumor in his stomach that my vet never saw, and it had ruptered, there was nothing anyone could do. I cried for months and couldn't even look at any black dog. We now still remember, and get tears. It's been 4 years, since he passed. We now have alab mix that's spoiled rotten and we wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories.
A story from Christy about Me and Winston posted 12/23/2008
I just finished your book and wanted to share with you a little bit about my Jack Russell, Winston. Marley and Winston could be distant cousins, because they are so much alike I thought I was reading a book about my dog. Winston tears up the carpet, eats the wood off of baby gates, eats cat poop, etc. He's even on meds, that don't really work very well! I've even joked about writing my own book titled "Winston and Me". If he wasn't my fur baby I just don't know what I'd do with him! Like you I could never give him up no matter how "bad" he is. My life will never be the same when he's gone. Your book will make me cherish every day I have with him. Thank you.
A story from mckenzy settles about sammy posted 12/23/2008
sammy
A story from Dan W. about Champ the yellow lab posted 12/23/2008
John I just read Marley and Me and loved it. My wife Sue and I got a yellow lab puppy soon after we were married in '81 and named him Champ. I can relate to so many of your Marley experiences. When Champ and I failed obedience school he decided to "dump" on the new carpet in the schools hallway on our way out. I cried for Marely at the end just like I did for my dogs. Thank you for writing the book and I can'nt wait to see the movie. Dan
A story from Ashley about Marley and Me posted 12/23/2008
As an avid reader, I can honestly say that I have never read a book that actually made me laugh out loud or cry. Marley and Me was the first and only book that has ever done this to me. I have had 3 dogs in my lifetime (I'm only 20 LOL). The first was a German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie, the second, I Catahoula (the Louisiana State Cow Herding Dog), and the third was a German shepherd mixed with Malamute. All three of these dogs had a life of their own before they had to be put down, and many of them I could relate to the stories from Marley and Me. I believe that everyone should have a dog atleast once in their lifetime, and like John said many times in his book, they teach us many things!
A story from Ashley Benson about Abby posted 12/23/2008
Hello John!!!
I actually just finished your book, Marley & Me last night.
My husband, Matt, and I adopted a beautiful yellow lab in October 2005, just a couple of months after we had married. The moment we saw our little Abby girl, we truly felt like a family. She made every little thing seem fun and exciting. As you will understand, the fun continues today (and for many more years, hopefully!)
Towards the end of Marley & Me, I could not contain my emotions. I could not help but think of how my husband and I would have to deal with the similar situation. The tears kept coming and lingered for several pages.
I wanted to thank you for the book. It amazes me that you had touched a part of my heart......you, a person whom I have never met, and a mischievous pup named Marley, were able to make that awesome connection.
Perhaps the connection is with anyone with a dog in their lives. I think it especially affects a Lab owner. The breed is so unique yet so "I know exactly what you mean."
Once again, thank you.
A story from Ashley Benson about Abby posted 12/23/2008
A story from Colleen Dunham about Marley and Me posted 12/23/2008
Mr. Grogan,
I read "Marley and Me" quite a while back when it was first published. We had a golden retriever, Murphy, for 14 years. I related so much to Marley because Murphy was the same way, crashing through fences, chewing furniture, eating rocks, crashing through screens!! He grew up with my husband and I through the years and truly was our first baby. When it was time to say goodbye, we all fell apart. We have a big collage dedicated to Murphy in our hallway. We will always remember our Murphy. I am so excited about the movie. My family thinks I am craxy but I requested as a Christmas present that we all go to see it on Christmas Day as a family. I can't wait!!!
Happy Holidays and thank you,
Colleen Dunham
A story from Danielle L. about Thank you for this book posted 12/23/2008
I can hardly believe I hadn't read your book sooner. A true piece of literature that captured every emotion I contained. I am young only sixteen years old and yet I feel that your story of life and love was completely real and extraordinary. I myself lost my dog a few years ago. She was to say the least my best friend and a true companion. I found myself crying the same way I did when I lost my Labrador Lucky. When she was a puppy I was a baby. And when she passed at the age of 13 she was an an old lady with her eternal puppy still going strong until the very end. I would most like to thank you Mr. Grogan for not only giving me a book that taught me about life, love, and how to live life to the fullest but you helped me to remember how truly lucky I was to have a loving devoted companion like Lucky. I have already loaned my copy to my best friend who also lost her black lab about two years before me. You are an amazing author and this book is one I will look to as a sense of hope and one I will take the lesson of finding the joys in the simplicity of life. Never again taking things for granted because most times life goes much to quick. Marley & Me is a true inspiration as well as you.
A story from Tink about Judy Louise posted 12/23/2008
Mr. Crogan, I want to thank you for a most beautiful book ever. We are dog lovers and actually animal lovers. We have had 3 Labs. Two golden and one black. Our recent Lab is 3 yrs now and I thought at one time she wouldn't make it past 1 or we wouldn't. Her name is Judy Louise. Actually on one of your Childrens books there is a picture on the back of you and Gracie. She is identical to Gracie. The lighter eyes and nose, darker ears. Judy has a very strong personality more than the other two. But on the other hand she is the most enjoyable. She reminds me of Marley so much, maybe not quit as distructive as Marley but just her ways. Sometimes I will call her Marley or I will say "listen Miss Judy Louise don't give me that Marley look. Our other Labs lived a nice long life and we are hoping to get the same yrs out of Judy. Your book was so touching, at the end I cried and cried. Your book had so many funny details too. Just the other night Judy got ahold of a close pin and refused to give it to me. Sounds like Marley ah? I have been so anxious for the movie and finally it is here. Thank you agin for a most wonderful book and for keeping the faith of Labs. Tink
A story from casey w. about endless love posted 12/23/2008
Thank you. I enjoyed every page of Marley and Me. My husband and I also owned a Lab. His name was Buddy but his AKC name was Buddy's Midlight Delight. My husband and I moved to New Orleans after we graduated highschool in 2000, and for his birthday i thought it would be nice to give him a not only a pet but a companion. My daddy was a animal lover so we grew up with dogs mostly just lab's. So i decided that a lab was the best was to go. I shopped around and when I had just about given up hope I saw an add it the paper for an AKC registered black lab for $100.00 that was 10 weeks old. SO i set up a time that afternoon when i got off work to go and look at him. I was introduced to both the parents and then taken to the back where the puppy's were. And then i saw him way in the back of the pet cage. This little black furball that was not fazed at all by me. The other puppy's on the other hand looked as though they were begging me to pick them. We got them all out of the cage and i picked up the smallest one of them all and looked him over really good. The owner said that if i wanted him he would come down off the price $50.00. Well who could pass that up so the new puppy and myself headed home. He wrode in my lap the entire way home. From the day I gave him to my husband he never left his side. They were best friends. We lost our beloved Buddy a little over a year ago but his pictures are still around the house and our children still talk about him. Our hearts were broken after we lost Buddy. He wasn't just a pet he was like our child He was a loyal family member. We know all to well what you mean about the vet bills,food bills the chewed up undergarments,and all the other destructive things he done but it was all worth it. We would not trade our time with Buddy for anything. Our love for this amazing,smart and stubborn dog is endless and true
A story from Diane about Stanley posted 12/23/2008
I just finished reading your book Marley & Me and I'm so happy to have read it. You took me through the 13 years of Marley's life and I felt as if I was right there experiencing it with your family. My husband and I have a similar experience to you and Jenny. Stanley is our first dog together and we brought him into our lives when we were just newlyweds. Stanley is a two year old English bulldog who perhaps is more stubborn than any two year child I have met. He doesn't come on command unless he can see you have a treat and if he doesn't want to go for a walk, he plants all four paws firmly to the ground and won't budge. The undeniable thing about Stanley is what you mention in your book: his loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love for us. Having Stanley a part of our lives is one of the best experiences to be had. Each day brings something precious to hold onto. Reading your book has opened my eyes to see just how much Stanley has touched our lives. I thank you for sharing the beautiful bond between dog and human; something I often find indescribable when I try to put it into words. Thanks. -Diane
A story from Michelle about George posted 12/23/2008
My husband Steve and I were married in April of 1998. February, 1999 found us living in the tiniest 2 bedroom rental and about 15 weeks pregnant with our first child. Valentine's day came, and Steve returned from work as a police officer late in the evening with my present: A 15 week old black lab puppy. This dog was bigger than any "puppy" I'd ever seen before! He gives me the puppy (and my mother a dozen roses). I was going to be a new mom and there was no way I could and wanted to take care of a "baby" who would grow to be about as big as I was. Steve left to go get some supplies and left me to "bond" with our newest family member. When he returned home, he asked if I'd selected a name for the dog and I had. "George" was a fitting name. We'd had a kitten named Gracie and my dad always teased us that we needed to have the "Burns and Allen" duo. Steve's story was that while working his "day" job at a local home improvement store, a man came in looking for boxes as his lab was about to have a liter of pups. Steve gave the man what he wanted and the man promised Steve pick of any males. Steve said that George was the calmest of all his brothers. He came up and just rested his head on Steve's foot and it was "love at first sight". He had dreams of George becoming his "police dog" but the longer we had him, the more we realized that his career to protect and serve was not going to be possible!
Marley, in many ways, reminds me of George. Since my husband worked two jobs, the majority of the obedience and exercise were my responsibility (me who was growing increasingly large in size as so was George!). Many tears in those first months as the "little" black lab grew into a "big, dumb dog". George chewed up anything he could find (my underwear seemed to be his favorite). He was rowdy and wild! He was meant to sleep in a crate at the foot of our bed but he ended up somehow sleeping in our bed. We moved to a new house in May of 1999 and I gave Steve a choice: me or the dog. George got a cozy little spot in the utility room of our new house. Our house had a nice big yard for him to roam in except George, who should have been named Houdini, was a master escape artist! One day, I was about 8 months pregnant and George got spooked and ran off. I was running up and down the alley behind our house yelling for him. (What a sight! Big pregnant lady yelling, "GEORGE!" up and down the street!). George also had separation anxiety and would get into all kinds of trouble when we were gone.
The birth of our son brought out the protective instincts in George, however. He was curious about the baby but would spend time sitting nearby. Shortly after our son was born, George became very ill and it was uncertain if he'd make it. That's when I think I realized, no matter how stupid and dumb he seemed, George was a part of our family. He managed to pull through miraculously and maintained his position as the "alpha male", only second to Daddy.
When George was about 5 years old, we managed to get suckered into taking in another animal--a black lab/greyhound female puppy, Sadie. This was the best thing to ever happen to George! They became fast friends and companions and George did settle down. It as much cured his separation anxiety. Sadie is as mild as George is wild. They cannot be apart (he's even taken her with him on some of his neighborhood wanderings!).
George just turned 10 years old and he's starting to act a little "old". Reading the book, "Marley and Me", brought me to the realization that we won't have him (or his sister Sadie) forever. George is really the best worst dog!
A story from johnathan about my dog posted 12/23/2008
A story from johnathan about snowball posted 12/23/2008
A story from Kristi about Dakota the Brown Dog posted 12/23/2008
I just finished reading your book on a 16 hour round trip (by truck with two stinky dogs in the back seat) from Austin, TX to Amarillo, TX. It was both comical and moving. You perfectly described my life with Dakota, a 9 yr old chocolate lab.
Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful story of Marley. Its good to know that I'm not the only person who has fallen in love with one of the most notoriously bad breeds of dog. I will be a "lab person" until I die!
A story from Jose about Flash posted 12/23/2008
A story from Bridget Frost about All Because of Sandi posted 12/23/2008
Only on rare occations in life does one touch your heart strings and teach you lessons you didn't even know you needed to learn, all without saying a word! Sandi did that for me, for me and for my children. She was the pillow for my children during 'family movie night' and the disposal when broccoli was not the favored vegetable of the evening. She made us laugh and she made us cry, but the memory I will cherish most is her ability to postpone the end of her life to make sure that our family was taken care of. After a painful divorce, one which meant moving my children to a remote town, where, as a single mother, I could afford the rent, taking them away from all of their friends, the home they grew up in and their schools. All of our lives seemed up in the air and filled with uncertainty. There was one thing we did have for certain and that was each other, each other and Sandi. She continued to be the pillow that held my children's head and the consumer of all foods undesirable, but more than that she knew how we felt and some how instinctively knew how to make us all feel better. She had a rare gift, one that I have never seen matched, before she came into our lives or since her passing. The gift of love! The saying 'Love heals the worst of scars' didn't mean anything to me until I saw it up close and personal, through the eyes of my dog. She was with us through the tears, the boxes, the nights we ate on the floor, due to the fact that the kitchen table that I could afford was still in its box with the directions unread. Sandi was there, like a mother hen protecting her baby chicks. Little did we know that she was dieing of cancer, yet she never let that get in the way of taking care of her family. She waited, she waited until the last box was unpacked, until each one of my four children had a new friend, until the kitchen table was finally put together, and until I was finally strong enough to go on.....Then she greeted us one morning, letting us know that she had fulfilled her life purpose, to keep our little family together. She slipped away with no complaints, just a tender look at each of my children and a nudge on my arm as if to say, 'You'll be alright!' My life will be forever changed.... All because of Sandi. Thank you for reminding me, through your book, about what really matters in life! Bridget Frost
A story from Debra Jo Chiapuzio about Emma and I posted 12/23/2008
http://www.debrajo.com/Emma_Chiapuzio.htm
A story from Monica McKeon about Reading Marley and Me posted 12/23/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan I just finished Marley and Me tonite, I really enjoyed the book. I really enjoyed the story about Marley he seemed like a great dog. My best friend Jackie has a yellow lab named Chloe, mostly Chloe is like a calm version of your Marley and I know she does tend to eat the table scraps as much as Jackie and I are there watching her nieces and nephews,she is a very good dog. I hope your family has a merry christmas.. Monica
A story from N Hammack about My Wonderful Big Yellow Dog Max posted 12/23/2008
I enjoyed Marley and Me so much. I laughed. I cried. I rejoiced. My wonderful dog Max is so loved and so goofy!! He is now 8 1/2 years old and is still such a baby although he weighs close to 100 pounds. I absolutely adore him. He has chewed up more slippers than I can count, can clear my coffee table in one full swoop with his tail, and eats me out of house and home. He loves dog treats to the point that he will stand and bark at the pantry where he knows they are kept. I make it a point to never, never run out of those things. But the most wonderful thing is that he is a great companion. When I lost my husband to colon cancer 4 1/2 years ago, Max mourned with me. We cried together. He would lick my tears and I was grateful he was there. We would gaze at each other and wonder what we were going to do without him.
A story from Laurel Cohen Baird about Finding Boo boo posted 12/24/2008
Our family has had dogs and cats most of our lives. I loved the story of Marley and Me, as we have raised a yellow and a chocolate lab. My son, Doug, adopted a Siamese cat I had bred, whom he called Boo boo, when the kitten was four months old. He was with him for 6 years until Doug died suddenly of leukemia. Boo boo went to live with Doug's sister Beth in another state. Within a month Boo boo ran away--we believe trying to find Doug. Four years later I received a call--Boo boo had been found. Doug had an ID chip placed in Boo boo's ear, and he had been brought to a shelter where they discovered it. That was a year ago. Boo boo is now living with me in Delaware. He is 11 years old. He is a poster child for having your pets get an ID chip. I have written a children's book about him and am investigating getting it published.
A story from Nicole about My life with a wounderful pup posted 12/24/2008
I got my lovely puppy in the month of October, at Dogstrust! She is the best, anyway, John I loved your book and can't wait for the film to come out, I'm 11 and finished your book within two weeks!!!! Sorry about Marley, I was crying when I got to the end! ='( Look forward to lots more books from you!! Nicole xxx
A story from Nicole about My life with a wounderful pup! posted 12/24/2008
I got my lovely puppy at Dogstrust in the month of October, she has been great so far, no naughtyness YET!!! I LOVED your book John, my favourite, my whole family is reading it! Sorry about Marley, ='( but what a life he had!!!! I'm 11 and I finished your book within two weeks, I look forward to lots more funny books from you, Nicole xxx
A story from Kim about The Mighty Hogan and Paddy posted 12/24/2008
In August 1997 I brought home my Bouncing Springer Spaniel, given name "Hulk Hogan", he had been raised for his first two years by a little girl who knew just how to spoil a puppy. Thank goodness, because when I got to him it was all down hill from there. Hogan and I were a team from the start. I remember my first night with him, my friend had assured me he was crate trained and that he enjoyed his crate, so I had his crate all set for him in the family room, he had all the wonderful cozy bedding and blankets a dog could ever hope for. I hadnt tucked myself in yet when I heard crying, so I ignored for a few moments having been told "that may happen". But the crying persisted and I knew that neither of us was falling asleep and so began Hogan's life as a spoiled rotten dog. Hogan and I went everywhere together, he was my navigator, best friend, confident, work-out partner, motivator and best box of kleenx you could ask for. I remember nearly poisoning the poor fella, and he just cuddled into my arms, like he was saying "we all make mistakes". I remember the day that I introduced Hogan to my then boyfriend, now husband, Hogan willingly gave up his front seat navigator position to him, I knew we were going to be a family then. I remember the day that my husband called me in a panic telling me that Hogan was frothing at the mouth and that something must be wrong, but then closer examination of the situation lead to my husband's first discovery of a dog's need to attend 'the buffet' as we now affectionately call it;you may know it as the litter box. For my husband that did him in, I didnt think he would ever touch Hogan again, but then, Hogan got cleaned up and immedigately went to cuddle with him and the rest they say is history.
My husband and I purchased a home with a bit of property, which Hogan loved, he was older when we moved there, so Hogan enjoyed slow walks to survey his yard, but never missing the opportunity to greet his chipmunks and squirrels. Hogan made a new friend Lucky, a large malamute next door, who enjoyed the routine of a daily visit from the Mighty Hoge!!
Sadness fell upon our perfect trio two years ago when Hogan was diagnosed with a lung tumour which was assessed as inoperable. So, we treated Hogan with love and good medicine which kept him comfortable and happy. We had several months of fun left with Hogan inspite of his brave battle with cancer and on the 11th of February at 0510 hours Hogan moved on to the Rainbow Bridge. I remember my husband crying, (which is the only time I have ever seen him cry), and he said to me 'why am I crying, he's just a dog' and I remember saying he's not just a dog, he's our dog and we loved him.
So, a few months later, I came home rather excited by an email I had received from a breeder. The email told us that her dog had a litter of puppies and that there were only two, but the several people on her list before us all wanted Black and White Female Springers, and she had this handsome little liver and white male that didnt have a home yet. I remember showing my hssband the email and we knew that it was meant to be, Hogan had given us his blessing to add a new member to our family. So, 9 weeks later we brought our 'Irish' English Springer Spaniel named 'Paddy' home. We had determined that we were going to raise this puppy properly, and well for the most part we have. Paddy gets equally spoiled rotten!!! I would have to say its perhaps a little embarrassing just how spoiled he is. Paddy brings a sense of joy to our lives, free spirit and fun. Paddy charges around our property like its the first time every time. Paddy's instinct for the birds is remarkable, now I wouldnt call him bright, but perhaps keen!! I wouldn't say that Paddy is a watch dog, or even remotely close to that, bless his heart, most of the time he doesnt wake up when we come in the house, he is usually curled up on his favourite couch, he wakes and wipes the sleepers from his eyes. I wouldnt say he is brave either, fearless to a fault as long as you are standing between him and the potential situation. Countless times he would stand at the top of the stairs with a mighty bark, but then stay there until we sought out the cause of the mysterious noise. Paddy is a smart fella, but he can't distingush between tv and reality (not that different from the rest of us I suppose), but the similarity ends there because Paddy will jumpt at the dogs of the televsion screen and then attempt to follow them out the window which is immediately beside the televsion. But what Paddy is, he is delightful and loving and adorable and handsome. He is energetic, sensitive and full of FUN. Paddy cant help but teach us to live every day to the fullest, to love without bounds, to enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer.
Hogan and Paddy had different roles in our life, Hogan was my protector, my friend and partner, Paddy teaches us how to live, love and be a great family.
John Grogan's story Marly and Me, helped me cope with Hogan's illness, celebrate Hogan's life and prepare for Paddy's arrival into our family. I love the story and I read it and share it with everyone who has ever had a wonderful canine family member
A story from Eileen Greene about The Long Road Home posted 12/24/2008
Christmas Eve 2008
John, I just finished reading The Long Road Home this morning (in tears). It was moving and beautiful and like reading chapters from my own childhood.
Your story was so real. Deeply moving. And it isn't lost on me that it is December 23rd and I have just finished reading it. December and Christmastime is a special month and I have said goodbye to many loved ones during the Octave.
(By the way, I had no idea what the book was about when I bought it. I was just a huge Marley and Me fan (and fellow yellow lab person "times two").
Reading it was like a deep "Love Tap" from my own life... from my Mom most especially.
I am one of seven children: Irish-Catholic, raised by faithful and flawed parents. I had a vivid childhood. We grew to be highly individualistic people. Also impacted by the 1960's and the sensibilities of a new generation. And yet, the Irish-Catholic roots there... and no doubt a very strong influence.
My Mom was deeply spiritual. She never forced her faith on anyone, but was as faithful and trusting in the Lord as anyone I've ever known. She was a truly joyful Catholic in her own low-key way.
In 1997, at the age of 67, she passed away on December 17th in the ICU surrounded by her seven children, her son-in-law, her daughers-in-law, and my dad (her former husband). The richness of our love for her and the experience of her journey was profound. We were hearbroken, and yet we couldn't just feel the heartache alone because her faith was so palpable.
Her funeral was two years to the day of her mom's passing (my beloved Gran) at 95 years old. It was a stunning blow and yet the beauty that came from knowing and loving these beautiful women... and from being great friends... is with me still.
Since then, my dad has passed. And quite suddenly in April of this year, my brother Tommy at age 46. It has been hard... losing a sibling, for me, has been like losing a limb. One of us -- always "seven" -- is no longer here. It doesn't feel right. Tom was youthful and creative and musical and non-conformist. I know his energy swirls in new ways I cannot fully comprehend.
I wanted to share a piece I wrote for my mom last week on her 11th anniversary (since opening her eyes to Heaven). I thought you might like to read it. And I thank you for your words, John, which are so beautifully expressed and really do hit "home."
Merry Christmas. And may God bless your dad, and Marley, and your mom, and your family.
Sincerely, Eileen Greene Bolton, MA
"Unbroken"
Today... I looked out my window... the snow blanket was back. The orchard neat and tidy with rows of apple trees and perfect lines of snow cover: the frozen soil showing in between.
Now, that looks like Christmas.
Eleven years ago... this day: the moon was full and bright when the darkness came and it was time for you to fly away and join Gran and Grandpa and Teddy.
We sang to you. We loved you. We let you go, because we knew you couldn't stay... even though you wanted to.
I remember saying, "I'll never forget what happened in this room." It was faith. It was hope. It was unshakable. Your strength beyond the physical realm.
Such a dear friend... my compass and example of pure goodness: Undemanding. Always interested. Caring. Doing. Hopeful. Helpful.
Despite every trial, you stood... graceful... elegant.... easy.
You told me, "I have to walk through this one." And you did.
I am blessed in this life: Blessed because you are here, in my heart. You are in my blood. Your example leads me in new ways each day.
Blessed because you were, and are, here... because I know you are comforted now that Tommy is with you. And Dad. Blessed because I know you are safe in ways I cannot fully understand... yet.
I miss you, of course. But your presence in me moves beyond date, and time, and place. You are Christmas joy!
On this day, the 17th of December, I look to the Heavens and remember. Thank-you, Mom. God bless your sweet soul!
I love you as I always have... just as though your hand was here for me to hold... just as though I could kneel to help you with your boots and take you to Mass... just as though we would be remembering Grandpa, and Gran, and St. Anselms, and Metropolitan Life, and New York, and New Jersey, and Merrimack... just as though we were about to play charades with everyone and you would get those little "oriental eyes" from laughing so much and so well....
On this day, I thank God because I am blessed beyond measure...
...because of you.
Happy Anniversary, Mom. I sure do love you.
In loving memory Helen M. Greene 1930 - 1997
Eileen M. Greene 12-17-08
A story from Zachary about Jeter posted 12/24/2008
It was a saterday in June. 2004 to be exact. We were on our way to Old Saybrook CT to pick up jeter. We get there and he is in the back yard. We come around back and saw the owners playing with him. He was a farely large dog with lots of fur. Jeter was a yellow lab like Marley. The first think we thought of him was, Lets take him home. So we give the owners the money and put Jeter in the truck. The first thig he starts to do is, Bark his but off. We all tried to calm him down. None of us succeded. On the way home he eventually stoped. We got home and our other dog oliver runs up. They sat there and sniffed each others butts. For about five minutes the did it. There was n growling or barking at one another. The got along just fine.
2005:
Jeter sttarted humping oliver. Thats when we saw the probem. He wanted to be in charge.
2007:
Jeter is gone. Everyone is quiet. Life wasn't the same without Jeter.
2008: He is living a happy life on a farm in vernmont
A story from Danyle about Memories posted 12/24/2008
I picked up the book Marley and Me and remembered reading it a bit of time ago. Well part of it. I remember I had to drop it due to the birth of my daughter EmmaLynne, and being a single parent to a strong willed infant-now-toddler doesn't bide you a lot of time to sit down and read. So when I picked up Marley and Me from Wal-Mart this last Saturday, I was bent on finishing it this time around. I have a boyfriend and he has two boys, so getting the opportunity to read this story was pretty easy. I didn't want to put the book down and just finished it this Christmas Eve morning in tears.
In fact, I was crying so hard my 19 month old daughter handed me her "Cubby" (a stuffed bear) and a binky to help soothe me. She didn't understand why Mommy was crying, only that Mommy needed comfort.
I guess it is safe to say that your story has truly touched me. This is the first book that I have ever read that made me cry and I'm sure it will be the first movie to do the same. This book has brought forth many fond memories of my dog Samantha- a Labrador Retriever mixed with some kind of Terrier. She was the size of a Beagle but looked exactly like a Labrador except for the fact that she had triangular eyes rather than round eyes (a classic terrier trait.)
We brought her home in the winter of 1989, when I was only a year old. So I grew up with this silly ol' hound. Oh the memories that have surfaced. From eating my mom's favourite old sawdust-stuffed doll to getting car sick on the way to Chincoteague, VA and upchucking in my sand pail during a momentary stroke of brilliance on my behalf. Then there was the time she fell of my Dad's boat and nobody noticed until we were across the Chincoteague channel at the bait shop. Even after that incident, ol' Sammy still loved to ride on the boat, perched precariously on the edge just above the motor. However she lost her passion for swimming soon after. Could it have anything to do with the fact that she was swimming for possibly as long as 45 minutes, lost in that huge channel, looking like a drowned rat?
Then there was the time she ran away from home just a couple of days before Christmas and returned Christmas Day smelling strongly of cow manure, a dopey grin on her face and her anatomically disproportionately huge tongue flopping out and tossing spittle at everyone. However there is one day I will never forget. It was the day I had to say goodbye to my best friend of 16 years. She was blind, deaf and mute by that time. From 2001 to 2005 we had heard ol' Samantha bark once. How she heard the doorbell we'll never figure out. You could scream her name and she wouldn't give you so much a glance. You could wave a flashlight in her eyes and she wouldn't flinch. However if you dropped a scrap of meat on the floor or poured kibble into her bowl, she came a runnin'. Marley made me think of Sam in that aspect. Labs must have an inborn love for eating. I hate admit that my little Sammy was obese in the end.
But it was that last day that I remember so well. It was like Samantha knew it was her time to leave us. She had pooped on my mom's lanai and my mom called the vet to have her put down. I was immensely upset but understood it was time for my ol' girl to rest in peace. So we took her to my brother so he could say goodbye, since she was originally his dog. In a parking lot behind the Chinese Buffet on College Pkwy we cried over the dog. It was the only time I'd ever seen my brother cry, and he got that from my Dad. After that we still had some time to kill, so we went to the park near the vet's office. By a stroke of luck there was a flock of Ducks there. Samantha had always loved chasing anything that could make an escape, and I felt this was the best gift I could give her before she went to frolick in that doggy heaven place they talk about in that poem. Sure enough, Sam ran after the ducks who could not have cared less. She got in the water for the first time in nearly 10 years, and had a grand old time.
When we finally made it to the Vet's office, they let me hold her as she passed. They first gave her the shot that would relax her and she just looked up at me lazily. For the first time in years she could see me. Or I like to believe that. I could just see the sparkle of recognition in those cloudy eyes that were once a wonderful shade of milk chocolate brown. Then they gave her the second shot. She sighed heavily and rested her head on my arm. I cradled her as if she were my baby. Eventually her tongue flopped out and she sighed heavily for the last time. I couldn't stop crying. I held my deceased dog for about 10 minutes. My mother sat behind me crying as well. My mom decided to have her cremated and but didn't want the ashes. I wanted them but my mother wouldn't pay for it. A week later I received a card signed by everyone in the office, and a clump of Sam's hair was taped to the inside of it. With it came her collar with her tags still attached and a poem. That poem about how pets wait for you until you die and then leave for heaven with you. I cried again and to this day I still cry thinking about that day. It's no longer tears of pain, it's tears of joy. I'm joyful that I was blessed with 16 years worth of memories with Samantha. Now I'm even more joyful that a lot of the memories can be relived by your story of Marley.
Thank you, John. Thank you so much for writing this story and sharing your memories with us. I'm sure there are more than just me who will hold this book dear to their heart.
A story from jessica about davie posted 12/24/2008
Davie is our 3 year old yellow lab/samoyed mix who is our own little Marley. About a year and a half ago we adopted davie from our local SPCA after falling in love with him. During that first week, we realized that Davie had a severe case of separation anxiety and whenever he was left alone he would literally destroy everything around him. Within the first month he turned a metal crate into scrap metal, tore off a dead bolt off of a door, chewed the molding around that same door, climbed on a car which was parked in the garage, and there were many other things destroyed in the process. Now almost a year later, Davie has adjusted so well! He now has a steel crate that is probably large enough for a lion and he actually doesn't mind going in it during the day. We have also found out that he is extremely smart and we can literally have a conversation with him and I swear he understands. He is definately, even with his flaws, the best dog we have ever had and our lives wouldn't have been nearly as exciting without him.
John, thank you so much for writing "Marley and Me", I read the book right when we had just gotten Davie, and honestly it really helped me with patience. It has also helped me to realize that dogs are not perfect, but the love that they give you, will make up for it in the end.
Have a great holiday and congrats on the movie, we have it in our plans to see it this weekend!
A story from KATHY SCHERBNER about GREAT TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN posted 12/24/2008
HELLO JOHN,
IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE AND ONE OF THE THINGS I WANTED TO DO WAS TO WRITE TO YOU ONCE AGAIN. I'M THE NUT WHO HANDED YOU A HAND WRITTEN LETTER AFTER YOU SIGNED MY BOOK. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY WHEN YOU SPOKE AT THE DESMOND HOTEL. I WAS JUST SO THRILLED TO MEET YOU AND YOUR WIFE. THE HIGH POINT OF MY LIFE WAS TO RECIEVE A HAND WRITTEN NOTE FROM YOU. MY SON THOUGHT I LOST IT WHEN I WENT JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND ANNOUNCED " I GOT A LETTER FROM THE famous JOHN GROGAN" I take it to school to show the kids that famous people take the time to write. I am really looking forward to seeing your movie. I hope that it is a huge success and will think of you as I watch. I am really enjoying "The longest trip home." great job!!!!!
FRONDLY, KATHY
A story from Alicia about Merry Christmas posted 12/24/2008
John, I just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I received Marley & Me about 2 years ago for Christmas. I began reading it right away. I myself had just lost my yellow lab mix Spud in 2004 and he was 17 years old. We got him as a puppy and he grew up with me. His died the summer I graduated from high school and it was such a sad loss for my family. His death marked the first real time that I had lost something person or dog. I read your book with much joy the christmas I got it. However, I could not bring myself to finish it until about a year later. I stopped reading it at chapter 25 Beating the Odds. Because I knew how his story would end in my heart. My own pup had beat the odds himself and lived on borrowed time. When I finally got around to reading the end, I cried and cried. It was as if I was living your loss and I felt the loss of my Spud all over again. But wow, isn't it amazing how they can touch our lives so much. I now have another Yellow lab, a 4 month old named Dewey! What a pup, a good one so far. On another note, I loved your writing style so much that when I saw in the paper that you had a new book coming out about your life I bought it. The Longest Trip Home. My grandfather is very much the way your father was. He has taken me on many "holy" "know thyself" tours. He is Catholic to the core. Right now he has cancer at 86 years old. He is living here at home with us now and he is on Hospice. I found a great read in your book. Thank you for sharing your life's stories. You truly have an amazing gift for writing.
A story from Melia Gaskin about Saint Shaun/Marley Mix posted 12/24/2008
It's Christmas Eve, exactly 11:45 p.m. and my snoring husband and five snoring dogs are around me. This afternoon at about 12:30, my husband made the mistake of saying he got another small gift for me. After screaming for several minutes for him to relinquish the coveted gift, he went to his car and returned. Through peeking eyes I saw two books. The one that mattered was, of course, Marley & Me. I have been excited over the movie for weeks. I immediately poured over the pages and finished it five minutes before writing this. I was not blessed with a charming, loving, well-to-do family, but when I saw, who would later be dubbed Raji "Big Guy" Gaskin, on the side of Covington Highway in an Atlanta suburb, I was in love! It was mid-October and uncharacteristically cold and wet. The Big was on the side of a busy street soaked, cold, and starved. We stopped and coaxed him to the car with some tasty bits we had. Once inside, he shivered an wagged with pure joy. I knew I had met the love of my life, my soulmate. Once back at home, he ran and ran...and ran. He chased everything from my mother's many cats, to the vacuum, to me. He chewed everything I owned and relieved himself on his chewed remnants. That was just in the first three weeks. Raji became my running partner, only clothes-lining me a few hundred times chasing...whatever, and was the best friend I could ever ask for. I was 13 when we found him and he was a mere few months, but we were maturing at similar rates. He was with me at all times he could be, but was completely insane while I was away. We only lived a few blocks from my school and as I walked home, I could hear him in the backyard, screaching like a woman being murdered. I can't tell you how many times the police were dispatched to our house with neighbors thinking they were hearing a woman abused or a horrid crime in progress. I began skipping school to stay with him, hiding in my older brother's long-discarded 1981 Mazda 626, only to return once my mother left for work. When the school truent officer knocked on the door, I realized, I might have to explain 37 consecutive missed days. My mother was furious, but I went out on my next skipped school day, got a night job to pay for homeschool and "forced" her to sign me up. At least if I were gone at night, my mom would be home with him. I finished highschool and left home for college, Raji in tow. I was living with my future husband at 20 and Raji joined our new family which included my mother's dog Mikey and my fiance's little Shih Tzu girl, Katie. About a year after living together, I noticed something amiss about my Big, he had to make potty trips A LOT and often went inside in a massive torrent of crystal-clear, colorless urine. To my dismay, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and not the "good" kind. Although Raji wasn't always calm, quiet, and welcoming to others, he was excellent at learning tricks, but apparently my motivation had hurt him, badly. I always used tasty treats to teach him something, often to excess and he paid dearly for it. He was a Border Collie mix and should have been about 40 pounds and at his exam was a hefty 57. 17 pounds for a dog is a lot. His orders were simple, excersice, strict diet, and medication. What started out at a shot a day, turned into four, along with several pills. I felt so bad for him, not only did he have to endure me shoving pills down his throat and needles in his rump, but his "food" had no smell and looked like cardboard. Despite his lack of gourmet food, he was a happy, wacky, barking mess. We moved from a busy suburb in North-metro Atlanta, to a huge house on a large 5 acre lot in central Georgia. Raji had always loved the water so at my first chance we took him to the beautiful High Falls park so he could swim in the river. As he followed me to the water he had obvious trouble navigating over the rocks and was whimpering very lightly. I knew instantly, he was going blind. Over the next several weeks, we saw a white-gray haze come over his eyes as he tripped over shoes and walked into walls. My once agile and bousterous running partner could barely navigate to the back door. On one of the many nights in the first months of having him in my life, while lying with him in my bed, I knew, one day, I would have to do something horrifying that would most certainly break my spirit. I would have to choose what day was his last. As his disease progressed I fretted every single day I would lose my dear, sweet boy. He nursed me through my mother's alcoholic rages and the many days and nights she would be "missing." He gave me the courage to leave a family, that to call dysfunctional would be a beaming compliment. He rode with me, in the middle of the night, in a run-down 1978 Malibu Classic before I had a license. On that same drive, he alerted me to a man approaching the car with a gun. It turned out, that man had robbed a K-Mart and killed two women. He studied with me for my first college exams and licked me happily when I got an "A". This roadside mutt was everything to me. In mid-November 2007, I could see him slow considerably and by the end of the month, it was the end of the road. We were told he had cancer throughout his poor, old body. We took him home to say goodbye and love on him endlessly. We were waiting for the "sign." On December 1, 2008, we took God's sweetest creation to send him home. By this time, he was unable to move and I held him tight in my arms trying to talk to him over my sobbing. The doctor came in and sedated him and then gave him the last shot that would ever invade his sick body. I felt him slip away, but I couldn't let go. I cried on the floor with him for over two hours when I could finally let him go. I put him on his favorite bed and covered him in his tattered puppy blankie and they wheeled him away. His ashes are in a brass urn in our livingroom where his loud sighs will always be heard. Our family has grown considerably. We have Mikey, Katie, Leeloo, Euka, and Siercha - the dogs. We also have Kyma and Samir our large hookbills and the fattest (almost) cat ever, Rico. I have learned limitless, unexplainable lessons from my animals, but Raji was the ultimate teacher. He showed me immovable, unconditional love in an environment generally associated with the makings of a serial killer. I learned empathy and sensitivity from my beloved dog and through him I tought myself how to love people. I believe, because of Raji, I was able to forge a loving, functioning relationship with my husband. Although he was often neurotic, uncontrollable, and downright mean (to strangers), he loved me and I loved him. Thank you for reading about my first love, my Raji. Merry Christmas!
A story from Dayana Roberta C Maciel about my dog tob posted 12/25/2008
A story from Rich From Tolland Ct. about My Yellow Lab posted 12/25/2008
Hello to all who read this, My wife and I bought our Yellow Lab Molly just under three years ago, she was just a lil pup, when we went to the breeder it was understood that she and I were going to get a male pup seeings she and I have to kids who are both girls and to even thing's up we figured I could get a boy dog, well it turns out when we went to choose which one we wanted it wasn't us choosing Molly and was her choosing us, she was jumping up and down excited to the world that we had come to her, so I told my wife I want that one, the one with the energy, so we brought her home, it wasn't long until we wanted to bring her back lol, but to this day I am glad we have her, she is the queen of this house. and we love her.
Merry Christmas everyone
A story from Sabrina about Marley posted 12/25/2008
John, I wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. It is 4:15 am Christmas morning and I sit here still with tears in my eyes as I just finished Marley and Me. Your story was so touching and beautifully written. Having a pet is one of the greatest gifts, and through your writing you showed just that.
A story from Katja Arhar, Slovenia about eternaly greatful posted 12/25/2008
Today I finished reading Marley & Me. Thank you so much for writing this book. Thank you for reminding me of all the great times I spent with my dog over the last 8 years. His name was Mai, and a week ago I had to make the most difficult decision of letting him go. I never in my life felt so much pain and sorrow. Our adventure was over much to quickly. But reading this book helped me overcome the memories of our last day together. It helped me remember all the good stuff. All the love, joy, patience and devotion this golden dog gave me. You and Marley helped more then all the human support I was offered. It was the best christmas present ever. And for that I will be eternally grateful. You saved my soul. I wish you a Merry chistmas!
A story from Joel Lanken about I loved your book, Here is my memory of my Dog Bro posted 12/25/2008
BRO, MY GREAT GOLDEN RETRIEVER His Story July 1992 to July 2005
I purchased Bro in July 1992 after my Golden Retriever; Gabby was killed following Hurricane Andrew in Miami. All the breeders were destroyed so I traveled to Palm Beach and found the litter where Bro was. I chose him because of his wrinkled brow and because he was insistent on coming over to me and wagging his tail non stop as compared to other dogs in the litter. I loved his face and wrinkles. Fleas were incredible after the hurricane and I remember taking Bro to the vets for repeated shots for the bites.
When house breaking him, he delighted me when always wagging his tail and growling in a deep roar when I was about to spank him for doing his business inside. I could never get over that trait of his. As he grew to be age two years he was so full of himself and so overly friendly I would have to place him into another room of the house when someone came over because of his wanting to jump on the furniture to be with the guest. But that was not enough; he appeared to want to crawl into the guestâs mouth as he moved closer and closer to the person. I had never owned a dog that was as friendly as Bro and he remained that way until his death. Even during his suffering in later years he would always wag his tail when I approached him when he was unable to walk anymore.
In any event, after the hurricane and business conditions wiped me out in Miami, me and my dog Bro headed for Atlanta in 1994. We occupied a small two bedroom townhouse and it was just right for our new beginning here. One day when traveling to Tucker, Georgia in the morning which was about 30 miles away and during the winter, I returned in the evening when it was dark only to find the front door standing wide open. I thought of the worst wherein someone broke in and or Bro got out and was either picked up by someone or killed by a car.
As I went inside, there was Bro sitting in the middle of the living room with is tail wagging as usual as the front door stood wide open. What occurred was that the Fed Ex delivery man when leaving a package hit the door and jarred it and unleashed the door rendering it wide open for 8 hours. Yet my dear Bro stayed put the entire day without wandering outside. I donât know how I would have reacted had this great dog died following the death of my Gabby, but it was not to be at this time.
Bro loved the new place and couldnât wait to be taken to the school yard to run and chase the birds there, especially in the winter time. For some reason this dog was more comfortable with the fall and winter weather then with the heat in the summer and spring. I am the same way and maybe Bro simply reflected the difference between the suffocating heat and humidity from Miami, I donât know.
Sometime later, as I walked Bro outside unleashed as usual, he bolted across the street wagging his tail upon seeing another dog. It was extremely busy on the street he crossed and a miracle he had not been hit by a car. This is the second time Bro had escaped death.
Then in June 1996 my daughter Stephanie was diagnosed with cancer. I took Bro to the Vet in advance of my traveling to Miami to be with my daughter because he had some unusual lumps on his throat. There is no need for me to recite here what kind of an emotional trauma a father goes through when being told his only daughter, age 28 has terminal cancer and I wont.
A day or so later I called the Vet only to be told that my Bro had lymph node cancer and it was terminal if chemo therapy didnât take place immediately. As it turned out my daughter Stephanie was given the same news and both she and Bro began their chemo treatments on a Tuesday. Stephanie would always ask me âhow is Bro, did he make it through his chemo treatment OK?â This would tear me up when she asked that.
This great dog Bro went through 5 years worth of monthly chemo treatments and handled it well. He broke all records as most dogs die within two years of being diagnosed with lymph node cancer. His record breaking achievements cost me over $20,000 and I thank God I had the money to be there for him.
I moved to a bigger house in April 2001 with a large fenced backyard and Bro seemed to love the place. My daughter died a few months later and I always looked at Bro differently because of his connection to my daughterâs chemo treatments and her always asking about my dog Bro.
I knew time would be running out for him and purchased a 4 year old Golden Retriever by the name of Simon. I wanted Bro to have some company and Simon was the prefect dog for that with his gentle nature. Soon a Pomeranian was introduced to the household by the name of Tucker and Bro never once flinched with jealousy or territorial mandates. He simply welcomed them and wagged his tail as usual.
January 2005 came and it was necessary for Bro to have a very large tumor removed from his side that showed up almost overnight. After the surgery I took him to Auburn University in Alabama for tests to see if he needed 3 months of continued radiation there. I chose not to make that decision because of his now being age 13 and his hind legs were beginning to show signs of collapsing and becoming weaker.
Later in June six months after his surgery it was determined that he had neurological problems with his spine and a few weeks later his front legs collapsed. I looked into acupuncture and herbal medicine but was told that neuro problems could not be helped with acupuncture.
You cannot imagine how sad I am in looking toward the prospect of putting my Bro to sleep. The thought of it paralyzes me. He canât walk anymore and I have to carry and push him outside where he can barley stand to do his business. I canât stand the thought of his suffering and I canât stand the thought of letting him go. Bro is my most loyal companion for the last 13 years and I love him dearly, but I must soon say goodbye to him. I have made arrangements for my Vet to come to the house to put him to sleep here because I cannot bear taking him to the clinic for that process.
Bro spared me that by silently dying in his sleep Sunday night, July 3, 2005.
I will have Broâs ashes stand with Gabbyâs ashes here in my home foreverâŠ.I love this dog and will sincerely miss him.
Joel July 4, 2005
A story from Marley Lover about these pet stories are moving posted 12/25/2008
Hi!I love the stories that other owners are writing!They are so sad!Well,some are,the others are great stories about people and man's best friend.
The stories of people getting sweet,good-natured dogs,who grow old,and must either,put them down,or they live and die naturally.My own dog is quite old,she is about 7 or 8.She is a sweet old dog,who is forced to share me with a Chihuahua and a cat.No matter how many dogs,or cats,we get,she will always be my loyal companion.It will be the saddest day of my life when she dies.I love her a lot,and reading Marley and Me helped me realize how much I love her.
I'm going to go see the movie with my friends,though my aunt has warned me that I will cry,so I'm going to try to remember not to wear my non-water proof mascara.I LOVE MARLEY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
A story from Ricky Hartzel about My dog Marley!!!! posted 12/25/2008
This is my lab mix Marley, I've had him for 8 years now and got your book from my mom 2 years ago. I really enjoyed the book and have to say that although your Marley was bad mine is a close second, he's a wonderful pain in the ass. Nothing in the world (besides children) can be so much fun and so much trouble all at once like a dog. I hope he has a good long life and that we can get at least 4 or 5 more years out of him. My wife, daughter, and I are on are wasy to see the movie today and know that we will enjoy it. DOGS RULE!!!!!
A story from Cathy Foss about Marley and Me Movie posted 12/25/2008
I read the book in April and have been waiting for the movie ever since. Went to see the very first showing and loved it. You should have seen the grown men cry! Our dog was much like Marley as a pup. Your book and movie make us love and appreciate our Angel more than ever. Thanks!!
A story from Ricky Hartzel about My dog Marley!!!! posted 12/25/2008
Well, we just went and saw the movie and I will absolutley tell you that if you have a yellow lab named Marley such as I do be prepared. That was an absolutley great movie but also very sad, as is the book. There is something about seeing it in a movie that is extra heart jerking. So in conclusion I love everything that you've done and the book and movie were amazing.
A story from Suzy about Bogey posted 12/25/2008
We just put Bogey to sleep.
My husband would never admit that Bogey did anything wrong because according to him Bogey was the best dog in the world. The fact that he chewed two cars is besides the point. He had a reason - there were pig's ears in the glove compartment and he knew it.
We have hundred of Bogey stores. He seemed to have 9 lives. He kept surviving all his medical stories some of which are his own doing. He never learnt that you shouldn't eat corn cobs or hackey sacks. He wasn't a cuddly dog. He just wanted to do things. We went to so many places because of him. He didn't like other dogs, he hated the mailman and he wasn't fond of crossing guards, but he wanted to be with us. He liked to learn new tricks and he would work for hours. The house is so silent and we stopped taking the garbage out when we leave. I miss him. I knew somehting was wrong when he wasn't at the door anymore to greet us but we tried to pretend he wasn't so sick. The vet had told us he had 3 months and she was right. I wish he were pulling me down the street to get at the squirrels again. Suzy
A story from Katie about My CRAZY dog posted 12/25/2008
Dear Jhon Grogan I am currently reading your book Marley a dog like no other and I LOVE the one part where your dog chews up the garage because my dog did the same thing!!! One day my dog had escaped from the house by unlocking too differnt locks. So when we finnally found him we had to put him in my dads shop/garage and when we got back it wasnt pretty. Our cute little Rockey had chewn up 1) the crown molding 2) the foam in my dads big electronic garage door thingie 3)some tools and when we discovered the damage he didnt get in trouble because he had lifted up the electronic garage door BY HIMSELF and escaped. When we found him he was in huge trouble though. Today we keep him on our porch with a long leash some toys and a water bowl.
He's still not as cute and crazy as Marley was though!!
A story from Kelly O'Rourke about Daisey posted 12/25/2008
This is Daisey. Daisey came to my house a year ago, as a foster. Her previous owners paid a shelter to have her euthanized because she chewed the kid's toys.
On the way home from picking Daisey up from transport I knew she wasn't going anywhere. She and I bonded, instantly. They call this a failed foster in rescue. Because I couldn't adopt her out and decided to keep her.
One year later Daisey has chewed up: 3 pair of shoes 1 cell phone 1 gaming station 1 pair of glasses 2 coats multiple pillows and a down comforter.
In a million years I'd never give her up. She's part of my family. We just work hard to keep things out of her reach.
Kelly
Saw Marley and Me today. What a wonderful movie. Everyone with a dog should see it. It will make us remember how much we love our dogs and not take them for granted. They won't always be here.
A story from Terry about Starbuck posted 12/25/2008
This is Starbuck, whom I adopted in March of this year. While He has chewed up a few pillows and blankets, He is a member of the family
A story from Marc and Olga Williams about Goldenberry posted 12/25/2008
We had read "Marley and Me" and got to see the movie today. Both bawled our eyes out remembering our yellow Lab, Goldenberry. She was a real sweetheart, very loving, followed our boys to the bus stop and meeting them there every day. Like most Labs, she was a fetch monster and was not happy unless the stick was very large. She used to wake us up at 2 am with a slobbery tennis ball to play. She was also the best running partner you could have, though she did grab a pet goose on one run, it was hard to coax her to let it go. That's how we finally noticed she was aging......she could not keep up with us on the 10K runs. Eventually she passed at the age of 17 and left a big hole in our lives. She is buried on her favorite hill in Alaska, and after almost 10 years, we still miss her. Thanks for the story about Marley.
A story from Anna Hamel about Kalli & Maggie posted 12/25/2008
Kalli (r) and Maggie (l) are not related, but inseperable. After purchasing my first house 4 years ago, I decided to get a dog---not just any dog as I had a black labrador, Lori Lee, as a child, and my sister who I had been living with, had 2 labs and 2 rescues. So Christmas of 2004, I drove from Birmingham, AL to GA to get Kalli. She, like Marley, is a very high energy lab loving to play and always "off the wall" when I get home from work. 6 months later, Kalli & I adopted a 7yo yellow lab, Ellie. Unfortunately after having her only a brief 8 weeks, she was diagnosed with an aggressive spleenic hemangioma sarcoma and Kalli and I sent her across the Rainbow Bridge. A short 5 weeks later, we found Maggie through Friends of Cats & Dogs. Maggie is calm and mild mannered except when it comes to playing ball---which is all out until you put the ball away. These 2 yellow labs are definitely my heart and soul, being both pet and companion. I have never gone to the movies on Christmas Day, but knew Marley and Me was the exception. Excellent job. The pain of losing an animal companion is never easy, but the years, few or many, of undeniable/unconditional love, is worth all the grief.....in time the happy memories overcome the sad and we open our lives again!!!!! Thanks for sharing Marley, and the family, with the world!!!!
A story from Anonymous about Losing a pet posted 12/25/2008
Molly, the Golden Retriever, was my best friend, my pillow, and my everything. She was the exact opposite of Marley, actually. That is, until you got the leash out. That's when she got crazy. I walked her every day, rain or shine, and she absolutely loved it.
Molly had a fierce hatred of cats. One time, she actually dragged me down the street, through my neighbor's garage, up a flight of stairs, and into a dark attic, just to get their cat. I didn't think it was so funny at the time, but looking back, I just have to laugh.
A couple of months ago, we had to put Molly down. I was so devastated, I cried until I ran out of tears. But looking back, I shouldn't cry for what I have lost, but celebrate for what I have gained. I have gained many memories, a best friend, and a powerful love for dogs.
For every pet owner, remember that, and a Merry Christmas to all.
A story from Barbie Tuten about your movie posted 12/25/2008
That movie made me cry so hard that Iwas embarrassed to leave the movie theater.....What a wonderful wonderful movie........You made me glad I have three dogs and really made me appreciate my bad boy Bear.....Life is short ....THANKS FOR REMINDING ME
A story from Andrew Holtz about My Seeing Eye Puppy posted 12/25/2008
I am 14. Ever since I can remember I always wanted a dog. My dad didn't want me to get a dog because he didn't want to hold the responsibility. Finally, for my Bar Mitzvah Project, he decided I can get a Seeing Eye Dog. This doesn't mean I'm blind. This is a service project where you receieve a puppy at 7 weeks old and you teach the dog to sit, lay down, rest(stay), and other basic commands. You keep the dog until they are around 16 months and then they go back to Seeing Eye headquarters (Morristown, NJ) to be tested. If they fail out of the program you, the puppy raiser has the choice to adopt the dog forever. My dog's name was Dolly. She was no Marley. She was so nice, obiedient and very laid back. She made me so happy. While raising her I began reading your book. Ready your book made me so fortunate for having such a good dog. But also made me feel very sad because it gave me the thought that one day Dolly will leave me. That day came. The Seeing Eye Inc. came and picked her up one day. They took her away from me. 5 months later while I was at camp I heard that Dolly failed out of the Seeing Eye for being too laid back. I got so excited, I could finally get my Dolly back. Then my father decided I was going to college soon and he didn't want to take care of a dog. So we didn't take her. She went to another loving family. Today I went to see the movie. The movie made me cry so much because not only was it sad that Marley passed away, but it brought back memories of my Seeing Eye puppy that I loved so much.
A story from Darcy about Bailey & Jersey posted 12/25/2008
I can't believe that I am writing this on Christmas Day. My husband and I are getting ready to take our three young boys to see the movie Marley & Me. I spent most of the afternoon today finishing the book. At one point, my son looked over at me and said, "mommy, why are you crying?" Well..this is only our second Christmas without our Bailey. Bailey was our golden retriever, whom we also brought home 'pre-children". He was with us through so much and was a great dog. Just before he turned 13, we had almost the exact same scenario and decision to make as you did with Marley. I was so anti-euthanasia but I could not watch him suffer any longer. I held him as he took his last breath. It took me a very long time to stop crying. Then, after declaring many times (for over a year)how much easier life was without a pet, I too "just went to have a look" at another golden....ironically Bailey's twin. Although, quite different in personality, Jersey is a good puppy so far (4 months old). It must really be a journey worth taking again. Marley's story touched my heart and made this Christmas special for me...and I am guessing for my entire family after they see the movie.
A story from Tesa about Movie posted 12/25/2008
My husband and I just returned from seeing the "Marley and Me" movie ! We loved it, of course we cried and came home with even more love for our two Huskies. Thank you for sharing your story of Marley and your family. I too believe that God sent Woodson to your family ...at Marley's request!
A story from Lindsey about My dogs Basil and Dillon posted 12/25/2008
Pam and Gardner met in North Carolina. After Gardner had dropped out of Harverd to do what he thought was going to last him his life. STAY IN HIS ROCK BAND! later on he met my Pam. Otherwise known as my mom, now. She had heard about him from people all around, he was the new star who actually had a record! wow! Also REM was opening for him. He was the lead guitarist. And according to some people (who must be crazy talking about my dad like this) he was a real hot. ugh. hottie. (EWWWW!) Later on they married. Moved to Milwaukee, WI. And got a few pets along the way. Number 1 was Basil. He would chew EVERYTHING in site. And any food dropped on the ground. The one house supply Pam didn't need was a vacuum. She had her own personal one. The couple also got Dillon. A real mellow dog. Nothing like Basil. But seemed to be his best friend! As soon as they settled down in a nice place, they started a family. First out was Kyle. 1994. Next was Lindsey. 1997. By this time they were done for kids. Old enough to be grandparents.. no not really. But old. Dillon was terribly afriad of thunderstorms. Each time he even heard a crack of lightening. Or something sounded like the retched sound of thunder to his ears, he would (sadly) go hide in a basket. Or even better in a closet. Or anywhere where it seemed like satin wasn't coming for him. But Basil didn't mind much. As long as thunderstorm reached an earthquake where all the food came off the table into his tummy. My brother remembers the day where it was so bad outside. Our backyard was a swimming pool. Nothing but water, a picnic table and a swing coming up from the ground. Kyle would throw the tennis ball out into the water. Basil would retrieve and so on. I watched from the window. Later on my family moved into a better house. Better neighborhood. Dad got closer to his job. Mom didn't really. She was still a social worker. Nothing more. Dad ended up being a lawyer. Who would have known? My strongest memory of BAsil was when I was coming in the door. He runs to me. Thinking that he will stop i hold out my arms. Waiting for a lick or a hug. I get him running into me over me and running intp the backyard. While I start screaming he starts running. Even though he was one of the worst dogs ever I still loved him. When I was about 10 we put Basil and Dillon to sleep. Probably one of the saddest days in out lifes. He grew old and grey. Had a problem where the was no end to it. The stomach twist problem. We did all we could. Even got him 2 surgeys. Nothing was working. He couldn't even get up. Going blind. Doesn't even know he is peeing on the freaking couch. We had to put him to sleep. My mom made it seem worse then it was. But in my opinion, she made it seem better then it really was. It was.. I can't put it into words. Maybe Something that makes you so sad. That you might cry over for 3 months. Basil and Dillon were something that were more then just a stinking gold fish. Dogs that made a dent in our hearts. Even though the world doesn't know about them. Doesn't mean the whole world can't know about them. Dogs are something that can only come around once. And only certain people get the good pick. Those people are the people who aren't expecting it. BASIL AND DILLON ARE IN OUR MEMORIES FOREVER. with all my <3, lindsey. There semisister.
AFTERMATH. We now have a dog Nash. CUTEST THING EVER! almost 2 years old. 3 days. Mut. we only know that he is half border collie. hyper. and nothing like the other dogs we have had. picky. And yes he did hump a hippo once. =
A story from Susie about Sylvester the Slobbo Boy posted 12/25/2008
The year was 1977. My Mom and I were at the North Shore Animal Shelter in Massachusetts looking for a dog to adopt. My Mom, Dad and I each had a very different idea of the kind of dog we were looking for. Little did we know that a dog there was looking for us. Mom and I walked slowly down the aisle peering intently at each dog, most of whom were barking and overly excited to see potential new parents and the possibility of freedom from the cages that enclosed them and limited their lively spirited play. My Mom picked out an older schnauzer but I wasn't impressed. I kept coming back to the cage where a big black hairy puppy with white around his muzzle and toes watched intently, his nose between the bars and big hairy paws on each side. Having gotten my attention, I pointed out to my Mom that he was a lot quieter than the others, even if he was kind of homely. I had one of the shelter volunteers open his cage and I picked him up. He was about 35 pounds and had the biggest feet that I'd ever seen on a puppy. As I held him, my Mom and I discussed his possibilities. And decided to maybe look some more. But this puppy had other ideas. As I tried to put him back in his cage, he wrapped both of his big hairy paws behind my neck and locked them. The more I pulled, the firmer he held. I said to my Mom, "I guess this is the one" and we both chuckled. We filled out the appropriate paperwork and found out then that he was part shephard, part sheepdog. This particular shelter had very specific requirements to qualify as adoptive parents but we passed with flying colors. As we got ready to leave I set the puppy down so that he could walk with us to the car however he started "biting at the air" as if catching invisible fireflies. My Mom and I looked at each other and I said "he's acting like he's stoned". We both hoped it wasn't an indication of some kind of psychotic personality. Because of his coloring, we named him Sylvester after Sylvester the cat. But soon was nicknamed "Slobbo". Because of his long sheepdog like hair around his face, everything he ate and drank ended up in the hair around his mouth and eventually on our faces when he licked us. Sylvester was with us for 17 years. Because of arthritis in his hips, he started losing his back legs when he was 15 1/2 however with steroids was able to continue with slower mobility until he was 17. He grew to be about 75 pounds and was a typical "leaner" dog. He loved me so much, that only I could dress him up in anything and he would pose for me to take a picture. I have a few favorite Sylvester stories. One night when I came home from work I found a note on the kitchen table from my Dad saying "check out your green dog". I thought he meant green like cowardly. No, he meant green like he got into the green food coloring green and where he used to be white was now green. It eventually washed out but for a while he was quite the attraction when at the small beach across the street. He slept in the kitchen at night on his "leopard blankie" when he was younger. The doors to the kitchen were swinging doors and behind the one was a spice rack. We tried our best to keep him out of it but in the end he made the decision himself, after eating a whole box of crushed red peppers! One Christmas, my parents were having guests over. My Dad was putting some of the food out and put a plate of bourbon balls in the living room. As he passed back thru not too much later he paused when he saw the plate minus the bourbon balls. He thought that maybe he just put the plate out intending to put the cookies out later. Closer inspection of the plate revealed nothing, not even the sugar the bourbon balls are rolled in. It was then that my Dad noticed Sylvester laying near the hallway looking very guilty and what appeared to be sugar particles all around his hairy face - case solved. And the amazing thing was that he suffered no after effects although he did act a little loopy that evening. I have many more stories but will stop now to tell you the sad ending and the happy new beginning. When Sylvester was 17, his back legs and hips went out and we made the decision that it was time to let him go. My parents were so heartbroken, as was I. He was put in a dark room at the vets so that he wouldn't try to stand up, which he couldn't anyway. We went in and said our goodbyes and told him what a good dog he was. And then he was put to sleep. My one regret was that I didn't realize I could have stayed with him after the injection. I would have liked to have held him while he drifted peacefully off to sleep. It wasn't until 4 years ago that I decided to follow my heart and get another dog. Because I live in a small condo, I decided this time to get a small breed to fit in with the size of my living space. My 4 year old "baby" is a bichon frise that I named "Munchkin" for the little people in the Wizard of Oz. He's a dramatic, funny, quirky, super smart, crazy, fluffy ball of energy who doesn't like the standard bichon cut. He gets a "bear" but and currently sports a deep blue and aqua blue mohawk which makes him the envy of all the neighborhood dogs being the charming female magnet that he is. But he is nothing like Sylvester. I was reminded many times of the memories of my Slobbo boy Sylvester that I keep in a special place in my heart when I read "Marley and Me". I purposely read the book first, to make certain that the movie didn't take out the "good stuff". As I read the sad part where Marley is put to sleep, tears rolled down my face. Munchkin, who is very attuned to me and my emotions, came over, sat down in front of me, put one paw on my leg and looked intently at me as if to say "what's the matter...is there anything I can do". At times, I think of the heartbreak that I know will come when it's his time. But for now, I just try to make sure he's got the best life a dog could ask for. As a final note, you know how everyone has a string of silly nicknames that they come up with for their dog? Well, Sylvester's was "Sylvester Slobbo Jellybelly Black Turd" (don't ask about the black turd part..you really don't want to know). PS. I'm not ashamed to say that I LIKE DOGS BETTER THAN I LIKE MOST PEOPLE. The end.
A story from Cher about My Abby Woo posted 12/25/2008
Christmas was a difficult day for me this year as my husband is deployed to Iraq. I didn't feel much like cooking so my mom, the kids and I went out to eat and then to the movie that I have been promising to take my kids to see on it's opening day "Marley & Me".
I knew going into the movie that it wouldn't be an easy one for me. I'm already an emotional wreck with my husband being gone. First we had SO MANY LAUGHS and then my daughter and I sobbed, she's twelve and her sobs were uncontrollable at times. I really don't think there was a dry eye in the theater today.
Our tears were for your story but our sobs were for our Miss Abby Woo. I had vowed that I would never own another Australian Shepherd again after I lost my "Riley" in 1995 but that just wasn't to be... In about my 5th month of pregnancy with my daughter in 1996 my mom and I went to meet two Aussies that a local man had in the newspaper. We ended up bringing both of them home, Prince and "Belle". Belle became "Abby" and when we heard her sing or "woo" she became "Miss Abby Woo", she was almost two years old when I brought her home and immediately attached herself to me. She wouldn't let to many people get close, maybe she sensed that I was pregnant. When we brought my daughter home she was very gentle with her and very patient when she cried. Abby was a character, falling into what she thought was her giant drinking bowl (the pool) and running at the sight of an open door, squirrel or cat. She chased everything... Her previous owner was sure to point out that she had loved to chase horses as a puppy but learned her lesson quickly when she was kicked in the mouth and some of her teeth never came back in. She didn't like being left alone and punished me for a year or so when I was gone, ripped comforters, chewed up nail polish bottles, chewed remotes you name it, she chewed it.
Over the years she has traveled from Florida to California to Florida again, Texas and South Carolina. A very well traveled dog who thinks she's quite human. Our entire family loves her to death and realize that our time is drawing closer to the end with her. This past October she turned 14 and is deaf now, developing breathing problems on top of arthritis in her back legs. She'll have breathing attacks and we'll just pet her softly and lay with her until she calms down.
My heart broke in two watching Marley & Me today as I know that Miss Abby Woo won't be with us much longer. Sometimes I think she hangs on just to make sure I'm ok. She's been by my side for 12+ years, my very best friend, my FIRST child, just as much a part of my life as my human children and such a very big part of my world. I'm not sure how I'll cope when she goes, just as Marley I hope she is able to let me know and help me if I have to make any decisions. I don't want to make them and every once in awhile find myself saying a prayer that she will pass quietly in her sleep when it's her time.
Thank you for Marley & Me, it was truly amazing, I came home and held Miss Abby Woo so much closer than usual, I will cherish every single second that we have left with her and when it's her time I will relive every memory she has etched into my heart and soul...
A story from Ashley about Co-Coa posted 12/25/2008
Just getting back from the movie it was great i had read the book before seeing it. I had gone with family and friends to see it and we all cried with the book and movie. When getting back i had to love my baby Co-Coa she is going to be 7 in January, it made me realize how muck i appreciated her.
A story from Jennifer about Buddy and our girls posted 12/25/2008
Today we took our 3 girls to see the movie Marley and Me! My husband and I had both read the book in 2005 before we had our dog Buddy. But before there was Buddy....there was Rodney who we had for 6 years. We got Rodney before we were married and he was there for the birth of two of our kids. Sadly we lost him in 2001 and he will be missed forever. He was our Marley and even though he caused much chaos in our lives we will never forget him. Your book touched our lives and is one we will read over and over again. In 2007 we got our second dog Buddy who is the polar opposite to Marley but is so loyal and faithful and fits into our lives perfectly. He is amazing with our girls!! So this Christmas we had a Marley Christmas with the girls. All three of them got a Marley book and then we took them to see the movie today. They loved it and so did my husband and I. THank you John for writting this book and for sharing Marley with the rest of the world. :) Jennifer
A story from Katie about Book and Movie posted 12/25/2008
I just want to say that my husband and I just got back from the theatre and WOW! I purchased your book back in the fall of 2006. I am not a reader at all and think the last book I had actually read was in school. My husband and I do not have any human children, but the dog kind. I picked up your book and it sat for a week or so. One night I sat in bed and within about 4-5 hours I was finished, leaving the pages drenched from my tears. Little did I know that within about 6 weeks I would have to put my 6 year old jack russel rat terrier to sleep. He had not lived his full life yet one night just quit using his hind legs. I took him to physical therapy for 14 days straight with no avail. We could see the worry and pain in his eyes. (This picture was taken 1 day before his passing). He was such a runner and jumper that we couldn't bear the thought of him being drugged in a wheel chair. It wouldn't have been fair to him and would have been selfish of us. Nov 14, 2006 was the hardest day of my life. I was fortunate to have my pound dog and american bulldog puppy to ease me back into life when we got home from the vet. I resented them for a couple of days and then embraced them again. I still mourn him. I wondered after I read your book why we put ourselves thru the this pain. Looking at my 3 dogs reminds me why every day. I asked myself again this afternoon after the movie. There was not a dry eye in the room. I literally had to hold my nose and take deep breaths to keep from crying hysterically. There were enough people doing that already. I think people who had read the book started crying WAY before everyone else. We were supposed to go and see Valkyrie afterwards. We didn't even think of it when we walked out. We wanted to come home to be with our babies.
Thank you for your story. I truly hope you will write a book about Woodson. What a story already. For people like myself who consider their animals as children and for people who read only things that truly mean something to them....please write another one.
Thanks Again.
A story from Alan Isenhart about Our dog Sport posted 12/25/2008
Hello everyone this is a photo of our lab Sport he is 5yrs old now and was and is a lot like Marley. Sport as a puppy would hide and come running full speed and tackle my 4 yr old nephew and go hide and do it all over again. Sport would ride in the car with me every day to work. we lived in a small cabin on the North Fork River in Oregon about 50 miles from my work and when I would get to work I place him in a box and go to work. As Sport grew he was too much to deal with at work,so then my Mom would take care of him until I would returned form work. I work at an autobody repair shop and still work there today.We scince then move to a house next door to my parents.We like to take Sport up to our cabin and let him play in the river. Mom just loves Sport he is the grand-dog to mom she calls him that my wife and I have no children. Let see other things Sport has done.Sport takes small objects and praides around infront of her wanting to be chased.He likes to grab coat hangers off of the closet door knobs slinging clothes off of them onto the floor. Sport will do the so called Marley mombo when he has somthing that doesnt belong him.Oh the list goes on hes been in two of neighbors houses and stole the one of neighbor gals slippers. Stole dads dentures off of the end table and went running through the house with dad chasing him.This Xmas he walked into moms house and smashed xmas tree lights, we werent even there for 2 seconds and he was in trouble. Mom calls him "Mar" short for Marley when he is in trouble. But we all love him so much hes my big yellow dummy and he has brought a lot of memories and laughter to our lives I wouldnt trade him for anything in the world. We are all Looking forward to seeing your movie and I have your book my Mom bought it for me as a xmas gift thank you so much for the story of Marley
A story from Jim Cook about My memories posted 12/25/2008
Went to see the movie tonight and thought it was excellent. I had a black lab that had to be put down about a year and a half ago due to cancer and the final scene's in this movie brought back memories of Katie. Mostly good! The movie, while it had it's "sad" parts, made my cry, then laugh.
A story from paula and sherri whitman about our jersey posted 12/25/2008
Dear john, We just came from seeing your movie. We just lost our jersei girl in sept but she acted so much like marley. the movie made us all cried. it helped us in way to know that we are not the only ones that loves our animals unconditionally. Thank you so much for sharing your story bc in a small way your helping other people with their loses of their best friends and loved animals. so i thank you again. we would love to meet you. when are you going to be in pa for another signing?
A story from Cassie about Sandy posted 12/25/2008
Sandy is pretty much my whole life. Even though I am only 11 I know she is very special. She is a lot like marley.When she was new, we would play in the yard and I would always come back into the house with a new bite mark in my arms or my clothes.(she was still teething) But the funniest thing is that whenever she sees my dad she goes crazy. She sees him every day but for some odd reason she wags her tail makes a little grunt and ocasionally she pees. My favorite part about sandy is that she is a hunting dog. I love to hunt, except no one in my family hunts. bummer. I know one day I will write about Sandy just like John Grogan.
A story from M about Awesome posted 12/25/2008
I just finished reading Marley n ME and just loved it! I am both a dog and cat lover and I love to hear pet stories ...I've had a couple of cats and there's hardly a week when I dont think about them and miss them. I know cats dont show their affection as clearly as dogs do...but their affection is still the same. They come running to you when you call them, they nuzzle close to you when you pet them and they even converse with you if you talk to them lovingly. And when they are small, the joy of finding them unexpectedly in your shoe, happily napping, is incomparable. Some people believe that cats just love comfort. Well my last cat, loved my company more than her comfort! If were going to bed late and were working on my computer late at night ,she would prefer to sleep on the computer table, or on my lap, all squished up, rather than just curl into bed with any one else in the family. And if dogs can be naughty and drive you nuts cats can do the same , and can make you feel guilty (if you try to scold them) more , if they just mew at you accusingly! They are capable of more mischeif than a dog is, I bet. My first cat had to be let out everyday for some time early (really early) morning, and if I dared to ignore him, he had his unique ways of making his presence felt. Yes! He would just climb on to the dressing table and gently keep pushing things with one of his front paws, till they crashed onto the floor. And he would continue doing this till one of us would get out of bed cursing and let him out. And then there was my other cat who would just plonk herself in the wash basin and doze off there, just refusing to budge even if we needed to use it. And of course there are those cats who go and bring in dead animals (yuck!) and offer it to you like they were giving you an exquisite gift... The stories are innumerable....but they all are reminders of the wonderful time we spend with our pets and what a special place they occupy in our lives.
A story from Kevin A. Hailpern about Bo Bear posted 12/25/2008
Dear Mr. Grogan,
I just saw the movie, Marley & Me, and I must tell you I cried thru half of it once I saw where it was going. Over the last seventeen years my wife and I have had six wonderful dogs and I have had to put down four of them. I had a chocolate lab named Bo Bear who was like Marley in the fact that when thunder and lightning came we couldnât give him doggy downers fast enough. When each of them passed away a little piece of me went with them. We are consummate dog lovers and the ones we have left, two Great Danes, sleep with us, sit on our furniture and basically control our lives. I know that in the not too distant future I will have to feel the pain and sorrow again. But I know in my heart you have not lived life until you have given your heart and soul to a dog. I enjoyed the movie and anyone that does not shed a tear during this movie has never shared in the joy and heart break of having been in love with a dog. It is a pleasure to realize that even at the4 age of almost 50 I can still lose it during a movie. Great job and terrific story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin A. Hailpern
A story from Debra Vargay about Pure Puppy Exhuberance posted 12/25/2008
I came home from work to a very neatly shredded pillow. Mason (boxer/lab mix adopted from Anchorage Animal Control) had his first unattended foray of the house at four months of age. His potty-training had been a breeze, so we thought it time he have the run of the house while my spouse and I were at work.
I could imagine that some folks would be highly upset to come home to something like this. I was the polar opposite. The first thought to come to mind was my puppy's joy at dragging the pillow off our bed and dragging it to were it rests in the picture. Mason tore one tiny hole in the pillowcase and methodically removed all the feathers. I imagine my dog was in the center of the pile of feathers and rotated himself as he ran out of space to put the removed feathers. I can only imagine how long it took to remove the feathers. I know it took me five hours to clean it up because any fast movement or breeze from an open window caused feather storms. Imagine the dog that tore up the pillow smugly watching my clean up attempts nearby. It's five years later and I still find rogue feathers from 2003.
Mason's been expelled from obedience school not once, but four times. Three times during puppyhood and once during adulthood. Like your Marley, Mason has eaten/destroyed things he shouldn't have such as my hardcover books and a digital camera. Mason is such a rambunctious and happy dog. I wouldn't trade my dog for the world.
A story from Paul Valadao about Then Tiger and now Bella posted 12/25/2008
Today, me and my family decided to go to movie theatre to watch "Marley and Me" because of no plan on the day of Christmas. I love that movie reminded me a lot of my adorable Golden Retriever Tiger with his 9 wonderful and tough life. Two weeks after Tiger passed away my older sister bought me new Lab Retriever looks exact like as Marley. I named her Bella is very well obedience but can be very hype like Marley. When this movie finished I was very emotional and being embarrassed front of my family. I arrived home to give my princess Bella biggest hug and ran upstairs to my bedroom to be by myself crying for a hour because Marley's life is similar as Tiger's life. John Grogan, thank you soo much for you sharing the life of Marley made me thinking of my Tiger.
A story from Emily Arth about Duke & Me.....12/26/08 posted 12/25/2008
I remember the look on Duke's face when i would come home from school each day. It is like it was only yesterday. It all began when i was just 2 years old. My parents decided to load up me, my brother who was 4 in the car and we drove out to the country. We stopped out at a farm on the way out skirts of town. We walked into the farmers barn to find at least 3 litter of puppies....he had 3 female dogs that had given birth pretty much at the same time. My dad had decided that the first dog to walk up to him was the one we would take. All of a sudden......the cutest little yellow lab with a mix of golden retreiver walked up to my father wagging his tail. My dad told the farmer we wanted him and asked how much he was. The farmer replied, "Take him for free. I need to get rid of all these puppies." So this is where our journey began. My dad named after his favorite western actor. John "The Duke" Wayne. Duke was a playful puppy. Since i was only a toddler....i would call him guke. Which before it was embarassing....but now a memory. I look back at the pictures that we have of my good companion....and i come across a picture of his first christmas with us. Mom and dad had gotten him a bone and wrapped it up. My dad was handing it for Duke to sniff it. He sniffed it and started to tear the paper apart. Once he found the bone he took it in his mouth and began to chew. As years went on....i grew older and so did he. I remember one year my dad tied him to his leash and his leash to my little red wagon. My dad then took a dog treat and threw it. Duke then ran to the treat with me behind him. It was the best ride of my life! We then moved to a smaller town in our little state of North Dakota. I remembered my first day of school. It was not a good one. I was made fun of by my classmates because of my weight....i do have to say i was a chubby child. I came home and went out to his kennel....there he was waiting for me and my brother to come home. It was my turn to let him run around the yard for being cooped up all day. I let him out and he came straight toward me knowing that something was wrong. I kneeled down and hugged him....tears running down my face. He looked at me with his big brown eyes.....and licked my face. I then began to smile as i hugged my dog. Every day i would come out to see my friend. He loved when i would bring out a brush to brush his long soft blonde hair. And when i would get to his head....he would stick his tongue out...close his eyes....and had a smile on his face. He also had a little white spot of hair on the top of his forehead that i will always remember. Whenever my feelings would be hurt at school...i would go let Duke out and sit on the deck and just hold him and cry.....and he would lick my face to make me happy...then we would spend hours playing in the sun....the leaves....the snow. I remember one summer...Duke and i were playing and he got hot and tired and laid underneath a tree. I came towards him and laid my head on his belly. He raised his head to see what i was doing...the licked my face and laid his head back on the grass. We both then shut our eyes and fell asleep. That is one of my favorite memories. We then once again moved. And of course he came with us. He was getting older. It was 2005 when we moved. You could tell he was older. He was slower when walking.....losing some of his sight. But was still playful like his old self! When you would call him.....he ran towards you like he was a puppy again. His ears flopping back and forth a big grin on his face and his tongue sticking out. A year later...he was showing his old age for certain. From time to time his hips would give up but he would get back up again. But in October 2006, Duke's hips gave out....and this time he couldn't get back up. We then went out and bought him a warming pad thinking that heat would make him feel better. The next day he still couldn't get up. He tried and he tried...you could see in his eyes that he was tring so hard to stand. We then gave him asprin to see if that would help. Then....the next morning we checked on him....he was trying with all of his might bu could not get up. It got so bad to the point that he was going to the bathroom on himself and you can see in his eyes that he knew he would never walk again. My mother called the vet to make an appointment to put him down. That night.....my dad sat outside in the garage with his hunting dog and companion and held him in his arms and cried. That was the first time i ever saw my dad cry. The next day...my mom woke me up for school and asked if i wanted to go or not. I told her i wanted to stay home. At 9:30 am....my dad packed Duke up in his travel kennel and we drove to the vet with tears in our eyes. We then brought him into the room where he would shut his eyes....for the last time. We had our time to say goodbye. I put my arms around his neck, tears rolling down my face holding on for dear life. My mom and dad then grabbed one arm and dragged me off of him. I was screaming NO!!!!! NO!!!!! DON'T TAKE HIM AWAY!!!!! We then sat out in the truck. The nurse then came out and said......"We gave him the medicine....and....well....he went to sleep." I then held my face in my hands while the tears rolled down my face. We then drove home....with an empty kennel and a collar and leash. That day.......i cried...and cried....as i looked at the pictures of him. I then looked on my shirt....and found a piece of his hair on my shirt. I took that hair and put it in a safe place. Weeks later....we got our precious friend back.....in an urn....where we can take him with us where ever we go. My mom and i recently went to the movie Marley and Me and when Marley was being put down....i remembered when i had to put my best friend down. I cried...all the way home. I then went downstairs and took the urn containing my best friend....and held it in my arms crying.....wishing that he was here for me to hold....but i knew....that he wasn't. I just wanted to share my story of my best friend.....because he ment so much to me. Duke.....I love you with all my heart....and i will love you till the end of time. And when mom and dad are gone....i promise to take your ashes to take care of.....and tell my kids all the good times we had! RIP Duke....September 1992-October 2006
A story from Cleo about my amazing Buddy posted 12/26/2008
Here I am, a Swedish sixteen year old in a small Swedish town sitting in my bed the day after christmas and have just read the first book I could truly identify myself in (or in this case, my dog) since June 17. This christmas I got book from my grandmother that she thought I'd might enjoy, the book was Marley and Me (in Swedish but still). I have now spent the last couple of hours crying and laughing in recognition, I never thought I would find any other dog that reminded me so much of my best friend. I was eleven when I bought Buddy for my own money, he was an exceptional and beautiful Golden Retriver with a respectable pedigree and his father had won many shows and contests. Like that mattered for Buddy. I quickly trashed the name he had gotten at birth, a fancy one, and named him Buddy after Air-Bud the amazing dog I had seen in the American movies. Buddy was nothing like Air-Bud, they didn't even look the same (Buddy looked waaay better). He was the nicest and most friendliest dog ever, but also the worse. He never came when I called (sometimes he did turn around and gave me a look though), he stole food from the kitchen table, he ate moose-shit and banana peel, there was not an inch of the apartment that was not covered in his hair. But I loved him, I loved him because he was just like me, a kid on the way to become a teenager and in this case a very messy one. Since he was my dog, and my dog alone, I walked him in all weathers, feed him, vacuumed after him, had to forse him into the shower and to yell at him when he ate the cats food. I'm not a yelling person and Buddy knew that so he quickly learned that he could get away with anything if he just looked cute enough, which wasn't very hard for him. People never understood what I saw in him and my friends didn't always get why I couldn't go shopping with them after school, I needed to go home and walk my dog. Why can't your mom do that? they asked. One, because she worked until 6 or 7 and two, because it was my dog, I had begged for him for two years and even if I didn't get the magical dog that played basket and all those other things I had gotten the most incredible friend ever. Our friendship was a constant battle of who had the power, of course in strength he won that one, he was big even for being a male Golden and I'm not really the working out type. Me and Buddy were such a mismatch that we fitted perfectly in our own little way. So the battle between the wills contiued, mostly losses on my side but some wins to, like when I got him to enter a contest and he came fourth of over a hundred dogs (was I proud or what?), he just loved being admired by everone and having people pet him and scratch him behind his ears. Buddy seemed like this big and maybe a bit unpredictable dog but he would never hurt anyone, he could lick you to death but that would probably be the worse. Swimming and running in all honor but the best he knew was just to sit so close to someone that he almost got under their skin and just have his head in that person's lap. I could go on forever about him but I just realized this post is pretty long already so. Last summer my best friend got hit by a car, he was playing one of our games, just at the wrong place. Buddy wasn't stupid, when he came to the road he ran over the crosswalk, it's just that cars stop for humans, not dogs and this car was like a hummer. I've been through a lot not-so-fairytale-like things but that pain was the most horrible thing ever. People felt with me, my friends comforted me and my family felt sorrow too. But when some time had passed people moved on, they thought I would forget and do the same. I did, but inside I started crying every time I thought if him. I moved, started a new school but it didn't matter. Buddy had only been with me for five years but I couldn't remember what life was like without him, and now he was gone. I had all this time that I didn't know what to do with, in the beginning I just grieved, I wished it would have been me, I even wished I could have traded him against someone else, my dad for example. My friends never got that, even the ones that had dogs never got what I meant when I said he was the one, he was mine (not that anyone could really own Buddy, he was his own master until death). So, this book woke up a lot of feelings inside me, feelings I've been working hard on supressing but I don't regret reading it, I could recognize almost everything, except Buddy wasn't afraid of thunder, if anything he tried to eat our fireworks and he chased them! I sort of envy you for getting 13 amazing years with Marley when I only got five with Buddy, but still I hope that all people who has found a soulmate or just a really good friend in a four-legged person get to spend lots of wonderful years together with that someone. This is the end of my post and I just wanted to say thank you and I'm looking forward to seeing the movie that I just found out about :)
A story from sharon mccloud about jazzy posted 12/26/2008
i did animal rescue for over 25 years, untill my husband gave me the ultimatum, him, or the dogs...since he was the one who brought home the paychecks, i had to give up the rescue...but not before adopting an ex-racing greyhound named jazzy...jazzy was a huge white male..when we picked him up, he was 60 pounds of bones,,when he left this earth, he was 120 pounds...jazzy was a con artist...when we brought him home, we were told never to leave him off leash to go outside, as he would never come back...i had a cure for that..it was the refrigerator...i took jazzy to the fridge, and told him evey time he went outside, and came right back, he would get a jazzy snack...he caught on in record time..i also taught him, when the grocery bags came in the door, there would always be a snack for him..if i forgot to buy one, he would "find" one...he loved peanut butter next to steak and ice cream..he could get a jar opened without breaking the lid, and no matter where you would hide it, he found it...we took him to mcdonalds and he was named MC-dog..he went to the dairy queen, and would wait for 3 seconds in line, and then whine,,and of course it was so loud and pitiful, people would back up and let him go ahead of them...it was really cute the way he learned to hold a cone...my son won a cake at the school carnival...well, jazzy thought he had won it for him, and promptly took it to the couch, (our third..he had eaten 2, plus dug holes in 2 mattresses, etc..) and ate it...if he ever got upset with you, he would go to the laundry basket and lift his leg, and proceed to pee on your clothes...only the clean ones, never the dirty ones..my daughter was in college at the time, and naturally jazzy loved pig ears, and she would bring them to him..she would tell him on the phone she had a pig ear for him, and he would run to the window and whine the three hours it took her to drive home..life was never dull with jazzy..he went just about everywhere with us, but to work..any one who came into the house was just there to see him, and he would complain very loudly if you ignored him...he was the perfect pet therapist dog for several of our local nursing homes,,,he just loved people and the attention...then the injuries of his racing days finally caught up to him, and it was time...i still don't know how i made it home that day...after bringing him home, we had to buy a van, because the station wagon we had was too small for him...it was the longest, lonliest ride of my life...sometimes i think i still hear him running down the stairs, looking for a jazzy snack....we had rescued and fostered so many, but none like jazzy...he was our marley..we went to see the movie christmas day,,i told my son and he said "oh mom, didn't you know the dog dies in the end",,,he's 30 now, and still misses jazzy too...i loved the movie, and after coming home, grabbed my little yorkie-jack Zoey, and kissed her...thank you John for sharing your story...for alll dog lovers, we have been there.
A story from Rachael about Saying Goodbye posted 12/26/2008
Tonight I went and saw the movie Marley and Me. I enjoyed the movie immensely and used several tissues towards the end. However, the ending reminded me of when I was forced to put down my papillon, Riddler, this past July. He was thirteen years old and suffered from an enlarged heart that made it difficult for him to breath. One night the whole family woke up and we just knew it was time. I got through it, but I never really dealt with the pain and what losing Riddler meant to me personally. I am 22 now, but when I was 19 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Riddler spent many long nights curled at my side while I tried to deal with the effects of the chemotherapy and the radiation that followed. I was cured of the lymphoma, and in my heart I know Riddler played no small part in my recovery. At 21 Riddler started showing signs of being quite ill. I was in college, and one semester I went to the hospital with a severe headache. I was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor. When I went to get my brain biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, we had to drive in a van for nine hours get there and to get back. He never left my lap either way. I have a thousand other memories of Riddler. Christmas's where he was just another member of the family. Summer road trips to Florida, where we would have to find a hotel that would take dogs. The time he jumped from my Grandfather's pontoon-boat while the motor was running, and I thought my heart stopped just for a second. Wonderful (and scary) memories that I haven't been able to think of recently because they've been to painful, but standing in front of my bathroom mirror this evening I began to sob. I cried until my chest ached, I couldn't breath, and my eyes had swollen shut. Then I finally said goodbye to the best dog that I have ever known. A little papillon named Riddler who had so much loved to give and who gave it freely to anyone in need and who I loved with all my heart. Thank you for that gift.
A story from Kayli about "Diesel and Me" posted 12/26/2008
When I first read "Marley and Me", I was convinced that you'd been watching our family, and were writing about our chocolate lab mix Diesel. Marley and Diesel are almost exactly the same dog; Diesel has storm neuroses which require sedation and/or extreme cuddling, he thinks it's fun to steal things from us and make us "play" with him to get them back, garbage and toilet water is his favorite meal, he's jumped out of our car after figuring out how to open the automatic windows by himself on a very busy main road--essentially, he must have that same "mental illness" that Marley had. That said, he's incredibly loving, sweet, and couldn't have been a better footstool/jungle gym for my 3 year old sister. Thanks for sharing your story about Marley--you made me laugh for hours straight!
A story from sam about Blondie posted 12/26/2008
My Mom and I just went and saw Marley and Me and our Blondie who is a borador is so much like Marley. She likes to grab anything she finds to taunt us with, shreds everything and loves to steal our shoes. We quite often try to pry her mouth open to get objects away from her which is very difficult as it is a fun game to her. She is just over a year old and has just had her first Christmas with us. She even unwrapped her own presents without any help. She hates noises of any kind and is scared of alot of things (for example mice and other dogs). She is so high energy and is so much fun. She definitely has quite a playful personality and has to be with someone constantly unlike other dogs we have had. There were so many moments during the film that made us think of Blondie. It was so sad what happened to Marley as we had a german shepard/border-collie named Katie that was put to sleep because she was crippled from cancer and was in great pain. I am glad though about the movie making me aware of torsion stomach so I know signs and culprits of it.
A story from Heather about Thank you! posted 12/26/2008
I just wanted to say thank you for writing and sharing your heartwarming story about Marley. I admitt I haven't read the book, but saw the movie today and was deeply touched by it. I lost my dog Krakers four years ago to old age, much the same as Marley, and your story reminded me of how hard it was to lose a dog. It is so easy to take a pet for granted and forget that he won't be here forever, to console you when life gets rough or greet you after a tough day. It took a long time to get over Krakie's death and your story of Marley reminded me how much I loved my dog and how much I miss his companionship, undying loyalty, and love. For this, I wanted to say thank you!
A story from John & Eileen about Madison posted 12/26/2008
The day after we lost our beloved Rascal, our companion of 12 years. A copy of "Marley & Me" was left on our doorstep, no note, no card, just the book. Reading the book was extremely difficult for us, but it helped us heal. We decided to adopt another dog, so we went to PetPal animal shelter, to look at the dogs that needed a home. That is when we found "Maddie the wonder dog" It has been almost three years since Rascal passed, and not a day goes by that I do not think of him, and that is when I realized All of our pets have been rescue animals, or so we thought. It now becomes clear that we were rescued by our animals.
Eileen & I went to the opening of Marley & me yesterday carrying a picture of Rascal...There is not enough tissues in one box for two people...
A story from jeff zbar about The Life of a Dog's Family posted 12/26/2008
No one ever brings a pet into the home thinking about the day it will leave. Yet reading M&M back in '06, and having seen the flick on Christmas night, makes one consider the moment that family member will leave your life.
Riley has been a fixture in our household - and my home office - for seven years. He hogs the bed, barks at squirrels during conference calls, throws his food when we're out of the home, and generally is, well, a kid.
Thanks, John, for helping us see we're not alone in tolerating the shenanigans these critters dole out - and helping us realize we're not alone in the insanity of it all.
From one columnist to another, kudos on your run-away success. Continued good luck...
A story from JT Colson about Your Marley/Our Oskar posted 12/26/2008
We just saw "Marley & Me" yesterday morning and I must say we did leave (along with most others) crying! I guess a lot of us share the same experience of living with a Lab. Our Oskar died 2 years ago this coming Jan. and not a day goes by without an "Oskar this or that" mention. He was such a part of our family...even with his early travails! I don't know how true to life the talk Owen Wilson has with Marley at the vet was but it sure brought back some painful memories! We miss our boy so much!!! Though we do have a new Lab (Maggie May) that joined our family withing days of Oskar's passing, and she is truly wonderful...again the unconditional love is there, and I must say the female's are a bit more "calm" than the males, we still miss the old fellow. You story was wonderful! JT Colson
A story from Shelby about Sasha and Sadie posted 12/26/2008
Dear John, I really want to see the movie Marley and Me. My mom is going to take me in a couple of days. I wanted to share a few stories about my two dogs. A couple years ago one of our friends had a huge chocalate bar and left it out. Then my dog Sasha ate half of it but she did not get sick. On Christmas this year my dad got a 2 pound box of candy and unwrapped it and put it in his room with the door closed. Later he put my dog Sadie in his room not thinking about the candy and my dog Sadie only ate a few pieces of the candy. My aunt went in and saw teeth marks on the box. So I can kind of relate to how Marley was.
A story from Liz about The Best and The Worst... posted 12/26/2008
This story is about my Saint Bernard, Memphis Belle. She is a nut case if ever there was one. When I started ready Marley and Me, I started telling friends that Mr. Grogan stole MY story and change Memphis Belle from a female Saint, to male yellow lab. I had a dog proir to Memphis what was most well behaved dog a person could ever hope for. She was my best friend for nearly half my life and I still miss her. Poor Memphis has had alot to live up to. She falls very short on the behavior department but she makes up for it in the amount of love that she gives the entire family. I had my doubts about my ablity to love Memphis Belle because she was such a pain and made me want to pull my hair out. Yet when she gives you a big ol drooly kiss and demands you hold her paw as you sit side by side on the couch she is pretty darn hard to resist. I don't know I guess when it comes down to Marely and Me hits home.
A story from Sheree Olson about My dog Chubbs posted 12/26/2008
I just finished reading Marley & Me and laughed and cried and could so much relate. I know I am on the verge of losing my dog of almost 13 years (Jan 31st) . I have had my very furry friend since she was 7 weeks old and it was love at first sight. She started out being a puppy much like Marley but once she got through puppyhood at about the age of 4 she turned in to a very good girl. She is a Husky/Rott mix and very beautiful and regal. A year ago she tore her right ACL and had surgery. A few months ago she tore her left one and I thought I was going to have to put her down. I had a preview as to what I am going to go through when I do end up losing her. My heart and body literally ached. I thought my heart was really breaking. She is doing ok, but limps and her hind legs go out on her at night quite a bit, but she seems to have the will to live. I know she is not ready to leave me yet and I am told that she will let me know when it is time. Meanwhile I will cherish every moment that I can with her knowing that it might be the last. I am crying as I type this but most of the time I am happy for each day that I have with her. I try not to dwell on the future without her, that will come too soon. Thank you for telling your Marley story, it was so touching, funny, and sad.
A story from Emma about My baby Lexie posted 12/26/2008
We got a dog from petland November 16 of 2007. She was a yorkie named Lexie. She was an amazing girl she didn't even know she was a dog. Then on November 11 2008 something terrible happend she was having sesiures. We took her to the hospital and soon later she was not here with us. She was in heaven and we miss her alot. I'm only 10 and I cry almost every day. So does my mom. Its not the same!
A story from emma about more of lexie posted 12/26/2008
She was a baby more than a dog and I know she is safe and happy in the loving hands of Jesus and God. It was meant for her and when I die I will know excatly why. We miss her alot but I konw shes happy and I have to be too. If you ever lost a dog you know how it feels but we were as close to her as I was to my mom. She went everywhere with us. To the mall, pool, parks, and even Wal-Mart. she was energetic and she went down slides and never was mean to you. I'll never forget her and I will see her in Heaven. I can't wait!
A story from Stephanie about Reilly and Me posted 12/26/2008
After going to the movies yesterday and seeing your amazing story, I realized how lucky those of us who own labs really are. Three years ago today we brought home a chocolate lab who changed our lives for sure. I've never felt so much love and so much anger towards one living creature at the same time! Our Reilly is an incredibly smart dog, with a mind of her own. As she grew, we would ifnd her scanning our countertops for any food or napkins left close enough for her to reach. She also chewed numerous pairs of shoes, underwear, toilet paper rolls, pillows, our fireplace, and even through her bag of dog food. She often runs laps around the neighborhood before returning home, and loves to play fetch and go swimming at our lakehouse in Maine.. I think it is her favorite place. Although I am sure to have many more happy years with Reilly, your story has opened up my eyes to how much a dog does change our life, and most importantly, they do love you unconditionally no matter what you do or who you are.. to them you are their world, and that's always a nice feeling. Thank you for sharing your heart warming story with the rest of us, and best of luck with the new puppy.
A story from Burt Hall about Our Dalmations posted 12/26/2008
Dear John and Family: My wife and I spent Christmas Day at the movies. We found the film to be a real tear jerker as was the much better book.
We have four Dalmations, Noah (Middle name "Radar", he can hear the refrigerator door clear across our 3/4 acre yard)(11), the senior "head of household", Lucy("Licky Lucy" for her constant kisses) (9), the demure little lady and second in command, Oliver (Middle name "Douglas", his name at time of adoption and after Green Acres fame(8), our "Bad Dog" and typical "Middle Child" and Parker (Middle name "Valentine"(7), my special friend who just can't get over himself.
Our connection in spirit to Marley was our Daisy. We originally got Daisy to be company and companion for Noah, arriving at "Dalmation Acres", our 3/4 acre fence home in Sandia Park, New Mexico, with great fanfare and boundless energy. Daisy was a pack rat, breaking out through the fence daily on some sort of scavenger hunt. She brought home a 25' Stanley tape measure, a hard hat, various yard toys from her neighbor dog friend's house and a wide variety of so many things we have forgotten about. You see, Daisy was the "Real Bad Dog" in her constant forages despite ever attempt to keep her home but when it came to loving and spending her evenings with us, she was the best. We aquired Lucy and Oliver while Daisy was still with us. She acted as their advisor and disciplinarian, and also assisted in caring and raising out cat, Belle. Not long after adopting Oliver, Daisy began acting strange, her sleeping habits changed, her attitude towards everyone changed. At first we thought she was simply upset with the presence of the others.
One Saturday, we began noticing what seemed to be a discomfort with her walk and how she would lay down. At nearly 4 years of age, the puppy was no longer a puppy. Concerned, we took her to our Vets. A husband and Wife Veterinary team just 2 miles from home, they have been close to our Dalamtions since day one in each of their lives. Our Vets, Rick and Denise, took Daisy in for a couple days to run some tests. These were the worst days of our lives to date. We were not the only ones to suffer. The entire three days that Daisy resided at the vets, Noah, Lucy and Oliver paced the yard, looking for their friend, staring at the front gate where she was last seen and nudging at us for answers as what we had done with her.
Daisy had been the only one who ever wanted to or allowed to sleep on the bed with us. In fact, we had replaced our queen sized bed with a king just for that reason. She just loved being with us when we were home and we loved having her there. While she could put the rest of the family in their place and did so with perfect assertion, Daisy was a snuggle dog with us.
3 days into her medical examination came the heart stopping answer. Daisy had a brain tumor. Inoperable, aggresive and painful. Almost 4 years of age and the thought of losing her was unthinkable. Rick and Denise delivered the news to us in tears. After a lengthy explanation and lots of hugs, we brought Daisy home accompanied with some pain medications. Noah, Lucy and Oliver spent their days being close to her, yielding to her every way. They groomed her when Daisy began having trouble turning her head, slept right next at the foot of our bed where she was and watched her every move with obvious caring. Just short of a month after the diagnosis, her suffering was becoming just unbearable to watch. The pain meds had become useless. We spoke with Rick and Denise regarding the unthinkable, the enevitable. I had not and still to this day have not come to terms with making a life decision for her. I became angry with whatever was forcing this on us. I kept hoping for a repreeve, a commutation of sentence, a pardon. I just could not give the approval to take this loving young lady from us, yet I just couldn't watch her suffer another day.
It was a cold and rainy Wednesday afternoon when we took her to Rick and Denise for her trip to heaven. They had asked us to wait in their private office until all other business for the day was done and everyone else had left. Only an hour left with our girl seemed like just a few minutes. We sat on the floor with her, hugging, kissing and talking with her about all the good and loving times with this precious animal. Just as with Marley, the "Bad Dog", she was the best dog regardless of her bad behavior of the past. Rick and Denise joined us on the floor much too soon for me. We spent another half hour together, all four of us, reminding each other of moments she had affected all of us in ways we will never forget. The final scene in the vets office in the film "Marley & Me" is just exactly how it was for us, every nuance.
There is a special shelf in our living room. It was installed for Daisy. It contains a special Cedar Box with her ashes, a framed photo and below hangs her Red collar. Occaisionally, Noah sits just below it and looks. Noah and Daisy were friends before the others arrived and somehow he senses her there. There have been a couple times we observed Noah smell the collar, back up a half pace, lay down, curl up and sigh. I suspect he misses her as well. Maybe as much as we miss her.
Less than a year after Daisy became our greatest memeory, Dal-Savers in Southern California, An organization we have supported for over 10 years e-mailed a photo of Parker, 12 weeks old, found in a San Diego, California shelter. Our friend Gail from Dal-Savers had arranged for Parker to be brought from San Diego to her home in Santa Monica, California. Parker was so cute, inquiring eyes and face, just like Daisy when we adopted her. Daisy had a lot of spots, I mean a lot. So did this young Dalamation. We struggled with the decision for days. Do we go get him and face a constant visual reminder of Daisy? How can we do this and survive the emotional turmoil that was enevitable? On the other hand, how can we NOT!
I called a retired friend of mine and asked him to make the journey with me. Kay, my wife would have to stay home with the other three. I called Gail to make the arrangements for a weekend to pick up Parker. My friend and I left my office in Albuquerque on a Friday after work. We drove in shifts through the night, 875 miles, and arrived in santa Monica Saturday morning. I had layed the back seats down in our Ford Explorer, covered everything with blankets and placed our large travel kennel in the back, brought a couple of Daisy's toys, food and water for Parker. After spending an hour visiting with Gail and getting paperwork done, I met Parker. Now 13 to 14 weeks old, he was still much smaller than the photos I had looked at it seemed but the feet, huge, almost as big as his head. Holy cripes, how big is this one going to be? I placed a collar and leash on my new buddie, walked him out to the car, opened the rear door for him to enter. Parker jumped right in, rolled over on his back as to say "I love and trust you, here is my little belly, scratch it and let's go"! My friend and I arrived back in Sandia Park around 2 AM on Sunday morning. The day was February 14th, Valentines day,(hence his middle name). I picked Parker up in my arms, a two foot blanket of snow on the ground as we live at nearly 8,000 foot elevation, carried him up the stairs to the house. As I neared the door, a symphony of barking ensued, a light from way upstairs came on and Kay was coming down the bedroom stairs. Noah, who sleeps in my recliner chair near the bedroom stairs did not get up as I opened the door. I placed Parker with his "HUGE FEET" on our livingroom carpet for the first time. He looked right at Lucy and Oliver who were on the small sofa to the right of the door, looked hard left at Noah in the recliner, ran straight at Noah and began to try to "Hump" the alfa dog. Not to be insulted and diminished in his position as the boss of this family, Noah put Parker in his place right then and there. I less than two minutes, the pecking order had been declared, spelled out and signed into law. Parker followed Kay and I upstairs, stood at the foot of the bed and yelped until we brought him up on the bed to sleep with us. He was silent for the rest of the night and spooned up in front of me until I woke that morning. He has been there ever since. I can never nor would I want to let the memory of Daisy fade. In fact, "Marley & Me" has refreshed my most loving of those memories. I must say that Parker is now 90 pounds, I should have suspected as much when I gazed on those feet at 13 weeks. He can never replace Daisy but he sure tries every day to love us as much as she did. And we love all four as much as they do us. Burt Hall, 78 Camino Alto, Sandia Park, New Mexico 87047. hallh@rushenterprises.com. I would have posted photos but our large collection of photos are 35mm prints. To John Grogan and Family, God bless all of you and especially Marley!
A story from jason about Man's Best Friend posted 12/26/2008
After watching the movie marley and me it made me realize just how preshush and short life is,especially for a dog. i have 2 dog's now,both are a year and a half old and i love them very much. one is a french bulldog and the other an english bulldog. they both have different personalities but i still love them both the same. The movie reminded me of my other older english bulldog that now stays with my parents due to his age now.He was a real wild one.When i first brought him home.i thought they were gonna get rid of him and even talked about doing it but instead they eventually grew attached to him even with his wild tendencies messy habbits. i got him from a shelter near my home and we tried to find out where he came from by the man who brought him in but never could get a straight answer. we brought him to the vet and they estimated he was about six months old. so that what make him about 12 years now but we don't really know for sure. his best days are behind him and he has bad arthitis and can barley walk and can't hear but he can still see and just about make it out of the house to do his business and that the only thing that stops them from putting him down. we now sit around the table and tell stories about him as if he were already gone because he nearly is. i know the end is near for him but he gave me so many beautifull memories and moments that i look back at now and laugh at them when at those moments i wasn't. you really don't know what u got til its gone or just about gone in this case. dogs truly are a mans best friend.
A story from ashley about marley a dog like no other posted 12/26/2008
that was the best book ive ever read and i dont know if that is the sequel to marley and me or if that is the first book but i touched my heart i laughed i cried as i said before it is the best book ive read
A story from Heather Gardner about Adventures of the Black Sock posted 12/26/2008
John - I have read and re-read your book a couple of times, and was so excited to see it come to life on the big screen - well done! Marley has certainly captured the heart of this country, and I hope you have many more wonderful years with Gracie (if she will stop hunting your livestock!)
My story is about one dog, a 4 month old Doberman, otherwise known as Arkus, the Dober-dude, and how he managed to throw one household in complete disarray.
Adventures of the Black Sock!
I raced home last night to take Arkus to his puppy class and husband was doing laundry. Low & behold, I'm changing clothes in my bedroom and I see Arkus literally dart out of our bedroom and race down the stairs, with what appears to be something hanging from his mouth. Husband says "Oh MY GOD! - I think he got one of your black socks (that I literally just took off). So, we chased after him (1st mistake), and he's in that playful and dangerous point where he takes off running if he sees us walking towards him. He thinks it's a freakin game!
So, I race to get his cookies so we could "trade" cookie for sock, but by the time I got down the stairs, he's just sitting there with a shi
-eating grin - not running, not moving. I'm like "OMG - are you freaking kidding me? He just swallowed my sock!". And, I'm thinking, "No, he couldn't have - he probably just hid it under the couch or behind the couch", but sure enough the sock can't be found and he's too damn proud of himself - he just ate my sock. Damnit!
So, now panic steps in and I'm racing through the house like a chicken with it's head cut off, but I remembered our vet saying if I ever saw them eat something that they shouldn't eat, grab the hydrogen peroxide and start off with a tablespoon down their throat and wait.
So, I race back up the stairs, grab the hydrogen peroxide, and we proceed to take Arkus outside for our next life-saving experience. My GAWD! He has the toughest stomach I have ever seen on a puppy. It took 4 tablespoons to get him to throw the sock up, and VOILA! Out comes the black sock. Poor guy looked so pissed and dejected - I wish I had my camera. He literally just ate his supper before this adventure started so he now he has had some yucky stuff cramed down his throat, ears are taped up, and his stomach is empty. I'd venture to say he was not having a good night.
So, needless to say, puppy class wasn't in the stars for us last night and I'm beginning to second-guess our ability to be good dog parents. (We have 2 other dogs that have had their fair share of "adventures")
Low and behold, about a month later, the little bugger managed to swallow a sock that we werent' aware of. After a morning of throwing up and not being himself, off to the emergency clinic we went. Yep, Vet confirmed he had a "foreign object" lodged in his small intestine and they needed to perform surgery right away.
A $.50 sock ended up costing us $2400 and a bottle of Tums.
Arkus has brought to us color and rays of sunshine that we never thought possible - he is the 3rd of Dobermans that we currently own. I hope you enjoy his pictures!
A story from Kenedee Sutherly about Max and Lucy posted 12/26/2008
One day my Mom,Dad,brother,and I were taking my dogs on a walk.My dad took my dog Max off of his leash and my Mom took my dog Lucy off of her leash.We walked passed a bush but Max and Lucy were just sniffing the bush and they wouldn't come!My Dad looked to see what they were sniffing and Dad said it was puek!Then Max and Lucy started rolling in it!We weren't far from home so Dad gave them a bath!
A story from MiLissa G.Wiley about My Seeing Recovery Dog posted 12/26/2008
In the winter of 1987 I was coming getting out of my car and saw this little white dog. In the past he was always left out on a porch in the apartments I lived in but what made it different this time was that it was freezing cold out. I saw him running around without a lease or his owner and called to him, "come here little white dog"(yes, I really did). It took some convincing but he came to me and this was the beginning of my life with Sporty. My husband at the time gave him that name because he had a Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle.
We took to each other and he outlasted the men in my life and well as staying be my side through thick and thin.
I had a bad time with drugs and he always kept near me and loved me even when I didn't want him around. He didn't even run away when he could have because he loved me. If it weren't for him staying with me I don't think I could have or would have wanted to change my life.
In 1992 I got remarried and when my daughter Cydnee Cate came along he loved her, watched over her, and was her best buddy.
Then we had the worst time I ever knew. It was July of 1996. Sporty had once again outlasted another man (would I ever get this man thing right?). I went in for a simple MRI on July second and the doctor found a brain tumor. I had surgery on the twenty third and had a long recovery ahead of me.
Sporty, Cydnee and I had the best times together. Going to the park when I could, just laying around and cuddling, and anytime the weather was good in Dallas he went for a car ride (his most favorite thing to do). He even took trips with us to visit my parents in florida. We were on a trip there in 1999 and he got sick. The doctor said it was a tumor that was cancer and even tought we tried treatments, I decided he would not be fair to him to try to keep him alive. You see he had been the best dog I ever had and that was a gift from God. Sporty was always with me and that is why I call him "My Seeing Recovery Dog" It was September of 1999 and my mom gave me time alone at her home with him. Cydnee was at day camp and Daddy was at work. I danced around the house with him in my arms and told him that it was because I loved him that I was taking him to go to "dog heaven" and I was sure they had a place waiting for him because he was so good to me and never let me down like some people can do.
When mom, Cydnee, and got to the doctor Cydnee picked a daisy for him. We all hugged him and when the doctor gave him the medication he was off to heaven right away. He knew what a great job he did being my special boy! I will always hold him dear in my own heart.
A story from Leslie Grinnell about Woodsy in the woods posted 12/26/2008
We read your story about Woodson, and wanted to let you know about this option for Woodsy. Not only do we make wheelchairs for dogs with disabilities, we live with a couple of disabled dogs ourselves. A custom cart for Woodsy would relieve the discomfort of full-weightbearing on his malformed hips, and allow him to get enough good exercise to build and maintain muscle mass. You can use exercise in a cart, much like hydrotherapy, for strength-building, so that when he's not in his wheels, he'll have the musculature to support himself. We have made many carts for dogs with severe hip dysplasia and they use their legs for ambulation - the cart serves much like a walker, and as you can see from this photo and the videos on our website, dogs can run and play in wheelchairs. We were featured on the Today Show last May, and you can visit our website, www.eddieswheels.com to learn about the work we do to help special needs dogs. Navaho, the dog in the photo, had a spinal stroke 8 years ago, and was busy chasing down a tennis ball when this photo was taken. He is now pushing 14 years of age and recently came back to see us to have his cart upgraded to a counterbalanced cart to compensate of some arthritis he's developed in his front legs due to his advanced age. Navaho lives in Bass Harbor, Maine, and walks on rocky beaches and in the woods. He once chased a bear up a tree in his wheels - I'm sure the bear was surprised by the sight of a husky on wheels!
A story from Patricia Jo LaBreck about Brandi and me posted 12/26/2008
My story begins with a tiny little puppy who was the runt of the litter. It was this dog that kept me safe and happy. Born also with hip defects she never was a normal dog. Always disabled and always happy and funny and willing to love. I was told she would not live till 10. Her hip joints were absent but with care and love she made it till 15 years 8 months. I was her legs and she was my support funny how that works.
A story from Susan Virgilio about Marley and Me, the movie posted 12/26/2008
When Howard Stern (the shock jock)said that he read this book "Marley and Me" on the airplane and he cried towards the end, I knew that this book had to be something. Howard Stern doesn't display his emotions like this. I read the book and I laughed until I hurt and I cried until I could not cry anymore. I immediately joined the "Marley and Me" website because I felt such a connection to John Grogan and his family. I drove an hour to have John Grogan sign a copy of my Marley and Me book. I have been reading John's blogs and keeping tabs on his ad1ventures. When I heard last year that a movie was coming out about the book I anxiously awaited the movie. Well, today I saw the movie! I would have gone on opening day, December 25th, but I had to work. I did not want the movie to end just like I did not want Marley's life to end. The movie was great and of course, I cried my eyes out at the end. One of my favorite Christmas presents this year was a gift from Santa Claus. It is John's newest book, The Long Journey Home. It is my favorite Christmas present. Thank you Santa! Thank you John Grogan.
A story from Neila about Sassy posted 12/26/2008
I just finished reading your book and plan to see the movie next week. Let me just say, I've never read a book that made me laugh out loud and cry instantly as yours did. Several years ago after my husband and I were first married, our first dog was a cocker spaniel named Cassie. We lived in Germany at the time and she was my only companion most of the time. She followed me everywhere! She was my best friend and my "baby". She was hit by a car and killed a little over a year after we returned to the states. My heart had literally broken in two. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. But, we've gotten 2 other dogs, one of which is Sassy, she is a chow/italian greyhound mix. We named her Sassy because from the moment we picked her out at the pound, she had "attitude". Little did we know how much attitude she would bring to our family. She instantly took over the household, becoming "alpha female". She would knock tables over trying to get to someone's plate, she was always up on the furniture, even 2 seconds after she was told to get down. We had fixed fried chicken for dinner one night and we left the grease on the stove to cool, far enough away from the edge, or so we thought. From the living room, we could hear her put her paws up on the stove. We went to see what she was up to and found her licking all of the grease out of that pan! The rest of the night, she spent laying around with her stomach making the most horrible noises ever and her trying to throw up every 5 minutes. That has not stopped her from still getting into everything! Your Marley reminds me so much of her. She can't walk on a leash without choking herself, she jumps up on you and about knocks you down, her tail knocks things off tables, you name it. She has been a very bad dog in the 4 years we've had her, but she can also be the sweetest!! Just to look at her face, it's so hard to stay mad at her. God willing, she still has a lot of years ahead of her, but there will never be another dog out there that has tested our patience like she has. Take care and I can't wait to see the movie and read your next book.
A story from Beverly Beauchamp about J. B. and Patches posted 12/26/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me. What a wonderful story. I laughed and cried. My dog, J. B., was given to me by a coaching friend of mine and my husband of 32 years. J. B. was born the day my husband died, January 19, 1997. She has been my companion for 12 years and is growing old. I am beginning to see her falter-can't hear and sleeps most of the time. Patches is a calico manx cat who made my husband love her. When he died, she hid in the neighbors garage for a week before we found her. They are very old now--Patches is 15 and still looks as she did at two. I cannot stand knowing that their time is very limited. I just love them so much and dread the day that they will be gone. Your story brought so many memories back to me. My husband and I were both in the education business, he a coach/teacher, and I was a business/English teacher. He coached for 30 years and was the "love of my life." I miss him so very much. We had three children--two boys and the girl he had wanted so long. I had one miscarriage and lost a full term little girl between the two boys. I have kept a journal for many years and have wanted to share my story--just very personal and not sure anyone would want to read it even though it was very special. I am now 64 and have been alone for a long time; however, I have been fournate enough to have found someone to love--a widower who lost his wife a few months prior to my losing John. It took me a long time (6 years) before I could really date and be serious again. I met and fell in love with my husband at age 14; never dated anyone else. We married in 1963--I was 19; he was 20. It was a lifetime of love and respect. There were not many dull moments being married to a coach. We raised our children in a small East Texas town until they were in junior high; then moved to Katy, Texas, just west of Houston, Texas. I have lived here now for 20 years and still miss him very much. I now have four grandchildren and have been retired since 2002.
Thanks for Marley and Me Beverly
A story from Michelle Dinsdale about Marley and me is an inspiration to my daughter posted 12/26/2008
John,
I just have to tell you about my own Gracie, not a dog, but my child, one of a triplet pregnancy that has left her with mild cerebral palsy - she is scheduled for surgery in the next two years to help her gait, but along with her twin brother Geoffrey, they are an incredibly mischevious pair who just happen to LOVE dogs!
So, it was without exception about a year ago, that I bought your book, 'Marley and me' after Grace came (running) to me in the bookstore with it, and pleading that I buy it to read to them at bedtime.
For the next two or so weeks, we all gabbled with laughter at your gorgeous dog's antics - the twins sometimes laughing so much they cried! And EVERY lab we happened to pass, was just like 'Marley'.
I have to tell you that as we neared the end of the book, and I realised what was coming up, I took it one night and read the ending on my own, after the twins were sleeping and had my own wet, hot tears and kleenex party.
I thought I might just stop reading it to them then, and make up my 'own happy ending' but as my husband pointed out - part of life, is death. And so with trepidation, I read them the ending and as I had predicted Grace just cried and cried and cried. However, your story has left such an incredible influence on her life - she loves all things that resemble Marley and even did her bookshare report about your book at school.
It was without a doubt, that when they heard about the movie, it be the one they chose to see yesterday. And again, my child sobbed and cried...but loved it nonetheless.
Your writing has inspired her to read more...thank you so much for sharing the story of Marley, and your family with us! He has, in a sense become a part of our own little family - we have acquired both of your children's books about Marley as well. Grace's love for animals has become ever richer, and she looks forward to the day when she might acquire her own "Marley' to help her as an aide dog (I in turn pray, it be a calmer 'Marley' :)
Congratulations and thank you!
Michelle
A story from Lois about My Babies posted 12/26/2008
I just saw the movie Marley & Me on the day the movie was released and I never cried so hard at a movie. I felt the pain that John felt the final moments he spent with Marley. I have two babies of my own (dogs) Ginger Ann who is 7 years old and Frankie who is 4 years and I love them both unconditionally. I dread the day when I will lose them and to me they are my kids. Thank you John Grogan for showing that these precious beings from God are a wonderful addition to any family and just like us humans they also have their own wonderful personallity.
A story from Judy about My poodle Candi posted 12/26/2008
My family and I went to see the movie Marley and me after a busy Christmas Day. I was really touched by the movie as I just experienced the loss of my 16 year old poodle a little over 2 weeks ago. We got our little black toy poodle when she was 10 years old. My children who are now 22 and 30 were only 6 and 14 at the time the puppy came to our house to live. I didn't realize that losing a dog would be as hard as it was for me. The children and I watched the puppy grow, teethe, chew and mature in a very prissy little ruler of our house. She was quite the stuck up princess but everyone in the house loved her. My daughter would wrap her up in baby blankets, stick a pacifier in her mouth (which she allowed) and roll her around in the play baby carriage she would put her dolls in. I never thought the dog would ever change. She did though. She became deaf as old age approached, blind in one eye and began to move through the house very slowly. I knew the time would come soon to make a decision I did not want to make but knew I had to make. On December 4, 2008 my daughter and I took the 16 year old dog to the vetinarian and say our goodbyes and gave her away to dog heaven. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but it was the right thing for the dog as she had no quality of life left or brightness to her eyes. We had her privately cremated and the ashes are now still with us. Last night seeing the movie was a bright spot but I really felt the sadness and could totally understand watching John watch Marley go to sleep for the last time. I am still grieving the loss of the dog but we still have the memories to last us a lifetime.
A story from Judy about Candi posted 12/26/2008
I did mean to say we got our toy poodle when she was 10 weeks, not 10 years. S
A story from Elaine about My first dog a black lab posted 12/26/2008
My black lab Kiba came to me at a daunting time. It was April 18th at 4:30 p.m. and even though it was supposed to be a surprise i had been told she was coming. As she came into the house at that exact moment my father had called with a health emergency. I had no time to even greet the black ball of fur my boyfriends mother was holding in front of me as i dialed 911 and was off to meet them at my fathers house. She came to me while the worst part of my life unfolded. two days later my father drifted from a comma to his final resting place. I came to learn when my father was a child he had a black lab just as i had gotten two days before he died. Kiba is now 10 months and has helped me through everything being the last of my blood line. We have had our naughty days such as her eating my $300 dollar classes and my boyfriends $400 dollar phone, but all set aside I am in it for the long haul and she is stuck with me. Waking me every morning with endless kisses I couldn't pitcher getting through it without my little angle.
A story from Lora Jones about Miley. our little Marley posted 12/26/2008
I had a dog growing up that came everywhere with me. I use to deliver the newspapers and she came with me on my route. We would run to the park together and while I ran laps around the lake, Fluffy would keep the ducks in the water and meet me on my last round and we would run back home. She died on Oct 3, 1991 at the age of 13, the same year I lost my 20 year old brother in a car accident. That was a very difficult time in my life. I met my husband and a few years later we got married. I always wanted a Golden Retriever and I fell in love with one at the pet shop. My mom said it would be alright if my dad would agree. I went home to see if my dad would let us get her since we were living upstairs from my parents. My dad agreed since they are very smart and good family dogs, so I went back with my mom to get the dog. By the time we got back, the dog was sold. Again I cried because even though I was with this dog for not even half an hour, I already bonded with her. I had to convince myself that it just wasn't meant to be. Besides, like you, we were just beginning our new lives together. My husband and I got married in 1995 and had 4 children. Now that the kids were getting older, I felt it was time to get a dog for them before they get too old and start moving out. Last summer I went back to the pet shop with my children to see how they would react with a dog. They fell in love with a Cock a poo. Now I had to convince my husband but he wasn't thrilled with the idea. My dad passed away in July 2005 and my mom passed away on Oct 3, 2006, the same day Fluffy died and the day after my first born's birthday. I had to do something with my time because I was becoming very depressed. I interviewed for a job and was offered the job. I accepted. The next morning I looked in the local free newspaper. I don't know what made me do it but my eyes went right to an add that said check this out. Pups for sale. I inquired about it and the breeder asked if I would like to come and see them. I had my youngest at home so I decided to take the ride. My daughter fell asleep in the car but I was determined to have her see these puppies. By the way, they were Labs and Golden Retrievers. Even though I always wanted the Golden, I opted for the Lab. We went into the house and there were 2 yellows, 1 black and 1 brown. On the phone I mentioned I would be interested in the female yellow lab. Anyway, we went inside and I fell in love with all of them. I knew I was going to come home with one, but which one. It was November and I thought what a perfect Christmas present for the kids. All the puppies came by us and jumped around and then ran through the house. All of them except for one. One of the yellow labs stayed by me and kept putting her snout under my hand. I knew this was the one. I didn't even ask my husband. I knew my parents were sending me this puppy. Ironically Miley was born Oct 1o, exactly one week after my Mom's 1 year anniversary and Fluffys anniversary. The breeder held her for me until closer to Christmas. We have her 1 year now and even though she drives me crazy by stealing the kids toys and chewing them up, taking table food and hiding it places, chewing up shoes, originally it was only shoe laces, and Miley killed 3 birds, but after all they are bird dogs; I can't imagine life without her. Several people told me that I have my hands full with the kids and should get rid of her, but I know she was sent to us for a reason. I am so happy that I continue to put up with her because she is so affectionate. She knows when she does something wrong and will give her paw. Everyday when I come home from work she wraps her paws aroung me and gives kisses. She gets yelled at like the kids, but I know she is still a puppy. I bought the A Very Marley Christmas book for the kids and I could swear I am reading about Miley. I can't wait to see the movie next week when I'm off from work. I know I'm going to come out crying after reading what others said about it. The Christmas book made me cry. Thank you for sharing your story and making me know I'm not alone. Looking so forward to it. Thank you again.
A story from Missy about Thoughts on "Marley & Me" - the Movie posted 12/26/2008
The last time I was at the cinema was last Christmas, when I saw "The Waterhorse." It seems to have begun a new holiday tradition. I don't receive many gifts any more, as the economy has tightened so many belts, and when the check from my sister and brother-in-law, who live in PA, arrived in Atlantic Beach, I decided part of my Christmas gift would be treating myself to a holiday movie. So, I chose, after having read the book, to go see "Marley & Me." The film was tender, funny, and heartrending. People laughed at the antics, became silently thoughtful at the serious parts, and more than a few sniffles could be heard at the end. Nobody wanted to lose Marley. Yet, probably most of us in that theatre, have lost their own Marley at some point. I have lost my share, to be sure. Each time that has happened, I question my sanity and trust in the ability of the human heart to heal enough to allow another pet in my life. I know, even as I hold that wriggly little soul in my arms, and smell that puppy breath, that no doubt, my heart will break again at some point. I share my home in Atlantic Beach with Beauregarde, an 11-year-old beagle who began life in our home as my son's dog. Along the way, Elizabeth Luppet, my sweet-natured little white schnauzer joined us. When I moved into this home a little over two years ago, a handsome cat kept turning up, greeting me when I came home from work every day. Eventually, I took him in, and learned afterward that the neighbors all knew him and called him Smokey, because the house he once lived in had burned down and he was left on his own. This past spring, a friend of mine from Chicago, who is an Episcopal priest, rang me up to ask if I might consider becoming the custodial parent to his brand-new Tonkinese kitten, as he'd just learned he was being sent to Mexico. With regular cat support checks promised, I agreed to bring Alfie (aka The Puma) into the family. If there is a feline version of Marley, Alfie would win, paws down. Just the other day, I returned home to find one of the wise men from the creche, standing resolutely on his feet in the center of the hallway, minus his head. The angel, who had been perched on top of the stable, overlooking the manger scene, was discovered lying face-down under the side table. Since the dogs don't manage to get to the top of the table the creche is on, that left only Smokey and Alfie as the potential culprits. In my heart-of-hearts, I knew it was Alfie. He misses nothing with those enormous round sea-green eyes, and is a supreme klutz. As I watched Owen Wilson saying good-bye to Marley, and took in the scene of the children all saying good-bye, I could not help but think of Beauregarde, the 11-year-old beagle waiting with the others for me at home. As I mentioned before, he started out as my son's dog, but when Beau was only 1 year old, my then 14-year-old son was arrested and ultimately sentenced to life without parole. That is another story altogether. Suffice it to say it has been an extremely difficult decade; a decade where not only did I lose my only child to incarceration, but also buried my husband who was killed in a car crash, and six months after that, lost my mother. Through it all, Beau has remained my loving and loveable link to all of these precious people in my life. He was with me when they were, and he is with me now, when they are not. When my house was burglarized one day not too long ago, I returned home to be greeted by only one dog. Beauregarde. The burglar had left open the back door, the screen door, and the gate, and at some point, The Luppet wandered out of the yard. The cats were safely still in the spare bedroom, where they had spent the day snoozing together. Of the two dogs to wander, I would have more expected the beagle to be the wanderer. Instead, he somehow instinctively knew that I needed him when I got home, most especially that day. Luckily, a series of fortunate events reunited the Luppet to us, and I am forever in debt to the lovely young woman who found her wandering and took such excellent care of her until we could be back together. Beau, over the years, was the unseen little soul, snuggled up next to me during each and every television interview I gave over the years in regard to my son's case. He seemed to somehow know I needed his support and his obvious devotion to me endeared him to all of the tv crews who have had the occasion to meet him. I dread the day he does not greet me at the door. But, I am blessed, and grateful, to have the unconditional and honest love that only a dog can give. It is no mistake that dog is God spelled backwards. They are the only two who are able to provide such a love. Thank-you, John, for sharing Marley with the world. There can be no greater tribute.
A story from Jim Griffith about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/26/2008
Mr. Grogan:
I recently read your new book, "The Longest Trip Home" and also read Marley & Me. Both books were excellent and I will buy anything that you write.
My wife and I saw Marley & Me in the movies yesterday and it was wonderful.
I am sure that your wife and children are very proud of you as they should be along with your father even though he is gone. I hope that your mother is still in good health.
Thank you again for you wonderful books and the movie that you created.
Regards,
Jim Griffith Colleyville, TX
A story from Tdog about The Movie posted 12/26/2008
I'll i have to say is wow!! i saw the movie of marley and me today never having read the book. I cried cand cried. I have a 14yr old lab and remeber when it was a puppy and now. It truly showed if u give your heart to a dog it will give u theres and more than you can imagine!
A story from Stephanie Bryant about Chelsea,my "Marley" posted 12/26/2008
When I read your book all I kept saying was, "just like Chelsea". Chelsea was a choclate lab we got at 8 months when people who bought her couldn't take care of her any more. (I should have asked more questions!)I just saw a friendly,sweet and beautiful puppy who needed TLC.Little did I know what my husband and I were in store for in the next 13 years. We were newly married and did not have any children yet, just like you.It was Christmas time and we left her in a cage(biggest one)to spend the holidays with family. Well, when we returned at midnight the house reeked of dog poop!! She had diahrea all over and (somehow) out of the cage. Great way to start Christmas day!! We had lots and lots of adventures after that. The chewing of items as well as the walls were common. We thought(about 2 seconds)about returning her but new she "needed" us. We never could train her no matter how we tried. She would always listen in the obiediance classes but then refused to comply in real life situations. She hated other dogs with a passion, she would growl at them as if she was telling them she was the queen!! I was never able to walk her so she spent alot of time in our yard. Chelsea loved water and "splashy duck" was her favorite game. If there was water in it she new how to empty it!! Anyway, even though she was the "worst dog in the world" we cried like babies when she had to be put to sleep at 13(vet said at 11 she had only about a year, she showed them right up until the end) when she started vomiting and losing her bowels as well as not eating.We think she went deaf to but still arn't sure of that because she was smart enough to "fake it, even then".My three kids cried like babies,they were 10,and twin 7 year olds at the time, three years ago. My husband is driving me crazy now, as well as the kids to get another"Chelsea" I heard about your new dog, I wonder what crazy puppy is out there waiting for us to adopt them!!
A story from Stephanie Bryant about Chelsea, my "Marley" posted 12/26/2008
fixed the picture
A story from Katie Worthley about The movie posted 12/26/2008
I went and saw Marley & Me yesterday, and let me tell you, it was a crazy night! First, we had to try and find a fast food place that we could eat at thank you Wendy's!, and then, while waiting at my friends sister's house, I was brutally clawed and bitten by her catI guess I'm a dog person, and then, ten minutes into the movie, it stopped, and a voice came over the speakers telling everyone to evacuate because of an emergency! Naturally, I was very scared, but that turned to confusion when movie workers told everyone to come back inside and watch their movies. Ugh! It was a good movie, though I was a little disappointed that it didn't follow the book very well. I still really liked it, and cried like a baby at the end!
A story from Sandy Graves about Longest trip home posted 12/26/2008
I listen to audio books on my commute to work each day. Months ago I listened to Marley and me and recently your new book Longest Trip Home. Both left me laughing and crying at times. I too was raised in a devout Catholic home and could relate to so much of your account of your own life. And I too have reservations about the Church as I was one of those children abused by a priest. In spite of that I have never given up on God and am trying to find MY OWN way back to Catholicism. My mother of 90 just passed on this past July and this was the first Holiday without her. I ran away to Europe for Thanksgiving so I wouldn't have to be home. I just wanted you to know that I found great confort in your story of your own dad's passing. You gave words to my own pain and loss. Thank you so very much.
A story from Katelyn about Buudy: A Dog Like No Other posted 12/26/2008
I read your story and bawled my eyes out at the end. I finished reading it..... maybe early September. That year, on November 12th, we had to put our precious Budro down. Buddy had a stomach twist on the 11th. We came home praying he wasn't dead to find that he had only puked. THANK GOD! But the worst was yet to come. The following night all of us were petting Buddy saying we knew you would be alright. We were so happy he got some alpo for dogs. He scarfed it down and drank two bowls of water. The stomach twisting began. He was 12 years old and a very locing Golden Retriever. He chewed up rugs, and had a break down during thunder storms. One perticular time was when my mom and dad were out and my mom came home to find a clawed up, nibbled on door. Buddy wagged his tail so hard he almost flew into the sky. I miss Buddy and may he rest in peace!!
Katelyn, 11
A story from julie about movies posted 12/26/2008
My family and I just got home from the seeing Marley & Me movie to find an empty platter of Christmas fudge. Our dog Zena, a beagle, ate a pound of fudge and will now be spening the night at the doggie hospital. We hope to have her home soon.
A story from Sherri Lytle about Keesha and Me posted 12/26/2008
I just went to see Marley and Me with my family!! I laughed and I cryed and I thought I had the worst dog in the world (even though we love Keesha very much)!!! I also read to my daughter "A Very Marley Christmas"...thanks for sharing your life and special times with your special friend, it has helped me to appreciate the special times with our dog Keesha a Keeshond from Pennsylvania!!!! How much dogs touch our lives...I am glad I realized it before she is gone!!! Keesha will be two on February 2, 2009...this is a photo when we got her as a puppy!!!
A story from Sherri Lytle about Keesha Now!!! We love her!!! posted 12/26/2008
This is Keesha now!!! She has chewed up our kitchen floor, turned the gas knobs on our our stove, chased our cat, barked at everything and anything that moves, just ate a pack of livesavers while we were at the movie theater watching Marley and me, chewed up the side of my very nice wooden hope chest, chewed holes through my daughter's sheets, comforter and other blankets and also many of my daughter toys...the list goes on and on, but we still love her and can't imagine our lives without Keesha in it!!!
A story from Ashley about Stretch posted 12/29/2008
My sister is grown now and lives with her husband,teenage daughter,her husband,and on the weekends her step-kids come to visit.Also,her son comes to visit too.Before my sister remarried,she had a dog named Stretch.Stretch was like a clumsier version of Marley.He chewed up furniture,ate things off the table,and of course peed in the house.And on occasion he bit people but that's only when he was mad.But in addition to all of this he was the clumsiest dog on the planet.He ran into walls,knocked over plants,and barked at stuffed animals. Which proved his clumsiness and stupidity.No matter how stupid,clumsy,or misbehaived Stretch was we loved him to death.Sadly because of the peeing all over the house,my sister was forced to give Stretch away.That was probably one of the sadest days of our lives.My sister just couldn't stop crying so she asked my dad my dad to bring Stretch to the local S.P.C.A.Sad enough my dad had to drive me to my friends house so I had to ride in the car with Stretch.I didn't want to be there when my dad gave him away so my dad dropped me off at my friends house first.We will never know what happened to Stretch whether they found a home for him or -it really makes me sad to think of it- if they had to.... put him to sleep.We'll never know and we never want to know.This is our story of Stretch,our Marley.Sorry I don't have a picture,but just to get what he looked like,he has part Boxer,part Pittbull. He mostly looked Boxer though.
A story from Jennifer & Steve about JoJo posted 12/29/2008
Hello John. I'm hoping you get to read this because I feel I have to share the story of my black lab, JoJo. My husband, Steve, and I had only been married for a month and one day, when we were driving in the country, I noticed a sign advertising lab puppies. Steve didn't want to stop but about a mile down the road, I talked him into turning around just so we could look at the puppies. When we got there, the breeder told us there was only 1 left and he was 4 1/2 months old. When we went to see him in the barn, he was hiding in the corner of his cage and he refused to come over to us. His mother, father, and grandmother were in the cages next to him and they were happy to see us. The breeder told us that he was very timid so no one had picked him. Of course that made me love him even more. The breeder told us he had been calling the dog Joe, for no particular reason. He also told us that he had never been walked on a leash and wasn't housebroken. We decided to buy him and we came back a few days later to pick him up. On the way home, he sat in the backseat like a person -- on his butt with his paws flexed out. The first weekend we had him, he was hesitant to come near anything but he went potty outside and didn't chew anything. We decided to name him JoJo. Steve and I said, "Wow, we have the worlds easiest and calmest dog." Well, we were wrong. Over the next 6 months or so, we went through Hell. He began going potty and throwing up all over the house. Come to find out, he had 4 different types of worms that cost an arm and a leg to treat. He barked in his cage and in the garage but we didn't trust him enough to keep him free all night so we put up with the barking and not sleeping. As soon as we put a leash on him, he suctioned himself to the floor and wouldn't move. Needless to say, walks were out of the question. We decided to take him to PetSmart obedience school because we clearly needed some help. Steve had to carry him in since leashing was not an option. The class became centered around JoJo and his countless faults. However, the class did help because JoJo learned how to sit, stay, lay down, and walk on a leash. It was also nice for him to have some interaction with other dogs. I won't go into specific details about when JoJo decided to chew things but I will give you a list: 6 pairs of my shoes (1 of each pair), my brand new Blackberry (which didn't have insurance), gift cards, greeting cards, coasters, a remote control, plants, towels, mail, etc. I screamed at my husband to get rid of him on several occasions. One weekend, we decided to put him a kennel just because we needed a break. As the months passed, we taught JoJo more and more things and he finally started behaving. Needless to say, JoJo is now the most important and special thing in our lives. I know I don't have to explain to you the feeling we get when we're playing with him, when he's sleeping next to us, when he's licking us, and when we are away from him. He has become the world's greatest dog and I am so glad we didn't get rid of him. We took JoJo to a local dog park one day and this guy asked us if we had ever read "Marley and Me." We both said no and the guy said, "What kind of lab owners are you if you've never read 'Marley and Me?'" Then we saw the movie preview. Steve bought me the book for Christmas and we saw the movie this past weekend. There were moments when we were laughing louder than anyone because we were watching JoJo! I also believe we were crying the hardest at the end. I have never seen Steve cry like that before. We were going to stop at the store after the movie but we rushed home to smother JoJo instead. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you enjoyed mine.
A story from Lindsay about Whitey posted 12/29/2008
Wow, it's amazing how so many people have one thing in common.. and that is we all have our very own stories. My story is just about any ordinary dog to you, but to me the love of my life. Whitey was my best friend. We did everything together. When I would go to school I would day dream about her. Now I'm only 11 years old, so I dont really have one of those stories when you come home from work and you see your dog eating of the table or anything, I have a more heart breaking story. Everyday when I come home from school I walk, my mom is at working untill 4PM everyday, and school ends at 2:40PM. When I put my key into the back door and unlock it I usually wait for Whitey to run to the door.. but... Whitey didn't come! I ran inside and checked everywhere. I felt sick. I had this one question in my head. "What if Whitey was dognapped?!' I run outside to check the front but then I see Whitey, floating in my pool! I bursted into tears. I knew Whitey has just left the earth,I knew Whitey was dead. I jump in the pool to see whitey alive! Wow what a miracle! Then I thought "how did she get out here?" I turn around and I see my brother bursting in laughter. Oh, was I mad! I soon was thankful that this was ONLY a a joke, not real. I would of been heart broken if Whitey really did drown. That concludes my story. I would like to say one more thing, John your book was amazing, I loved it.. but come to think of It I should of gotten the childrens one.... BYE
A story from G. Pettit about My Australian Shepherds posted 12/29/2008
I haven't read your book, yet. I went to the movie just yesterday with my 2 boys ages 10 and 8. I didn't read the book because I knew how it would end (thanks to my sister) and I didn't want to ball my eyes out at the end. I really didn't want to see the movie, either. Here's why: I love dogs....love, love, love them. And I hate sad dog stories. Although, I'm glad I saw this movie and I'm planning to read the book. I've always had dogs growing up - but when I moved out on my own when I was about 23 I got my own dog. An Aussie named Sam. Sam was an unplanned purchase - when I saw him in the pet store I had to have him. I loved him for the 2 short years he was with me, he was hit by a car and I never cried so much in my life. I decided to get another one so 2 weeks later I found a breeder close by and picked out my 2nd Aussie, Jazz who was 7 weeks old. That dog was with me until he was 16 years old. I got married, moved away and had children during those years. I had sad moments when I cried into his neck and it felt like he was my only friend. I trained him, took him every where with me and called him my 1st born. We went through all his stages of life, just like you did with Marley. And when he was so old that he couldn't see or hear well, I knew the end was near. Everyday I hugged that dog and told him how much I loved him. He had a seizure when he was a month short of being 16 years old and I had to make that painful decision to put my own grief aside and do what was best for him.
I watched the movie yesterday and all the memories came back. What an awesome experience. To raise a dog from puppyhood and care for him his entire life and then have to say good-bye when his life is over. Dogs are special, they love unconditionally.
It took me 5 months to talk my husband into getting another dog. He and I were dating when I got Jazz and he helped me pick him out. He remembered (much better than I did)Jazz's puppy stages and all the stuff he destroyed in the process - not to mention his unbelievable energy. After a soccer game one weekend we took the boys to a nearby breeder to pick out a new pup - and walked away with two! Now I remember the puppy stages!!
I have attached a picture of our new pups (Luke and Jake) now just over a year old. My boys didn't have the chance to see Jazz as a pup and raise him up into the great dog he ended up being. Now, they have that chance and they LOVE these two dogs more than anything!
While my husband wasn't thrilled at first to have new puppies, he's so happy we have them. Even after puppy accidents in the new house, holes chewed in drywall, carpeting and throw rugs chewed to bits, and the overall inconvienence of dog hair all over everything we all are thrilled to have these two beasts as part of our family.
A story from Kathy Ritchie about Our General posted 12/29/2008
Ok, this is crazy, I never write on these things, but I have never wanted to. I know that you are probably so sick of dog stories, I'll bet you guys get a ton. After reading about you new little puppy I just wanted to share a story of our "special puppy". We have a basset hound, General, that is 3 now. When we first got him my cat welcomed him by scratching his eyelid. He bleed for hours & we took him to the vet & they had to put a stitch in it and it still bleed for hours. The vet said that it bleed so much because it was so close to his eye. About a month or so later he started teething. He also started bleeding from the mouth a lot. Definately more than the little bit of blood you might see on a dog toy when a puppy is teething. It would flow out of his mouth, it was comming from his gums. There was blood all over my home, I joked that it looked like a horror movie. No vet could seem to figure out what was wrong with him. Finally after he spent a very expensive night at the U of Penn Vet Hosp in Phila, we were told that he had a rare blood disorder. Kind of like a hemophilia and he does not clot correctly. It seemed to take forever and countless visits to the vet but we finally got through teething. We thought all was wonderful until we noticed that he was limping alot. Back to the vet.... they said that his bones were not growing correctly and that the only thing that they could do would be to operate on his little legs. But the vet didn't think it was a good idea because of his blood disorder and he said that it was very expensive and very invasive. The vet gave him pain pills and said that we should just make him comfortable till it got to be too much. I cried so much that day. I thought how can this be? How can he have come so far only to be told that he eventually would not make it? There were times that first year when we thought .... we can't do this, he cost us so much money that we didn't exactly have at the time. We even contacted a rescue and asked them to take him. But when it came down to it, we just couldn't give him up. We made it through teething and after many vet visits and one visit with a blood specialist at U of P we finally found a medicine that helps him clot when he bleeds. It is very expensive for a tiny little bit, but he is worth it. He cannot ever have any hard bones, go to dog parks, (if another dog bit him he could bleed to death), we could not get him neutered, which means he is a little bit of a wild child, and we can never find any boarding for him at the doggie hotels because they do not want to be responsible for him, but we don't care about any of that. Also, it turns out that the vet was so wrong, his little bones look a little strange but he no longer limps at all, he loves to run with his sister in the back yard. He is such a great dog. I work from home and he never leaves my side. He loves to howl with my husband (don't ask) and his sister Dixie (my other basset hound). Believe it or not he still loves the cat who scratched him. He gets away with everything because during that first year we didn't exactly discipline him enough because we were so worried about him all of the time. He is the loudest dog I have ever heard. We went to PetSmart to have his picture taken with Santa (yeah, I know I'm crazy!!!) and the trainer from PetSmart came over to him because he was barking so loud, and kept telling him to "sit" and "no". He responded by barking even louder and jumping up on her and trying to lick her. He is the only doggie I know that has his own gold card for all of his health issues that pop up from time to time. After my husband and I saw your movie, we were talking about how glad we are that we didn't give up on him. Everyone we know thought that we were crazy to spend so much money on him, and didn't think that he would have any kind of life. But he has a great life!!! He is ok for the most part now, and is spoiled rotten!!! He has added so much to our lives. He was and is worth every penny we spent on him. So, good luck with your new little puppy, it may be alot to deal with but as you know, it is so worth it!!! I have 2 dogs. General and Dixie. (General is the one up top in the picture) I love them both so much, they are my "babies" I don't have kids and I am truly one of those crazy dog people. One more thing, I loved the book and the movie!!!!
A story from Melita about SNIEGA posted 12/29/2008
SNIEGA ISINâT SUCH A GOOD DOG AS WAS YOUR MARLEY (AS I UNDERSTOOD HE WAS SILLY BUT HE LOVED YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY). NEGA IS DIFFERENT⊠SHE HAS NEVER GIVEN ME A WET KISS, SHE IS ALWAYS BARKING WHEN WE LEAVE HER AT HOME ALONE, THAT IS WAY WE HAVE TO TAKE HER WITH US EVERY TIME WE LEAVE, SHE DOESNâT LIKE WHEN I WANT TO STROKE HER, SHE IS ALWAYS JUMPING AND BARKING ON OUR GUESTS, SHE COMES TO ME WHEN SHE WANTS BUT NOT WHEN I CALL HER AND SHE IS VERY JEALOUS⊠MAYBE SHE LOVES US BUT IN HER ONE WAY⊠BUT DESPITE THESE FACTS WE LOVE HER VERY MUCH, SHE IS THE BEST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN IN OUR LIFE⊠âMARLEY & MEâ IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. I READ IT IN ONE DAY AND I CRIED A LOT⊠AS I SAID MY DOGâS NAME IS SNIEGA (IN ENGLISH IT MEANS SNOW. SNIEGA IS A TRANSLATION FROM MY NATIVE LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE). MY MOTHER CALLED HER SNIEGA BECAUSE SHE IS WHITE AS SNOW. I PAIED FOR HER 2 LITAS (IT WOULD BE LESS THAN 1 DOLLAR), HER MOTHER IS A WOLF AND FATHER A WOLFDOG. SNIEGA IS MY FIRST DOG AND WHEN WE TOOK HER I DIDINâT REALISED THAT IT WOULD TAKE SO MUCH EFFORTS TO LOOK AFTER THIS PUPPY, SO ONE DAY WHEN SHE WAS 2 MONTH OLD I DECIDED TO GIVE HER TO MY FRIEND. IT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE THAT I HAD EVER DONE. WHEN I GAVE HER I CRIED EVERY DAY BECAUSE SHE WAS A PART OF MY LIFE, SO AFTER ONE WEEK I DECIDED TO BRING HER BACK AND I DID IT. THE FRIEND GAVE HER BACK TO ME AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR HIM.
A story from Sara C. about Many Marleys posted 12/29/2008
As a former foster home for Great Dane Rescue of N. TX, I have had the chance to care for a variety of Marleys! Many dogs when they first come into rescue need "adjustment" to living indoors. Needless to say, I related to MANY of your Marley stories. One Dane, Pita Pie (Pita stood for Pain In The A
) had a SEVERE thunderstorm anxiety and yes, blinds ripped down, solid wood doors carved in, new chair cushions shredded, etc. I finally adopted her as my own after she was returned to rescue 3 times. I still get weather alerts on my phone and even though she has been gone 6 years, feel like I need to rush home to slip her a sedative. Another "Marley" was Mary Kate (pictured in one of her deep sleeps). She was a POG (Pig/Dog). She was deaf and I think it must have increased her other senses. She could hunt down food and eat it stealth-like. She ate an entire loaf of garlic bread (her burp in my sleeping face gave her away), and a full plate of individually saran-wrapped gooey butter bars...only thing left was the plate she carried through the two doggie doors to the back-yard. In spite of ALL the material things I have lost, and messes I have had to clean up, I wouldn't trade it for the world. The love on a dog is truly priceless. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
A story from Darlene about Sir Tug! posted 12/29/2008
A story from Darlene about Sir Tug! posted 12/29/2008
A story from Heather about Marley & Me Movie posted 12/29/2008
Can someone tell me what part of the movie John Grogan appeared in? I knew he was in it before I saw the movie, but once I got wrapped up in the movie, I forgot to look for him. Thanks!
A story from Kelly about my dog winnie posted 12/29/2008
The book and the movie made me cry. I had a dog like Marley her name is winnie and she is a Miniature Dachshund i got her when i was little but on my 17th birthday i had to put her down because she had cancer. well i hope you get to read this.
A story from Chrissy about My April posted 12/29/2008
I recently read Marley @ Me and the description of Marley aging brought tears to my eyes. I literally cried for the last 40 pages with my faithful yellow lab April right beside me. She is 13 years old and I don't know how many days I am going to have with her. She can see and hear very well but she her age is for sure catching up with her. This book really hit home. I went to see the movie and it was like seeing my beloved April on the screen. Its a wonderful book and a wonderful movie. Yes it is sad but so beautiful thank you for writing it. You put into words what every dog owner will ultimatley go through. But boy isn't it worth it. There is nothing like a dog!
A story from Marvel Williamson about Our Chloe "Enjoying" the book "Marley and Me" posted 12/29/2008
We are dog-sitting our son's yellow Labrador retriever while he is going to graduate school in Ireland for a year. Her name is Chloe, and she is one year old, still definitely a puppy. When we saw the ads for "Marley and Me," I read the book right away. Before my husband could finish it, though, Chloe sneaked it off the coffee table and began "enjoying" it herself. He rescued it only after the back cover had been torn off, the pictures in the middle devoured, a large corner of the whole book chewed through, and the book ripped into three sections. Here are the pictures of sweet Chloe with the book for your enjoyment too. P.S. We liked the movie very much, but the ending was so sad! It made us appreciate Chloe so much. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
A story from Angie about Our lab posted 12/29/2008
This is Apollo, as you can see he is a lap dog. He is the most precious thing in the world to us. We went to see Marley & Me, what a great movie. I cried the last 45 minutes and afterwards, I couldn't wait to get home and give Apollo a big hug and kiss. He does drive us nuts, he is always into mischief but we wouldn't have it any other way. While we were watching the movie, I kept telling my husband...isn't that just like Apollo! Can't you see him doing that! It was great. People who have labs understand that they are like little kids, you have to keep your eye on them, and if they get quiet...they are into something for sure!
A story from Sarah about Tess and Marley posted 12/29/2008
Mr. Grogan, I have to say your piece MARLEY A DOG LIKE NO OTHER is so awesome! My family had a dog a lot like Marley. She was big and loopy, yet faithful and fun. She too, begged for food, and scarfed down her own. Like Marley, when we were at our old house, she had a love for leafpiles. Once she and I shared a chicken patty when Dad wasn't around. It was a sad affair to see her go. she passed away by her favorite spot by the couch. It happened a few months ago, and since I'm only nine, I was very upset. But we still have fond memories of her as you probably do with Marley. Thanks for letting me get my story out. Sarah.
A story from Christine about My Jake posted 12/29/2008
Hi JOhn, I received Marley and Me for Christmas and I finished it in 2 days. I cried myself to sleep last night thinking about not only your loss of precious Marley, but my loss of my precious Jake. When my husband and I adopted him he only had 3 legs due to a car accident with his previous master who did not survive. He went to a Golden Retirever rescue in Utah and since we had lost our prvious golden Ben, my husband was leary about getting another dog, but when I called the rescue and spoke with Bill Britton he said if my husband didn't want another dog, I should get another husband. He cracked my up, so we drove to Utah to meet Jake. I feel in love at first sight. You would never know he only had 3 legs, he could run and jump and play like the best of them. He would drag me down the hill where we lived when he was on a leash and I looked like I was water skiing. He was a funny and special boy. One time we went camping to Big Sur in No. Calif. and it was when the movie Air Bud came out and all the kids thought Jake was Air Bud the movie star and he pranced around that campground like the king of the world. The hardest day was when we lost him to a heart attack. I will miss him forever, however we now have 2 big hoodlum goldens named Abby and Charles, and they are the love of our lives. But I agree, there is always a "special" dog that touches your heart in a different way.
Thank you for your time and for writing. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
Blessing to you and your family.
A story from Julie about about Jade posted 12/29/2008
After just reading your book, thinking our Jade was bad, she looks like a saint compared to Marley. Jade, rescued at 6 months, now 5 yrs. was high strung, had separation anxiety, and scared of everyone. She has come along way in spite of a few left over bad habits. But she will continue to hold our hearts hostage for many more years. She and our 4 cats!!
Not only has Jade brought us through rough trials and tribulations, but so has our son, now 22 and still, we pray for him to settle down as well. As christians, our faith in Christ has gotten us though many of the storms in life. Your book has encouraged me to try to laugh more through all life's ups and downs. Your book, along with God's grace, fortifies that no matter how much family and pets can be a pain, you love them unconditionally!! Thank You for the little light of joy during the reading of your book. I can't wait to share it with other family and friends. I also look forward to the movie with a box of tissue at hand!!!
A story from Becky Hoffmann about My Marley(Maddie) posted 12/29/2008
I am sitting here reading all of these stories as the tears pour down my face and remembering my beloved black lab, Maddie or Mad Dog as we referred to her often. She was my little girl and my only little girl I have every had. I have two wonderful boys and until recently Maddie my little girl with fur. She was very trying as a puppy and destroyed everything in her path, ate everything and enjoyed the you know what out of socks. She used to take the little tiny socks of of my boys infant feet and walk around with them in her mouth just barely hanging out of the corner of her big jaws. Fascinatingly funny she was and beautifully mischevious. I couldn't stay mad at her for long, not even when we came home from a family outing all hungry for leftover meatloaf sandwiches, only to find that Maddie had eaten every last bit of meatloaf and whatever else side item she could find in the fridge. Entertaining she was and I will never forget her ever. When I had to put her down, because of her severe illness, I held her until the last breath and told her in her ear that "Mommy loves you and she could go and keep a place warm for me because someday I would be with her again. I truly believe that these special creatures are sent to us for reasons that we need at the time and they will be with us again someday. God Bless all of those special creatures in everyones life, Marley and Maddie, because they sure blessed me and my family. Thank you so much for your book and the movie-wow what an awesome adventure. Becky Hoffmann
A story from Ann about Thor posted 12/29/2008
I don't have apicture to share because I am a bit of a computer idiot. AS I lay there last night with my german shepard, Thor sleeping next to me, I finished Marley & Me. I know I am probably the last person on earth to read this book. I lay there crying my eyes out and hugging tightly onto Thor and realizing that other people also have these dogs that are "hard to control" as the trainer I went to a few times called him. He actually broke my finger during a training night when a yippy little white dog had finally broken the little amount of patience Thor has in him. I just wanted to thank you for letting me realize that although my dog is not the best behaved, I would not know what to do without him. He is probably the only living thing t hat knows all my secrets. I do thank god every day that he cannot repeat my words to anybody.
A story from Tania Findlay about Otis the black lab posted 12/29/2008
When I was 21 my then fiance 24 we bought a black lab whom we named Otis. That dog like Marley has been a part of our life for 12 and a half years. Today I read the book in one sitting, 29/12/08. It broke my heart because it was all so familiar the naughty whining puppy brought into the bedroom just so we could sleep, raising 3 kids well four if you include the lab! Chewing up shoes, the sofa and pulling a double mattress off of the bed at 6 months old. Now the tired old joints,being able to walk into a room and crash about but otis is still obliviously snoozing deaf as a post moulting fur, a racking cough but still giving unconditional love, always pleased to see us and following us around the house all the time. I cried and cried because I cannot put off the inevitable. I tell my tired old lab I love him every day. I cannot imagine life without him, but know that I must. I love you Otis. Thank you John, for sharing this story in some strange way it will help and bring comfort when the end eventually comes.
A story from DONNA about BUDDY posted 12/29/2008
I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD YELLOW LAB, NAMED BUDDY. BACK TRACK TO JULY 2006, OUR BELOVED 10 YEAR OLD BLACK LAB MIX SHADOW DIED FROM CANCER. HE WAS THE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD, NEVER CHEWED, NEVER RAN, NEVER JUMPED, NEVER BARKED UNLESS REALLY NECESSARY, WAS JUST THE MOST GENTLE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD. AUGUST 2006, MY HUSBAND AND OUR 5 KIDS, STILL DEVASTATED, WERE BEING TOLD GET ANOTHER DOG, TAKE YOUR MIND OFF IT, ETC. I TOOK A LOOK AT A RESCUE SITE AND SAW THIS ADORABLE YELLOW LAB, THE SPITTING IMAGE OF MARLEY ON THE COVER OF THE BOOK. WE TOOK HIM IN, OMG, TALK ABOUT TOTAL OPPOSITES, HE IS NOW 120LBS. I GOT BREAST CANCER IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, AND I CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES THE PUP, PULLED ME OFF THE CHAIR, SENT ME FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM, NEVER INTENTIONAL, JUST OUT OF EXCITMENT. WE TOOK HIM TO TRAINING , THOUGH HE WAS NOT THROWN OUT, HE WAS SENT OFF TO THE CORNER AWAY FROM THE OTHER DOGS, BECAUSE HE NEEDED "MORE WORK". HE WILL NOW BE THREE IN FEBRUARY, THE STORIES I COULD TELL. I DON'T BELIVE THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM, THOUGH HE IS A DIFFERENT DOG, WE LOVE HIM AND HE HAS WORMED HIS WAY IN TO OUR AFFECTIONS, AND IS ALSO A PART OF OUR FAMILY.
A story from elaine frederick about luci posted 12/29/2008
Dear Mr Grogan,
I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely movie that my son Nico and I were so lucky to see. To start with you, Nico is an 18 year old college freshman,He eventually intends to become a special education teacher. I sa eventually because he is a student who was never supposed to be able to do anything. He is a brain cancer surviver of sixteen years. I wanted to tell you about his dog Luci. She was a beautiful golden retriever/chow mix believe it or not. She looked all golden except for when she went to liick your face, which she did often.A totally black tongue. Luci came to us at the age of four months and was not an instant hit. A bigger pain in the butt, you could not imagine. She was all people, Luci was. I do not think she would know how to be a dog if she tried,until one memorable day. She came the day before Nico was diagnosed so she did not get to spend time with her "boy". When we brought him home from the hospital with no hair and bandages and not feeling at all well she did what Nico's brothers could not. She sat there in front of him and stared until he smiled. After that they were constant companions.One day when Nico had finally learned to walk at the age of wo and a half, he had opened the downstairs door and toddled outside. Decenber in Connecticut was quite cold and this was no exception, had two feet of snow on the ground. Nico somehow got into the middle of the road when out came Luci. In the road with traffic blaring but stopped she sat down with Nico with his diaper in her mouth and started barking. She had never barked before that day. We were outside in two seconds but in that time everyone had gotten out of their cars and were clapping. That day we knew that Nico would be ok and recover. With luci by his side. We lost Luci at the ripe old age of fourteen as she fell asleep with Nico as usual and passed away on Valentines Day. She is missed by our whole family. And The day Nico graduated from high school with honors he said two words to me. For Luci. And he smiled.
A story from elaine frederick about luci posted 12/29/2008
Dear Mr Grogan,
I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely movie that my son Nico and I were so lucky to see. To start with you, Nico is an 18 year old college freshman,He eventually intends to become a special education teacher. I sa eventually because he is a student who was never supposed to be able to do anything. He is a brain cancer surviver of sixteen years. I wanted to tell you about his dog Luci. She was a beautiful golden retriever/chow mix believe it or not. She looked all golden except for when she went to liick your face, which she did often.A totally black tongue. Luci came to us at the age of four months and was not an instant hit. A bigger pain in the butt, you could not imagine. She was all people, Luci was. I do not think she would know how to be a dog if she tried,until one memorable day. She came the day before Nico was diagnosed so she did not get to spend time with her "boy". When we brought him home from the hospital with no hair and bandages and not feeling at all well she did what Nico's brothers could not. She sat there in front of him and stared until he smiled. After that they were constant companions.One day when Nico had finally learned to walk at the age of wo and a half, he had opened the downstairs door and toddled outside. Decenber in Connecticut was quite cold and this was no exception, had two feet of snow on the ground. Nico somehow got into the middle of the road when out came Luci. In the road with traffic blaring but stopped she sat down with Nico with his diaper in her mouth and started barking. She had never barked before that day. We were outside in two seconds but in that time everyone had gotten out of their cars and were clapping. That day we knew that Nico would be ok and recover. With luci by his side. We lost Luci at the ripe old age of fourteen as she fell asleep with Nico as usual and passed away on Valentines Day. She is missed by our whole family. And The day Nico graduated from high school with honors he said two words to me. For Luci. And he smiled.
A story from Shannon Ahner about Marley and Me "The Movie" posted 12/29/2008
I loved the movie..What a tear jerker. I have the book and I couldnt wait to see the movie even sent in my info for an extra on the set. We had 11 family members watching on the 26th and believe it or not as I sat there with the tissue in hand ready for the first tear to fall, my husband was the one who I handed the tissue to. We all fell in love with Marley, your family and the movie made us all come home and find more room in our hearts to love our dogs more! Thank you for sharing your life with us and making dog lovers everywhere appreciate what they have for such a short time. $37 million is OUTSTANDING for one weekend. GREAT JOB!!!!!! Keep writing and I will keep reading. I cant wait to read about your new dog with the medical conditions and how he will change your life for the next 10 years! Thank you!!
A story from Yvonne about My Roo posted 12/29/2008
My best friend passed on December 19 2008. Arrow was more than a dog and we used to joke he was my daughter's brother from another mother. He was my shadow, constant companion, and a dog with a mind of his own.
Back in 96 we had a string of misfortunes with dogs. On a whim my daughter and I decided to visit a pet store. There was a litter of pups and the store owner knew he had us. I told him I was going to pick up my husband and be back. When we came back, the owner brought the puppies out on to the floor. I was in love with a female but then something happened. My shoe started to feel wet.Looking down, there was this roly poly male pup peeing on my foot. I put the female down and the male scampered over to my daughter and started chewing on her shoe lace. My husband had him picked because of his unique coloring. He was a shepard, boxer and rotti mix. Legs of a boxer, head of a rotti with the nose and coloring of a shepard. On his back he had a coloring that stood out like a black Arrow head. WE know the owner already had us buying the dog and yes we did.He grew into a huge boy very quickly Arrow was a hand ful and my daughter being 4 at the time, found a new partner in crime. They would wrestle and play and one time the dog yelped. When we asked Saz what happened, she said calmly, he bit me so I bit him back. He was your typical puppy that would chew on anything but his style was not any shoes. He stole underwear, a retainer for my mouth, tools from the workshop, he chewed my hearing aid but spit it out. Over the years, Arrow became my partner because I was out of work. He would snort in my face to be let out,or if I was sitting at the table he would scoot his head between my elbow and table as if to say. pet me now. He used to do what we knick named the Cha cha rumba. He would lay on his back and wiggle. Sometimes he wiggle his way out of a room. He put up with alot from us, painted nails, clothes and a halloween costume of a dalmation. He hated cameras, storms, loved chinese food, easter eggs still in the shell, and we always treated him to left overs. My father would come once a week and we would tell Arrow..Candy man is coming and he would bark and spin.He also started recognizing the scent of different store bags. Two of them meant a bone. If we forgot we would have to grab something quick and pretend we bought it. He had so many knicknames, Roo from me, Buddy from my husband, and wooster from Saz. We had 12 wonderful years from this loving devoted animal. In early November of this year, we noticed what we had feared since his first visit to the vets. The vets said that the breeds of dogs Arrows parents were should not have bred at all. Arrow had hip Dysplcia(?) and it became very bad. In fact reading the end chapter of Marley and me was exactly what we went through. The not coming in, scared of the stairs, crying in pain and the fact that he could not make it up the stairs to our "living" level. We carried him in a blanket on Dec18 night so he could be near us.My husband took him outside before work not thinking that the dog would not go up the stairs. WE made his bed on the landing. Around 8 am Arrow started breathing strange and it had been almost 24 hours with no food and snow that he had eaten. My family had made the decision of taking him that night to the vet so when my daughter was leaving for school she hugged him and cried and also noticed that Arrows tongue had turn a horrible white shade. My daughter and I have a typical teen, mom relationship which always confused Arrow. He would hide so he didn't have to hear the arguing. On Dec 19, My Daughter hugged me and we both cried and said we love each other. This was in Arrows presence. Sarah (Saz) left and I started to spoon little drops of water and snow into his mouth all the while saying that we would be fine and if he had to leave, we would always love him. I actually do not remember much details except that it seemed like his body was stretched and his head arched back. Then he slumped against the door, still breathing but barely. Then the breathing stopped. I cried and cried, called my husband who inturn picked up my daughter from school. During this, I must of went on auto. I cleaned up his urine and soiled blanket. I gathered his favourite blankets, toys, leash and snacks. When my husband came in, Arrow had his eyes closed. My husband and daughter lost it and then all three of us cried. We ended up burying him at home in the middle of a snowstorm. Christmas was just a blur and I still cry. Today, Dec29, my husband finished his shower and said that something freaked him out. He could smell Arrow as if Arrow was in the room. An hour later i went in the bathroom and I could smell it. My nieces and daughter could smell the dog smell from the door. Not unpleasant but our Arrows smell. I feel alot of comfort since this happened. I had been questioning every thing and crying on and off but I now feel a sense of peace. I am thankful to God for allowing Arrow to pass in his bed, around his beloved toys and biscuits, and knowing that we loved him. It is a hard lesson of life, the letting go. Arrow was indeed my son, Sarahs brother and our best friend. The pic is Sarah and Arrow
A story from Chris Shearer about The picture says it all! posted 12/29/2008
Jax at two years old...11/01/08
A story from Chris Shearer about Jax posted 12/29/2008
Our lovely German Shepherd Jax! I wrote a long narrative about Jax and how he has terrorized us these passed two years but it got erased at the last second. So just enjoy the picture. This is where he like to sit on hot summer days.
A story from Pat Cawley about Casey - our Chocolate Lab posted 12/29/2008
I just finished reading your fabulous book "Marley&Me" and I had to let you know how deeply this story touched me. I laughed so hard that my tears prevented me from reading and the moments that tugged at my heart were wrenching. You see, you had a clone of our dog, Casey, a dopey, hysterically funny, clumsy lump of love that gave us 14 years of the most precious memories any family could ever dream of. Like you, after years of begging from my son Matthew to get a puppy I had a moment of weakness and said those fatal words "Okay, you win". Through friends, into our lives came this skinny, wiry little runt of a chocolate ball that was supposed to be my son Matthew's dog, but grabbed all of us by the heart and never let go. Casey got into more trouble so often that when I read how Jenny wanted Marley OUT, I knew exactly how she felt. Needless to say, Casey never went anywhere. We could never figure out how a dog could be so stupid, cunning, happy and loveable all at the same time. Matthew loved that dog so much that he allowed Casey to sleep under the covers with his head on his own pillow. What a sight to see that chocolate head sleeping on a pillow burroghed under the covers next to Matthew (actually, kind of spooky). When I walked into "their" room, Casey would lift up his head as if to say "Oh, we're sleeping in today" and go right back to sleep. We had so many embarassing momments with Casey. Our next door neighbor loved Casey and stopped by to pet him on our front lawn - only to have Casey roll over on his back and pee all over her arm. Talk about mortification! He also had a love thing for my best friend - every time she walked in the door, Casey would run up to her and pee on her shoes! Being of black Irish humor, we all thought that was the funniest thing ever and would be spastic singing "You Do Something To Me" to my friend. Somehow, she loved us anyway. We had an almost identical "dog training" incident with Casey as you - only change was Matthew was the mortified "Master" when the dog trainer tried to show him how to control Casey and our darling Lab rolled over and peed all over his shirt. The black Irish humor got me again and I was howling sitting in the bleachers in the gym watching this fiasco. We never went back!! So you see, your book was a wonderful look back at the life we had with Casey for 14 fabulous years. Years that made this family realize what joy a loving dog can bring and how lucky we were to have had this particular, precious animal in our lives. Thanks for the memories -- we'll read your book many, many times. Pat Cawley
A story from Wanda Lopshire about Puppy Love posted 12/29/2008
Mr. Grogan, I was a late comer as a reader of Marley & Me, somehow passed by on the list of friends who share books, I had not read your book until I received it from my son for Christmas. I wanted to treasure this special edition with the pictures and read it slowly, savoring the story. Alas, Marley had me and I gobbled it up in two days. While I don't, and haven't really ever had, a true Marley, isn't there a little bit of Marley in all of our dogs? I have had the grief of watching a beloved Golden who couldn't keep his hind end up in the snow either, knowing the time was near to do the right thing. I have certainly had the joy of the unconditional love and laughter brought on by crazy antics of several faithful companions. I simply wanted to write to say thank you, I laughed out loud, cried out loud, sometimes at the same time! I look forward to your new book and wish you all the best for 2009.
A story from Jennifer about Our "Marley" aka Cassie posted 12/29/2008
Just got home from the movie. WOW...so powerful. I knew we shouldn't go..not yet..but off we went. You see...our Cassie girl is on her last adventure here with us. She is 13 and failing each day due to many ailments. It was so hard to watch the movie...knowing what we know....we are prepared like you were...but never ready. Thanks for sharing a little of you and Marley with us. Blessings
A story from Molly about My Dog posted 12/29/2008
My dog Windsor is a bad dog. She rips up books and steals shoes. I still love her. She is my little girl and she maybe bad but she can listen good at times. I want to see the movie Marley & Me.
A story from Melinda Fishman about Ruby's Time posted 12/29/2008
We laughed and cried remembering our girl, who did some major damage in her time but left us with the most wonderful memories. Two years later, we honor her and you for such a great memoir. We loved the book and the movie. Thank you very much.
Rubyâs Time
I learned so much about myself from my dog and now sheâs gone. December 19th, three days short of her 15th birthday, the same day my husband turned 51, we put Ruby to sleep. We were not prepared to lose her but when she collapsed and lost control of her bowels, we would not let her suffer. We spent the entire day with her, knowing it was the last time we would look into her eyes, touch her soft fur and feel her love. As I watched her throughout the day, I knew she was done. Her heart didnât stop beating right away and we doubted the decision for a moment. Was she trying to tell us something? No, our girl just had a big heart. Letting her go was excruciatingly painful. My last few minutes with her are unforgettable and they wash over me as Iâm writing now. As hard as it was to witness her leaving us, I knew she knew how much we loved her.
December 20th, I stay home from work and honestly canât remember what I did all day, other than come up with a plan for our future: Andy and I would raise a guide dog, which would fail the ultimate test and be returned to us. The emptiness the day after Ruby left our life was offset briefly by a delicate white orchid plant from Rubyâs vet Dr. Chapman.
December 21st, I go into the office and everyone is thoughtful and very careful when they talk about Ruby. Everyone thinks Iâm going to break but I am comforted by my plan. I tell them Iâm going to raise a guide dog so that it will fail its mission. They humor my delusion. I donât realize that Iâm just trying to control what I canât. Even with a plan, I am devastated. I donât have to rush home to feed and walk Ruby so I walk from Times Square through Central Park, until I find myself inside a pet store on Lexington Avenue. A woman holds a tiny puppy and laughs when it licks her face. I see a Lab in a cage. No need for concern. I canât imagine replacing Ruby. I continue home and walk in our apartment knowing she wonât be fast asleep on her pillows piled up at the foot of our bed. I am drawn to her portrait and give her a little kiss. Itâs crazy but I donât really care.
December 25th, Christmas Eve, we participate in the Monday night candle lighting ceremony on Rainbow Bridge, remembering Ruby, her best friend Lucy and all the homeless animals needing families to love them. Itâs a wonderful place for support when your guts are hanging out and your heart feels like itâs been crushed in a car crash.
December 26th, day after Christmas, we pass a Ruby Tuesdayâs restaurant and decide to honor her memory by eating lunch there for the first time. On the menu is an unexpected delight, an expensive white wine called Conundrum that we love. Itâs a sign. When Andy and I get home, we gather all her photos and put them in the photo album we bought before Christmas. We scrutinize the images, remembering the Christmas Eve we were snowed in with our friends and their two Collies and come across a photo of Ruby from the summer and feel grateful the sailboat owner let her cruise with us up the Hudson River.
December 27th, it finally stops raining and Andy and I drive to a nature park called Poetâs Walk, Rubyâs favorite place in the world, where she sniffed and strolled every weekend for the last 6 years of her life. We remember how hard it became for her to walk up the last big hill. It feels good to be outdoors but it isnât the same without her. We stop at the top of the hill, declare it âRubyâs Black Diamondâ and pretend to wait for her. I think about the agreement we made in August to merge Rubyâs ashes with her best friend Lucyâs, who died of cancer, after almost a year of chemo. After spending every day together for the last 10 years, Lucy was gone and Ruby was alone for most of the day. We knew she wouldnât last very long.
I ordered grief drops from a New Hampshire farm and started a morning ritual I wish I could experience just one more time. I would lie down next to Ruby, look into her eyes and massage her spine and hind legs. She watched me wondering if I was going to torture her, clean out her ears, blow in her face, annoyingly loving things I did to her. Then when she realized I could be trusted, her eyes would close. I cherished these moments together. They filled me up with love for the entire day. I hope they did the same for her.
December 28th, nine days after we spent our last day with Ruby, we feel her presence. Wistfully, I sense a shadow sweep past our kitchen window, which sends chills down my spine. Itâs unseasonably warm weather for Christmas and Andy feels her sitting next to him while he barbeques lamb chops in the backyard, with that hopeful look on her face, willing some meaty goodness is going to come her way.
December 29th, I canât stop weeping as I read and rewrite Rubyâs Time. Weâve just come home from a merry dinner party and she is not waiting for us at the window we built especially for her. We miss her instantly as we unlock the door. Iâm trying to let go of the sadness. When we climb into bed, we allow ourselves to imagine that sheâs lying between us, waiting for the perfect moment to plant a kiss on my husbandâs chin.
December 30th, I dream about Ruby but she looks like a cross between a Lab and a deer. I am in her body as we come across a deer eating food from our compost. The deer is clearly ill. Iâm so grateful to see her again. I experience the happy feeling of coming home from work and seeing her smiling face.
December 31st, I talk to her portrait. We hired a very expensive photographer to take pictures of her two years ago, when she was 12 going on 13. At the time, we wondered if we were schmucks paying more than I care to admit for a photo session; we knew we were self-indulgent. Now we canât wait to order more copies from the contact sheets. What I confess to Rubyâs portrait is that I want to let go a little bit, shift from depressive weepy to reflective calm; I want to honor her memory and wonderful life. I canât control my feelings as much as I try. The void is deep and wide. The hole in my heart reminds me of my motherâs death. The pain is not eased by the white chocolate cake I inhale, while my husband is out of the house recording a song he wrote before Rubyâs illness took us by surprise. âBetter Than Words Can Ever Sayâ is a love song written by a man who was afraid of dogs when he met us. How lucky he was to find us. How lucky were we to be found.
January 1st is the first day of the New Year without Ruby. Iâm feeling sorry for myself, heartbroken and missing her face and optimism. We were together for such a long time and had such great adventures. I have a dialogue with her in my head. I tell her that the day I found her in the pet store changed the course of my life. I didnât want a dog until she crawled into my lap and rested her head on my thigh. Something felt so right between us.
January 2nd and I laugh for the first time since her death. I remember how Ruby was indignant when she didnât get what she wanted. The expression on her face was unmistakable. She let us know she was unhappy and it always made us laugh. Ruby loved like a Lab. She loved dinner parties and licking escargot oil out of the shell. She was also territorial and more than once reared her flawed vicious self to a few of our friendâs dogs, even she and Lucy would occasionally go at it. But most of the time she secured her place under our dining room table, signaling to doggie guests to keep their distance. If scraps fell from above, they were hers.
January 3rd, we pick up Rubyâs ashes at the vetâs office and while she is with us again, Iâm really missing my connection to her. I play back the last 24 hours of her life:
December 18th â Itâs 5pm and Iâm at a Town Hall meeting in the office. I have my cell phone with me because Iâm worried about Ruby. When I left the apartment earlier today, I sense something is wrong, despite a trip to the vet last week that resulted in mildly elevated levels in her kidney and liver but nothing really unusual for an old dog. When my phone rings, I donât recognize the phone number but pick it up quickly and quietly say âhello.â Dr. Chapman, Rubyâs vet, tells me she collapsed on the street and that our dog walker carried her to the office. I run to mine, approving the tests she recommends. I hesitate leaving for about 10 seconds, while Iâm listening to our vet, who sounds concerned. Then I grab my coat and rush out the door, hoping to find a cab but wind up on the subway. I leave a message for Andy as I run from 86th Street and Lexington Avenue to the vetâs office at 84th and Third. Our dog walker and her boyfriend sit in the waiting room trying to remain calm. I talk to them for a few minutes until the reality hits me, âwhat the hell am I doing out here, I should be with Ruby.â In the examining room sheâs on her back, looking frightened and very vulnerable. When she sees me, she settles a bit as the vet performs the ultrasound; Ruby does not have cancer but the clean bill of health leads our vet to a prognosis, potentially more complicated. Ruby might have a brain tumor, an MRI is recommended, which I donât realize at the time requires general anesthesia. Weâre all concerned Ruby will not be able to walk when we lift her off the table to the ground, but she does. I follow her as she high tails it into the waiting room happy to see Stacey and Jim. They explain what an MRI requires. Iâm clear that putting her through this type of test at her age is not going to happen but agree to meet with a neurologist the next morning. We leave the office for our apartment 3 blocks away. Ruby walks very slowly and I see Andy crossing the street to meet us. When we arrive at our building I wonder if she is going to make it down the steps and feel optimistic when she does. Once inside the apartment, she takes a drink, turns her nose up at the food sitting in her bowl since breakfast and lies down in the living room. Her eating habits have been finicky for the past few weeks. We try to make her comfortable. Andy comes back from the supermarket with filet mignon, broils it and Ruby seems engaged in steak for dinner. I hand feed it to her. Itâs now 4 hours since sheâs been rushed to the vetâs office. She needs to go out for her final walk and I take my cell phone with me. She steps off the curb to do her business and collapses, losing control of her bowels. I call Andy, who rushes down and carries her back inside. I sleep on the floor by her side all night long, not really accepting that it is probably our last night together. I calculate weâve been together give or take 5,400 days and nights, somewhere near 780 weeks.
Itâs December 19th, Tuesday morning. I call the neurologist, who tells me not to let her suffer, which is what I want to hear. Ruby is lying on the rug when I reach for my cell phone and record her last photograph: her spirit is quiet, vivid and elegant. Her head rests on her fleecy bed and if you look closely, Andyâs hand touches her back, letting her know he is there for her; the warmth of her last sun in life shines in the window. Those last few hours, so beautiful and excruciatingly painful, are illuminated in a halo of gold.
Iâm not in the photo but she is looking at me. I know this is the end and I believe she does too. I canât breathe thinking about it now. It is impossible to imagine not seeing her again. There is still time to linger. I walk out of the room for a second and when I come back, sheâs moved for the first time that day, settled in by Andyâs feet, closer to the sun. Nothing can prepare me for the loss.
Rubyâs tongue is cold as she kisses me for the last time. She tastes my tears and I feel her enter my heart. I travel back in time, over 14 years; Ruby is a rambunctious 6 month old puppy. Speeding home on the Santa Monica Freeway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the hot pink sunset falling into the ocean; Ruby keeps jumping, squirming out of the passenger seat, insistent on kissing me. I conclude the situation dangerous, and the tape in my mind is judgmental, âsheâs an excessive kisser, too affectionate.â Thankfully, the tape in Rubyâs head is only wired to give and receive love. Her gold eyes shine with purpose and she keeps coming at me, until her wet, gentle tongue connects with my nose. She looks at me like sheâs won a basket full of biscuits and I learn my first lesson from her â that the concept of excessive kissing and being too affectionate is really my problem, not hers. And it was an awakening that was long overdue.
January 21st, I wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of Rubyâs bark and conclude it must have been a dream. When Andy wakes up in the morning, he tells me he heard Ruby bark last night. Instead of taking her ashes upstairs with us, we left them downstairs for the first time. Guess she was pissed.
A story from Lori Smith about Gone but never forgotten posted 12/29/2008
I just finished reading Marley and Me and I have to say I didn't end it with a dry eye! As our vet says..there's a reason that God made puppies so darn adorable...if they were ugly we'd never let them get away with the behaviors that we do! My husband and I have welcomed six wonderful four-legged kids into our family over the past 17 years. We have had to say goodbye three times and it doesn't get any easier. The first was with our 10 1/2 year old lab mix "Sheba". She had developed degenerative myelopathy and despite what some thought a crazy idea for such an old dog..we got her a K-9 cart to get her around the back yard. We were given an additional year and a half with her in her cart...cars would stop to watch her race across the yard with her sisters. I so connected with you John where you wrote the part about asking Marley to tell you when it was time...I have done that three times and each time my girls have given me the courage to make that decision as they were tired and ready to go. When Soctt and I got home we stood there just crying in each others arms, not since the death of my mother had I cried like that. Our second loss was with "Betsy" our Australian Shepard Mix. At the tender age of 13 she started having seizures..when she had 6 in one month it was time to say good-bye. We used to call her our "hound from Hell" as she tore apart every piece of furniture we owned. Still have one of the couches and the puppies just love sleeping on the chewed out parts. We had gotten Betsy from the human society and knew she was ours that first day when I picked her up and she peed all over me!!! Betsy was our "houdini dog" when we'd leave her in a locked crate, come home to her out (with the tell-tale signs) yet the crate was still locked! How'd she do that? I believe that Marley had an episode of "breaking out" as well. I laughed till I cried with that one. Our third and final loss came just six months ago with our sweetheart who lived in the house just one day less than we did. Nakita or "Kita" for short..was adopted from the local vet just one day after we moved into our new home. My husband worked until 1AM and would come home and take her out back and just the two of them would sit out there "talking" as he downed a cold one before going to bed. When we said goodbye to Betsy we began to notice Kita failing. She slept longer, didn't eat as much, and we believe that she was going deaf and blind in her old age. Kita was 16 when we said goodbye. I remember laying on the floor with her that afternoon after having given her a bath telling her that Grandma was waiting along with Sheba and Betsy. She looked up one more time and you just know that they're ready and that they love you no matter what. We call ourselves owners when in fact it is they that own us...we arrange our schedules around them as puppies as to not leave them crated for very long. We then find ourselves doing the same as they get older because it's not fair to the old gals. As I sit here with Brandy our 5 year old yellow lab and her sisters...the 6 month old lab/border collie mixes I can't help thinking about how truly blessed we are that these faithful, loyal, and loving companions give us oodles of love and affection and ask so little in return. Food, water, and an occasional belly rub.....OH...and can't forget..the larger share of the couch! John, if you read these postings I would just like to say..thank you for sharing your doggie tale with us. In all of Marley's antics I could see each and every one of our babies. They are not just dogs to us..they are family with personalities that steal your heart away from the first scent of puppy breath followed by puppy kisses to adult companionship of unconditional love. No matter what type of day I've had, I can come home to three kisses filled, jumping fools who love me no matter what!!!! THANK YOU
A story from Joe about spike posted 12/29/2008
Dear John, When I read Marley and Me I laughed, cried,and smiled. Marley remindes me of my dog Spike. Who is just, you know, kind of, one of a kind. if he was born in 2004, he would be two of a kind. thank you for writing your books. also, now i know when spike has something, he does a weird wimper. No Marley Mumbo, but a happy wimper.
A story from Andrea about two labs named Raleigh and Cannon posted 12/29/2008
I just wanted to thank you John for the book you wrote. I enjoyed reading it and it brought back a lot of funny times with our dogs. We have two labs named Raleigh and Cannon who have brought us nothing but good times and laughter. While reading the book I could not believe how much Marley and our dog Raleigh(yellow) are alike, I started calling her Marley for a joke. Unfortunately, we are entering the senior years with our dogs and it has become a little sad, our chocolate lab Cannon is going to be 13 and our yellow is going to be 10, we have already had some health issues with the chocolate but she is still full of life. We are trying to remember all the good times over the years we had with the dogs and the children which still make us laugh. There is one story that I love to remember and it was the time when Raleigh was a puppy and we had to go out, we put her into her crate and Cannon was able to be left alone (Raleigh still the bad one after 9 years) when we returned we were greeted by both dogs at the front door, my first response was" OH NO "what has she done? When we entered the house we found that the dogs had pulled over the Christmas tree and proceeded to eat all the wooden and most of the plastic ornaments as well as a box of chocolates still in the wrapping. Still to this day I have kept one of the ornaments that was half eaten to remind us of what those two are capable of with a little time on their hands. Every Christmas we place the ornament on the tree and laugh. That is one of many stories we have involving Raleigh and Cannon, believe me there are many more and some with an outcome more expensive than others. Thanks again for making me remember what an important part these two dogs play in our family.
A story from Lori Mogill about Django and the love he gave posted 12/29/2008
First I have to admit I was late in joining the MARLEY & ME fan club. It was, however, the one thing that helped get me through rehab this past Thanksgiving. Second: I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that I found so much of myself in your journey with Marley. Not that the following opus deals w/ "the world's worst dog", but that I too, had a dog who taught me what real love was all about. Enter Django, the most beautiful Golden Retriever I have ever seen. Fall '94. At the time I was 34 and married to my husband a little over 2 years. We were assistant house advisors, living in a dorm with 20 plus 11th grade boys on the campus of a very prestigious private school. I had been nagging my husband on a daily basis for a dog; especially when were out and saw one. My dog-dar would activate, I'd rush over to ask said dog owner if I could cop a feel while looking at my husband using my best puppy dog eyes only to have him shake his head. This was a common occurrence until the Fall of '94. Three life changing events happened in August/September: I became pregnant, we bought our first home and we finally bought a puppy. I was overwhelmed with happiness to say the least. A family friend had bred his female Golden (Cassie) and had promised us the pick of the litter. When the puppies were finally weaned we went to pick up our pick. We climbed right into the puppy pen and let "Django" climb all over us. We let him chew our hair, chew the hem of our shorts, nibble our fingers. We, in turn, turned him onto his back and rubbed his belly until his eyes rolled up inside his head and he was gone, gone, gone. After visiting for a while, we collected his AKA registered papers, a cloth diaper reeking of Cassie's scent, said our good-byes and headed home...our "fur-son" in hand; quite literally. Our choice of name, like Marley's was inspired by a musician. We had been listening to Django Reinhardt and really loved how mellow and easy and happy and uncomplicated his music was. We hoped the idea of people emulating the symbolic meaning of their names would hold true for dogs too. For us, at least, it did. Our first night was probably pretty typical for most dog owners, but special for us. Our dorm apartment was all boxed up, ready for the big move to our first house. We put Django in his crate in the living room. In it, we put a blanket and his mama diaper. Then we went to bed and hoped for sleep. Which didn't happen. Django cried. He cried and he cried and he cried. Then he wailed. So my husband dragged the crate into our bedroom and did one of the most sensitive things I ever remember him doing. He laid down on the floor, spooning the crate while rubbing the puppy's head. Soon both were happily snoring in sound sleep. Moving day came and went. So did our first born, Danny followed four years later by sister Anna. So did too many bags of leaves and too many summers throwing sticks in the lake. Through it all Django proved to be an excellent co-parent. When the babies were mobile be became their Jungle- Gym. They crawled over every inch of his tawny body, pulling on his tail and his ears while he would lay patiently still. Truth be told, I'm sure he figured that playing dead was the least he could do considering the babies found it way too fun to check gravity with Cheerios and Kraft Mac and Cheese. Despite the extra pounds, they were HIS children and his job was to watch them. He loved them so. The years passed, the kids grew, and the marriage ended. In all the "agreements" connected to the divorce, it was "agreed" that Django would stay with me. And in one of those terrible moments where you are alone in an empty house, where the silence is deafening, I reached out to hug Django. Just like in MARLEY & ME, I saw my dog with new eyes. Looking back at me wasn't the face of a puppy, or even the face of a young dog. It was the face of an 11 year old. His face was white and a film now covered his once ebony eyes. As I looked at him it hit me hard that here was a marker of my young adult life. He was the only member of the family I made who saw me through every stage a woman holds precious: the loving wife, the pregnant wife, morphing into motherhood (twice), miscarriage, childrearing, divorce...And in this moment I realized that the unconditional love we long for from our spouses or from our children we always find in our pets. Their capacity to attach is deep and their motivation simple: just love and protect me and I'll give it back tenfold. I put my arms around his neck and said,"O.K. I know you're old. And I know you hurt. But I need you to do me a favor. Could you please not go anywhere for a while? I really need you to get me to the other side of this divorce thing. I have to get up on my feet again and I need some help. So could you stick around?". He did. Until March '07. Django was 12 1/2 on Saturday, March 10, 2007. It was 10:30 pm and I let him out to take care of some business. When he didn't come back in the normal amount of time I got this really sinking feeling. Thinking he took off (as he did every so often), I put on my coat and boots, ran outside and started calling his name. Before I got into the car to go looking for him, I thought I'd circle my property. When I got to the darkest side of my house I found Django on his side. I ran to him thinking he had broken something, but he just couldn't get up. I tried to pick him up, but couldn't. I stared to cry and couldn't stop. I don't remember how I got him into the car. I do remember getting to the emergency vet hospital. I remember the vet techs running to my car with the gurney. I remember I had barely finished filling out the forms when Dr. Latra called me back to a room. I remember the X-Ray he put on the light-box and the huge mass in Django's tummy. I remember words like "cancer", "operate", "chemo", "radiation", "maybe 6 months", "or put him down". And in a split second there it was; a decision I had been fearing had been made for me. How could I even entertain the idea to operate on a dog who was 12 and 1/2, who more than likely wouldn't survive the surgery just to put him through horrible treatment to maybe get 6 months? I told Dr. Latra I would be putting Django down, but I would do this with my own doctor and not until my children had a chance to say their good-byes. On Sunday, Danny and Anna came home for the week. I sat them down to tell them the bad news. With Tuesday, March 13 scheduled to be THE day we decided to spend the next few days pampering our beloved dog. Though we had to be careful of being really physical with him for fear of hurting his stomach, spooning, cuddling and kissing received top billing. We journaled our favorite memories and went through old photos. On Monday, March 12, we gave Django his "last supper" which consisted of two plain cheeseburgers from McDonalds and a Puppy Cup from Dairy Queen. And when it came time for bed we all camped out in my room with Django nearby. Thankfully Tuesday morning was hurried. My ex was late in getting to my house to pick the kids up for school. My kids were late in getting up for school as the night before was extremely emotional. So the focus was getting them out the door instead of tearful farewells. Some life experiences are meant to be handled alone. Putting your dog down is not one of them. Thanks to two friends from work and the staff at the vet clinic I was far from that. One friend came to my house for the sole purpose of getting Django into the car. The other came with me to hold my hand through the ordeal. When we walked into the clinic the nurses who knew Django were there and once I saw them the tears began to flow. As we made our way back to THE ROOM my legs began to shake and I couldn't see because by this time I was sobbing. The Room was made as comfortable as it could have been; considering what it was designated for. Aside from the blanket that had been spread on the floor, there was a couch and an overstuffed chair (or two...can't remember) and the same Andrew Wyeth print of the sleeping dog on the 4 poster bed I have hanging in my bedroom. There's some irony for you. The nurse who would be administering the shots came in. I started to shake. She asked us to get Django comfortable and on his side. She prepped him. I petted him. She told me she would leave the room to get the first shot and would return in a moment. As cliche as this sounds, I swear it felt as if I was losing part of myself. My heart was so heavy and as I began to say my words to him I thought it was going to break in two. I told him how much he was loved. I told him how wonderful he was and how better my life was because he had been part of it. I thanked him for being my friend, co-parent, shrink, BFF, and most of all I thanked him for waiting until I was able to stand on my own two feet before leaving this world. Somewhere between the first and second shot I lost my nerve. I started to feel the walls of THE ROOM close in on me. I realized that I just wanted to remember Django with a warm body and a beating heart. I looked over at my friend who was only too glad to stay with Django 'til he fell asleep. I ran/walked out of the clinic into the fresh air. Ironically the weather was amazing. It was unseasonably warm. The sky was blue, blue, blue. No clouds. And there were birds. And they were singing. Welcoming my baby home. Home to the Rainbow Bridge where he will be forever healthy, happy and young.
First I have to admit I was late in joining the MARLEY & ME fan club. It was, however, the one thing that helped get me through rehab this past Thanksgiving. Second: I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that I found so much of myself in your journey with Marley. Not that the following opus deals w/ "the world's worst dog", but that I too, had a dog who taught me what real love was all about. Enter Django, the most beautiful Golden Retriever I have ever seen. Fall '94. At the time I was 34 and married to my husband a little over 2 years. We were assistant house advisors, living in a dorm with 20 plus 11th grade boys on the campus of a very prestigious private school. I had been nagging my husband on a daily basis for a dog; especially when were out and saw one. My dog-dar would activate, I'd rush over to ask said dog owner if I could cop a feel while looking at my husband using my best puppy dog eyes only to have him shake his head. This was a common occurrence until the Fall of '94. Three life changing events happened in August/September: I became pregnant, we bought our first home and we finally bought a puppy. I was overwhelmed with happiness to say the least. A family friend had bred his female Golden (Cassie) and had promised us the pick of the litter. When the puppies were finally weaned we went to pick up our pick. We climbed right into the puppy pen and let "Django" climb all over us. We let him chew our hair, chew the hem of our shorts, nibble our fingers. We, in turn, turned him onto his back and rubbed his belly until his eyes rolled up inside his head and he was gone, gone, gone. After visiting for a while, we collected his AKA registered papers, a cloth diaper reeking of Cassie's scent, said our good-byes and headed home...our "fur-son" in hand; quite literally. Our choice of name, like Marley's was inspired by a musician. We had been listening to Django Reinhardt and really loved how mellow and easy and happy and uncomplicated his music was. We hoped the idea of people emulating the symbolic meaning of their names would hold true for dogs too. For us, at least, it did. Our first night was probably pretty typical for most dog owners, but special for us. Our dorm apartment was all boxed up, ready for the big move to our first house. We put Django in his crate in the living room. In it, we put a blanket and his mama diaper. Then we went to bed and hoped for sleep. Which didn't happen. Django cried. He cried and he cried and he cried. Then he wailed. So my husband dragged the crate into our bedroom and did one of the most sensitive things I ever remember him doing. He laid down on the floor, spooning the crate while rubbing the puppy's head. Soon both were happily snoring in sound sleep. Moving day came and went. So did our first born, Danny followed four years later by sister Anna. So did too many bags of leaves and too many summers throwing sticks in the lake. Through it all Django proved to be an excellent co-parent. When the babies were mobile be became their Jungle- Gym. They crawled over every inch of his tawny body, pulling on his tail and his ears while he would lay patiently still. Truth be told, I'm sure he figured that playing dead was the least he could do considering the babies found it way too fun to check gravity with Cheerios and Kraft Mac and Cheese. Despite the extra pounds, they were HIS children and his job was to watch them. He loved them so. The years passed, the kids grew, and the marriage ended. In all the "agreements" connected to the divorce, it was "agreed" that Django would stay with me. And in one of those terrible moments where you are alone in an empty house, where the silence is deafening, I reached out to hug Django. Just like in MARLEY & ME, I saw my dog with new eyes. Looking back at me wasn't the face of a puppy, or even the face of a young dog. It was the face of an 11 year old. His face was white and a film now covered his once ebony eyes. As I looked at him it hit me hard that here was a marker of my young adult life. He was the only member of the family I made who saw me through every stage a woman holds precious: the loving wife, the pregnant wife, morphing into motherhood (twice), miscarriage, childrearing, divorce...And in this moment I realized that the unconditional love we long for from our spouses or from our children we always find in our pets. Their capacity to attach is deep and their motivation simple: just love and protect me and I'll give it back tenfold. I put my arms around his neck and said,"O.K. I know you're old. And I know you hurt. But I need you to do me a favor. Could you please not go anywhere for a while? I really need you to get me to the other side of this divorce thing. I have to get up on my feet again and I need some help. So could you stick around?". He did. Until March '07. Django was 12 1/2 on Saturday, March 10, 2007. It was 10:30 pm and I let him out to take care of some business. When he didn't come back in the normal amount of time I got this really sinking feeling. Thinking he took off (as he did every so often), I put on my coat and boots, ran outside and started calling his name. Before I got into the car to go looking for him, I thought I'd circle my property. When I got to the darkest side of my house I found Django on his side. I ran to him thinking he had broken something, but he just couldn't get up. I tried to pick him up, but couldn't. I stared to cry and couldn't stop. I don't remember how I got him into the car. I do remember getting to the emergency vet hospital. I remember the vet techs running to my car with the gurney. I remember I had barely finished filling out the forms when Dr. Latra called me back to a room. I remember the X-Ray he put on the light-box and the huge mass in Django's tummy. I remember words like "cancer", "operate", "chemo", "radiation", "maybe 6 months", "or put him down". And in a split second there it was; a decision I had been fearing had been made for me. How could I even entertain the idea to operate on a dog who was 12 and 1/2, who more than likely wouldn't survive the surgery just to put him through horrible treatment to maybe get 6 months? I told Dr. Latra I would be putting Django down, but I would do this with my own doctor and not until my children had a chance to say their good-byes. On Sunday, Danny and Anna came home for the week. I sat them down to tell them the bad news. With Tuesday, March 13 scheduled to be THE day we decided to spend the next few days pampering our beloved dog. Though we had to be careful of being really physical with him for fear of hurting his stomach, spooning, cuddling and kissing received top billing. We journaled our favorite memories and went through old photos. On Monday, March 12, we gave Django his "last supper" which consisted of two plain cheeseburgers from McDonalds and a Puppy Cup from Dairy Queen. And when it came time for bed we all camped out in my room with Django nearby. Thankfully Tuesday morning was hurried. My ex was late in getting to my house to pick the kids up for school. My kids were late in getting up for school as the night before was extremely emotional. So the focus was getting them out the door instead of tearful farewells. Some life experiences are meant to be handled alone. Putting your dog down is not one of them. Thanks to two friends from work and the staff at the vet clinic I was far from that. One friend came to my house for the sole purpose of getting Django into the car. The other came with me to hold my hand through the ordeal. When we walked into the clinic the nurses who knew Django were there and once I saw them the tears began to flow. As we made our way back to THE ROOM my legs began to shake and I couldn't see because by this time I was sobbing. The Room was made as comfortable as it could have been; considering what it was designated for. Aside from the blanket that had been spread on the floor, there was a couch and an overstuffed chair (or two...can't remember) and the same Andrew Wyeth print of the sleeping dog on the 4 poster bed I have hanging in my bedroom. There's some irony for you. The nurse who would be administering the shots came in. I started to shake. She asked us to get Django comfortable and on his side. She prepped him. I petted him. She told me she would leave the room to get the first shot and would return in a moment. As cliche as this sounds, I swear it felt as if I was losing part of myself. My heart was so heavy and as I began to say my words to him I thought it was going to break in two. I told him how much he was loved. I told him how wonderful he was and how better my life was because he had been part of it. I thanked him for being my friend, co-parent, shrink, BFF, and most of all I thanked him for waiting until I was able to stand on my own two feet. Somewhere between the first and second shot I lost my nerve. I started to feel the walls of THE ROOM close in on me. I realized that I just wanted to have my last feeling of Django be one of a warm body with a beating heart. I looked over at my friend who was only too glad to stay with Django 'til he fell asleep. I ran/walked out of the clinic into the fresh air. Ironically the weather was amazing. It was unseasonably warm. The sky was blue, blue, blue. No clouds. And there were birds. And they were singing. Welcoming my baby home. Home to the Rainbow Bridge where he will be forever healthy, happy and young.
A story from John Grisik about Disc 9, The Longest Trip Home posted 12/29/2008
We purchased "The Longest Trip Home" for our trip from Ohio to Florida and greatly enjoyed the story through the first 8 discs. When we inserted disc 9 we got 18 tracks of songs from unknown artists. The disappointment in not hearing the final chapters in the story was intense. How can we exchange our "song" disc for the final disc so we can learn the ending of the story we so badly want to hear? Our e-mail address is jgrisik@aol.com.
A story from Donna R about My Dog Baxter posted 12/29/2008
My husband and I have a 2 year old Yellow Lab named Baxter who is our pride and joy. I never thought I could love an animal so much. When I read your book I found myself laughing hysterically out loud at some of the stories because we have been thru some of the same things ourselves. As a matter of fact, I had to buy a 2nd Marley and Me book because Baxter ate the 1st one.
Among eating the book, Baxter has destroyed several pair of my shoes, hats, other books, ripped up a 6x12 section of carpet down to the subfloor in our family room, has left scars on my ankles (yes, scars), destroyed 20 X-mas ornaments in the past 3 weeks, ate a $100 bill, has pulled me down on the lawn trying to take off running, chases our cat all over the house, sent me to the emergency room with a cut on my hand, has eaten bars of soap.....and the list goes on. But he is our dog and we wouldn't trade him for anything else in this world.
He loves to climb all over you when you are trying to watch TV. This 82 lbs dog thinks he is a 7 lb pug.
Then there is the evening hours when all he wants to do is lay next to you with his head on your lap and snore away. It makes all of his wrong doings worth it.
The last several chapters of your book were heart wrenching. I could not control my tears. I don't think I ever cried so hard from reading a book. Once I finished the book I just leaned down, gave Baxter a big kiss and layed next to him. And I let him sleep in bed with us that night.
Baxter is my Marley.
A story from Leanna about My poofballs of love posted 12/29/2008
I just wanted to say that this book really touched me. I picked it up to rrad and could not put it back down. I happen to live in West Palm Beach, Fl. Not too far from where Marely & his family resided. I have 2 labs of my own. 1 yellow & 1 black lab named Oscar & Casey. My yellow lab Oscar reminds me so much of Marley. So full of love and joy. I have many stories of my labs eating shoes, eating my brand new couch, chewing the chair legs of my kicthen table to little tooth picks. I can go on and on!! They both have mellowed out in the past year!! I have learned so much from my dogs. Like your book says.. Dogs do not judge you or care about what you have and don't have. It's all about uncondional love, being loyal & giving and receiving love . You can't ask for more than that!!! Thank you so much for opening up your heart and soul and allowing us to take a peak into your personal journey with you and your family. You are an amazing writter. God bless. Leanna
A story from Amanda Markle about Our own Marley story posted 12/29/2008
I saw the movie Marley & Me today and there was not a dry eye in the theater. What an amazing movie! Having read your book two years earlier it brought back a lot of memories for us. It is so amazing how your life parallels ours in many ways. My husband and I got married, bought a house and brought home our first dog all in the first year. We also found our "clearance" dog and named him Marley after Bob Marley. Many people thought that Marley was a girl's name, so we would always have to explain that he was named after Bob. :) The first few years Marley chewed up everything from shoes to the TV remote. It was funny having to explain to Direct TV why we needed a new remote. "Well my dog ate it." That got a good laugh. Then the other similarity was that our first pregnancy also ended in a miscarriage which left us both devastated. Marley was a big comfort to us then. Finally in May 2004 we welcomed our first child. I loved reading your book. It made me laugh out loud, smile and cry. Thank you for sharing this with us all!
A story from SCJ about Baby test run with dog posted 12/29/2008
Just like Marley, our dog Brady was a test run to see if my husband and I could manage as parents. We had great aspirations to have the most perfect, well behaved dog. We were determined to keep him out of our bed, off the furniture and away from the dinner table. We never imagined how determined our dog was to do just the opposite. When we brought him home we set him up in his crate just outside our room. He cried all night long and I ended up sleeping next to him with my hand reaching through the door so he could rest his head on my palm. He cried every night like this for 12 weeks. Of course all this coincided with my first trimester of pregnancy where I went from a runner training for a marathon to a sloth on the couch. My poor husband had a glimpse of what parenthood was going to be like and luckily didn't run away. He did however want to send the dog back. Of course you can't take a puppy away from a hormonal pregnant woman who was judging her parental ability on how she handled a dog. Luckily we found a great doggy day care so he could run all day and tire himself out. Sad to say it also took A can full of pennies lobbed angrily at the dog's crate in the middle of the night by a crazed pregnant me to finally cure poor Brady of the nightime whining. Luckily for us, my son has always been a good sleeper. But I know that the lessons that we learned from our test baby wold have helped us persevere. I am happy to report that our oversized 76 pound "runt of the litter" dog is happily dreaming on his own bed right now. Thank Goodness.... and Thank you John for Bringing Marley into all of our lives and for sharing the stories of your family. What a great tribute to your parents. I know that they would be so proud of your ability to reach out to so many people with your writing. Congratulations on the success of the movie!
A story from Maddie about Taji, a sweet but smelly dog posted 12/29/2008
Hi. My name's Maddie and I have three dogs named Taji, Charm, Nadra and a cat,Snow. The dogs names are listed in order of age, but Snow is the oldest. John, I am 11 years old and I have read both Marley and me's, and yes I mean the chapter-kid one and the adult Marley and Me, life and love with the worlds worst dog. I would like to share the story about my oldest dog, Taji. Once when I was five as my mom and I were approaching the door of our house, we smelled a stench so foul, we had to cover our noses before we even went inside. Taji is really my aunts dog(but I did all the feeding,washing,etc.)and she was living with us at the time, but she was at work. When we walked in everywhere were giant piles of poop, not a pretty site! Taji was still in his kennel, but all on the bars and the black tray at the bottem was covered in poop. All on the walls and furniture, poop, even HE was covered in it. We gussed that he had pooped, picked it up in his mouth(because it was lined with poop too)and had flung it all over the place. If the site wasn't bad enough, the smell almosed knocked us over it was so strong. I didn't think anything of it exept a bad smell. My mom took out her phone and called my aunt. She was on speaker and I could hear her perfectly. My mom said "Donna, get home, now!". My aunt said"Why, what happened, are you o.k.? Is the house o.k.? Is Taji o.k.?". Taji was a puppy at the time, he wasn't even one. All my mom could say was "Get home!". Twenty minutes later, Donna was home. She could smell it too and she could tell it was coming from our house. My uncle( my mom and Donna's brother) lived upstairs and we were waiting up there, where the smell wasn't as strong. For three days, Donna and her 13 year old daughter, Brittany cleaned up and we all stayed upstairs. Brittany is now 19, I am 11,and Taji is 5 1/2. In that time we got Charm, and Nadra. This story, I could see Marley doing. And Nadra acts the same as puppy Marley acts in your book. Thank you for the inspiration you've given me. You've shown anyone that reads your book that dogs are truley man's best friend.
A story from Jeannine about My life with Buddy posted 12/29/2008
John, Like others...I am very late to join the Marley and Me fan club...but better late than never!! Your book brought back many happy memories for me as well as many tears at the end. In fact I must admit I read 3/4 of the book in a day but as I got closer to Marley growing older...I found myself not reading as fast.When I knew what was coming... I put the book down for another day and 1/2. I guess my thoughts were.. if I don't finish the book... it won't end the way it has too. So.. here's a bit about "My Marley" His name was Buddy and he was a brittany spaniel. I don't know if you know about most brittanys ...but they are lively, loveable and full of energy. They always look like they are smiling and are ALWAYS looking for a good time. Well, that was my Buddy too!!He was not too destructive... he was just wacky!!I remember asking my vet if he would ever calm down... and she said "yes" about 2 days before he dies!!" He would run into things, step all over you, slobber all over you and just love you. As he grew older, he had horrible allergies that would make him itch like mad!!And he had this bone chilling scream he would let out ( even in the middle of the night). Then in his golden year, he had most of the arthritic pains that you described. I often looked at him and wondered when it was going to happen. Dear sweet Buddy was with me when I got married, when I too had a miscarriage and when I was going through a terrible divorce. He was my rock and "held" me on many nights when the tears just kept coming. Buddy was lucky though... he stayed with me while I met a new man and Buddy was able to join me in my new life. He hung around for 2 more years, so that my "new love' would learn to love him.He grew older and weaker and I began to tell him "it wasOK...I was Ok".Then 1 morning I woke up and John told me "BUddy was gone". The dear old guy saved me the pain of having to decide. He died in our bedroom peacefully. As crazy as he was, I will never forget that dog and he will always have a special place in my heart. Now.. can I go see the movie?? Or will I be blubbering throughout the movie?? Guess I am going to take the chance!! Thanks from all the dog lovers for writing what we all think and fell about our pets!!
A story from Hannah van der Eerden about My Dog Tucker posted 12/29/2008
Sorry i am a little girl so i don't know how to upload photos. Now i will get on to the story... I got Tucker when i was in 4, and he's my best friend Tucker is a Bouvier des Flanders. He's black beautiful and loyal. Tucker is a very protective dog so if i were a burglar i would not try to break in! Back to the story. When we went to look at Tucker at some guys house we didn't chose Tucker he chose us. He lied down on my lap when he was a few months old but he was super heavy. I COULDN'T TAKE IT! After we looked at him we got to know him so we said "He's ares" We took him home and taught him a couple of tricks... We loved him more than ever and we still do... Now i don't really want to get in to those long life stories i just wanna tell you some funny things Tucker has done. About 2 years after we got Tuck we new he would do anything for us including protect us... One day my dad came home late when he walked in the door everyone was asleep- Everyone except Tucker that is. So my dad walks in the door and Tucker comes pounding down the stairs and slams him into the door. While my dad is trying to calm him my mom is rushing down the stairs worried sick. She pulls Tucker off of my dad and then it was all fine. Poor guy... When tucker gets into the snow Snowballs attach to him. On Christmas day there were so many snowballs on the carpet you wouldn't believe it. As you see Tuck is a loyal and caring dog which made us so scared when he got ill. Tucker had a horrible paw infection. It was so bad he couldn't even get up the stairs so i slept down stairs all night with him. That just goes to show you how much i love him.
A story from Emilia about My family of animals posted 12/29/2008
My family has always made fun of the fact that I love my babies so much, but I have never thought twice about it. I had never even heard of Marley and Me until I opened my mailbox one day and there was a big envelope from my uncle Jorge with your book inside. I instintly started reading it. I have to admit I held off on the last few chapters because I knew where it was headed. I have had many animals throughout my life, but none quite like the ones I have now. My 2 yearold boxer-lab mix, Adonis Charger is my love he knows everything about me, when something happens in my life I tell him. Which makes me thankful me can't talk. I had had a pitbull before and he was a great dog but he was abused and had to be put down. My roomate at the time knew my heart couldn't survive without a dog in my life. So we went searching online in the local pounds for a puppy. Of course all we could find were pitbull mixes and I just couldn't put myself through that again so we began searching in South Carolina where her twin sister lived just to see if there was any that caught our eye. Then we saw 2 puppies a girl and a boy and called her sister up to go look at them and see if they were a good match for me. She took there neice with her to make sure they liked children and she called us to say the little girl was shy and skiddish but the boy just came right up to them. He was sweet and followed them without a leash which was important to me. I wanted a dog that could stay with or without a leash just incase he ever got off of it or ran out the front door. My only concern was that I wasn't going to get him for a week so he was gonna be used to her and not me, but all that changed the secong Charger jumped outta the truck and into my arms, from that day on we have been inseperable. Charger was a very small puppy and for a boxer-lab can still be considered very small. I remember when I first got him he couldn't jump up into my truck, but not for his lack of trying. Everytime I opened the door he tried to jump up and again and again he didn't make it, but finally one day about 2 weeks after I got him he did. The first thing he did was to turn around and put his paws up as if to say, "mama I did it, did you see?!!!" Then he nearly fell out again but i caught him. It was amazing how proud he was of himself and then even more amazing how proud I was of him. Then right at about a 1 year old my roomate that helped me find the little butthead brought me a kitten after my own cat had died and I had sworn them off. Of course he looked just like my old cat reincarnaited I could have killed her for it, but at 4 weeks old all I could was heat up a bottle and feed him. After that feeding and my hands being torn up by kitten claws I named him Meeko. Of course Charger was less than impressed he was very content being mommy's one and only. After a few days they were best friends playing and sleeping together like they'd always been best buds. Now Charger is a good dog but he really had no idea that he was one. He was a cat/ human/ dog. So when he was a year and a half I decided we needed one more addition to this little family of ours and oh boy did we get it. And his name, Goliath, a 2 month old pound puppy a Sheppard hound mix. Charger and Goliath really didn't like eachother at first, Charger even went as far as to bite his nose and left one little mark. The strange thing is after that they were fine. Now a year later Goliath is twice the size of Charger but knows he comes second and does what Charger wants. Goliath is 1 now and the 2 of them love eachother so much. They play like ravinous wolves, to the point you would think they were killing eachother. But it is all in good fun as soon as the energy is gone they colapse on the couch on top of eachother and go back to sleep resting up for the next round. The mornings and the evenings are my favorite parts of the day. In the morning Charger and I get outta bed and let Goliath out of his crate which sometimes he would rather we leave the door shut so he could sleep a little while longer. I make coffee while they go and relieve themselves. Then I head outside to join them, this is the peaceful time of the day. They lay on the lawn furniture with me and soak in the mornings and a few good scratches and then I get ready to go to work. Goliath hops in his crate waits for a treat with the door wide open. And Then of course my pathetic little Charger just watches me as I leave. The evenings are the fun times, I feed them and then the reast for a little while and then it is out the doggy door and hours of playing and resting, and that is how it goes until betime. We have come to call Goliath, Frumpy because that is just what he is. He falls over himself if you want him off of you, you have to do it yourself. Your lap is just to cumfy to expect him to want to move off of it all on his own. When He was a baby he couldn't quite get the hang of running, he just kinda hopped around. Charger on the other hand was my little race dog. Slowly but surely he taught Goliath how to run, with Goliath's shoulder against Charger's rear he guided him through it, when Goliath would fall Charger being the expert he is would do a quick U turn and pick him back up and off the 2 of them will go again. When I finally finished reading Marley and Me I was crying and of course my boys were right there to lick up the tears and put there paws on me as if the, "it's okay mommy we are here for you." The two of them have destroyed many things of mine and I will swear up and down that is it I am done with them and then they give me those big puppy eyes and I just can't imagine a life without my boys. My barking, tail that destroy everything little boys that are always willing to give me a laugh or just use me for a back stratch. I dread the idea that I will day have to indure the pain of letting them go. I find I have more pictures in my computer of them than I do of anyone or anything else. My little family is everything to me, so thank you for giving people a space to write about their non human friends. I agree with you, they touch us ways people just don't know how to do. With their unfailing love and willingness to forgive us for anything we do wrong. And their way of knowing when we need them.
A story from Luciana about Impact of the history of marley posted 12/30/2008
I`m a lawyer and live in SĂŁo Paulo- Brasil. Here the people are cold, and only thinks in money. Here, we are living in time where dreans of family, childs and dogs are forget. We are living in a cold world, where forgotten dreams with families, children and dogs are being each time more. In a consumista world, where the divorce increases each time more, we find people who had left to dream in contruir its families and to be happy with them, the history of Marley comes in good hour, to rescue these dreams, in the sample as the happiness consists of simpler, true and pure things as the friendship, the love and the family are important for each one of us. God blesses it Mr. John Grogan. He knows that you, its family and its dog are being referenciais for many young, that did not know a family happy, and did not have love for the animals.
A story from Jennifer DeLaFlor about Rudi and Me posted 12/30/2008
We have had Rudi since she was 5wks old, she will be 3 in February. Let's just say Marley and Rudi would be best friends. Our "practice child" has tested us over and over. We never really had any accidents in the house and commands came easily with her so we thought we were sitting pretty, oh how we were wrong. Her first Christmas after the wrapped presents had been under the tree for a few weeks I went on vacation and a friend stayed with her. When the friend was out she tore through almost every present, unrapped them, and even bit through a cord for an electric blanket. She has chewed through at over 10 bras, luckily only five pairs of shoes, and about 25-30 leashes. For awhile there anytime she was on a leash she would chew herself lose, she could do it in an instant. So I bought bigger and better and she kept doing it, over and over. I bought a 3 inch braided leather one and she broke out. Eventually she got over that and the cheapest leash ever bought we still have. She chewed all the seatbelts in my car and my boyfriends. She ate a bottle of motrin with 25-30 left in it. Recently she tore through a thick pillow and it created blockage and she became very sick. We were in vet ER and she had to stay the night, luckily she passed it after 36 hours! Similar to the Marley Mambo we have the Rudi 500. For no apparent reason she will just start running at full speed in circles, up and down the stairs, around the table. We used to have a really long table and she would grab something and you would have to chase her around and around and around and around, well and until you had a second had to try and get her you could not catch her.
You truely have written our story. I never new how to describe what she does every time we put the leash on her but you describe the "wrestling a python," about as accurate as it could be.
Thanks for sharing your story---
A story from Dashea Faver about Attix and Salsa posted 12/30/2008
Your story about Marley really touched my heart. My husband and I have two dogs Attix the basset hound and Salsa the german shorthair. We had lived together for about a year when we got Attix he was 6 weeks old and fit in your hand. My husband wasn't sure he wanted a basset hound until he came home from work and Attix ran up to him at the door and he fell in love. Attix has the most interesting personality he is crazy, stubborn, lonely, and the most loveable dog I have ever met. He has an attitude problem he "talks" back when he doesn't want to do what you want. He has a chewing problem, I has eat over four pairs of workboots, one only a week old. He also has a beer problem. We once went outside and left beer on the kitchen table and came back in to find him on the table drinking all the tipped over beers. we got Salsa as an abandoned puppy in hopes that it would improve Attix's neurotic lonely behavior. She immediately loved Attix, but it took Attix sometime as the only child to warm up to her. Now they are best friends and won't do anything without eachother. They are both still crazy and normally don't listen and Salsa started Attix on a stealing escapade. They would steal anything that wasn't attached and bring back a rock in the house to replace it. Needless to say I wasn't pleased.
Even with all their crazy behaviors I would never leave them or trade them for anything. They are always there to comfort me when I cry or to greet me when I get home. They are the best "children" my husband and I could have.
A story from Pam De Klerk about Greece Lightning and Bubbles posted 12/30/2008
First of all, thank you so much for the wonderful book. It really made me realise how blessed my husband and I are to have such well behaved (if rather untrained) dogs!! As you said at the end of the book, we are at one of the further corners of the globe (Zimbabwe in fact). We got Greece and Bubbles about 2 months apart - this ment having double duty on house training and all other aspects of puppy life. They instantly became best friends. Greece is a Great Dane and Bubbles is what we call a dog/cat as we have no idea what her father is and she has the most unusual habbits such as waking us up each morning by jumping on our windowsill and putting her head into the bedroom and openng the curtains for us (this is always accompanied by a series of high pitched squeakes!). They are now both 4 and a half and still behave as they did when we first got them! We joke that the garden is a race track and God forbid anybody get in the way when they are having a race - you are likey to be flattened without appology! Greece is now way too strong on his lead and subsiquently we dont take him out unless it is to the vet which is a joke as we are requested to muzzle him (he's the biggest softie in the world and wouldnt bite anyone)and we are asked to take him through the back room as no one trusts him to play nicely with the resident cat in the surgery! Bubbles on the other hand is plain mad! She does not go on a lead at all and will fake death or run a mile if she even gets a sense of going on it for any reason. Water and bathing her is another story altogether. My husband gets into the doggie bath with her to hold her still and I do the washing of her with Olympic speeds!
We are expecting our first child in June and are so excited to see the reactions we will get when we bring our new bundle home. Bubbles in particular will now not leave my side (she used to be rather independant)and I'm convinced she will insist on sleeping with the baby at all available chances!
Thank you once again for the best book I have read in a very long time, I will recomend it to everyone that will listen and will purchase all following books! I hope all people will have the oportunity to share in this story and better still to have a dog or two to love and share all the good times with!
A story from Lisa about Clancy posted 12/30/2008
Clancy was euthanised on Dec 27/2008. It was my oldest son's birthday..he turned 19. It all happened so quickly. She had a seizure the week before......first one....out of the blue....vet did some tests....all came back negative. Clancy was 10 yrs old and full of life. Dec 26...that evening she had another one...short like the first....easily recovered...we went to bed. At 6 am on the 27th....I got up early as usual and headed to the couch with her. She immediately had another one............this one did not end........she stayed in status.........never snapped out of it..........I called the vet .....I called my boys.....it was dad's turn to have them. They got here in 15 minutes. Clancy did not look very good........huge amounts of saliva.....spaced out and head ticking.....they could see she was not ok. They said their goodbyes. This was very hard on me and the boys. We had been down this same road only 8 months ago...almost to the day with our 11 yr old Bailey....who I wrote about here in April. Each boy had a dog......same age as them........raised alongside each of them as babies........these were also my babies.....in so many ways. My youngest took it hard.....Clancy was his dog. The boys went back to their dad's ....I did not know when the vet was coming........as it happened he arrived just after they left. They were present for Bailey's passing....I figure it was probably best they did not repeat it again ....so soon. The vet agreed it was for the best....she had not recovered after 3 hours.....it may have been a brain tumor or even cancer...she was 10 and a large breed. The end was quick ...a sedative...some valium to help the ticking.............seemed to not really have much effect....some. I hugged her.....I was crying like a baby.........telling her she was going to be with Bailey now and get to chase all the cats she liked. The end was quick and peaceful......she was dead before the whole injection was given.My vet enveloped me in a huge hug. It was over.....Clancy was gone. Bailey is gone. The kids are not here. The house is lifeless. I am having a very hard time with this....I cry at the oddest times....hard to serve the public at work and pretend to be cheerful. These dogs were my rocks. They saw me go through a marriage ...the birth of two of my sons....my divorce.....everything. They loved me with all they had......and now I do not have that. Such a great part of me cannot imagine not having a dog again in my life...the lack of happy greetings at the front door is killing me...yet a part of me does not want to...cannot go.... through this heart rendering grief one more time...twice in 8 months is more than one can bear. I think I will just try to heal myself and maybe visit the idea of another dog in 4 or 5 years time. I will try to see this freedom I have now as gift of time....maybe I can help other dogs in some way...through volunteering or fostering with our humane society.....time will tell...and heal too I suspect. Goodbye my loyal girl, Clancy
A story from Kathleen Ward about Austin and Jag posted 12/30/2008
My name is Kathleen and I live in Fayettevill, NC with my husband of 38 years. Not long after we moved into our home in 2001, we were asked by our son to take in a 2 year old Rottweiler by the name of Austin. He was about 125 pounds and big. His old owner did some terrible things to him so we took him. The first night he laid down beside the bed but he laid on the blanket causing it to tighten and my husband who was 140 lbs. could not move. He was yelling to get the dog up and we were laughing so hard. That began our life with Austin. He was my best friend and apart of our family for six years. In 2007 he started to walk slower and he slept alot. We took him to the Vet and found out he had cancer. My heart was broken. We had to put him to sleep at the end of the year. He was like Marley in the movie, when we put him on the table, he just laid there and did not move. I said my good-byes and watched him go. My house was so quiet and I was missing him so much. In May of 2008, we found a breeder of Rotties and found a puppy but he was $1000 and we could not afford that. So a few days later, the women came by and said we could have him for $450 and we took Jag. Now remember that we got Austim when he was two, Jag was 8 weeks. He was so small and cute and didn't do any wrong until he got a little older. I did not know that a puppy could tear up so many things. Shoes, paper, and anything else he can find. He is now 6 months old and is about 75 pounds. He is going to be a big dog. I am having a hard time housebreaking him and stopping the tearing thing up. One morning I woke up and found paper all over the bedroom floor, in the living room and den. He had a ball. He is getting better but as I am writing this, he is eating my shoe. I love him so much, he is alot like my Austin, and I would not give him up no matter what I husband says. Thank you for a great book and to know that my puppy is not the worst puppy around.
A story from Tamra Galati about Princess Maggie posted 12/30/2008
Why princess? Because she is adored by so many. She makes you laugh, she makes you cry, she brings people together, she makes you stop and smell the roses of life, the simple things that we all tend to forget. I can't find the words to explain the happiness and unconditional love she has given our family. She has turned "non" dog lovers (if that is possible), into complete "Maggie lovers", when she is around them. When my father died, my mom was very lonely and unhappy, she wouldn't come to visit us, because we had a dog, and it would remind her of my dad (he was a huge dog lover). She finally agreed to come, and after only a few days with Maggie licking her, greeting her in the morning, cuddling with her (even when my mom tried her very best not to like her), I found my mom, taking her for a walk, talking to her, loving her. Our kids were always so busy, never had time for family. Once Maggie arrived into our lifes, they spend more time at our house, then their own. She brought them back down to earth, brought us back together as a family with her love, with her craziness. Lets see...chewed:$800.00 in eyewear, chewed leashes:numerous, hats: too many to mention, curiousity trips around the neighborhood:as soon as you turn your head. And, the list goes on, and on. She is my BEST FRIEND, my soul mate for life.
A story from Sam about Keiko posted 12/30/2008
Keiko was a Rottie. He was my first dag. When I was five I went to a kennel. His mother was left there when a man went on vacation, when he came back he said he didnt want the puppies. We knew the owner of the kennel so I got first pick. My sister and I sat down in the middle of the bunch. All the puppies jumping around on me and sniffing each other, but one stuck out. This puppy ran up to me and started licking my face. He sat by my side the whole time. I didnt chose him, he chose me. Three weeks later we brought him back. I wanted to name him thunder, timber, or something fierce. But finally we all settled on Keiko, the whale that was in free willy. I dont remeber much of his puppyhood considering I was still young, but I remeber he stole our socks, or any clothing, he bit at us, scrathed growled, bark, you name it he did it. When my father and mother got a divorce he went with my father. When I moved in with my dad many years later when I was 12 (when i lived with my mom i still saw him and keiko every other weekend) keiko was there for me. He was one of the stupidest dogs ever. He broke screen doors, walked into walls, hit his head on tables. Once he stole a huge roast off the counter and ate the whole thing in two minute. When we later walked into the kitchen he was lying there with sad eyes and a fork nxt to him. Keiko was my baby. We always shared birthday parties since his birthday was eight days after mine. But when he was ten we found out he had cancer. Only three months. Soon he was miserable. Wasnt able to get up the stairs. We all soon took place down stairs on the air matress. Three months later we schedualed an appointment. He was reallt bad. We all said that he wasnt getting put down but in our hearts we did. That night before all the cats slept in the living room with us. That was a huge surprise. We knew that they knew what was going on. SO the next day we brought him for a last drive. At t he office we waited paitently, I trying to hold back tears. I remeber this day so clearly. MArtin Luther King Jr day. We brought him into the room and our Doctor said it was time, I cried so much. I couldnt stop. Keiko was my baby. SO my aunt and I brought him into the back room and said our last goodbyes. I remeber holding onto his paw saying he was a good dog, that he was the best dog i could ever wish for and that i will never forget him. My aunt shooed me out so i wouldnt be there when it happened. I took his leash and collar and walked out the room that only doctors and nurses walked out of. Two little boys where looking at me holding their dog, wondering why was i carrying a leash. Seeing their dog made me cry harder. When my aunt came out we just sat in the car for a minute crying. Eight months later we adopted Maggie May a golden retriver. She reminds me so much of keiko. We had to bring her to the vet and I cried the whole way their. Of course we had to go into the room where we found out the news to. It almost been a year now. January 29. I dont know how im going to be on that day. I'll cry I know that. We still havent buried his asjes. We cant. It's to hard. But i swear for atleast a month after we put him down I could hear barking around the house everyday. I'm fourteen now, and i still think about my little baby boy everyday before i go to bed. I still have his last toy and collar and leash in a box in my room.
A story from Jay Gehrke about Ralph the Pom posted 12/30/2008
Why Ralph? Because he looked like a Ralph. We got him at a shelter. He was a faithful friend from the beginning. He always climed in the back window of the car. We always had to spell car because he would get so excited if we said the name.
We were visiting on a dairy farm in Wisconson two years ago. He got out, ran across the yard and there great big dog chomped him, and killed him.
Interesting thing is I get all teary eyed when I talk about Ralph. My first wife who died of cancer, I can talk about her without out any problems. I just can't let go of Ralph. I cried uncontrollably at the end of the movie, even though I knew how it would end.
I have a new Pom now. Casey. He sure ain't Ralph. But he knows the word car. When we are at the kitchen table eating he lies by the door, knowing we won't allow him to beg at the table. We live in a trailer park and just let him go out and relieve himself, and he comes back when he is finished. I got him as a six week old puppy.
I wish I had the information from Dog Whisperer before I ever got a dog. I knew a little, like a Lab would not be a good dog in and apartment.
I think most people just get a dog without doing any research, and that is to bad because so many get returned to shelter.
I hope Gracie enjoys chicken. LOL A few years back A friend had two German Shepards. Male and female. They each had a bowl to eat out of, and they never touched to wrong bowl. It was as though they could read there names. So, I thin there is hope for Gracie. Oh, another thing about the German Shepards, If the mister were gone no one got in the house. They knew who I was, but would not let me in. Almost like a police trained do who has two lives, pet and working.
A story from Cierra about grandmothers dog posted 12/30/2008
Hi,my name is Cierra.Now I know my grandmother allready wrote about Jag,but see I have a new storie.See I slept in the den last night & when I woke up this moning he was eating my pawpa's pill box!While me and my ma cleand it up Jag got a mysmtysterious look on his face so I stoped but ma didn't.Afew seconds later Jag threwup on my grand mothers foot!!!!So we put Jag outside,when it was time to come in I callled his name & he started to chase a bird.so that's basicly his life.
A story from Meg about Max posted 12/30/2008
As I watched Marley & Me all I could think of was how this was almost identical to my dog Max. Max is a beagle and is getting older. However, he still gets himself into lots of trouble. He pees on the rugs, eats socks and underwear, chewed up our wall to wall carpeting, etc. Max also suffers from seizures and even though he causes trouble, he is a perfect addition to the family. Things wouldn't be the same without Max and he has been there to grow with our family like Marley did with yours. Your story really inspired me and makes people stop to think of how it's the little things in life that sometimes mean a lot.
A story from Regina Hanlon about Longest Trip Home posted 12/30/2008
Shame on you! On page 8 of "The Longest Trip Home" you say the Immaculate Conception -- the Holy Spirit had miraculously planted the seed of God's only begotten son into the Virgin Mary's womb.
It was the Blessed Virgin Mary who was free of original sin.
Thanks.
A story from Amanda about Touched posted 12/30/2008
Hi Mr Grogan. My name is Amanda and I live in NW Florida. I was so touched reading "Marley and Me." Maybe I'm reaching but I felt some similarities between your story and mine. Very few, but they were there. You see, I am not married, but my boyfriend and I live together and for my birthday this year, he bought me two black labs. They are my first experience with that most popular breed and it has been a wonderful adventure. While I don't share in your membership of in the Secret Brotherhood of Dysfunctional Dog Owners --mine are woefully well-behaved -- your simple and delightful descriptions of Marley struck me in their similarities. From a lab's joyful ability to "wag their bodies" to that tortured quiver of excitement they tremble with when first learning to "stay." "My boys," as we call them, are both around a hundred pounds a piece of pure, unadulterated love. They have touched and changed our lives in the 9 short months we've had them. Thank you for this delightful piece of your family's story. By the time I was reading the final chapters, I was amazed to find that I almost felt like I was losing a friend of thirteen years. Which is a feat because it only took me a day and a half to read your book. I couldn't put it down! I am recomending it to everyone I know and am resolutely going to see the big screen version tomorrow night. And tonight, I feel that a rental of "The Last Home Run" is in order. :)
A story from Sara about Buddy..My friend posted 12/30/2008
My story is about my latest dog Buddy..I adopted Buddy from a woman whom was divorcing her husband and they just seemed to have forgotten about him..he was on the verge of starvation...i brought him in and coaxed him to health..and from then on it was love..he never left my side..he truly was my best "Buddy" he reminds me so much of Marley, he crashed unthinkably into doors, walls, tables even, stole biter biscuits from my daughter, I came home from work to find the garbage strung from one side of the house to the other..I would be showering when he would help himself and jump right inside to bite at the running water..but he was very loyal and protective gaurding that door until he seen who it was layed infront of my daughters crib...he will be missed dearly..my deepest condolences to you John for i know how heavy your heart hung when Marley had gone..
A story from april francis about loopy dogs posted 12/30/2008
we have 2 boxers, and they are the joy of our lives! shakira is 5 and the mother of tanner who is 10 months old! tanner is our marley! his mother is loving and would rather do nothing than to lie in bed with you all day if you let her, whereas tanner is always on the go and always into everything! his latest adventure was sneaking into our daughters bedroom and stealing her birth control pills and eating half of them and then carrying them downstairs to show me what he had done ! i immediately called our vet and told him what had happened and his answer to me was not to worry because at least he wouldn't get pregnant!! he seemed to think that it was very funny!!
A story from Sara about Buddy..My friend posted 12/30/2008
My story is about my latest dog Buddy..I adopted Buddy from a woman whom was divorcing her husband and they just seemed to have forgotten about him..he was on the verge of starvation...i brought him in and coaxed him to health..and from then on it was love..he never left my side..he truly was my best "Buddy" he reminds me so much of Marley, he crashed unthinkably into doors, walls, tables even, stole biter biscuits from my daughter, I came home from work to find the garbage strung from one side of the house to the other..I would be showering when he would help himself and jump right inside to bite at the running water..but he was very loyal and protective gaurding that door until he seen who it was layed infront of my daughters crib...he will be missed dearly..my deepest condolences to you John for i know how heavy your heart hung when Marley had gone..
A story from Daniel McArthur about My regret posted 12/30/2008
I know cats are not the loving majestic-companions that dogs are, but they are gentle and know exactly when to crawl upon an empty lap during stressful times. The feline I am referring to is a White Bobtail Cat named Chan. Named after the great martial artist Jackie Chan, my Chan was much like his Kung Fu counterpart. At a sleek 20lbs, Chan would tear through the house chasing and tormenting our 6lb toy poodle Cinnamon.
As a kitten, Chan would wake us up at 3 am hissing and spitting at the laundry soap box in fear it would kill all of us. We would come home and see the 4 legged kung fu master stuck on top of the refrigerator, not quite sure how to get down. My wife, who Chan lived and died for, would wake up feeling Chan burrowing in her long locks.
In 2006, at 8 years old, I noticed Chan looked a little gaunt. I mentioned it to my wife, Meredith, but she dismissed it, claiming he ate something he shouldnât have. Living in Sarasota Florida, Chan, and my other cat CoCo, had plenty of creatures to eat. Meredith loved starting her day off finding lizard carcasses, or sometimes just the heads, at the foot of the bed. It was a treat, a gift from our pets; they wanted to show us just how much they appreciated us.
At the vet, I thought we would find out that Chan had a worm or some sort of cat flu. After several tests, the doctor concluded nothing. The doctor recommended a flavorful diet for Chan to get his appetite up. That night we served Chan tuna fish, canned crab, and gravy covered cat food. And for the first time ever Chan did not eat. He was making us out to be liars. We promised the doctor he was eating and the night we get him home he refuses the buffet.
Chan became increasingly lethargic, he would not eat, and no matter where we took him, he kept seeking solace in the same place. He would walk gingerly through the sliding glass cat door to sit in a corner on our back lanai.
Our second trip to the vet, more tests concluded that Chan had cancer, a very aggressive cancer. I was in complete shock; It wasnât like he was sick. Chan would zip from room to room in the mornings and we would see him eating on a regular basis. He wasnât dying, he was just thin.
That afternoon, I called my wife to tell her the news. That we were going to have to put down a beloved family member. We arrived at the doctorâs office to say goodbye. The doctor told us he would give Chan two shots. One would put Chan to sleep and the second would stop his heart. My wife and I were in tears as Chan looked at us with glazed eyes. Right when the doctor was about to give Chan the first shot, I turned to my wife and told her that it wouldnât be good for us to watch him die; that it would be better to remember him alive. I was a coward and I regret this decision immensely. I think about Chan every time a see a cat snuggling in their ownerâs lap. He was there for me to let go of my frustrations and my stresses. However, when it came time for me to repay him, I left. I am sorry Chan, I miss you.
A story from Haley about The best friend/ sister I never had... posted 12/30/2008
My name is Haley and I have a dog named Sadie who is turning 11 in March. It seems so unreal that she is this old now when i remember our first Christmas together when she was only one year old. I can honestly say that i think she is the most well-behaved dog I have ever been around.
When we first went to go take a look at her to see if she was well mannered enough to have around my brother we realized she really was. The reason i say "for my brother" is because he suffers from a disease called Sprintsengoldberg which causes his bones to thin as he ages. We could not have a jumpy dog around him because if he loses his balance and falls then he could easily break a bone and not recover from it. I think my parents were in full disbelief when they went to see Sadie for the first time because she was so well-behaved and you could tell how loyal she already was to her owners at that time. My parents actually went back two more times as if she was just randomly going to change her ways and become bad but she did just the opposite. The very last time my parents and I went to take another look at Sadie they left my brother Bradley out in the mini van in the driveway and kept the door open for him because it was a little hot outside. We didn't want to risk taking Bradley with us to their front door because the owners had other dogs in there too which may have not have been as well-mannered as Sadie and could of possibly knocked him right off of his feet. But as soon as wee knocked on the door to see Sadie again the owner came to the door and Sadie followed. When the owner opened the door he came outside with Sadie and Sadie just sat on the porch step right next to her owner. We were all making small talk and my parents asked questions nonstop about Sadie. As they were talking it was as if Sadie sensed Bradley because she went straight to the van and jumped in and sat right next to Bradley on the seat next to him. It was like every question was answered in that moment because we knew from then on that Sadie would be the best pet to have and we wouldn't have to worry about her knocking over Bradley.
I love Sadie so much and I don't know what i would do without her. Everytime I come home from an overwhelming day at school I can always count on Sadie waiting at the door for me to greet me with her little nubby tail wagging. Instantly I smile by just looking at her. While I was reading the last chapters of Marley & Me Sadie was laying there next to me and I couldn't stop crying because I know that one day I'll have to face the nightmares of my bestfriend passing. I know she's old and I try to tell myself that I'll be ready when she's ready but I know I wont. No matter what I'll never forget her though and I'll never forget how much of a difference she's made in my life and my family's lives.
A story from Haley about The bestfriend/sister I never had... posted 12/30/2008
My name is Haley and I have a dog named Sadie who is turning 11 in March. It seems so unreal that she is this old now when i remember our first Christmas together when she was only one year old. I can honestly say that i think she is the most well-behaved dog I have ever been around.
When we first went to go take a look at her to see if she was well mannered enough to have around my brother we realized she really was. The reason i say "for my brother" is because he suffers from a disease called Sprintsengoldberg which causes his bones to thin as he ages. We could not have a jumpy dog around him because if he loses his balance and falls then he could easily break a bone and not recover from it. I think my parents were in full disbelief when they went to see Sadie for the first time because she was so well-behaved and you could tell how loyal she already was to her owners at that time. My parents actually went back two more times as if she was just randomly going to change her ways and become bad but she did just the opposite. The very last time my parents and I went to take another look at Sadie they left my brother Bradley out in the mini van in the driveway and kept the door open for him because it was a little hot outside. We didn't want to risk taking Bradley with us to their front door because the owners had other dogs in there too which may have not have been as well-mannered as Sadie and could of possibly knocked him right off of his feet. But as soon as wee knocked on the door to see Sadie again the owner came to the door and Sadie followed. When the owner opened the door he came outside with Sadie and Sadie just sat on the porch step right next to her owner. We were all making small talk and my parents asked questions nonstop about Sadie. As they were talking it was as if Sadie sensed Bradley because she went straight to the van and jumped in and sat right next to Bradley on the seat next to him. It was like every question was answered in that moment because we knew from then on that Sadie would be the best pet to have and we wouldn't have to worry about her knocking over Bradley.
I love Sadie so much and I don't know what i would do without her. Everytime I come home from an overwhelming day at school I can always count on Sadie waiting at the door for me to greet me with her little nubby tail wagging. Instantly I smile by just looking at her. While I was reading the last chapters of Marley & Me Sadie was laying there next to me and I couldn't stop crying because I know that one day I'll have to face the nightmares of my bestfriend passing. I know she's old and I try to tell myself that I'll be ready when she's ready but I know I wont. No matter what I'll never forget her though and I'll never forget how much of a difference she's made in my life and my family's lives.
A story from Barbara about Scottie posted 12/30/2008
October 9 of this year, 2008, we had to put our faithful dog Scottie to rest. He was nineteen years old. Bought from the pound a day before he was to be put down; we brought home a one year old dog we named Scottie. He was half wire hair terrier and half unknown. We lived in Colorado and he could scale the walls of a 300 foot ravine and charge up the other side in pursuit of a deer, elk, even a mountain lion. Nothing stopped him. For all of those years he was the joy of my three children who were ages 6 and 7 when we adopted him. He moved to Virginia with us in 1999 and then to Florida in January 2008. He had trouble walking and took to exercising by doing laps in our pool. Finally one morning he couldn't stand and it was a sad day for the entire family. Scotie was not like any dog we had ever owned. The morning he couldn't stand I woke at 4 a.m. to the crying of our 8 1/2 year old 1/2 great dane standing next to him. Our other dog, half lab , also 9 1/2 years old, was laying by his side. They knew and were quiet for the next few days when he didn't return home. Saw the movie MARLEY & ME and it brought back memories of our old guy.
A story from Becky Quillen about My 4 legged daughter. posted 12/30/2008
My dog Lilly is a golden retriever. We got her when she was 8 weeks old. She is now 18 weeks old and weighs 30 pounds! She is special to me because I am 35 years old and she is the first dog that I have ever had. I grew up only having cats because of the street that I lived on. It was very busy and dogs didn't seem to make it as long as cats did. I can honestly say that I have never had a pet that has been so loveable with just such a sweet devotion to our family the way our retriever has been. She truly is a wonderfull companion to all of us. My family saw Marley & Me a couple of days after the movie opened. The movie opened my eyes to understanding what unconditional love is. Our dog has brought that to my family as well. We love her so much! Thank you for your inspiring story.
A story from Manuela Schreiber about Petey the little Houdini posted 12/30/2008
Hi,My name is Manuela.I'm 13 years old.And I'm a third degree burn suvior.My family and I moved to Illinios and on the first Saturday I burned my right leg. I went throught surgury,and one day asked my mom if I could have a puupy.She said yes that very moment."We'll get a puppy in the spring.When your leg is better." And we did.I picked a beagle mix.His name was Petey.He was calm and quiet.As the story goes his brothers and him were left in a building without food.When the humane socity found them. We call him Houdini because he could get out of anything. He chewed through 4 inch paly wood,steel,and wire.When you left the key in the lock to the kennel he could unlock it. We went on vaction once and told the neinbor not to leave the key in the lock.But he did and Petey made a huge mess in the garade! One morning Petey got out through a hole he made in the wire but his collar got stuck and he pulled it off.And dad came in and said that Petey was gone and I cryed.Then I went outside and their he was coming around the corner. Once I was on the school bus and mom said he got out again. And their he was, as I got on the bus.In a trash can! He ran away one morning and I never saw him again.He was two years old.He was my best friend.He would get in dads garden and eat,and smash the tomatos.And one day we were having a summer party and Petey drank some beer on the ground.He'd sit on the deck and watch the sunset with me too. Now I have a Golden Reteriver. Her name is Lady and I love her. We asked the humane socity why she was their. But the last owners didn't want to fill out the paper work. I can't dream of how sad it had to be to let her go. She is a very very good dog.I love her,and our journy together is just beginning.
A story from Jason about Mounty the Golden Retriever posted 12/30/2008
Our family was blessed to know Mounty for 7 eventful years before his time on earth was finished. He spent his early years living with me in my apartment in the city and the latter part of his life living with my parents on the family farm. Mounty represented a huge part of our family but we didn't really know how much a part of the family he was until he was gone. Mounty died in February of cancer. To this day I can't open the door without bracing for impact and can't think about him without fighting a tear. He made me better understand what loyalty was all about and I will forever regret not spending more time with him. The day Mounty was put to sleep was one of the worst days of my life. I am normally an unemotion person but that day was more than I could bare. I held him during those final minutes and would give anything to have had a different ending to our story. I buried him on the family farm near the pond he used to love swimming in. He always had a smile on his face and truly enjoyed life.
My family and I will be seeing the Marley & Me Movie on New Years Eve, if it comes anywhere near what the book is I don't know if I will be able to see the ending.
Thank you Mr. Grogan for sharing your story.
A story from Tracie Macomber about Maxwell Leonard Macomber posted 12/30/2008
Maxwell joined our family in August...at that time he weighed a whopping 17 pounds...today he weighs about 70 pounds and is not done growing..he is a mischievous chocolate lab, adorable, sweet, and chews on and steals everything he can get his mouth on...most recently the outdoor christmas lights....He is always getting into something but then he gives you those adorable sweet eyes and how can you stay angry for long. I just read your book and saw the movie..it was wonderful...they are precious dogs. thanks for sharing your story.
A story from Cara about Cady and Charlie posted 12/30/2008
Mr. Grogan,
I'd just like to say thank you for writing Marley and Me, it was incredible... the movie did not quite do it justice. Anyways, when I was eight years old, my first dog, Duchess passed away and my parents decided to get a lab for me for my birthday. Her name is Cady and she's been the greatest dog ever. Always there for me through thick and thin. She definitely gave me her heart, but unfortunately, she was just diagnosed with bone cancer. Seeing your movie really helped remind me that the great times are what should be remembered and how thankful I should be for having her for the past thirteen years. We also have Charlie, who is one of those American labs, which are in itself a one of a kind breed. We definitely practiced the kneeing procedure on him to cut down jumping, but of course it was to no avail. He has recently learned to brake instead of slamming his whole body into us at full speed. Well, best wishes with Woodsy and Gracie! Again, thank you!
A story from Andy Campbell about Saw the movie, then the next day... posted 12/30/2008
It is with enormous heavy hearts which Andy and I are currently carrying to let everyone know that with extreme sadness we have "lost" our little "man" Opie. Opie was born on October 10th 2004 in Kula on the beautiful island of Maui. We got him at 8 weeks old. He lived with us and his "bro" Barney, in Kihei. He and Barney accompanied me at least once a week to work at Lahaina Carpet in Lahaina. When he was just over one year old, we all moved to Utah and he and Barney experienced their first flight and the first feeling of snow under their paws. He didn't like snow much as he had very sensitive feet but he loved to play and loved his many walks at the park. His best joy was when you said "car" he would go crazy to sit in the front seat, he loved going for a ride. Opie was an independent soul but equally loving. We will miss him barking when we leave the house for work and the sheer joy in his face and welcome we received when we arrived home, ou r lives and our home will not be the same without our little guy. We dont think that Barney or Dixie have realized yet that he is not around, I am sure they will miss him too.
Unfortunately, he did something to his spine, the vet and us will never know exactly what happened. We noticed him limping on Friday last and he was unable to get up on the ottoman where he spent time next to me while I read the morning paper. We knew something wasn't right and decided that the next day we would take him to the vets. On Saturday morning, Opie could not use his back end, his legs just hung there and he dragged them along and seemed in great pain. We rushed to the vet and he told us, after x-rays, that he had some sort of nerve and disc damaged. He said he could have surgery but there was no guarantee that nerve damage would reverse. He told us to wait 48 hours and see if there was any improvement. Saturday was not so bad but yesterday he refused any food so we had big trouble trying to get down his medication and we tried everything he loved but could not tempt him. We finally syrenged it down his throat, which of course, he didn't like much, but it did relieve some of his pain and he slept good. It was very distressing for us to see him struggling to move around so we took him back to the vets this morning and told him that Opie was worse not better. He was peeing and pooping in his bed an d didn't seem to have any control of the nether regions. Vet wasn't sure whether that was due to muscle medication or the nerve damage. We asked him honestly to tell us what Opie's chances were if we continued with treatment and he basically told us 1 to 2%. He told us that very few dogs come through the painful spinal surgery and get back to "normal" living. Sometimes, the nerves get so damaged that its impossible. Because we loved this little guy we felt it best to lay him to rest so he did not have to suffer any more. He had lost his dignity and his quality of life, sadly at the age of 4. We could only have been selfish if we had made him stay. We saw him after and he looked peaceful and in no pain, which for him was a relief, not so for us. Opie will be pricately cremated and we will bring him back home in a walnut box and he will stay with us until his "bro" goes and then we will bury them together as they were devoted to each other. For now we have our memories and our photo's and hope in time the tears will stop, the pain of losing him will ease, but for now we grieve.
Our Opie Born Oct 10, 2004 died Dec 29, 2008.
A story from Nicola Ostlund about Max posted 12/30/2008
I purchased Marley and Me two years ago, and 2 days ago I saw the movie. I laughed, I cried, and I relived a thousand moments with our dog Max who died two years ago at age 16.
Like Marley Max was my practice baby, we were newly married when we rescued him from the animal shelter. I figured if I could keep up with a dog, I would be able to manage the baby growing inside of me. Within a few months of having Max, we were starting to realize why he was at the shelter. Max was about 2 years old, they said he was just a stray that was picked up. He was a white fluffy terrier mix and reminded me of my childhood dog with his large brown eyes. Unlike my childhood dog though, he was obnoxious, his small size of around 35lb was fooling, the dog could clear obstacles that were over 3 feet, and he could eat anything and everything. He ate the sofa, the cushions, books, shoes, knocked over chairs, and I swear could have gotten to the trash can if Iâd have suspended it from the ceiling. Despite an apartment that was just over 700 sq ft, Max could make the most amazing amount of mess when you left him alone. We finally resorted to placing him in a large crate when we went out.
He loved to walk, and his favorite spot was the park on the corner, he enjoyed the swings and being pushed in them, he also enjoyed escaping and thought it was great fun to ruin Saturdayâs football games on the parks fields. One Saturday as he squeezed around my legs and bolted for the park. There I was attempting to sprint after him when I heard the squeal of tires and brakes. He was in the crosswalk when he was hit, the lady driving the car had fortunately just set off from the stop sign. Needless to say one large vet bill later we came home with a dog in a leg cast of which the vet assured us he would need rest and be out of it for a few days. Yeah right, hours later he bounded around, only now there was a distinct tap tap tap when he ran.
Max went everywhere with us, when we moved from one state to another, Max endured a plane ride, in his case he barked from the hold below the plane, and the passengers strained their ears to figure out where that noise was coming from. Max for all purposes while horrid, was loved, although one day when I was quite frustrated I gave him away to a lady who came by the house and announced how adorable he was. The next day I felt guilty seeing the sea of pouting faces and went to claim him back, at that point I announced he was my husbandâs dog; I was fed up of his antics. When we went on vacation and people came to watch him we always got phone calls in the middle of the vacation of how naughty he was, except once, that was the time he was so bad the person didn't want to tell us what he'd done. It had rained most of the week we were gone, and given we had a dog door so that Max had free roam of the yard, he decided to have fun and dig holes, which became mud puddles, that he laid in. Then, when he was wet and dirty enough, he came in the house and wiped himself clean on our white stripped sofa, all our lovely bedding, cream colored walls, even the ceiling had a few splashes of mud where he shook himself. We came home to a mud hut:)
Like Marley when Max got older he could not jump and run much anymore, he slowed down and in our case we actually enjoyed it. In his last few years we did rescue another dog, a black lab. Only unlike Max I spent 12 months in training classes with him getting his canine good citizen, I was not having another Max. Unfortunately, one new puppy and one old tired dog didn't mix, thus we rescued another dog, Bonnie. Some of us like punishment. There went Brinkley's training, now I had two larger romping dogs running around like crazy playing tag, but at least Max was left in peace.
When we moved to a bigger house with a bigger yard to accommodate the furry zoo, Max reverted to the pantry. We placed a bed in there for him, this way he was next to his favorite thing, the trash can. Of which, despite being blind and deaf and failing hips, he still managed to knock over and drag that trash all over the house till the day he died. Max died right after Christmas, he was in the yard and our other dogs that were chasing one another about collided into him, their weight of over 100lbs knocked him flying. He never saw or heard them coming. He could not stand at all and we thought it was cruel to leave him like that because his pride kept making him attempt to stand again and again, finally we sedated him. He was getting older and it wasn't fair. We took him to the vet to have him put to sleep, I held him in my arms and we were all there whispering to him how much we loved him.
Losing a dog is like losing a part of your soul, for days I cried and just could not get past it, his photos were everywhere. One afternoon I sat down in front of our large trunk of photos and I dug out all the ones of Max. By the time my husband and I emerged out of the closet like two hunchbacks we had laughed and shared good times. I scanned every picture and I wrote a memoir of Max, I also made a decision to do something else.
The night we brought Max home a large stray dog turned up on our doorstep, we could not find its owner and I had to take it to the animal control shelter. Several days later I checked the animal control website to see if the dog was on there, and while looking I found a picture of a white dog that looked exactly like Max, I knew if he was in the animal control facility he would be put to sleep and I was heart broken. I didn't want to let that happen, but I was not ready for another dog. Then by some miracle I discovered the shelter offered the option of fostering dogs so they would not be euthanized. I ran down there to do paperwork and I got the dog just in time. We called him Baxter, and after just over a week of living with us I found him the perfect home, a retired couple adopted him. The day Baxter left I fostered Gracie, another white terrier mix who was also destined to be euthanized. By then I was hooked and I realized that in rescuing Max we took one dog, but if I could foster a white terrier for each year we had him, I would save many. My goal was 14 by December 31st and I successfully made it. I took the hard luck cases with heart worms, broken legs, missing legs, bladder stones, I spent nights nursing some of them back to health. I even took a yellow lab pup whose leg was badly broken in two places. We called her Molly, she is now over 80lbs, 18 months old, and we stay in touch with her new family who tell me all of her antics, she sounds like a Marley.
It's funny, in 2 years over 25 foster dogs have gone thru my house and I now am the proud owner of 4 dogs, but despite some of them looking like Max, none of them ever had all Max's antics, but for each one that came, his memory lived on. He was an original and he taught us so much, I look back and regardless of all the ups and downs, I think we were lucky to have found the pure devotion and love that can come from the furry beast known as man's best friend.
Thank you for such a great book dedicated to all the Marley's of the world, and those of us who love them unconditionally. Of course, since the movie came out I have been using it to let people know of all the labs at the shelter that need homes. I have been photographing the available labs and placing up posters everywhere with the slogan "get your own Marley". Last weekend volunteers at the shelter took 8 labs that were due to be euthanized on Monday to an adoption event at the movie theater, they all found homes.
Nicola Ostlund
A story from John Parham about Ava posted 12/30/2008
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your book and have not finished it yet because i have never laughed so much. I want to tell you about Ava who is a service dog to a special friend of mine. This dog can tell when Dela is haveing seizures and bring things to her. Ava was her daughter's service dog because of being physically handicapped and when her daughter went into a group home, Ava went with Dela. She is a valuable part of the family and a special friend. She acts as Marley did when Jenny lost the baby. She knew when you were sick and would not leave your side. Great book.
A story from Tanya Lillie about Molly, Smokey & Me posted 12/30/2008
My husband and I went to see "Marley & Me" today and we felt an instant connection. We live in Dowagiac, Michigan (about 20 minutes from St. Joseph) with an elderly dog and do we have a dog story for you.
I wanted a puppy for sometime but my husband and I agreed that we just didn't have time to house break and train a puppy. Yet I missed not having a dog in the house. One Sunday night I prayed that if there was a dog somewhere that needed me that God would help bring us together. The next day was Labor Day, 1992 (a day I will never forget). My husband had visited our niece and she had found a dachshund/mutt puppy along the road by the old city dump. She said she knew there were more puppies. My husband came home and told me the story. I told him I remembered seeing a dachshund that obviously just had pups in the neighborhood, but I hadn't seen her in a while. My husband responded that he wasn't going to worry about a few mutts. I said a silent prayer. A few minutes later he said, "Letâs go find the pups." We found them, two female pups, buried under old pallets. It took six people and a 4-wheel drive truck to get them out. They were wild and came out biting and growling. We took them home and they adopted me as "mom." One was a fear biter and afraid of everything but me. The other was friendlier. A friend took the better of the two pups and we kept "mean ole' Molly." The great thing was, she was used to going outside so naturally that's where she went--she was house broken. Talking to a neighbor about the pups, she told me that someone had dumped the mother along the side of the road in a plastic grocery bag and she had managed to escape and have her pups. Later we found out that the mother had been hit by a car, taken to the vet, and was adopted by a family.
As for Molly, she was smart, loyal and we loved her. She terrorized friends and family that came to visit, but they got used to her. Every day I woke up with her, I knew that God had blessed us both. Then in February, 1999, I noticed a lump in her neck. The vet gave us the devastating news that it was cancer and she only had a short time to live. We took her home and loved her and then one day she looked at me and I knew it was time to say our good-byes. The family took her to the vet and held her as she left this world, but the story doesnât end here.
My niece had divorced and Mollyâs litter-mate, Smokey, was living with her ex-husband, Fred. It was the day of my father-in-lawâs funeral when Fred called. He remarried and he and his new wife had just had a baby. Smokey, who was also a fear biter and did not accept the baby. He knew we could handle this nine year old un-socialized dog. Of course, I said we would take her. She bonded immediately with my husband and provided him with comfort through his grief. She loves him so much and puts up with me, but we both love her very much. She too terrorizes friends and family that come to visit and she BITES. We warn everyone not to pet her. She turned seventeen this past July (2008) and is suffering from dog old age. I have told her many times to let me know when itâs time because I donât want to make that decision. To date she still is happy to be with us and take her nightly rides to the train station downtown. (The photo is of Smokey.)
A story from Patty Gawronski about Cosmo my dog posted 12/30/2008
I just got back from seeing Marley and Me. It was so true to the book but I left the theatre very sad but realizing that no matter what the dog may do you always love them. Even when we have to say goodbye
Cosmo reminds me of Marley very much but he has a big heart and he always takes care of us. He is 4 yrs old I have had him since he was 3 months old.
thanks Patty
A story from Kelsey about Murphy posted 12/30/2008
Hi Mr. Grogan. My name's kelsey and i'm 16. When i was about three, my family decided to get a dog, and we had some friends who couldn't keep their dog because they lived in an apartment. His name was murphy, a chocolate lab, and he was young but already big. when he first came to our house he was crazy energetic but we liked him and decided to keep him. He was the sweetest dog ever and never bit anyone or anything but he was also, surprisingly, not the best-behaved lab ever. His favorite thing to do when no one was looking was tear up the packages of expensive equipment left for my dad on our porch. But he was good to wrestle with, everyone in our small woodsy neighborhood loved him, and no one complained when he mosied over for a visit. he was awesome and i completely loved him. he always was shaking his ears, though, and once a blood vessel popped and he had to get surgery to fix it. he wore a cone for a while after and always underestimated the width of it. he would get stuck on corners and sometimes back up, sometimes just go through and rip up wallpaper. he was huge; he wighed around 125 lbs. when he stopped growing, so the walls didn't stand a chance. about a year after his first surgery, his ear did the same thing. unfortunately, he had bad hips and he was getting grumpy, which especially upset me becasue he wouldn't even growl at anyone before. we decided it wouldn't be fair to put him through a surgery, recovery, and cone again. my dad told me he was going to take him to the vet in a couple days and to say good-bye. it broke my heart and i still miss him, two years later. i've read marley & me three times, i think, and every time i read it i think of murphy. i just wanted to say thanks for writing it, and helping me remember murphy.
A story from Amanda Sandy about Jack the best dog ever posted 12/30/2008
Hello,my name is amanda iam 13 and the story about my dog jack is just like marleys! After getting our first dog snowy, we decided to get another one so we went to the pet store and found a lovley black lab/Border collie and we knew he was the one!! so we took him home and that night i remember i snuck him out of his cage to sleep with him and in the morning i woke up to find tissue paper and chewed up underwear all over haha wow i got in a lot of trouble! A while after Jack turned one he was sleeping on my brothers bed and my brother woke up to Jack foaming at the mouth and totally out off it he had no i idea what was going on so he woke up my mom and they took him to a pets hopital they said that Jack had a seasure and they gave him medicane for it but they said it would probally not happen again. Jack was doing fine for a long time as happy as can be, untill his second birthday he started having them alot and he was put on medicane and it did nothing at all and one night he was having grand-mall seasures every thirty minutes and me and my brother were up all night cheaking on him and just watching him have his seasures knowing that there was nothing we could do at all just watch in pain then he almost broke his tooth in the cage by getting it stuck while having a seasure we were all crying my mom stayed in her room and sleept because she knew she could not do anything for Jack to make him not have his seasures. Everytime he would have one my brother would yell mom he would scream and i kept coming out of my room balling my eyes out and sometimes i stayed in my room and everytime i would hear the cage rattal and shake i creamed and cryed i still remember that horible night the worst night of my life. the next day we took him to the vet and they said our choices were to put him down or give him another medicane that took a very long time to work my mom didnt want him to suffer any longer so she decided to put him down i could not watch so i said good bye Jack and went outside and cryed so much i could barley even breathe i lady let me pet her dog to stop me from crying but i continued to cry after a while my mom came out in tears and said he is gone and we cryed together my mom said that he was walking around hitting the walls and then they came in with the meadication and put it into him and he feel over and his eyes slowly closed! that was the end of Jack. When we got home my brother was sleeping and we woke him up and i said Jack is gone and he started yelling at my mom and saying it was her fault and saying he didnt get to say good bye they didnt talk for a while after that We all miss you Jack you were the best dog we had ever have had!!! Later on we got a new dog named Rex a purebred black lad later we herd he had parvo as if anything else could go wrong he almost died but we saved him and is still with us today and as happy as can be!! even though he is a pain in the butt we love him But We still will always miss and love Jack he will always be in our hearts!!
The movie Marley & Me is my favorite movie now because it reminds me of Jack!!! In memory of Jack 7/27/05-8/04/07
A story from Jenny Henry about Bo posted 12/30/2008
Hello, my name is Jenny. I am the proud parent of a five year old Chocolate Labador, Bo. I had always wanted a Chocolate Labador, something about those big golden eyes. When I was in collage, my boyfriend and I broke up. I was heartbroken. I decied the best way to mend my broken heart would be to buy the chocolate labador I had always wanted. I found an ad in the paper, Chocolate Lab Puppies $150.00. I was living with my parents at the time. Without discussing too much with my parents, I called the number.
A story from Jenny Henry about Bo posted 12/30/2008
Hello, my name is Jenny. I am the proud parent of a five year old Chocolate Labador, Bo. I had always wanted a Chocolate Labador, something about those big golden eyes. When I was in collage, my boyfriend and I broke up. I was heartbroken. I decied the best way to mend my broken heart would be to buy the chocolate labador I had always wanted. I found an ad in the paper, Chocolate Lab Puppies $150.00. I was living with my parents at the time. Without discussing too much with my parents, I called the number.
A story from Liz and Dan about Lincoln posted 12/30/2008
We have yet to see the movie but my wife just finished reading the book (which she borrowed from her aunt and fellow dog enthusiast) and when she returned home today, she found the tattered remains of the book lying next to the kennel. Lincoln is our 18-24 month-old black lab who we got in February from a local rescue shelter. It was a hilarious scene and we wanted to share it with you and your fans. Looking forward to the movie!
A story from Toby from Gibsonia, Pa. about Dogster posted 12/30/2008
We would love to see your dogs on Dogster!
A story from Matthew about Cameo by John Grogan posted 12/30/2008
Not sure if anyone noticed, but in the scene where Marley is with the dog trainer, there is a cameo appearance by John Grogan!
A story from Linda about Darcy posted 12/30/2008
I'm Linda and i have a dog named Darcy. She's a four year old Chocolate lab. she reminds me so much of Marley. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It gets very cold here and it constantly snows in winter. My dog loves the snow, she eats loads of it every time we take her out.
When Darcy was still nursing, the first time we went to pick out a puppy, she was the biggest of the litter, but we never new she would be this big. Now, she weighs over 90 pounds, which is out of the range of male labs. Even thou she is big she is very careful around children. We have neighbors with 2 kids, at the ages of 3 and 5. When they see her they rush up and Darcy just stands there and licks their faces. She almost never growls, only if its in plain fun.
When Darcy was a pup, she licked the plates as we put them in our dishwasher. Once she was licking the knives and got her tongue cut, and now there is an indent where she got cut. Darcy also used to bark a lot when she was young so we bought a muzzle for her, In a day she had torn it to pieces. When we got her spayed she had to wear a cone, but that encouraged her to scratch the stitched up spot. We went through 3 cones and a trip at midnight to the animal hospital because she had ripped one of the stitches open, before she was all healed up. There are blinds on our door to our backyard and they are shredded from my dog. Mom goes out about every hour to our backyard and has special shoes just for that. Mom has gone through at least 30 pairs of shoes.
I love Darcy with all my heart and I'm going to miss her to much for words when she is gone. Your book was inspiring. I can't wait to see the movie !!! :D <3
A story from Jenny Henry about Bo posted 12/30/2008
Hello, my name is Jenny. I am the proud parent of a five year old Chocolate Labador, Bo. I had always wanted a Chocolate Labador, something about those big golden eyes. When I was in collage, my boyfriend and I broke up. I was heartbroken. I decied the best way to mend my broken heart would be to buy the chocolate labador I had always wanted. I found an ad in the paper, Chocolate Lab Puppies $150.00. I was living with my parents at the time. Without discussing too much with my parents, I called the number. A couple of nights later, my sister and I drove out to pick up my new puppy! He was just what I always wanted! My broken heart swelled with love for this new puppy. I had so much fun taking Bo into the pet store, on walks around the pound. It was Febuary when I got Bo. One thing I did not enjoy, having to take him out in the sleet, snow, and freezing rain. Bo stayed with me in my room. Although, he hated sleeping in the bed with me. When he was a puppy, I would put him on my bed. He would only grumble and jump down. Now, at five, he thinks he lap dog! He climbs right on top of me! I call Bo my heartbreak dog because I got him at a time in my life when I was experiencing so much hearkache. Bo helped to mend some of the pain. He was my big, brown, furry shoulder to cry on. Bo has always been my protector. Even now he doesn't take to kindly to my husband being sweet on me. He barks and barks at him! Bo is a barker. We often joke that if he could speak human, he would join right into the conversation. He is an attention hog! I really enjoyed reading Marley and Me. I laughed out loud! I could relate to so many moments. "That's Bo!" I would say. I apperciate my dog so much more after reading and seeing the movie Marley and Me. A dog's love is a precious thing that I am so lucky to receive everyday!
A story from Carter & Cathy Cromley about "Gus" Cromley posted 12/30/2008
Gus Cromley... beloved yellow Lab that taught newly-wed Carter and Cathy Cromley the meaning of absolute patience and total loyalty. Gus was the forerunner of two beautiful boys (Peyton (8) and Dolan (6). Gus loved Cape Hatteras, N.C. and riding shotgun. He lived 12 glorious years before succumbing to inoperable cancer. We put Gus to rest on June 15 2008 which happened to be Father's Day and Carter's 47th birthday. We struggled with grief until realizing we are a "dog family." "Cooley" entered our lives in August 2008 and is a 7 month old, beautiful 70 lb yellow Lab puppy that is keeping Gus' spirt alive. Rest in Peace Gus Puppy. We love you. Carter, Cathy, Peyton, Dolan, and Cooley.
A story from Carter Cromley about Gus Cromley posted 12/30/2008
A story from Carter Cromley about Gus Cromley posted 12/30/2008
A story from Cassie about My dog Molly posted 12/30/2008
Hello my name is Cassie I'm 9 and I have a mutt named Molly. I think she is half lab/beagle.She has webbed feet. I got her when I was 5. I always come up with a nickname for all my dogs.Hers is Moll Ball. Me and my dad made it up.John I am so sorry about Marley. I would of gave up anything for Marley...but not my Molly... I love her to death.Marley must of been a great dog.I really can't explian how I feel about Marley,I cryed at the movie because the vet put him down.
A story from Marcia Sharpe Huntsville,al. about casey posted 10/31/2009
I first read marley and me in the summer of 2008.i was going through a rough time and my mom bought the book for me.It was great.I have a three year old lab named Casey and she is my world.I saw the movie on Christmas day and cried.My husband also bought it for me.i have watched it alot.casey is alot like marley in getting into trouble,but mostly its about the love she gives me everyday.Thank you for sharing marley with us,it helped me to be happy again and love Casey even more.
A story from Kathy about Buster posted 10/31/2009
My story is your movie. I could watch Marley & Me over and over again. Buster was a lab and not just any lab. Your movie brought thoughts of Buster back to me. And made me realize how much a part of my life he was. He is sadly missed. Please Mr. Grogan write more on Marley. I want more.
A story from Michelle Herbst about Love for a pet posted 10/31/2009
I read Marley and Me in the summer of 2006 during my honeymoon. I laughed from all of the antics of Marley and I cried when Marley went to the Rainbow Bridge. Not even a year later, I was faced with helping my eight year old orange and white sidekick, Ed to sleep, as he had a bone marrow deisease that hit him so rapidly that I didn't have time to process the possible loss. I was absolutely devestated. One month later, Ed's brother, Bob, was diagnosed with diabetes and ultimately joined Ed six months later. When the movie came out, I revisited reading Marley and Me, along with watching the movie. We're talking over a year after Ed and Bob had passed away. In the movie, when the decision was made to help Marley to the Rainbow Bridge, I had to leave the room because I was sobbing and I didn't want my clients to see me breaking down. Your book and the movie just sealed how important pets are in people's lives. They may be neurotic or gentle, but they become a huge member of the family. When they go to the rainbow bridge, you will always have the memoris with your pets, but you will also know they are waiting for you on the other side to play (or in Marley's case chew). Thanks for sharing your story about Marley!
A story from Luke H. about Marley posted 11/01/2009
Late in the month of May, my family got a black cockapoo. We decided to name her Marley because we really loved your book. Since May we have trained her to shake and sit. Also, we worked out the potty-training thing, she's doing really good! Last week she got fixed. Unfortunatley, there is an egg shaped lump where they cut her open at, but the vet said that the body should absorb it. In alot of ways she is not like your dog "Marley." One reason is, my Marley is really lazy, although she can get wild for the most part she's a bum. Another reason is, she doesn't chew the stuff your Marley did. The only thing my Marley chews is tisses and leaves. Marley is great!!!!!!!!
A story from Jordan about abuot Hera posted 11/01/2009
A story from logan about my three dogs!!! posted 11/02/2009
Scout is a Doberman pinscher! He is a pretty smart dog. He knows I cannot walk fast when I walk him. He likes to chew my socks. When I come home he leaves a mess for me. He likes it when I give him treats, dog food and water! He chewed my Cubs jacket and I did not get upset. Scout is playful and lovable. When I say go for a walk he gets excited and I tell him that he wants to go for a ride and he gets excited there as well. He barks at motorcycles when he thinks heâs my stepdad. He was almost hit by a bus and I was worried about him passing away. He licks my face when I am in bed and I lay him on his side at different times. When I got home he tore the treat bags but I was not mad at him. For all of his stuff I love him and he is the best Doberman pinscher ever!
Howie is an English Bulldog! He is a big snorter and loves to slober. Like Scout, Howie is also playful. Howie needs an attitude adjustment real bad. Because he fights with Scout. Howie likes to shake after baths and walks. He is a fast eater and throws up stuff that looks like cookies. He is very lovable and loyal and he is the best English Bulldog ever!
Jet is a mixed breed. Jet likes to dig and go under the fence. Marley is like your dog and Jet likes to play with Scout and gets my head pounding due to barking does Jet. Jet I love her very much and she is lovable and she is smart and figures out the cats food. She tries to eat the cat food but I pull her aside and say âBad Dogâ. . Jet does not chew anything up in the house and I like that very much! Of the three dogs, Scout chewed up the couch and Mom got mad and getting a new couch while the others do not chew up! I love the Marley movie and it is the best movie ever and being a dog owner is the best thing ever
A story from alice tyson about the longest trip home posted 11/02/2009
John, I was sorry not to get a chance to talk with you after the Grand Rapids event. AS a result of reading, the longest trip home, I connected with a High School classmate, Linda Miller Atkinson who was mentioned in your book. I had hoped to see her at our 50th class reunion last May but she was unable to attend. I found her in the UP and have since had lunch with her in Lansing as she is on the DOT board of the State of Michigan. I invited her to attend your GR event as that was the day she was due in Lansing BUT due to a trial in New Mexico or Arizona she was not at the DOT meeting. Anyway she told me to say Hi to you which I was unable to do due to the huge line at your autographing table. I really enjoyed the evening and thanks for putting her name in your book. I can just imagine giving you the 25 dollars!!!
A story from Therese Camhi about My Life with Golden Retrievers posted 11/03/2009
My story with two golden retrievers, Lion and Ginger, began in April, 1982. These two puppies were chosen from a litter of ten. They both lived with my husband (at the time) and me five years before our son was born. I spent many happy days with them; going to the beach, visiting relatives and swimming in their pools, taking hikes and car rides. They were a comfort to me during thunderstorms even though they were scared too. They did not leave my side while I was so nauseous during my three pregnancies. All I could do was sleep. They were mischievious dogs when they were left at home for long hours. Both my husband and I worked during the day, so the two dogs (partners in crime) were left in the garage for the day. At the end of the day we never knew what we would find. One time the wall was eaten away, another time part of the rug was gone, and another time part of the garage door was chewed away. The usual response was that we were greeted with their heads down and eyes looking up for mercy. Lion passed away on December 24, 1994. He was 12 years old. I was there with him and had the chance to let him know that he was a good dog and so loved by his whole family. I told him that he would be greatly missed. He still is to this day. Ginger remained with us another year and a half, and shortly after Lion left us, February, 1995, we got a puppy, another golden retriever, named Hunter. He brought life back to Ginger who was deeply depressed over the loss of her sibling, Lion. On July 4, 1996, Ginger was put to sleep. Another very sad day in our lives. Hunter remained an only dog for five years until we bred him with our neighbor's golden retriever, Sadie, and we got the pick of the litter. We chose a female and named her "Hunny." Hunter and Hunny have been together with us now for the past eight years. Hunter is now on "borrowed time." He will be 15 years old on November 16, 2009. He's had some close calls with sicknesses, but manages to pull through stronger and better than before. We call him the "Iron Dog." Even though the loss of these precious creatures is painful and heartwrenching, I wouldn't trade all the years that they have blessed me and touched my life so deeply. When they leave they take a part of us with them, but they leave the best parts of themselves with us. Thank you, Mr. Grogan for the impresson that you have left on my heart to treasure every day that I have with my precious pets. I've watched "Marley and Me" quite a few times. (I even watched it in Spanish a few times also). It truly is amazing the unconditional love that these animals give to us. Thank you for sharing so much about your life. It is inspiring, uplifting, and teaches others how to deal with love and loss in a healthy and healing way. Keep writing!
A story from Melissa about Buster posted 11/04/2009
I initially was going to mention how much this book touched me, and what it has done for me recently, but I decided to scrap it... Instead I am going to tell you about Buster.
We got him in February of 1999. He was already about a year and a half old. We picked him out at the local Humane Society. We instantly fell in love with him. We were lucky to have him, and he was lucky to find us. Buster was on his last chance at the humane society. He had been there nearly a month, the time limit they were able to keep dogs since they were a busy shelter. There were also signs of abuse. He only weighed a little over half of what he should have (you could see his ribs even through his thick coat). His paw pads were worn and the tip of his tail was missing most of its fur. But I have never seen a dog as cheerful as he was to see us.
We took him home and he plumped up to the weight he should be. He developed quite the personality. He didn't like men much except for my dad and my sister's and my boyfriends. He looooooooved women though. He also had a spot on the couch that was his. If you would sit in it, he would sit on the floor and bark at you until you moved. He loved to be outside, he loved running around under the bushes. He loved to sit next to you on the couch and lean up against you, as close as he could. He was a handsome devil, and he knew it. He tried so hard to be a lap dog, even though he was too big to be. His personality was so sweet, and he was so devoted to us.
He always had a few health problems. One time several years ago his kidneys almost shut down. He also had arthritis for half of his life. In the last year or so of his life he developed tumors under his skin, almost everywhere. He also started to get occasional seizures at night. In the last 4 months of his life he developed diabetes and had fluid around his heart. But throughout the whole time he was happy, he never acted like he was in pain. So we just continued the treatments as long he would be comfortable and happy.
In the last days of his life, he began to have an even harder time walking. He started losing control of his bladder. His insulin shots started to become a struggle. We decided that since he was starting to get uncomfortable that it was time to put him to sleep. We knew life was getting hard on him, and we wanted him to find peace. It was such a hard decision since he was so happy that morning. But we knew if we didn't put him to sleep and he suffered a major stroke the next day we would never forgive ourselves. We wanted his last memories to be happy ones.
We put him to sleep yesterday morning. He was an amazing dog. He was so much more than a dog. He was a good friend, a shoulder to cry on, warm company on snowy nights, my protector when home alone. He was so much and I will always remember him.
RIP Buster, 11/3/2009
A story from Laura about kira&zeta posted 11/05/2009
I have only simple words: my lovers, my life, all of my world.
thank you mr Grogan for having written the history of all us lovers of animals.
Laura (Verona, Italy)
A story from Kim Colbourne about Tyson "Bubba" Colbourne posted 11/05/2009
I began reading Marley and Me about a year ago, I stopped as I knew what was coming. I was afraid to finish the story because our lab/bull mastif had been diagnosed with cancer and his death was becoming closer and closer. Tyson aka bubba, was a dog who too loved to chase rabbits. When I was 7 months pregnant with our second child I took bubba for a walk, I decided he was behaving well enough to be aloud off his leash. Well he took off chasing a rabbit for over an hour, it was pouring rain there was snow on the ground, time was closing in on the end of our 3 year old sons playschool day, and no sign of my missing dog. Out of nowhere came this rabbit staring up at me with its red beedy eyes as if to stay "please lady control your dog" it took off and about two seconds later I heard a crash and some frothing and there out of the bushes came Tyson. I grabbed him and put him back on his leash (where he belonged all along) and went to walk back to the truck he wouldn't budge. So I tugged him frothing and all back to the 4 runner and I loaded him in. A couple years later my husabnd had him out in the bush working with him (hes a forester)Tyson like always took off, Brian made no big deal out this as this was what he always did. Well when it was time to come back to town Brian began calling for him, with no return he decided to go looking, he found him tucked into the tree line eating a moose that was hung up by hunters. He quickly grabbed him got him in to the truck and drove away, just in the niche of time too, as the hunters met him on the drive. They were coming back for their moose and Brian and Tyson were leaving, as Tyson threw up moose meat the entire way back to town, Brian thanked his lucky stars that he caught him before the hunters did. But Tyson's animal chasing/meat theiving didn't stop there. After he had been diagnosed with cancer and had gone through surgery, he had become quite a bit calmer. Well in the midddle of the night while I was at work, Brian, the kids, an Tyson were at home sleeping, when some young kids pulled a prank on our house. Brian had opened the front door and Tyson took off, Brian called me at the Hospital to tell me he couldn't find the dog and it had been hours. Worried sick he woke up the kids and drove around looking for him, calling for him with no luck. There was nothing I could as I work 25 minutes from home and was in charge at the hospital, I felt sick knowing our ill dog was missing. Well at about 5:00 am Brian had nodded off on the couch in the living room. He awoke to a shadow running past our picture window, there it was a huge buck, and about 20 feet behind our ill, post-op dog. Tyson, sick or not sick he would not stop chasing the wild life. We put Bubba down on May 07, 2009 and I just finially completed Marley and Me. The love our family has and will always have for him is like no other, he has changed our lives forever. We know he too, is with Marley in a meadow chasing rabbits, or maybe moose or big 10 point bucks. Making us forever proud even though he always got in trouble for this in our world. Thank you for your story, it truely touched me. I will be forever greatful to Tyson, we love you boy!!!
A story from Jane Esther about Mr. Grogan's recent book signing in G.R. Mi posted 11/05/2009
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Grogan and listening to memories of Marley in Grand Rapids MI last Thursday evening. It was so wonderful!!! Afterwards, Mr. Grogan was kind enough to sigh autographs for everyone. What a thrill to meet one of my favorite authors and get pictures and his wonderful books signed. I had a t-shirt with my (four legged) girls with a caption "We love you John." He was kind enough to sign the back of my shirt, and my dalmatian purse (previously signed by another great dog lover and author, Richard Simmons). I can't wait for Mr. Grogans next book as well as his next stop here. It's especially neat for me because Mr. Grogan is from my state, and was born the same year as I (1957) What a great year!!!! Wish you many more years of success and happiness!!!!!!!!!!!!
A story from Me about Max charlie fawnzie and boots posted 11/05/2009
Max is Wierd yet mean if you scream in front of him he bites you and it hurts haha but we all grow to love him except my cousin she hates him cuz he bite her cuz she was being mean to him. Charlie is my baby he is a lover not a fighter he eats pinyons it is really cute i call him charles he is really skinny cuz he doesnt eat that much Fawnzie is mean like max he learns to fight and is mean to his brother and he is fat haha but cute.. boots is annoying cuz she jumps on you and she gets in alot of fights she is really tiny..she is my brothers dog... All dogs are crazy when we leave the house they follow us up to the road and almost get hit but they don't care they learned it from boots haha oh well they follow us everywhere even to the big rocks near the water.. there hard core desert doggs....
A story from kate about my new dog posted 11/06/2009
hello, its me again! i know the last time i posted a story, i talked about my poor dog Jazz, but we have daisy, i am 10 years of age. We heard that there where some free springer spaniels. we went to go see them and i saw one, in the very corner, looking sad and lonley, and i looked in to its little eyes and we just clicked. when she saw me, she got up and ran over to me. i picked her up and told my dad that this dog and i clicked. my dad thought about it, and said "sure, but im not cleaning up the poo!" i know thats kinda gross, but still! I named our new dog Jazzy, because she wags her tail so much, it reminds me of "The Marley Mombo" so i named her Jazzy! i love her sooo much!
A story from Milena (from Brasil) about Honor (in portuguese) posted 11/07/2009
A story from Tracy Clarke about Bonnie and me posted 11/08/2009
When i first picked up a copy of marley and me, i was struggling. I'd got a 18 month old basset hound called Bonnie, who I adored but she was destroying my home, not by chewing as Marley did, but by using the other end if you know what I mean! I didn't know what to do with her. But as I read your book it touched me as no book ever as before. By the end i couldn't read it for the tears! But it made me realise a few things. Whats a ruined carpet or 2 compared to the unconditional love you recieve from your dog! How stupid was i?!
I've care less about my carpets and more about my dog now, and surprise surprise, she's started to behave better! And the most valuable lesson i've learnt? I tell her she's a great dog every single day! Thank you for making me appreciate how blessed I am! And for writing the best book I've ever read!
Tracy xxx
A story from Marie-Claude Therrien about Eli, 3ans et demi posted 11/08/2009
A story from geetika about my dogs and me posted 11/09/2009
dear mr.grogan. my family has been blessed with the love of dogs. all four of us love dogs. BROWNNIE (spitz-pom) was the super star of our life. my father found god in him, mom found a child. a soul mate for me and my brother.as children we had lots of dogs but were too young to understand the connections. but later when brown(his short name) came , everything changed.he was the main thing in our lives. brown gave us the strength to overcome all the downs of life. he was naughty but nothing mattered. in the later years (10 yrs.) i felt he talked to us all the time.we knew what he said. it could be magic, a connection or our imagination.bitting had become his habit but that did not stop us from loving him.i got married and went away(indian tradition), knowing the distance could not do any harm to us. he would jump in joy when i came for a visit and sat in my suitcase as i packed to go back. brownnie was struggling for life when i visited in dec'08. he did not move around too much. stopped responding to our calls. it was tough for me to leave him,but i had to go back. that day brown made a move and licked me on my face keeping one paw on my chest. i knew what he was telling me, to take good care of dad and mom. we all knew what was coming. but were we prepared for it. "yes" we were.i cried almost all 6 hrs. of my journey back home. next day mom called and i knew the time came. i picked up the phone. i heard her sobbing. the message was understood. we lost him after a long illness of 4 months. dec'08 we put him in the front yard of our house. the next time i visited my family, it was not the same. we all had tears in our eyes almost all the time. my brother was married. he moved to mumbai. there was too much empty space in dad n mom's lives. the only question i asked them was " how will you both live without smiling?" i went to brown's grave and asked if should leave them sad like this. the answer was in my head immediately. did brown answer me? he did. i believe that. it was then me and my husband decided to get a companion for my family. a month after brown went away, one month old boozo (dalmation) was trying to make place in our hearts with all his sweet acts. a soft furball running all around. happiness filled in the air. it was all about boozo now. he made us smile. now he is one year old and this is mysecond visit with him jumping around me. we miss brownnie but i also thank him for making me get boozo in our lives. this was my story as for your book. it opened the door of understanding human emotions for their dog. no matter what it takes, only a loving dog can give true happiness to their master. your book has changed not only my views for my naughty dog but also for my life. being positive about everything is the lesson you'v taught me. thank you
A story from mary about Auggie posted 11/10/2009
My dogs name was August Wellington Smith...but don't let that sophisticated sounding name fool you. He was Auggie a black lab who would when talking about him or calling him was followed by Auggie (bad,little doggie). I too thought of writting about him in a children's story but you John, beat me to the punch! I thought that when Auggie opened up the refrigerator not once but twice and emptied it out on the kitchen floor I was alone in my desperation but looking briefly over this I see Auggie wasn't the only one to raid the frig. We are all members in the club of they were sooo bad but they were sooo good and we would take them back in a second if we could. I will never live the rest of my life without a dog in my home. The love, loyalty, companionship, and the connection is on such a spiritual level really, you know there's a God cause he gave us dogs. I won't go on about some of the experiences I had with Auggie on this site you've all been there but you book was lovely and touching and true. I am happy for your success and will enjoy reading these stories to bring back memories of Auggie and smile. I have a golden retriever now too good to be too not an ounce of trouble!
A story from rick phillips md about my brain tumor and my beagles posted 11/11/2009
John, It,s been 6 months of really tough sledding. Your book and ny two beagles have madw it a little easier. Thanks, Rick Phillips
A story from rick phillips md about my brain tumor and my beagles posted 11/11/2009
John, It,s been 6 months of really tough sledding. Your book and my two beagles have made it a little easier. Thanks, Rick Phillips
A story from Idelisa Torres about Love at First Sight posted 11/11/2009
Mr Grogran
Thank you soooo much for writing Marley and Me. Your stories were funny, touching, and memorable. We wanted a lab after reading about Marley.
My family and I were looking into getting a puppy. We went online and saw Molly, a beautiful black lab who was being fostered in TN. We fell in love with her right away. The day we picked up Molly she had a massive accident in the backseat, she was so scared that she would get in trouble that all we could do was hug her and kiss her...of course I was left in charge of cleaning up. We've only had Molly for 2 weeks but the love that I have for her is too much for words. As I write this she is sleeping next to me snoring so softly, I look forward to hearing that sound for a very long time.
Thank you Idelisa Torres (CT)
A story from Harriette Gibbard Thompson about Thanks posted 11/13/2009
Hi there,
Even though we don't own a dog, we have a cat that is the Marley of the feline world! She destroys things, hangs upside down off curtains, attacks your feet in the middle of the night and hunts out my favourite clothes just to pee on!!!! Two months ago I suffered a misscarriage at 21 weeks of pregnancy and when I returned home, my psycho cat (lolo) made me smile for the first time in a long time. Two days later we decided to watch the Marley and Me film. I have to admit it was difficult for me to watch, when the part where your wife suffers a miscarriage, but the way Marley is there at the right time, made my heart ache as I recognised that my cat Lolo had done the same thing for me when I came home. Even though there are tiems when I could happily launch Lolo into a bin, especially when she has dragged the ornaments off the dresser for the umptenth time, the smiles she gives me and the laughs we have at her make my day. We do have two cats in fact and the older cat (Minnie) does tend to sit around with an exhasperated look on her face when Lolo comes sprinting past, uses her as a makeshift trampoline and launches herself to the top of the curtains....again. I realise that this is the only cat story amongst all of the dog stories on here but I couldnt resist sending it in! I cant wait to read the book but it has in fact sold out in all of Gibraltar - it maybe a small country but it is a country non the less!!!!
Hetty
A story from Tyler about My dog Muffet posted 11/14/2009
Mr. Grogan, My name is Tyler and i love the book that you wrote about Marley. I have a puppy named Muffet and she looks excatly like Marley and behave like him a lot. I love to write and I have all these journals in my bookcases of every kind. One is about all the hilarious moments I can recall about muffet. It is called 'The Muffet Book'. Keep writing, say hi to Gracie for me.
Your fan,
Tyler
A story from Ken Kessner about My dog Ranger posted 11/14/2009
Mr. Grogan
As I read Marley & Me for the second time, I felt compelled to write. It is a wonderful book, as is The Longest Trip Home. You and I have very similar backgrounds.
I had an incredible Golden Retriever, Ranger, who died on 7/17/09. Sadly, I am a pilot & was across the country at a training event and could not be with him. I know his kennel staff and docs helped him go, but not being there will always be bother me.
Your book makes me laugh out loud as you share the stories about Marley, and cry as his time ended. You paint a wonderful picture about the gift our dogs are to us. Because of my work, I cannot bring another dog into my life at this point. But I will read Marley & Me and look forward to my retirement when I can find another Golden or Lab as wonderful as my pal Ranger.
Thanks again!
A story from Frank santiago about Your book the longest trip home posted 11/14/2009
John- I could not put this book down- I is now one of my favorites, along with Marley and Me- I am the same age as you and went to catholic school as well and pretty much you have told the story of my youth with this book- All the experiences with the nuns are the same as mine- If we ever met we would surely become friends and have a lot to talk about- I hope you write another book- You have got a fan for life.
A story from Karen about Thompson posted 11/15/2009
"Marley & Me" came out in paperback right about the time my Golden Retriever, Rex, passed away. Like Marley, he was overly large for his breed, and like Marley, he ate EVERYTHING in sight - pillows, comforters, etc. He once ate an entire hand-made rug in one afternoon. Over the years he mellowed, but he never lost that playful puppiness we loved so much.
I couldn't bring myself to read your book, because even the pictures opened the wound on my heart and I'd be in a funk of missing him for days. Finally this weekend I did it - I started reading and couldn't put it down. I laughed when you mentioned the "tumbleweeds" of fur, because that's what we called them, too. Your description of Marley's facial expressions brought back warm memories of Rex's wonderfully expressive face. The way you described Marley's last months and days - the hamburger & rice, helping him walk up and down the steps, sleeping on the floor with him when the stairs were out of the question, and ultimately, the decision to give him a peaceful and dignified passing into the meadow of rabbits - was all so familiar to me. My heart ached when you told how the vet had to give him more than one shot to stop his heart because he was such a big dog; Rex needed three.
Throughout the entire book I laughed with good memories, I cringed at the damage, and I sympathized when Jenny said he had to go (my husband said much the same thing to me). I cried uncontrollably through the last few chapters (and I'm crying now)...but now I'm able to look at Rex's passing differently. I still miss him more than I ever thought possible, but now I'm able to recall the good times without being sad. I'm so thankful for the time he had with us, and all he taught us about life. And I'm thankful to you, Mr. Grogan, for telling the story of Marley...and you!
A story from mary about marley posted 11/15/2009
i love the book marley and me and am currently reading it for the ten-thousandth time. no matter how many times i read it, i cry at the end. i wish i had a dog of my own so bad. id get a yellow lab ;) m fav breed is a pit bull. they are the sweetest when taught 2 b good. more people lately have been teaching them 2 b bad, so no one likes them. help support pi bulls won't you?
A story from helen from Canada about Lucy posted 11/15/2009
We recently lost the most wonderful being in the world, our black Lab Lucy. She was only 11 years old. She was hardly ever sick a day in her life but on Hallowe'en night (she loved the children and they loved her)she suffered severe seizures one after the other. We rushed her to the vet hospital where her bloodwork did not detect a thing. After being sedated and made comfortable through the night are family surrounded her in the morning. The vet basically asked us to give her mercy. I had never had a dog as a child and at the age of 49, I cannot handle this profound loss. I have not felt pain like this for even people that I loved. How do cope with it?
A story from Subathira Devi about Daisy & Teddy posted 11/15/2009
I read your book
A story from Jim Doyle about The Longest Trip Home posted 11/16/2009
I just needed to say how much I enjoyed your memoir. While I grew on the eastside of Det.(City Airport), I also went to catholic schools. Your story of your first confession was GREAT. And your stuggles with religion as an adult sounded so familar. Thanks
A story from Allison about Marley and My dog!! posted 11/17/2009
Hi John! My name is Allison and I read your bood Marley and me! I laughed at the part where Marley dragged the toilet paper around the house! When I read the part where Marley got put down I cried! And I thought about my dog Babybear! He is a Beagle Yellow Lab Black Lab mix! He is a great dog! I love him soooo much! I also saw the movie Marley and me! I cried at that too! OK I admit I read Marley A dog like no other first! I liked it so much that I asked for it for Chirstmas but I got the book Marley and Me! I am reading it right now! I guess by reading this you can tell that I am a dog lover and that I am young (as in still in school!). This is my FAVORITE book! Just when I read the book and saw the movie I thought about my dog and how I would feel if that happened to my dog! I would be all beside myself because my dog is like my best friend! I trained my dog too! We can't take him out because he's not so good in pupblic! I want to take him to the Dog Walk the Animal Shelter has! I can't! Anyway thanks for the great books about Marley! They make me laugh! Allison and Babybear!
A story from Kristan,age 12 about Marley posted 11/17/2009
My aunt's dog was very sick for a while, sometimes he coouldn't stand then he could get up and run around but some time between nov 1-8 while i was in Florida (disney world)My aunt had to put chico down. he was only 11 and my cousin's had him since they wer like 10. he was very healthy but he he had a tumor in his spleen (I think)and it turns out that is very comun for dogs. I MISS HIM!!!!
During MarleyÂŽs life span I also had a black labrador, doing the same kind of tricky moves. But two situations are stuck in my mind: on a warm summerÂŽs day, unguarded, he opened the patio door and tripped 500 meters, up and down steep flights of steps, to the marina, continued out on the boat ramp and jumped into the sea. We missed him and gathered a search party, but after a half hour he came back, all wet, shaking off the excess water all over us and strutted onto the patio and went into a shady corner of the patio and fell asleep. The other incident: he wanted to follow me to work, I guess, and I never brought him to work and thereby showing him the way before, but this day, an hour after me he sneaked out of the house, walked 1000 yards to the ferry, got onboard and traveled across the bay to town, stepped off the ferry and ran aimelessly around town until two teenage girls took care of him and handed him in at the police station, department for stolen goods. Zeppo, the dog, had a numbered tag around his neck but before they could reach me he managed to gobble up (without permission)all the cookies the policemen had bought to be devoured by them during their coffe break. A neighbor of mine left the dog at our house two hours later.
A story from Johna about marley eddy posted 11/18/2009
i have a dog marley and eddy he died in HOUSE FIRE marley ran away they were really goog dogs i miss them
A story from Robyn Watkins about My boy Bill posted 11/19/2009
Having recently lost my lovely Lab Billy, who died whilst I was overseas, I immediately bonded with Marley.
The last scenes were extremely moving for me, having just dealt with this situation.
Billy was my best friend and I will miss him forever.
A story from Joe Fitzpatrick about Marley posted 11/19/2009
I just finished reading Marley and Me.What a great book.My three year old lab Dakota and I are best friends and I totally connected with this story.He has epilepsy but is getting treated and is doing pretty well.Thank you for a great book on family,friendships,and the love of a pet who is also a family member
A story from melanie about motsie posted 11/19/2009
my dog motsie got out over 3 years ago and your story helped me a lot to get over it but keep marley in my heart forever. also your story helped me believe in old dogs because my dog princess is 70-years-old and we were thinking of putting her down. happily we didn't, i still believed in her before i read your book but because of your little trooper,marley, i think she will make it. Thank You
A story from vicki about Nickerson-McArtor posted 11/20/2009
Hi , I have lots of dog stories but i'm not going that way..I am from Michigan also and my Aunt married a Grogan many many yrs ago and although I new the name of the man she married I hadnt seen any of that side of the family since I was a little girl. We moved out of state. Anyway my mother in law got me interested in genealogy and I got curious one day and went online.. well to my amazement the first post I placed netted me a whole new side of the family. I was flabbergasted that the answer was from my aunts grandson! Anyway I was wondering of your line of Grogans being from Mich. and all. We have A John Grogan in the family tree who was a Doctor if I remember right. Shoot who knows we could be family..Please stay safe in your travels and keep writing the excellent things write. Thanks.. vicki
A story from Ted Bonar about Marley and Our Book Club posted 11/20/2009
Dear John,
I coordinate recreation and education programs for adults with disabilities in Calgary Alberta Canada. Of the 11 programs I oversee, I introduced a new one this time...a book club, and my selection to read aloud to participants was Marley and Me. Today we finished the last pages as we read the book for ten weeks, one hour each day, our small group thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with Marley and your family. Although our group, was small, I truly believe that your book provided a learning opportunity and taught us all life lessons to take away with as we wrapped up for the season.
A story from dakota about ford thunderbirds posted 11/23/2009
ford thunderbirds are fast they leave others in the dust
A story from dakota about ford thunderbirds posted 11/23/2009
they are amillion of them in the usa they are the most rear cars in the world now today in2009 today they cost alotof money
A story from dakota about ford thunderbirds posted 11/23/2009
they are amillion of them in the usa they are the most rear cars in the world now today in2009 today they cost alotof money now to you jon grogen
A story from Bev Hall about letter to the author posted 11/23/2009
Dear Mr. Grogan: I just watched the movie Marley & Me and I just wanted to tell you what a great story Marley shaped in the life of your family. I haven't read the book yet, but I most definitely plan on it. Also, I was viewing your Q&A and just wanted to say that I saw that you 'were deeply moved' by Alice Sebold's "The Lovely Bones" and just wanted to say that I was as well and am glad that other people who write literature can appreciate other good literature, as well. Thank you for sharing Marley's story with the world, Bev Hall --by the way, i have a 3 month old dalmatian and trust me, I understand your hardships with Marley. I couldn't stop laughing at the movie because I can relate- trust me.
A story from Bev Hall about letter to the author posted 11/23/2009
Dear Mr. Grogan: I just watched the movie Marley & Me and I just wanted to tell you what a great story Marley shaped in the life of your family. I haven't read the book yet, but I most definitely plan on it. Also, I was viewing your Q&A and just wanted to say that I saw that you 'were deeply moved' by Alice Sebold's "The Lovely Bones" and just wanted to say that I was as well and am glad that other people who write literature can appreciate other good literature, as well. Thank you for sharing Marley's story with the world, Bev Hall --by the way, i have a 3 month old dalmatian and trust me, I understand your hardships with Marley. I couldn't stop laughing at the movie because I can relate- trust me.
A story from P.Mohandas Mrnon about Tango the reincarnation of Marley posted 11/25/2009
Dear John and all others reading this , Born April 2nd 2008 Tango is the 3rd born of Roxy and Rover gifted to us through a freind who is a Vet Came into our lives on the 4rd of May strangely when we went to chose the pup we were shown 4 male pups and this chap looked at my wife Sujatha and put his paw in the air as if to say please choose me I,m the one for your home . This changed our lves at home cushions were torn up sofas were scratched strangely we never felt that he was doing something wrong .The most hilarious experience though frightening was when he spilled a red powder that hindu temples offer to us when we go there for worship. It was a saturday afternoon and I was in the snooze mode when my wife suddenly woke me up and said Tango is very quiet just check up when I went and opened the door there was this half red and half Fawn monster staring at me sitting on his wicker basket everything around him was red powder out of fear for his health we called the vet who put our fears to rest by merely telling us to give him a wash and some warm milk that was just the beginning of his drama well later soaps and shampoos have gone in and he has puked all night if Mahatma Ganghi made cloth from thread Tango converted cloth to thread in spite of all this we love him he has a lovely Kennel and he loves us his relationships are all clear I am his alphs Leader , My wife sujatha has to play with him and occasionally give him some snacks My son Sam is his best freind I would like to post more pictures of him in this site. Mohandas Menon Bangalore
A story from Gena & Ella Bennett about My 3 year old loves this movie posted 11/25/2009
My daughter Ella has not once sat down and watched a single cartoon. She has not sat through a movie either. Until her father rented her the movie, "Marley & Me". She watches it at least 3 times every day. She has the lines memorized. She cries when we have to turn it off. She has to take it everywhere with her, just in case there is a free moment she can turn it on the TV. I just wanted to thank you so much for writing an amazing story that has came to life which she loves!
A story from Isa Barini about Marley 's story posted 11/26/2009
Mr Gogan, here is my Solo since January 31 st.His grave on the desert wher I had taken him with m...His dad was awild street dog, but the sweetest with me...Only problem too protective and wild..His son opposite sweet and loving.Missing the first was horrible., but his son gave me the love I needed.When he had to be put to sleep because the local vets did not know how to cure him, his hearth was still beating after 30 minutes, and me beside him singing his favorite Italian songs.He did not suffer, but was not ready to go. since than my life did not make sense..Now somebody gave me your book, and for the first time I was laughing so much I had to stop reading on a plane 'cause everybody was looking at me.The end was tears and feeling the pain again.But to have had somebody like you, sharing and being strong.made me also feel better. Sorry for my broken English.hope you understand anyway why I THANK YOU!
A story from Isa Barini about Marley 's story posted 11/26/2009
My Solo left me on 31 January.Since than my life was miserable..., now Marley did the miracle, I was laughing so much in the plane, that had to stop' cause people were looking at me strangely! Solo s dad was a street dog and was sestroying the house, biting anybody coming near to me.His son was the sweetest boy one can imagine.Like Marley following me every step even in the toilet. I miss him and when I had to put him to sleep, his heart did not want to stop..Imagine 35 minutes singing to him his favorite Italian songs..Now, after reading the book and watching the movie, I feel that I am not alone..Hus grave is in the desert but next time I go to him it will be less sad. Thank you Mr Grogan, thank you Marley!
A story from mark about coco my half bread posted 11/26/2009
hi there i read your book marly and me then went out and bought the movie i have a story i have a 15 year old chocolate lab mix about 12 year ago i was down at my mom and step dads working on my truck and my mom was setting about 10 feet away from where i was working coco got up walked over put his paws up on moms lap then up on her sholders and started kiss ing on her when my mom said that she was ok he got down came over to me a nuged me i got talking to my mo and come to find out it was the day that her brother died back in 1969 i aplane crash the day after my mom and dad got married whell hedid the same thing to me back in may of this year after i got home from work after finding out that my mom had passed away earlyer that day but dont get me wrong there has been pleant on time that i just wanted to choke him i now the time is comeing that i will have to put him down i just got to bring my self to do it
A story from andy mandjikov about my lucky dog posted 11/27/2009
i made a meat loaf for dinner one night. there was more than 3/4 of it left after dinner and i left it in the pan on the back burners of the range. i went in to the bedroom for a while and read, and later came out to get something to drink and looked on the range and no meatloaf. the pan was there undisturbed but no loaf. i asked my girlfriend if she had put it away and she said she never touched it. so i looked around and there was lucky, my 3 year old yellow lab acting guilty in the corner. i went over to him and he licked my face and viola! meat loaf breath! what a dog! for years we fought the battle of the kitchen trash. i would go to work or out and when we got home the trash would be all over the kitchen. finally i gave up, after punishing him soooo many times. he felt that whatever was in the kitchen garbage was worth the punishment. so when i left the house i always put the kitchen trash bin up on the counter. he won! boy i loved that dog! i got him in 1988 he was 1 1/2 years old and he died in july 2000 at almost 14. i miss him but i have a chocolate lab now named bonnie, a corgi named cisco and a red heeler name rocky.
A story from Julia about your an amazing author posted 11/28/2009
omg... i absolutely love the book marley and me... i didnt get to read it for a long time tho because the book was on hold and your new book i dont think our library has yet... when they do get it i will for sure b first in line to read it... your an amazin author!!!! -julia
A story from Kathy about Dogs posted 11/28/2009
My 4 children begged us for a dog for years but my husband was highly allergic. A couple of years ago he suffered a cardiac arrest and moderate brain damage. He was severely depressed so to cheer him up I took him to the local park for walks. It was there that we discovered that the cardiac arrest had one positive side effect. He was no longer allergic to dogs!! We thought long and hard and probably not hard enough but my son fell in love with an english mastiff puppy and vice versa. Even the breeder said those two chose each other and even though others were interested in him the dog belonged to us. We took him home, named him Murphy and watched him grow from 20 pounds at 8 weeks to 168 at 12 months. He was instrumental in helping my hubby recover from brain damage. Murph followed him around, coaxed him into playing with a rugby ball, the only toy he could not destroy and made him laugh at his goofy fears of paper bags, umbrellas and other things you would not think a mastiff would be in fear off. He drools enough to fill a swimming pool and snores louder than a 300 lb linebacker but I would not trade him for the world. He gave my hubby his life back. Thank you very much for Marley and Me. We loved it. It made us appreciate our own dog very much.
A story from Amy Milton about Our Story posted 11/28/2009
Our story is somewhat similar to yours. We got married, settled into our careers and decided to get a puppy. My husband and I both knew that a lab was the right dog for us. We knew that they would be loyal, good with kids and somewhat easy to train. Little did we know that the day we picked up our Savannah that she would be one of the best decisions we would ever make besides having kids. From the moment we found out she was born on our wedding anniversary we knew that she was a special dog. Of course, I broke the cardinal rule of making sure that dog knew that I was the "big dog". She was sleeping in our bed after 3 sleepless nights and she was there until her final day. Savannah was not only the family dog, she was our first baby. She taught us how to be parents to our 3 girls. She also showed me what unconditional love is. No matter how bad of day I had she would be right there for me with a "smile". There are alot of people that do not understand how or why people get attached to their pets, but I for one do. We recently had to put our girl down. She was with us for 9 1/2 yrs. It was the hardest decision we ever had to make however we wanted to remember her at as that cute puppy that we brought home 9 yrs ago. When we explained to our girls (ages 9,7, and 5) what was happening and they understood and were sad. My oldest said to us that the reason she understood and knew it was going to be okay was because she saw Marley & Me. I am sure you have heard that numerous (thousands) times, but it truly it helped make it easier for our kids. So thank you very much for sharing your story with us and know it has helped one Michigan family get through a sad time.
A story from Donna Retheford about Our Marley posted 11/30/2009
Eleven years ago we visited a local bird breeder where my son chose a little 2 week-old cockatiel and immediately named him Marley. We visited weekly so they could bond and Marley came to our home on Christmas Day 1998. Marley became human to all of us but most importantly, he became Alex's brother, best friend, and guardian. He has followed him everywhere, slept at the foot of his bed many nights, played games and given lots of love.
Alex left for college this past August and Marley has gotten me thru the empty nest syndrome. This morning, 11/29, he flew into my room, talked to me and kissed me, took a little nap beside me, and then we got up. While I got ready to go out, Marley went into his cage. About an hour later, as we were leaving the house, I went to tell him goodbye like always and was surprised to see him panting and shaking. After a quick call to the avian vet in San Francisco (20 miles away) we rushed out. I called my son, Alex, and he talked to Marley - Marley attentively listened to him while continuing the same symptoms. I took him out of the cage and he sat against my heart while I petted and soothed him. Sadly, my baby boy passed away in my hand just as we pulled up to the vet's office.
Our loss is no greater than anyone else who has lost their beloved pet, but we are heart-broken over the passing of our son/brother. He greeted us each day with a "hi what cha doin?" or "hi baby", he told us we were "so beautiful" and "Marley's a pretty boy" or "a good boy", he played peek-a-boo with us or by himself if we didn't jump when he said "play peek-a-boo", and he kissed and loved us deeply.
Thank God we were with our Mar-mar at the end. We were blessed with this little baby for 11 wonderful years and will treasure our Marley memories forever.
A story from Paula and Sherri about about signing in pa posted 11/30/2009
Dear John, here is a new addition to our family. the st. bernard dog is named Bailie and little yellow lab named is Dallas. I would like to know when are going to have a book signing in Bethlhem pa again? I had missed when you were at the movain book store. here is my email address lala200102@yahoo.com. my girlfriend is your biggest fan of yours. she is currently reading your new book the longest trip home. thanks again.
A story from R.L Arocha about Saqqara (Mama Girl) posted 11/30/2009
First, the picture of Saqqara (pronounced Sa-car-raw) was taken by my roommate moments before the Vet came out to put her to sleep.
How my roommate and I aquired Saqqara was accidental. We were over at Harold's(thats my roommate)brothers home next door when we heard the yelping of an animal underneath his brothers mobile home. We could tell it was a young puppy and we looked all over the underneath looking for the dog but just couldnt see her.
Just when we were about to give up and leave we heard the most desperate cry I have ever heard an animal make. It was loud and we just couldn't leave until we found the puppy.
About an hour passed before we finally found where the sound was coming from. It was coming from a hole underneath the mobile home.
Where we live it is very rural. No paved roads, have to have satellite tv in order to have some kinda of programs to watch, no city water had to have a well and pump. We also have a plethora of all types of snakes. So when we found where the sound was coming from, first thing we thought about is "there's a copper head in there", but we couldn't just leave it down there.
Harold as fast as he could crammed his arm into the hole and a few seconds later there was a tan and white dirty puppy in harolds hand. She was no more then 4 weeks old and we found out from his brother later he knew she was in the hole, but he left her there cause he couldnt be bothered about it. His german sheppard and one of the neighbors half wolf were the parents of the tiny little puppy...
I always believed in giving animals either unique or human names. When came to naming her I had selected Saqqara because first it was egyption and second it just sounded cool. The thing I didnt tell Harold at the time was that the name Saqqara was actually a cemetary outside of Ciaro.
Although Saqqara was part german sheppard and part wolf, she had a unigue personality that went along with her interesting name. And in certain situations you could see the wolf come out in her when she was running or something had her upset. And though she was just a medium size dog, she had all the strength of a huge dog.
Saqqara lived with me and my roommate for 14 years. She survived two fires that destroyed my mobile homes, she like Marley hated thunderstorms. I had never seen and animal so scared that she either would go hide under the bed or climb up either on my lap or harolds lap shaking uncontolably.
She never had any real constant mishappenings, tho she had unusual habits. She would get in the bathroom trash and eat Q-tips. She never begged for human food. What she would do is just sit down right infront of you and stare at you and watch you lift the fork from the plate to your mouth. The way she would look at you was like a small child who was in awe of everything around it. She also had a sweet tooth and too many times did I leave twizlers and Mike and Ikes sitting around and they would disappear constantly. She loved to play also, either chasing something you throw or wrestling with her and she would get all wolfy like cause she wasnt going to let you win.
The day Saqqara was put to sleep she had full blown diabetes, she was having bowl movement problems and we had to give her soft food with fiber in it and in the last couple weeks of her life she had gone blind in both eyes. Even with all of that, she continued her ritual of sleeping under my bed and making her way to harolds room where she would wait for me to pick her up and set her down on his bed. Harold had set his bed up so that one side of it was against the wall so that Saqqara could be up there and not fall off the bed.
Putting Saqqara to sleep was the correct choice but was the hardest and saddest thing I have ever had to do. The Vet was kind enough to come out the SUV to give her the shot instead of having us hurting her carrying her in. So there I sat next to Saqqara, patting her and telling her what a great dog she was and how sorry I was this has to happen. I kept calling her Mama Girl because she would respond to that also. I was crying and I wasnt going to let anyone take that away from me. My roommate had to walk away because he was crying also and the vet assitant had to go back in the clinic because she had tears in her eyes.
As the fluid was slowly administered she slowly laid her down and a minute later the Vet said that was it, she was gone. He also said how sorry he was.
Wrapping Saqqara up in her favorite blankit we covered her up and quietly drove home with our Mama Girl forever sleeping the sleep of angels.
We buried her underneath a bunch of trees so that she would always be in the shade. It was also a spot she liked to go and roll over and over on.
Its been a little over a year since she has been gone, and yet I still think about her. The movie Marley and Me I enjoy watching but the ending is very hard for me to watch without shedding some tears.
As I write this beside me is Paco, who is 5 years old and my cat Gypsy of 17 years and acts like she is only 2 years old. But I know one day I am going to have to make that choice again and I am sure it will be hard also.
I hope Saqqara enjoyed life as much and me and my roommate enjoyed having her. And if there is anything like a heaven for dogs. I would like to think Saqqara is up there running around like she did when she was younger. Where there are plenty of twizlers and Mike and Ikes.
A story from R.L Arocha about Saqqara (Mama Girl) posted 11/30/2009
First, the picture of Saqqara (pronounced Sa-car-raw) was taken by my roommate moments before the Vet came out to put her to sleep.
How my roommate and I aquired Saqqara was accidental. We were over at Harold's(thats my roommate)brothers home next door when we heard the yelping of an animal underneath his brothers mobile home. We could tell it was a young puppy and we looked all over the underneath looking for the dog but just couldnt see her.
Just when we were about to give up and leave we heard the most desperate cry I have ever heard an animal make. It was loud and we just couldn't leave until we found the puppy.
About an hour passed before we finally found where the sound was coming from. It was coming from a hole underneath the mobile home.
Where we live it is very rural. No paved roads, have to have satellite tv in order to have some kinda of programs to watch, no city water had to have a well and pump. We also have a plethora of all types of snakes. So when we found where the sound was coming from, first thing we thought about is "there's a copper head in there", but we couldn't just leave it down there.
Harold as fast as he could crammed his arm into the hole and a few seconds later there was a tan and white dirty puppy in harolds hand. She was no more then 4 weeks old and we found out from his brother later he knew she was in the hole, but he left her there cause he couldnt be bothered about it. His german sheppard and one of the neighbors half wolf were the parents of the tiny little puppy...
I always believed in giving animals either unique or human names. When came to naming her I had selected Saqqara because first it was egyption and second it just sounded cool. The thing I didnt tell Harold at the time was that the name Saqqara was actually a cemetary outside of Ciaro.
Although Saqqara was part german sheppard and part wolf, she had a unigue personality that went along with her interesting name. And in certain situations you could see the wolf come out in her when she was running or something had her upset. And though she was just a medium size dog, she had all the strength of a huge dog.
Saqqara lived with me and my roommate for 14 years. She survived two fires that destroyed my mobile homes, she like Marley hated thunderstorms. I had never seen and animal so scared that she either would go hide under the bed or climb up either on my lap or harolds lap shaking uncontolably.
She never had any real constant mishappenings, tho she had unusual habits. She would get in the bathroom trash and eat Q-tips. She never begged for human food. What she would do is just sit down right infront of you and stare at you and watch you lift the fork from the plate to your mouth. The way she would look at you was like a small child who was in awe of everything around it. She also had a sweet tooth and too many times did I leave twizlers and Mike and Ikes sitting around and they would disappear constantly. She loved to play also, either chasing something you throw or wrestling with her and she would get all wolfy like cause she wasnt going to let you win.
The day Saqqara was put to sleep she had full blown diabetes, she was having bowl movement problems and we had to give her soft food with fiber in it and in the last couple weeks of her life she had gone blind in both eyes. Even with all of that, she continued her ritual of sleeping under my bed and making her way to harolds room where she would wait for me to pick her up and set her down on his bed. Harold had set his bed up so that one side of it was against the wall so that Saqqara could be up there and not fall off the bed.
Putting Saqqara to sleep was the correct choice but was the hardest and saddest thing I have ever had to do. The Vet was kind enough to come out the SUV to give her the shot instead of having us hurting her carrying her in. So there I sat next to Saqqara, patting her and telling her what a great dog she was and how sorry I was this has to happen. I kept calling her Mama Girl because she would respond to that also. I was crying and I wasnt going to let anyone take that away from me. My roommate had to walk away because he was crying also and the vet assitant had to go back in the clinic because she had tears in her eyes.
As the fluid was slowly administered she slowly laid her down and a minute later the Vet said that was it, she was gone. He also said how sorry he was.
Wrapping Saqqara up in her favorite blankit we covered her up and quietly drove home with our Mama Girl forever sleeping the sleep of angels.
We buried her underneath a bunch of trees so that she would always be in the shade. It was also a spot she liked to go and roll over and over on.
Its been a little over a year since she has been gone, and yet I still think about her. The movie Marley and Me I enjoy watching but the ending is very hard for me to watch without shedding some tears.
As I write this beside me is Paco, who is 5 years old and my cat Gypsy of 17 years and acts like she is only 2 years old. But I know one day I am going to have to make that choice again and I am sure it will be hard also.
I hope Saqqara enjoyed life as much and me and my roommate enjoyed having her. And if there is anything like a heaven for dogs. I would like to think Saqqara is up there running around like she did when she was younger. Where there are plenty of twizlers and Mike and Ikes.
As much as it hurts to lose her, I would do it all over again if I could. She made it easy to love her...
A story from Philip Hamilton about Reading Marley&Me posted 12/01/2009
I was deeply touched by the book's honesty and connection to any and every dog owner. My dog Kujo, a mix Husky & German Shepard, is entering his senior dog years(he will be nine in May2010) and I was really sad and touched by Marley's senior years. I know soon enough, Kujo will go to the big meadow in the sky...
My memories of Kujo are always great, even if at the time some of them where frustrating...I even threaten him a few times with sending him to the "glue factory". I never really meant it. And actually most time he showed remorse for his actions. But those memories always put a smile on my face & I cherish them.
I also realized from reading your book that Kujo is not the "Worse dog in the world" actually he is disciplined like a marine compared to Marley(and others that sent you there stories)! You also made me recognized that Kujo has taught me a life lesson: Be awed by the simplicity of life, show your loved ones that you love them every day. Take life one treat at a time.
3 things keeps him apart from others: He loves to "butt in" on a Kiss, Hug or a tug of war most of the time by humping us or even just humping empty air(I can't seem to correct it and my wife actually encouraged him to do it with the "dance" command) . Howls at the train whistle when the train is going through the village like he is trying to sing a long. He loves to play with his squeaky toys, and he has his "cow"(knows the word) that he had since he was a puppy. It's a destroyed toy but he cherishes it like no other.
So kujo is showing signs of aging, but like Marley did still has the puppy fire so I think he might have still a few years in him. I am quite sure that the day he does not great me with a parade and fanfare, that he won't be excited by the little things he will be ready for the journey to the Meadow in the sky.
A story from Kate Anderton about Two Marleys posted 12/03/2009
I have just finished Marley & Me. I have realised I am in the blue haze that Jenny was in.
We have two Golden Retrievers, who chew what ever they can get their paws on, dig at what ever is greenest and steal what ever clothing the can reach of the washing line. They drive me crazy! And lately with my two boys, 8months and 2yrs, I have done nothing but yell and scream at them, and I have banned them from the house.
I had forgotten what they bring to my life, what I can not do with out. Their campionship and loyalty has been unwavering, even while telling them off yesterday for digging a 3 meter trench in our struggling lawn they were looking at me a smiling, wagging their tails. Kira and Oz are amazing with our kids allowing them to crawl over them and pull at their fur, with out even the hint of annoyance let alone aggression. They are amamzing.
I started and finished the book today, and before I was halfway through the book, I reminded myself to not worry about the things they were destroying because what they created in our lives was so much more important. By the time I finished the book they wer laying under my feet after wedging themselves between the couch and coffee table to be as close to me as possible.
I love you Kira and Oz, mummy's sorry.
Thank you John Grogan for reminding me what's important.
Kate
A story from Chrisa Saylor about Bailey posted 12/03/2009
Bailey was a black lab/rottweiler mix and the perfect dog. However, after Reading Marley and Me, I remembered that Bailey did do some of the things that Marley also had done as a puppy. I had to put Bailey down in November, 2009 and it was one of the hardest things I did. He was 13 years old and my best friend, not to mention my children's best friend as well. He was perfect.
Then I watched the movie and cried because Bailey went through the same things as Marley at the end. I couldn't watch him suffer anymore but still miss him terribly. He was a great part of my life and will always be.
Recently, after being tortured by my children, I just got another puppy named Shasta. She is a black lab/golden retriever. I now watch the movie more and realize she is truly Marley. She is so naughty but has already won my heart as well as my children's hearts. I'm sure she will be a great addition as well. I compare her to Marley all of the time.
A story from LeAnn Osborn about Our Knuckle Heads posted 12/04/2009
Dear John, Words cannot possibly describe how much I love and appreciate your book Marley & Me. We had 4-1/2 dogs about a month ago. Rajah, Jake, Ceasar and Ruby.(Rajah, our 16 year old cat is really a dog trapped in a cat suit) They range in age from 11-16. We were dubbed the Geriatric Ward when we made our annual trip to the vet. But on Nov 13th of this year, we lost our beloved Boxer Ceasar to cancer.
To be very honest, I had picked your book up some time ago and put it back down because I had learned that you wrote about Marley's death in your book. I wasn't sure I could even read about someone else's loss of their family member and best friend. But somehow, after I lost my Ceasar of 11 years silly, I picked it up & was determined to push through and face my emotions.
I started grieving in anticipation of "his time" through the process of diagnosing his cancer and doing our best to treat him. I had many cries at night while holding my chastity dog in bed. He laid between me and my hubby every night without fail. I vowed that I would not allow him to suffer needlessly because I didn't have the strength to let go. At the end of one of his appointments, I asked his doctor when I would know it was time to say goodbye and she simply said that when her dog no longer met her at the door, she knew. I followed that advise just two very short days after receiving it. It was one of THE hardest and most surreal days of my life. I've had dogs all my life; however, Ceasar was the first that I raised completely on my own. We had the tightest of bonds. My husband drove while I sat in the backseat of our SUV and I swear Ceasar was holding my hand as he rested his head and front paws in my lap. I was stroking is head and back with one hand while he gripped his paw on to my other hand that was in my lap. It took me 20 minutes to work up the courage just to leave the vehicle with him. We were with him while he quietly passed.
His doctors and staff were very supportive and treated Ceasar as if he'd been their patient for years rather than weeks. We are very fortunate to live 15 minutes from Purdue University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is a luxury to be so close. I would drop Ceasar off in the morning on my way to work and they would keep him for the day. They told me they never had to crate him. He had a blankie on the floor that he would lay on. Back in the day, it was darn near impossible to have him around strange dogs. He was extremely dog-aggressive. He'd get so worked up barking and carrying on while on a walk that he'd have his whole leash soaked with slobber from the biting, dancing and spinning he did when he saw other dogs. It was accompnied by an ear piercing whine/bark that could wake the dead. So embarrassing...In his old age, he mellowed quite nicely.
Reading Marley & Me made me realize what a gift "crazy" really is. Our lab-dalmation mix, Jakey was Ceasar's best friend. Those two knuckel heads would keep us in stitches when they were much younger. One summer day they went out into the river with their leashes on to chase a stick. Ceasar swam out farther and on his way in, he found Jake's leash in the water. He just latched on with his teeth and let Jake tugboat him to shore. My husband always accused Ceasar of being a "Big Dumb Boxer" (said in a Baby Hughie kind of voice), but if you ask me, that was pure genius!
Jake's experiencing the sniffness of Marley's lameness in his hind quarters at this time. He feels more comfortable when we walk behind him on the stairs to make sure he gets up ok. I know that his time is not so far away. And we'll cross that bridge when it comes. I will most likely read Marley & Me again to help me through it.
Thank you for sharing so many details of your life. We all find solice in the fact that we're not alone in the misfortunes that occur and can celebrate our triumphs!
The photo I attached is of our daughter Sydney,2 and Jake,12 playing in the hose this summer. Life with out kids and crazy high-strung dogs would be so boring!
God Bless you and your family!
Keep on keep'n on! LeAnn Osborn Lafayette, IN
A story from Jess about Monte posted 12/05/2009
Last year, I was on this website. I was 12 years old and my dogs stomach flipped. He got a surgery and survived. Today (well, more like 15 minutes ago)I'm pretty sure it flipped again. I had to help him up the stairs because he started sliding backwards. There was a bad snowstorm today and he wants water, but the waters off because of the storm. I went outside, got snow, and put it in a bowl. But the ironic thing is his stomach flipped last year on the first snow. Today was the first snow for us of 2009. Hes such a great dog. I dont know how to let go of him yet. I dont think I can. I hope he is okay, because I'm not sure. I love him so, so much, and I can't imagine life without him. Even though he always begs for food, gets in the way, and chases every squirell he sees, Im not ready to lose my best and favorite doberman, Monte.
A story from Melanie about Picaboo posted 12/06/2009
Picaboo was my best friend. I will keep it brief. He was the craziest, silly dog that ever was. I have a ton of stories that would rival anyone. He gave me joy that could only come from unconditional love. Every minute I had with him was a gift, and wouldn't trade it for the world. Every bad thing he did made me laugh sooner or later. I just wanted to celebrate his life for a few minutes.
A story from Steve about All my freinds Not hear long enough posted 12/07/2009
John, Just thinking of all my freinds not being here as long as us. If I could make it possible I would make a best freind for life one for every person in the world. I read the best explantion somewhere I think it goes like this."Everyone is born so that they can learn how to live a good life-like loving everybody and being nice. Well animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long". God love's them all as much as we do. To all my best friends I'll meet you's at rainbow brige!
A story from Trish about Clio posted 12/07/2009
Dear John and Jenny,
Thank yo so much, both of you, for telling ye're story and allowing for someone like me to read it. Alan, the love of my life and I discovered we were pregnant with our first child earlier this year. We thought we had it all as we had already begun to expand our family with Clio. Clio is our own little demon dog. She is so full of mischief and trouble but she returns our love ten fold. Alan and I recently discovered that we had miscarried our baby and we were and still are completely devastated. Clio, although she is a handful, she was the first one to make me laugh again. She keeps me smiling and brings joy to my life everyday. I had thought that there was no light at the end of the tunnel when Alan reminded me about 'Marley and Me' - how ye went on to have a beautiful family. This brings me so much hope. For now we have Clio but I know someday we will go on and have our own little family.
Thank yo for the hope. Trish.
A story from Chelsea Decker about A loving Rottie posted 12/08/2009
Hello John and Jenny. I am currently in the middle os Marley and Me. I watched the movie awhile ago and bawled my eyes out. The book, is SSOOOO much better! I wanted to tell you a little bit about Tank, my loving Rott. I never wanted a dog with such a bad reputation, ecspecially with our twins. Wouldnt you know though, that this dogs loves the kids unconditionally! On September 2nd my 2 year old son was hit by a car, he was in the hospital for 3 weeks. When we finally got home Tank was extatic o see his family. He sleeps b their door every night now and the tiniest stir from one of my children he comes and gets me. A dogs love is amazing, no matter what you do they ae always there for you. I call him our little stalker because if my husband isnt home the twins and I must e in his constant eye sight ;) Your book reminded me about how lucky a person is to have the love of a dog! Thank you for your story! <3
A story from Mary about Marley ( Black Lab) posted 12/09/2009
Sorry I didn't have a picture on this computer!
My daughter LOVES your books. We just bought 2 of them this weekend and I have already read both of them to her at least 5 times she loves them. Please keep coming out with them. We also have a lab named Marley and he will just sit there and look at me as I read them to her. The movie was great. I couldn't imagine what you and your family went through I cried all through the end of the movie. He seemed like he was a very spirited dog!
A story from Glenda about Alex posted 12/10/2009
Dear Mr. Grogan, Thank you so much for writing the most heartwarming and enjoyable story I have ever read. I have been visiting this website on a regular basis for over a year now and am always touched by the heartfelt stories. Being loved by a dog, as you were by Marley, is one of life's greatest joys. I did not grow up with a dog, nor was I able to have one as a young adult. However, as soon as I was able, I got my first puppy, a beautiful chocolate and white cocker spaniel I named Alex. As you can see he has grown into a handsome big boy who has become the center of my life. He has been such a great joy. He enjoys belly rubs, long rides in the car and running free in the park. He is 71/2 years old now and when I bought his first bag of senior food I was saddened by the thought of how short a dog's life is. Alex had cranial cruciate repair sugery on both hind legs at age 5 and 6 respectively. I spent two whole summers nusing him back to health and although I landed in the poor house, when I see him running in the field like a pup, it was worth every cent. I am so happy that you have given all of us who love these wonderful family members a place to celebrate their lives. I am especially grateful to have this opportunity while my best friend is napping by my feet. I know we will both have many more adventures together. Thanks again for writing your family's beautiful story and for keeping this website available for all of us to share our stories.
A story from Boo about same Bday posted 12/11/2009
Hi John did you know that your daughter and I have the same B-day!Also I loved Marley and Me. But I wish you hadn't used the lords name in vain so much.Oh and I was born in South Africa but I live in the U.S.A.
A story from Margaret about Please delete post by Brain fenwick on 26/11/09 posted 12/12/2009
Sorry i donot have a post. i would like to bring to your attention the offensive post that this sicko has put onto our wonderful board. Could someone please remove it.
Thank You Merry Xmas to our marley friends.
A story from Tonjia K Bruns about My Dakota Jane posted 12/12/2009
Just finished Marley and Me this morning. The book was givin to me a few months back, but I was just not up to reading it yet as I had just had to have my 12 1/2 year old Rottie named Angel put down. So, I started reading it about a week ago. Not sure why I started it, as I have a 15 year old female lab. Although she is considered yellow, she is leans more towards the golden red side. Anyway, as you all know at 15,every minute I continue to have her is a blessing. She came into my life as stray tied to a sign in a horrible thunder storm down about 500 ft. from my house. My husband on his way home from work about 3:00 am saw her and stopped. Her extra long leash had been chewed and who ever tied her to the post left enough slack that she could easily get into road, as well as it was just a matter of time before she chewed herself loose again. So, he loaded her up in the car and brought the 500 ft. to our home. He woke me up to see the this young, almost grown dog. We dried her off and inspected her to see if she had any injuries. As we did we could still smell the lingering fragrance of dog shampoo, her nails were well manicured, and she was not under weight as most abandoned animals when found. No she was somebody's dog, so we thought, but why was she left out in a thunderstorm tied on a leash. We had a black lab at the time. We decided that we take her to the local shelter. As with most houeholds we both worked, and the the shelter hours did not coinside with ours until about 4 days later. By that time we had decided to keep her, we understood the exact reason she was tied to the post, however wrong on the humans part that did so. We knew she was unadoptable to most families and would probably be euthanized because she was a uncontrollable. I knew she would need a world of patience and love, and a universe of forgivness. And 14 years later, she has lived up to every second of it. I say 14 years because the vet guessed her age at 8 mos. to 1 year when we got her. We felt that by having the black lab we knew all about the micheviousness, the energy etc. We have a large fenced yard, so we thought lots of ball playing, the 2 dogs playing, and lots of other activites would help to work off her boundless energy, it had always worked with the black lab. WRONG. Cody, my son's black lab was energetic, but much calmer. Dakota Jane was and in many ways still is , my wild child, my ADHD child, my unstable, defective dog. She has managed to do all the same things and many more as Marley. I don't need to go any further with the as all of us who love, care for, and cherish these creatures know. Today, Dakota is only a shadow of her former 90 lb. beautiful, athletic, boundless energetic self. Like elderly humans she has lost down to 65 lbs. her back end is soft, her sight is bad, she to is pretty much deaf, she can no longer hold her bodily fuctions for the amount of time she used to, so the house is littered with puppy training pads when I have to go to work, and I buy Nature's Miracle by the gallon. She is still stable on solid ground, but I have to carry her up and down the steps at potty time. However, she still eats with gusto, is happy and get's up wagging her tail when I wake her after I get home from work. What she still is though, is a never ending well of unconditional love, the dog who always knew and comforted without saying a word. The dog who cuddled with me and let me cry all over her as my marriage fell apart, the dog who layed in bed with me as I recovered and learned how to manage a chronic illness. The dog who knew to behave during this time, she some how knew I was only able to take care of our most basic needs.The dog who has loved me no matter what. Well, now to the point of all this, I did finish the whole book. I read the last couple of chapters I was determined not to, knowing that sooner than later I will have to one more time help a loved companion over the rainbow bridge. And for those of you out there who have not had to make that decision yet, these creature know, and will let you know when it is time. Mine always have. This is the consolation they give you even in death, they help you understand this decision is the only right, humane,unconditionaly loving decision, no matter how heart wrenching it may be. These creature have trusted us with their lives, their care, their love, and in the end, let us know they trust us with their end. They let us know when it's time to let go, and that it is ok to let go. It does not mean you won't grieve, your heart won't be broken, you won't miss them. It means that, as John pointed out, this grief, as time goes on becomes loving memories of lessons they taught us, that the bad things they did, in the grand scheme of things is pretty trivial,although sometimes very expensive,and should be celebrated in our memories just as their most stellar moments are. The last few chapters once again forced me, and helped me to remember that even when she is gone, she will continue to be a part of my heart and soul. She will join all of my other past companions that have crossed the rainbow bridge. And there will always be something that will trigger a memory forcing them to the front of my mind making me smile, making me remember an impotant life lesson they taught me and many times just a loving comforting memory when I'm down. I now realize this book was here because I needed reminding of all the things John covered, even though I have known it all long.
Thank you, John, Jenny and Family. Tonjia
A story from Kathy Pssota about My Mom posted 12/13/2009
Mr. Grogan, I just finished "The Longest Trip Home" and want to thank you for writing my story. On Sept. 26, 2008 my mom passed away from kidney failure. My story started in 1974 when my parents and aunt and uncle were hit head on by a drunk driver in Canada. My family survived the crash but my dad who was driving received the worst injury...brain stem damage. For 31 years my mom was his sole caregiver. She cared for him even though he was living in the past most of the time and didn't know anyone but her. In 2006 dad's heart finally gave out and he passed away. Mom was so lost without him but kept going for her kids. In June of 2008 she ended up in the hospital and from that point on things went downhill. I was by her side everyday to make sure she was cared for properly. She ended up in a nursing home and after a few trips to the hospital she finally gave up. My mom was one of the kindest people you would have met. She loved her family and was always there for us. The day before she died she and I were talking and she told me how she missed dad. She said she was ready to be with him again. That night she summoned my brothers and I to the nursing home. She told us how much she loved us but how she needed to be with dad. She apologized for disappointing us by not wanting to be with us any longer. In true family fashion my one brother brought a small container of homemade red wine to the home. My husband and brothers poured the wine and before we exited for the night they toasted her. "Here's to you mom". The next morning my husband called and told me to get to the nursing home asap. When I arrived she was barely alive. My brother, uncle and nephew were there waiting. I finally left because I knew she would not die with me there. She passed away 5 minutes after I left. I have been trying to deal with this loss for a year and it just seems impossible....then I read your book and felt like you were writing my story. I had written a eulogy honoring my mom but was not permitted to read it at the mass because the priest said people do not want to hear my thoughts..so he gave the eulogy even though he did not know my mom, dad, or family. Thank you for a great story. I laughed and cried and reminisced about my Catholic upbringing and your experiences. God bless you and your family and thank you for making it a little easier to understand why I feel the way I do. I tell my grandchildren stories about their great-grandparents and my life with them. You are a wonderful writer.
A story from Brooke Mundy about My bird, Marley posted 12/13/2009
I saw the movie Marley and Me on Christmas and on my birthday (March 11th) I got a cockatiel. My mom and dad wanted it to be a surprise so they named him. I love the movie so they named him Marley. He is the best bird ever and every time I say his name or think about my bird I think of Christmas 2008 and Marley and Me!!
A story from John about Thanks for the Books! posted 12/15/2009
No story just sincere gratitude for writing these wonderful books! Happy Holidays to the Grogan Family.
A story from Loretta Pryor about Haven, my best friend posted 12/15/2009
Hello John, as you have met Haven in the past you know she is a very sweet dog and never gets into trouble. A few weeks ago she was acting weird, she kept going after her butt so I thought she had a problem with her anal glands and made a trip to East Penn Vet. They checked her out and told me there was nothing up in that department. I brought her home and she still kept going after her butt. A few days later she threw up in my bedroom and also in the kitchen so I thought she had a stomach ache. A few hours passed and I took her for a walk. By that time she needed to do her duty. I was sitting on the patio just watching her and I saw something weird coming out of her butt as it turns out she decided to eat 2 long ribbons about 3 feet each that I had in my bedroom, they were on a stuffed cat. Now she is 6 years old those ribbons were there since the day we brought her home why she decided to eat them 6 years later I guess we will never know. Well that solved the problem of her butt. I can't figure out why she would eat ribbons they surely can't taste like anything and she is not underfed so it can't be that she was hungry. I had to take her back to the vet to make sure she didn't eat anything else, they took an x-ray and no other obstructions were found that was the good news so $400.00 later spent at the vet the butt area has not been the same it messed up the entire bowel system. I thought of all the items Marley ate and wondered if he ever had the same issue. Every morning I put away all her stuffed toys and I dog proof the house. I guess you never know what goes on in their mind.
A story from Carol about Max posted 12/16/2009
Hi John I finished "Marley and Me" this morning and that last chapter is what prompted me to go onto your website to see if I could relate my story to you....so, here I am! I had to put my beautiful little boy Max to sleep in March this year just one month short of his 10th birthday! He was a boxer (I have tried to include a photo, but I am not sure if I was successful!!)and he was the child my husband and I never had. The sheer joy and love our little hoodie (as we affectionately called him) gave us is way beyond what any human is capable of giving. He had his moments when he was young getting up to naughty things, but he didn't rate alongside Marley in the destruction stakes. As he aged he matured with a grace that saw him still have his "puppy moments" from time to time, but he essentially became my most loved and loyal companion. We walked every day, sometimes several times a day and it was our time. He would always have to be at my feet, whether I was gardening, cleaning the house (mainly of dog hair), eating, reading, whatever, he was there. His beautiful little face told me a story every time he looked at me and the devastation in losing someone as special is beyond belief and I continue to grieve for him. He like Marley and thousands of other dogs was terrified of thunder and lightning and would just sit at my feet looking up at me with his big brown eyes whenever it occurred. We lived our lives around Max and both of us miss him in so many ways. I can't walk the route I used to take him on because it just makes me so sad. He befriended everyone who would pat him on his walks and to this day I still have people stopping me to ask where he is, as they haven't seen us for so long!! I am now just getting to the stage where I can tell them without getting upset!I will finish now as I think I have painted enough of a picture for you to know what my little hoodie was to me! Thankyou for Marley and Me...it was funny, interesting, brought back lots of memories and sad. Carol
A story from Katie about Charlie posted 12/16/2009
I am turning 14 tomorow, but I got an early birthday present, about a week after finishing "Marley and Me"
For my big four-oh, my parents surprised me with my own 6th month old puppy. I work at the local animal shelter in town, so I new the dog before I know he was mine. I was so excited when I got him, but I had no idea what training would be like. So far he has kept me up nearly all night with his persistant whining, peed on my bed, and had several accidents.
But Charlie is a smart dog, and is learning very quickly. I honestly cant imagine how Marley would be, or any dog that could give anybody so much problems. Although I must say, you gotta love dogs, and no matter how they act, you always know you have a loyal and constant friend my your side.
A story from Jenny about Bie posted 12/18/2009
First I just want to thank you for a wonderful book. I`ve laughed and cried trough it. I`ve recognized a lot of Marley`s behavior in my black lab Bie, but she is a whole lot calmer. And she hasn`t cost me as much as Marley. She is 8 years now and beginning to feel the age :-( I think labs are some of the most loyal dogs. She`s my support when the days are tough. :-) I`ll also thank you for sharing your grief with us. Showing that it`s OK to cry over an animal. With love from Norway
A story from Natalie about My dog, Payton posted 12/18/2009
Hi John, Sorry I don't have a picture by the way. My dog Payton is very curious. She loves exploreing our backyard and large grass areas. She sniffs a lot too. Everytime we get her a new toy, she tears it up. I get mad at her but I love her so there is nothing I could do about it. She is so cute and I would never trade her for anything. P.S I am reading your book, Marley and Me. It's really good so far.
A story from Jonny Gwier about Max posted 12/19/2009
well it all began when we first brought home our dog Maxwell. on a week before christmas max chewed all of our gifts so ow you may think that christmas is over and we would never forgive him i think he did it our best... sure i was mad at him but then he died. i forgave him for everything
A story from Jenny about Puppies and Snow posted 12/19/2009
Hi John,
Today when I woke up I saw drifts and drifts of snow outside my window. I wasn't the pnly one who noticed. The second I woke up, my golden retriever, Buddy, was already at my side. He fallowed my all around the house panting until at last I took him outside to play in the snow. We were having a fun time hiding and fetching together until Buddy sat down right next to my shoe and pooped. He then ran behind my back and pushed me intothe snow. So now not only did I have a cold face, but there was a big brown smudge on my jacket. Thanks Buddy. I have to love him though. AsI write this he now lyes by my feet thumping his tail on the ground. I reach down to pet him and he closes his eyes. Luckily I forgive this big guy, but who wouldn't. We make mistakes too. Not that kind but you know what I mean. Anyway, Buddy will get a treat when he finally wakes up and I'll be sure to tell him that I love him. Thank you so much John, for writing your book and teaching me that it's important to forgive dogs even if they make a stinky situation. Thanks again.
-Jenny
A story from Natalie about Payton posted 12/21/2009
Hi again,
First of all, I finished Marley and me this morning, it made me both laugh and cry. Your dog seems like a trouble maker but a lover to complete your family. Second, Payton, my dog that I told you about before, is the opposite of Marley. She has some characteristics of that Marley has but spends a lot of the day sleeping on the rug by the back door. My dog is a mix of a golden retriever and a miniature poodle so she is a mini goldendoodle. ~Natalie,IL
A story from Jim about Stewart posted 12/22/2009
This is our Goldie. We are still having pregnancycy troubles. And our boy Topper is the epitome of "Marley". We got Top at 6 months and he was perfectlty trained. Only Jen was me and your hub
My wife and are the perfect fit. It is a perfect match. We love Top, (Our goldien retriever, even more, if it's possible), thanks to the movie. We just had 23 inches of snow. Topper had the best of times. We are unfortunatately able to have kids, so far, and my wife is 30. ( I am 40 with a daughter). Anyway, Topper is exactly Marley. Thanks for your movie and your time. The Stewarts WOW!
A story from Burton Diamond about Heartbreak with 6 Goldens posted 12/22/2009
Hello John, I hesitated reading Marley and Me because quite frankly the film version of the book seemed a bit odd to me especially with Owen Wilson playing the part of John Grogan. Having said that my wife bought the book and while sitting in a hotel room in Salzburg, Austria two weeks ago while at a medical conference I began to read Marley and Me. I spent in to the very early morning hours reading and crying and reading more until I finished this wonderful book. You see in 30 years we have had 8 Golden Retrievers. We have lost 6 to cancer Some young and some who lived as long as Marley. We have had two most of the time except prior to the loss of Teddy and Danny, March 2008 who both died prematurely within 5 days of each other. I must have spent over $100,000.00 treating their cancers and would have done it again in a heartbeat. When Danny and Teddy passed away we still had our Sophie who is now five and we decided to for the first time adopt a 1 year old Golden from the Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue. We have had Lenny now for 1 1/2 years and he is now the love of our lives. He was absolutely wild when we got him. We were told he was a bit challenging. That description was off the wall because he was off the wall. I suppose the reason I'm writing this is because here I sit in my office thinking that at the age of 59 and somewhat hardened at what this Country is fast becoming and with all the stresses we all have at times with our kids and life itself how I find myself a mess every time we lose a beloved pet. How I can be sitting in a hotel room more then 4000 miles from home reading a book crying my eyes out over a dog. I have come to realize that you are correct about committment and integrity and all the things that make us human beings. You see specifically Buffy our first male that we got just after I met my wife of 30 years while I had Amber prior to meeting my wife, was a crazed maniac and a professional destroyer of all material objects. He and Amber began to define our marriage and when we lost him from cancer at the age of 8 I was lost and devastated and I have been each and every time. Your Marley was my Buffy, Steve, Teddy who was also nuts, Danny and now Lenny. When I look in to Lenny's eyes I see a little bit of what I presume you and your family saw when you looked in to Marley's eyes. I want to thank you for writing the book. It's good to cry and it's good to be able to understand that what defines us is not what we have but the relationships we have with people and and animals and the undying love that our pets provide us. I have given back to them and will continue to do so. If it weren't for the dogs we nurtured all our married life I wonder if I would be the person I am today. Happy Holidays if you happen to read this right about now. Burt Diamond
A story from Susan about Loved both your books posted 02/11/2010
Enjoyed your new book and found we have so much in common. My brother was the same age as you, and I recommended the book to him. I still have my mom, and she read the book too. We both cried at the end. Please continue to write such good books.
A story from Melissa Miceli about Barney and Me! posted 02/12/2010
Dear John & Jenny,
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your incredible story. Marley and Me has touched my life so deeply. I was 4 years old when my mom brought home Barney, the most loveable, loyal, incredible black mutt on Earth. (Ok, well I know everyone says that about their dog, but you all know what I mean). Barney was there for me through everything. When I was happy, he was happy, and when I was sad he could tell, and would mope with me. And even when I did something he knew I shouldn't be doing, it was like he was giving me a dirty look (example - having some drinks when I wasn't old enough!) Barney was there through so much, a death in the family, a cross-province move, my parents divorce, etc. Whenever I needed a friend I always had him to cuddle up to and talk to and play with. And although he loved my whole family, I always knew he really had a special place in his heart for me. If strangers would hug me, he would bark and growl â sometimes even when my dad would hug me!! He would sleep in my room at night, and when I started sleeping with my door closed he would sleep outside of it (but then I felt bad, so I started leaving it open a crack). Barney was with me for so much of my life, and he was truly kind and loving. He lived to be 15 years old, only a few months shy of his 16th birthday. In February 2008, while I was on vacation in England, my dad finally had to make the decision to put him to sleep. He had all the Marley symptoms - accidents in the house, arthritis, he couldn't walk up the stairs and could barely even lie down without pain. I had gone off to university and my brother was moved out with his family, so it was just my dad and Barney at home, and I know it was especially hard for him to say goodbye. But I was so crushed that I was out of the country and I didn't get to say goodbye to my beloved mutt. I cried so much for so long when I found out. And still, not a day passes that I don't think of Barney and feel a little bit sad. I try to think of all the happy memories, but a little part of me is gone forever. Anyways, when I first read Marley and Me it touched my life. There were sooo many Marley details that were so similar to Barney! "Old Wet Vac" for example - we used to call Barney "Vacuum Cleaner Face". And I thought Barney was the only dog who used the couch as a napkin!! Our cushions were permanently stained a tinge of brown, never to be clean again! We had to get a new couch after he died! I have taken to reading Marley and Me to feel connected to Barney. I watch the movie over and over. I cry uncontrollably every time. I once watched it on a plane and the person beside me must have thought I was crazy because I was literally sobbing. I just finished reading Marley and Me again tonight, and I cried hysterically. People ask me why I torture myself and why I'd want to watch a movie/read a book that upsets me so much. But you see, I read it to feel that connection to Barney - it reminds me of how much I love him (not that I could ever forget) and of all the incredible gifts he gave to me. The crying is just something that comes along with the memories, and to be honest, it feels good to let it out. I got Barney when I was 4, he died when I was 20. We shared 15 incredible years of happiness, and I know he lived the most loved and amazing life. I am 22 years old now and in a few weeks it will be 2 years since Barney left me. I know in my heart I will never love another dog the same way I loved Barney. He came into my life when I was just a little girl and grew with me to adulthood, and I couldnât have asked for a better companion for the journey. There is nothing more I could have asked for in my life. The experience that was âBarneyâ was the most precious gift God could have given me.
A story from cody about thanks posted 02/12/2010
thank you for making the book john i was really into it im not don yet but almost im doing it on a school class for reading nonefiction it is good
A story from Linzi Howard about Lost Dog and Sasha posted 02/12/2010
During when my mum's friend was staying, we were standing outside of our house and we saw a golden Labrador, that looked just like Marley, on the street so we took him in to the back yard and gave him a bowl of water, but he kept looking through the cat flap and eventually broke it (we had to get a new cat flap), but I kept going into the back yard to give a stroke and a pat. After about a week the owners came round to collect him (they were on holiday and left the dog in care of one of their family members). After that day I wanted a dog and kept begging my parents for a dog, German shepherd. In the end my Dad took us to a farm in Wales and saw two Border collies, a jack russell and a samoyed. My dad said that we're getting a puppy, me and my sister played with our dog's mum (she was a black and white border collie) for a bit and when our mum called us we went into a small barn and in it were pens with puppies in. We saw a bunch of Border collies cross samoyeds, we choose the one acting all inocent in the corner, but she was wagging her tail. In the end we got her, she's the one in the picture, we also called her Sasha, my dad is her master though. Now we're going to be moving to a bigger house and my mum said I could FINALLY get a dog, I really want a German shepherd. I am reading the Marley and me book at the moment (I've already seen the movie and got the DVD for my Birthday along with Sweeney todd with Johnny Depp in) for an English homework. And I love it. I cried when Marley died in the movie.
A story from sheila about marley and me posted 02/13/2010
dear john and jenny,
thanks for writing a splendid book. i began reading it yesterday and finished reading it today, weeks after buying it from a local bookstore. it was priced to P 127, about $3 when converted. I laughed so much and cried profusely while reading the book, and it was an experience, to say the least.although the book is far greater than the film version, i still intend to get a copy of the film. my dog, cotton,a golden brown dude,is a saint compared to marley, but reading your book made me appreciate him more.
thank you so much, and i'm looking forward to reading your other books. God bless you and your family!
Mabuhay! (that's a Philippine greeting for long live ) ;-)
A story from Ruth about Marley posted 02/14/2010
I picked up a copy of Marley & Me at the library before the big snow fall and have been reading it all weekend. Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a longtime family friend who died recently after a long illness. I couldn't bring myself to cry for this man who brought so much joy into the lives of everyone he met. After the service, we reminisced about my father who passed away less than a year ago. As I read about Marleys death I cried and cried as it reminded me of all the love and loss that we experience on this rollercoaster ride that is life. I thank you for putting into words that almost indescribable love that exists between humans and their pets,who seem to love us always, not matter what we do, just for being.
A story from johna about eddy and buster in the house fire posted 02/15/2010
I was 3 years old when we first got my dog eddy. i loved him very much.well one day we were coming home from wendys and we were going down the road and i happen to see orange flames. i said daddy? whos house is that on fire. THAT LOOKS LIKE OURS. my mom sped down the country road i was 8 then and we pulled in there was our house in flames. I started shaking crying and puking, everybody in the neighborhood started handing over blankets,money,then firetrucks were coming down the road. i started looking at my house and thinking of my 2 dogs my rattier who i had for 9 years and my collie who is just a puppy. it was to late. eddy was gone. my collie lived for 3 days and i cried so much then we had to go to a hotel and the red cross. I miss you eddy and buster r.i.p. my babys i cant wait to see you even though im 11 years old. i will never forget that day and i miss them so much i cry everyday i look up at the stars every nite and pray my house burnt down at 718 wash road frankfort kentucky. R.I.P i love you
A story from Alex about Similarities posted 02/15/2010
When I first read Marley and Me, I was simply enjoying the book. Now when I reread it, I am surprised to see all the similarities between my dog Will and your Marley. When I read about Marley's billowing jowls, how he played submarine in his water bowl, how he trapped water in his mouth, I laughed out loud. That sounds exactly like Will. There are also habits like loving water, finding cunning ways into food or the trash, being ecstatic to meet anyone, being uncontrollably hyper. Will even steals small items and hides them under his bed. He does a little wiggle dance every time! :) But I was especially able to understand some of Marley's health problems. Will is a rescue, now five years old, and in winter it sometimes hurts his back to get up. He has hip problems, and he is at risk for his stomach flipping. I'm glad that Marley was able to make such a difference in your lives, like Will does in mine. I am almost fifteen and I hope Will can see me through the rest of my school. The best to you, your family, and your four legged companions.
A story from Laura W. from Ireland about cats and dogs posted 02/16/2010
I had just finished reading the book, and got to the interview at the end. "Are you strictly a dog person? what about cats?"
I didn't get to read the answer right then, because my cat jumped up on the bed, nudged the book out of the way with his nose and plopped himself down beside me, twisted his head back to look at me lovingly, purring.
I smiled, until I realised that he had tracked dirt all over my sheets. He pawed at them contentedly, oblivious to his transgression. I kept on smiling and went to clean his paws while he tried to chase the cleaning rag.
Dogs are pack animals and undoubtedly being part of a family is something they excel at. But it annoys me when people anthropomorphize dogs to death, but as soon as you detect a glimmer of loyalty or love in a cat, they say oh you're just imagining it. I hold that all animals we invite into our homes show their love in whatever way their species predisposes them to.
A story from Megan. about Ellie. posted 02/17/2010
I read marley and me last year sometime and instantly fell in love with marley. I lent the book to my friend Madeline who lives down the street and she and her mam read it together. They then went out about a golden lab, and named it marley. Soon after my mam decided i was mature enough to have my own dog, so we got a labradoodle, named Ellie. I read the book for a second time and concted with it more, because little things that you mentioned marley did, i realised ellie did aswell. Last night my mam put on the film version marley and me, and at the end when marley is dieing, ellie walked in and lay on the floor whimpering at the screen. She understood what was going on. This morning on her walk she met marley, the one down the street, nd she got so excited. We then realised she must have thought the dog dying on the telly was marley down the street. I love marley and me, it is the best thing i have ever read that is why i am reading it again starting today. So thanks John Grogan for writing down your story, maybe one day someone else will. From megan age 14. xxx
A story from Carly Porter about My "Marley" posted 02/19/2010
I so loved Marley and Me, I sat in the morning and didnt stop till Id finished (quite a job with 3 kids). Marley reminds me so much of our lovely Poppy. I should have known i was in trouble the day we brought her home from the pound (they was just me and husband then) and she insisted on sitting in the front seat with me in the back! Since then she has eaten coutless sofas, books and anything else she could get her hands on. She has worked out how to open the fridge and the cooker so that every time we leave more baby proofing is need then we ever had to do with the kids. Like Marley she greets any new visitor with a customary snout up the bum and walking her is more like being dragged along for the ride. She is however, incredibley gentle and loving. She too slept under my sons moses basket and has never complained when they pulled or poked or sat on her. When a lady we saw everyday on our walks bent to greet my newborn son in his pushchair she growled and barked as if she had never met her before. Weve had her for 8 years now and she was 3 when she came to us, so is starting to slow down. She can no longer jump the stair gates with ease and requires a running jump and is virtually blind and going deaf. Life with poppy has never been easy, she has sometimes been more work than the babies but would I be without her ? Not a chance :)
A story from jessie about cassie posted 02/20/2010
My grandmother has a dog named Cassie who is to much trouble for words. Recently sh ate 3 socks and puked them up later in the sewing room. One day she would not eat or drink, so we took her to the vet. After a few X-rays, my grandma saw the part that holds an eraser in a mechanical pencil (she is fine now). Cassie is a standard poodle, so when she jumps on my brother, she almost knocks him down. Aside from eating used tiuses , only used, she is vey sweet and cuddley.
A story from Annie Goldman about Thank you! posted 02/21/2010
Thank you for writing and share your story about your beloved dog! I recently lost my boy Charlie on Christmas Eve at 17 years of age. I call him my boy cause that's what he was. He wasn't just my dog, but my constant buddy, shadow, meal companion, bed buddy and sharer of anything and everything. Having to make that terribly hard decision of putting him to sleep was the toughest thing I have every done. He's been gone less then two months, but I miss him so. I also miss what our house felt like then... it was a home and he made it that way, always being here and welcoming us home each time we walked out - whether it be for 5 minutes or a week!
Long before his passing, I had written his life story, the first 15 years of it and carried it around with me to show him off. This past summer, I shared "his thoughts" in a second storybook. Photos of Charlie with captions of what I thought he was saying. These are so precious to me now that he is gone, but he will forever be "My Boy" and never be forgotten.
To fill that void in our home, my husband and I are looking for two more pups to give good homes to and to make our house a home. I look forward to sharing their stories too.
A new admirer, Annie Goldman (Charlie's Mom)
A story from Shannon about Monster Butts posted 02/22/2010
I just got finished reading Marley and Me for the first time. Thank you so much for sharing your family and nutty dog with us. My mom has a boxer named Bear and I have a beagle named Gumbo. Both are young dogs at 1 and 2 years old, and they fill our lives with more joy that we ever would have believed possible before we got them, even though they have both earned the pet name "Monster" or "Monster Butt" for some of their antics. There is an important lesson that I want you to know that I am taking away from your book. To enjoy their antics and find the humor in seeing Gumbo rummage through the dirty clothes and getting there just in time to see him come up with a pair of women's underwear, or Bear knock my 31 year old military Sgt. brother over and sit on his chest giving his face a tounge bath. I'm so glad that they are in our lives, and I am so glad that Marley was in yours so that so many would have the lessons that he left behind. Thank you so much.
A story from beatrice pamela maglinte about marley and me posted 02/23/2010
hi john,the story of your dog marley was great! it made me laugh in the way you describe him and made me cried when he died..tnx to your story,now i have realize to love my pet tobi and alfie(terrier).before, i just dont give them attention when i get home,even though they kept on jumping up at me.now, i make sure that i can play with them and walk with them every morning..ti realize that now that they are still with me, i must make most of our time together.now i love them even more!i cant afford to lose one of them...i love marley too!im loking forward to see the movie of the story..thank you so much john,im sure every dog lover in the world will be touch in your story...
A story from Vince Young about The Longest Trip Home posted 02/25/2010
John, I picked up a copy of 'The Longest Trip Home' last week. I have not read or seen Marley & Me, but promise I will. You are just a few years older than I am and as I started to read your book it was laugh outloud spot on to much of my childhood. Raised Catholic and attending 8 years of Catholic school before entering public high school. I balled my eyes out lastnight as I finished the last 4 chapters, today is the 2nd anniversary of my Mothers passing. I have not been an active member of the church since 1980 and not sure if I ever will be. I loved the writing and the connection I felt to the story. Thanks so much for sharing. Vince Young Portland, OR
A story from Donna Crozier about Marley and Me posted 02/25/2010
Two years ago we finally bought our first home and felt we needed a dog to complete our family. When went to the local shelter and as I walked down the rows of kennels I saw a large yellow lab and a little voice in the back of my mind whispered that was the dog for us. I should have clued in when the adoption consultant could not get Cody into the meet and greet room as he was running madly through the hallways. Once captured Cody proved to be very gentle with our children. After bringing him home I realized that the little voice in the back of my mind had lied. His second day with us he slipped his collar and made a bid for freedom. He was later recaptured, however in the two years he has graced ours lives he has peed on every piece of furniture we own and every piece our friends own as well, during a thunderstorm he ate the wood framing off from around the door trying to escape (we were unfortunately out that evening), he has failed three obedience classes and has been permanently banned from Superpet after a nail cutting incident. He has eaten an entire platter of chocolate cupcakes, several shoes and once tried to eat a pair of scissors after a brief chase around the house. Despite it all he is by far the most affectionate and outgoing dog I ever had the pleasure of getting to know. Everyday brings a new and exciting challenge!!
A story from Jill Blessing about Marley & Me posted 02/25/2010
Thank you for writing Marley & Me. It touches my heart every time I read it (quite a few times now!) I have had 3 dogs in my life, the first was "Saint Sandy" who was with us for 17 years. The second is Koco who was once a chewer of furniture and master escaper, but now is a 10 year old overweight and lazy beagle. Her little brother, Berkley (shown above) is a 120lb. great dane/lab mix who we adopted from the SPCA in 2005. He eats his weight in dog food each week, is terrified of screen doors, leashes, small animals, the bath tub and trash cans. He may be part beaver as the only items he chews up are made of wood. The fireplace, chair molding, door jams, doors, wooden baby toys, trees, hair brushes, tool handles and furniture have all fallen victim to his enormous jaws. He thinks he is a lap dog and will sit right on us and our guests. His tail is a lethal weapon. When we take him swimming in the lake, he drinks all the water. He gets ear infections and has to be doped up to trim his nails. He's big, dopey and messy. We love him more than anyting and he reminds me of Marley. I loved your book and cant wait to read your memoir.
A story from Renata Meira about My Marley posted 02/28/2010
Hi John. I'm Renata, from Brasil. I've just finished your book Marley and me and I'm really excited. Like you, I had a great friend and "he" call Fred, who was with me for 2 years. He was my friend, my companion, he was a part of my family. When I get married, I moved to other city and I didn't know anyone. I was far from my parents and family. So, my husband and I decided to get a pet to be with me while I get some job. My mother found Fred and she fell in love for him. When we saw him it was love at first sight. He was a black and white cocker and he was so lovely. But, like any other dog, he also made some terrible things, for example, he ate washing machine cable. But, above all the things, he was the only friend/companion I have in that moment, because I felt so lonely here. When he was 2 years and half, he get ill, with faillure renal. Unforntunately, there aren't nothing that we could do. There's no cure to thhis kind of disease. I lost Fred in May, 2006,and I never firget the pain. Until now I miss him a lot. In order to help me, my mother-in-law gave us Lola, Fred's daughter (who's in the picture). Lola's been with me since them. She help me with the pain of loosing Fred. She's like Fred, but in the female version and I love her so much. So, when I read your book I can agree with you, a dog is much more from a animal, he was a friend, a family. He's loyalty is undeniable. I treat my dogs like a human being and I don't think exaggerated. On the contrary, she deserves all the best I can do for her. Is it too much asking for your return? I really appreciate if, when you have a available time, you send me an e-mail. Please! My addres is meira.renata@hotmail.com. Sorry for my English.. :)
A story from Cheryl about Patches posted 02/28/2010
I have never been so moved to respond to a book as I have been by Marley & Me. I am a dog lover. Good, bad or otherwise. My first dog was a Lab-Australian mix. She was a wonderful dog and you can see from her picture how she got the name Patches. Even her eyes were different colors. Patches died several years ago when she was 12 years old. Reading your story, John, reminded me of how special she was to me. Before my first husband and I divorced she was my companion. Then after the divorce, she became my confidant. We were inseparable except when I was at work or church. I actually think she thought she was a human. When I remarried, I moved out to the country and she learned how to be a "dog" by watching my husband's wonderful dog, Maggie. She gradually trusted leaving my side to explore with Maggie. Soon they were best buds chasing rabbits and digging for gophers. I was blessed to have such wonderful mate.
A story from Susan about Charlie posted 02/28/2010
Dear John, Today marks 6 months since I had to euthanize my best buddy, Charlie. I miss all our little routines, and some of the silly things he loved to do. One of my favorites happened whenever I took a shower. Charlie would wait until the shower door was closed, then sneak into the bathroom, grab underwear which I'd left on the floor (I had to leave the door open as there's no window and no fan!), and race out of the room. Later on, I'd emerge and he'd be lying there next to whatever he had stolen, innocently pretending to be napping. I don't know how he came up with this little ritual, but he did, and continued it all his 13 1/2 years. They really do leave their pawprints on your heart. Next month I hope to begin searching for another Westie. I know there's one out there waiting for me to bring him home.
Thanks for your wonderful books, both Marley & Me, and the Longest Walk Home (which I finished reading this morning). Having grown up in the 50s and 60s in a Catholic family, I know where you're coming from. You really made me smile at some of my own memories. Thank you!
A story from Annette Dearing about Bandit my black lab posted 03/01/2010
I couldn't resist writing you, I know you will understand. I just got done with your book "Marley & ME" and it's almost 3am and I just had a good cry that still makes my eyes water. Bandit, our female black lab that got her name change, because of her antics that any female name just didn't match. I hated her most days after chewed up shoes, comforters, pillows, legs on any kind of furniture and she devoured a couch. We put her in a cage that couldn't contain her and we resorted to putting her in our one car garage here in Pinellas Park, FL. She chewed through our screens, went through windows with thunder storms and destroyed a solid wood exterior door. It wasn't until she ate the passenger side quarter panel of my car that she started getting sick. Intestinal issues and alot of pain and bleeding, we had to put her down before she was 4. Bandit knew that she was on my bad side way before the car incident, I had my second child and couldn't keep up with her destruction and 2 young children and the money she cost us. That stupid dog knew that I wanted her gone, she refused to get in the car with me when I made up my mind to take her to the SPCA, I left our fence door open hoping she'd run away and she wouldn't. I can laugh about it now and I miss her greatly, she was my only dog that would lay on our coffee table copying the cats. She was loyal and affectionate and she had a very short life, I always regretted not showing my love more to her. We own another black lab now that is much calmer and old, he'll be 11 this year and is our old man. Jeeves is a wonderful dog, sweet natured and calm, so different from Bandit, but still so loyal and lovable. Our memories are precious and I'm glad to read your story and bring back Bandits memory and my sorrow for what it should've been at the time. Thanks
A story from Carol Negro about Book Marley and Me posted 03/03/2010
Hi, my husband and I recently read your book, Marley and Me. What an absolute delight it was. We both laughed and cried and enjoyed it so much. We have a beautiful golden labrador called Reggie who is our world. He is 3 years old and such a wonderful dog who loves us to bits as we love him. He also has some very peculiar habits which make us laugh and sometimes cry, but we wouldn't be without him. Your book showed the love of a dog to its owners and the love of the owners to their dogs. Keep writing your beautiful words and keep us all laughing as we all need laughter in our lives. Congratulations on a wonderful book, and we look forward to reading more of them in the future. Regards from Australia
A story from ellz about m n me posted 03/04/2010
it is a brill story 2 say im not really into books but the only bit i dont like is the ending! i also watched the movie on the way 2 florida lol its great continue 2 write such good storys!
A story from Mika about My Very Own "Marley." posted 03/04/2010
July of last year, I met a man who only somewhat captured my attention. He was a quiet, reserved, Theology major at a local college. He was quite the opposite of my pierced, tattooed, Agnostic self. After getting to know him; however, I found that he was the Yin to my Yang. My birthday is December 20th, and after going on and on about how much I wanted a dog, he was convinced that he would get me one for my birthday. What a decision that was. We adopted Dottie from our local Humane Society, and after a little deliberation, determined she was a "Labradinger", a mix of the Labrador Retriever and Springer Spaniel. We have had her for about 4 months now, and after seeing the movie "Marley & Me", I have admitted that I have my own "Marley." Dottie eats food wrappers, chews up electrical cords, and knocks over the trash can in the kitchen whenever the opportunity presents itself. She tears the stuffing out of any toy we give her other than Ducks. I suppose that's her way of saying "I do not like this. It is not a duck." She has even gone so far as completely decimating my son's DVD player and a fan that was in his room. We keep her kennel in there, and when we leave for work, she destroys anything she can get her mouth on out of spite. We have tried everything to get her to stop this behavior. We have finally given up, and figured if that is who she is, then so be it. We love her anyway. Blake and I have been together for 8 months now, and Dottie has been part of our family for almost half that time. We will continue to chase, scold, complain, and love her, though. Dottie is in our home and our hearts to stay.
Thanks for the great story,
Mika
A story from Krystal about My Story posted 03/05/2010
John and Jenny,
I just finished the movie for the umpteenth time, and had to find out more about this family whose lives nearly parallel mine. First off, I am so glad to know there are more planners out there Jenny! We are only on step 1 of our journey, which I pray turns out, as well as yours. My husband, James, and I are 26 and 27 years old, we were married nearly two years ago, I am almost done with my bachelorâs in education (step 1), then we want to move some place prettier (step 2), buy a house with room to grow (step 3), and start our own family (step 4). Therefore, as you can see I can totally relate to Jenny, what brought me to watch your movie again is because it helps me deal with my dog Kyzerâs passing about 3 weeks ago. He was a boxer and only 5 years old, but he had cancer, and I miss him dearly. However, the last few lines that Owen Wilson says in the movie about âwho else makes you feel so rare, pure, and extraordinaryâ always helps me get through the day. Because even though I am taking Kyzerâs passing so hard, I have two other dogs to think of, and who always love me even on the days I feel useless. Which brings me to Cash, who is one of Kyzerâs puppies, and he is so much like Marley. He chewed on nearly everything we owned when he was a pup, but he has calmed down a lot. The part were Marley tries to comfort Jenny after she miscarried is exactly how Cash gets when I am crying about Kyzer, because he was a part of our family. Anyway, thought you find it interesting that our lives are similar. By the way, my minor is English and I too am not good at any other subject! Anyway, I hope you and your family continue to lead blessed lives!
A story from Laura about My Sydney posted 03/05/2010
John and Jenny:
I just wanted you to know that after reading Marley and Me and watching the movie, I somehow gained the courage to say goodbye to my precious kitty Sydney. She had been in declining health for about 6 months and I knew the end was near. However, I just could not bring myself to let her go. Your book showed me that all goodbyes are inevitable amd that it was selfish me of me to keep my cat alive when she was ready to go. I made the decision and she was put to sleep, painlessly and peacefully, on March 4, 2010 at 11:06 am.
I brought her home to her final resting place. She died 26 days short of her 18th birthday. She was a beautiful lilac point Himalayan. She had been a shelter rescue that I adopted in 1997, when she was 5 years old. She gave me nearly 13 years of unconditional love. I will never for get her. She was such a special kitty, and somehow managed to touch the hearts of everyone she met.
Thank you for giving us Marley and for helping other pet owners like myself come to terms with the final goodbye.
Laura Daspit Norfolk, VA
A story from C. BANNER about Part of my Life Story posted 03/06/2010
I'm sitting on my couch in the living room all alone. I just got done watching Marley and Me and am actually watching Moulin Rouge now. I noticed though while I was watching Marley and Me in the opening credits it said the movie was based on a book by John Grogan. Ok, wait a minute! The character in the movie is named John Grogan...I didn't think that was a coincidence. Ha. So I looked up John Grogan on google and stumbled across this website. I did not know when I first saw Marley and Me it was based on a book and now I really want to read the book. Anyway, I noticed a majority of the posts made by the people so far are about their own dogs or animals, but I noticed the description said you could post a story about your life. That sounds more like the category my story will fall under. It's kind of a long story so brace yourself for something that will be more like a confession by the time it's over. Or rather a therapy session. Hmm...I'm thinking but I don't know where to begin. I guess in order for you to fully understand the tale I would have to take you back to when I was a child. I am five years old sitting on a pool table watching my mother frantically take clothes in her hands that had been sitting beside me in a large heap. She walks out the front door and I am pleading to her and asking her what is going on. She shakes her head even as she comes back in the house she does not answer. This is the earliest memory I have of my parents divorce. I can't remember anything else. The next thing I can tell you is my parents are living in seperate homes. I'm living with my mom on the weeks and the weekends I am living with my dad. He is living in the house we all used to live in together and I remember it being empty most of the time. I know it was my favorite house and I can't remember what my dad must have told me when he lost it. Nor can I tell you what my reaction was. Next he is living with my aunt and his family. I like going to their house on the weekends because I like visiting my cousins. It is short lived none the less. He's working at U-haul and living with a family friend by the time I am around ten. My mother on the other hand has lived in one other home. Which is short lived as well. She meets a new lover and we move in with her. Around thirteen my oldest brother moves in with my father against his will. Around the same time my mother makes a big decision and we move across the country. On the way there we stop at a friends house in Texas. Hurricane Katrina happens and the house in Mississippi we were going to move into is caught in the middle. Although the house was not destroyed my mother still decides to move us some place else. Tennessee was a place we liked before so we head that way. We live in hotels for the first couple of months before we settle in a house in a small town. Months pass. I am attending school in the seventh grade. By the end of the grade my brother and I are sent back across the country to live with my father. My mother wasn't having luck finding a job. It is eigth grade and we are living with my dad who is married. He has a new wife and she seems really friendly. Friendliness is short lived. Our mother rescues us and we move back to Tennesse. My father doesn't talk to me for two years. Finally I pick up the phone and call him. Our conversation is awkward but it starts us on a new path. My brother is angry. He does not talk to my dad. Ever. Today, I am sixteen almost seventeen and I'm staying in one spot until I graduate high school. After I graduate I am going to the USN. The picture above is a picture of the family I have today. They're amazing and kind of crazy. I'm just as crazy as they are though.
A story from Katy about My dogs adventure! posted 03/06/2010
Hi John and Jenny and Marley! I just wanted to share one of my stories from my dog, Luna, a Patterdale/rat terrier mix! One time, i was getting Luna some water, and as i was about to put the dish down, she jumped on my arm and knocked ALL the water on top of me, and her! That was a messy, and funny day. I love your movie Marly and me! Yours truly, Katy PS- I am actually watching the movie right now!
A story from Sue from Green Bay about About dads posted 03/07/2010
Dear John,
The true acid test for a great read is all in what happens the day after the final page is turned...the lingering thoughts, the heart-felt message, and above all the commonality of human life that somehow just oozes from your pages. (I finished the book on my flight home from Raleigh last night. Laughing out loud on a late flight and crying as quietly as I could was somewhat tricky.) The Longest Trip Home hit home on so many levels and I'm certain that I am not the only reader who wants to pour out my heart after you have poured out yours. Today marks an anniversary for me...similar in kind to the one-year anniversary of your dad's death that you so beautifully noted as you found yourself in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. My dad, big John, solid, fun-loving, heart-of-gold and truly representative of the greatest generation died five months ago today. He indeed was a (Catholic) holy man, while he defined it somewhat differently than yours, he was certainly a the man that I too can say that it was an honor to be his daughter.
Thanks a million for sharing your story. Many laughs, many tears...many thoughts long after the last page was read...
A story from Vickie Willmuth about Max posted 03/08/2010
Dear Mr. Grogan, I just fininshed your wonderful book, Marley and Me. I had put off reading it because I KNEW it would make me cry. We lost our rottie, Max, on 5 November 2008, after 12 years. We had to make the same decision you had to make for Marley. Only now, am I able to read your book, and I still went through two boxes of Kleneex. My eyes are still a bit red. I have had dogs all my life, my first one came into my life when I was still in diapers. But to this day, when I think of them, my eyes get a bit misty, and the paw prints they left on my heart throb with a bittersweet ache. I cherish every memory of each one. King. my first dog, would "babysit" while my mother hung the wash out or when ever she and I were outstide. She would tell him, "King watch Vicke." And I would not be allowed to crawl two inches from him, frogs were herded away, and he would not let me near a hedge that was full of wasp nests. I learned to walk by taking hold of his ear, pulling up and tottering by his side. King's breed has never been clear, but he was a big dog, when he sat beside me when I sat on my tricycle, he was just as tall as me. Through the years, I was priviledged to be loved by some amazing dogs. Big ones and small. Each one leaving a special paw print on my life. When my husband and I married, we got a little dog from my grandparents, a "whodoneit". We called her Pug. She was our firts child. When our daughter was an infant, I would lay her on the couch for a nap, Pug would get up beside her, between her and the edge, stretch out as far as she could and lay there, until my daughter woke. We lost Pug after 16 years. It took us a little time, but in 1996, Max joined our family. Max loved to have his picture taken. When he saw a camera, he would pose, and was not happy until he heard the shutter click. We always put out a display in the fall in our yard, and as soon as the bales of hay arrived, he got excited. I belive he thought we did this just so he could have his photo taken. Max made several people back away from the door when I opened it, 124 lbs and change of rottweiler meeting you at the door can be --ah--disconcerting? But as we say here in the south, he wouldn't bite a biscuit hard. Of course, Max was never put in the position to feel that we were in danger, had that happened, I believe he would have fought to the death. Max was a gentle giant. He played with kittens and never hurt them, letting them crawl all over him. Of course, afterwards, they needed to be toweled dry. Max loved to ride. I have a Dodge Ram Quad cab. Half of the back seat is out. We removed it and my husband built a platform and we padded it to fit there for Max to ride, those tiny seats just don't fit the contours of a Rottie. My husband even built a set of portable stairs for him, because it became difficult for him to jump up into the truck. Max loved to ride. We made two trips with him to Lansing MI, to see our daughter while she was in grad school. A fourteen hour drive was right up his alley. When my husband called me at work, he had just arrived home, and let Max out, and told me that Max was down and couldn't get up---I left work. When I pulled into the driveway, there was Max on the ground, lying down, head up, he tried so hard to get up and greet me, but could not. We knew. I truly enjoyed the book, laughing and crying all the way. I read your article in Parade about bringing Marley home. I saved it, it has special meaning to me, our Pug is buried elsewhere and even though I have a stone next to Max with her name on it, home isn't complete until we can bring her and place her beside Max. We are sans dog at present, but we knew even as we laid Max to rest that in time we would have another dog, and it will be a large breed. No other dog ever replaces the ones we have lost, they come into our lives and they make their own special place, somehow they fill the huge paw prints we fisrt think can not be filled, then we realize that those prints really are the same size, just filled in a different and very special way by each one.
A story from Lloyd Casey about Family First - A Father's Legacy posted 03/10/2010
John, I have written stuff to share my life with our seven children who are now ages 60, 58, 56 54, 51, 47 & 41. I am 83 as is my wife of 60 years. I would be most appreciative if you could tell me how to find someone who would take a few hours to read what I have written. I have e-mailed it to our seven. Three of them said I should try to get it published. A running theme is our family Catholicism. 7976 Jaymes St. Dublin, OH 43017 614-763-0219 caseylac@att.net
A story from Olivia about Lucy posted 03/10/2010
Hi John.I am in the middle of reading Marley and Me.I love it so far.I had a dog named Lucy who died in December 2009.She was alot like marley but she was a yorkie.We didn't put her down but we did sit with her for a whole night waiting for it to happen.I saw the movie and cried.Today in the book I put a sticky note in the place where Marley is put down.It says "Sad part.Brace yourself!!!"I love your writing and I miss Lucy and Marley dearly.We now have a dog named Neptune who is very strange.He is even more like Marley.He chews about everything up.He is a boykin spaniel.He is very loveable like Marley to.I hope to go to Blockbuster to rent Marley's movie.
A story from Lexus about Crumbs the cat and me a climb of life! posted 03/10/2010
One year I got a kitten named Crumbs because she had crumbs on her face after she ate and she was looking up at me from the ground as I was trying to take a picture of her and she jumped to my shin and climbed up into my arms until I cradled her in my arms. She died of a sickness and lack of growth as we were giving her her medication and she choked, that devistated me and makes me think of Marley and in the movie I cry my eyes out, but now I have her cousin I named Talulah. Forever in my heart my lil angel Crumbs. Sorry I couldn't find a pic of her in my computer file.
A story from Paul Mellerowicz about Hello from your old Hood posted 03/11/2010
Hello from WestBloomfield, MI
Paul Mellerowicz here (born in 1954). My parents bought a house on Hammond Lake (Middle Belt and Sq. Lk. Rd.) in 1975. Louis and Irene were members of Refuge Parish and knew your parents very well. My dad died in 2000 at the age of 82. Mother is still alive at the age of 91 and still drives... mostly to church (Refuge) and back. Lent at Refuge features "Stations and Soup" Friday evenings. We just viewed the movie Marley and Me for the first time yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Hope all is going well. especially in your writing endeavors.
A story from Paul Mellerowicz about More about me.... posted 03/11/2010
While we lived in Detroit, I and my three brothers attended the all boys boarding school Orchard Lake, St. Mary's Prep. You probably stepped on the grounds many times. I graduated with my twin brother John in 1972.
Dad was a tool and die supervisor at Chrysler on Mack Ave. Mother was stay at home. We never took away "vacations" so we were ahead of the time with today's "Stay-cations" Life on Hammond Lake was fine for me as I had (and still have) a high level of contentment... I must have got that from my conservative, self denying Dad. He is now in peace with the Lord on the other side. Not in Purgatory.
Dad was a forever Usher at St. Bart's in Detroit, then at Refuge. He and Mother would then always count the offering money after every Sunday Mass, comming home about 2:00PM. Call that dedication or nothing else better to do on a Sunday afternoon, depending on one's point of view.
Looks like I will be reading your book, "The Longest Trip Home" I hope it is at the West Bloomfield Library as I'm too cheap to buy it. Another habit I got from Dad.
As a parting note. my mother Irene still drives at the age of 91. Mostly to Refuge and La Rose Market. Never got a ticket in her life... so far. How's that for a legacy.
A story from Linda about Banditt & Smokey posted 03/11/2010
I lost my beloved Banditt in 2008 and Smokey in 2009.
Banditt was the most well behaved and loving dog who let me in her life.
However, Smokey, was another story. My husband and I called her the "wild child". When she was around 4 years old we estimated the total damage to our home and belongings around $10,000.00 (not a typing error).
We had to purchase a new couch (delivered on a Monday) as she destroyed the old one. On Friday that week we went out to dinner. Unpon returning home thru the kitchen we noticed material and foam. The couch had no arms left, the back totally gone and there she was amid the chaos wagging her tail and proud of what she accomplished. My poor Banditt was found under the dining room table with a look on her face as to say "I was not involved in this caper".
The loss of both dogs I am still not over. However, I do have Banditt's two boys who with me and have acquired all of Banditt's traits.
I still miss my Smokey and Banditt to this day and wish they could still be with me.
A story from Sher about Labs.... , A class all their own posted 03/11/2010
Hello John
Loved Marley & Me..... Last night, was the 2nd time I watched Marley. I watched it with my boyfriend , who has never seen it.... Towards the end of the movie, my boyfriend stopped the disc.. he told me he knew what was coming, and he did not want me to see him cry. I reassured him, that Marley lived a long happy life, but I also statred to cry, as I did when I first watched at the theater on opening day.
I have what I call my own Marley. A 4 year old yellow Lab. He loves to take shoes and socks off of everyone, and will go to any length to get them.
Many visitors have left my home without a shoe or sock, we can simply not retrieve them from Hunter... we chase him, we try to trick him with treats, and he will never give up the shoe..... and sometimes we never see them again.
Out at the pool, many have left wondering what happened to their sandals or flip flops.
When company arrives, he will eye their feet, get up slowly, grab their foot, twisting and turning, and fighting to get the shoe off... of course there is always alot of us trying hard to keep him away.. he is very determined and very strong.. usualy the person will take off the shoe before getting hurt, and just toss it to get away from him...
Hunter, then takes the shoe somewhere hides it and returns for the sock .
I have many times been his victim.... I live in the coutry, Hunter and I go running , and walking, I can see it in his eyes as we walk, he will look at me out of the corner of his eyes, all at once turn on me, grab my ankle for my shoe... he has got me down on the ground where I was helpless, and hoping I can untie my shoe and throw it just to get away from him...
He has removed my boots out in the snow, and I had to walk to the house in a bare foot in sub zero temps a few times. Now when we go out, I take a special treat he loves, which usually works but not always.
My sister, who has Hnnters brother, has asked me many times to meet her at the river walk so we can walk both Dogs together.... We live along the Mississippi River in northern Illinois..... I have always been reluctant to ever take Hunter to the river walk with all the people and other Dogs there... he would be , well, like a Dog off a leash, oh my.
Last fall she talked me into it, and assured me she would help me with Hunter if he acted up.... He did so well, walked about 4 miles without taking the leash away, or my shoes... we decided to take a rest, and sat on a bench.... all at once Hunter decided he wanted the Gesse floating in the river, so he bolted...... almost took me in with him.... when we got him ashore, he decided to then roll in the goose and duck muck .... a long 4 mile walk back to the jeep full of, well you know.
He loves to chew everything only to destroy it... he never eats it. just stands there looking at me ripping it apart, and when I take a step to try and retrieve what ever he has, he runs away......
Hunter has never liked being walked on a leash... he would rather walk himself, and is why he jumps up, and is able to take the leash away, puts it in his mouth, and walks beside me as if he has a prize or to say, I can do it myself.
he has been to obedeince classes 3 times, and has never graduated.... he does as he pleases... the trainer has tried to make him heel, at no avail.....
I love Labradors, as they are in a class of their own, they are good natured, loving, but they love to play rough, and everything is a game for them.....Hunter is an angel when he is sleeping... there is never a dull moment at my house when Hunter is awake... oops gotta run, Hunter is trying to eat a whole bag of hershey kisses
A story from Tracy about Expensive Golden posted 03/11/2010
Hi dog lovers, I brought Riley home in April of 2008 and since, we have been through every, and I mean every, dog ailment possible. I have had dogs my whole life, and have never even heard of some of the things Riley has contracted. He has a weak immune system, but you'd never know by looking at him. He is so full of life and is by far the best dog in the world. He may not always listen and like to eat cell phones and shoes and pillows and books and, well, you get the point, but he is the best. After suffering a dog bite to the hand, I searched for a golden retriever, known for being so kind and gentle. I found Riley who has brought so much happiness to my life. He wants nothing more than to splash in a puddle, swim at the beach, roll in snow, play at the park and cuddle up next to us on the couch. He has watched Marley and Me multiple times with me. Riley has just turned 2 in Feb. 2010 and has unfortunately drained my bank account with vet bills. He currently needs knee surgery and I am unable to afford it. I am wondering if anyone knows what I can do. I am currently in school working towards a teaching certificate and know that Riley's expenses in the future will not be a problem, so surrendering him is not a option for me. Right now I just need a little help. Please email me at tracyeos@hotmail.com if you can offer any advice or assistance. Thank you so much, Tracy and Riley
A story from Jimmy Ettele about My Lucky Penny posted 03/12/2010
Growing up I had a dog. Puffy. Don't be fooled by the name. Anyone who knew Puffy knew he was Evel Knievel, Andrew Zimmern, and Steve-O rolled into 15 pounds of a black and grey scruffy fur in a mutt's body. He had a taste for Schmidt's beer. He was fond of devouring the mail offerings of the United States Postal Service. He could make a standing high jump of about 5' and he had an affinity for jumping onto moving motorcycles driving down our alley(then chewing off his cast from the broken leg he suffered). Puffy was one of a kind. A true dog's dog. But since the day I came home from Cub Scouts(Pack 315. Stoney Creek representin'.) and was told by my mother Puffy had been put to sleep as I was learning how to tie yet another knot(my parents skipped the whole, "Puffy had to go to a farm" routine with my sister and I and went right for brutal honesty) I have longed for another dog. No matter if you're a confessed 'cat' person, own some sort of glorified rodent like a ferret(one evolutionary step away from the common squirrel if you ask me), or collect exotic fish from the Far East that have been raised by a clan of Ninja, there is nothing quite like the lap of a dog's tongue, their excitement when seeing you walk through the door, or the way their hind leg goes when you pet then right under the rib cage(you know the spot). Try getting a samurai fish to do that with their fin? So, for the better part of 22 years, on and off I have contemplated owning a dog. Getting married only heightened the fever. My wife had also grown up with a dog(Princess) and for as long as we have been together, we have at least casually made conversation about getting our own tail wagging canine. If Alicia were not bad enough, having kids pushed the Mercury to the boiling point. To attempt to quell their hunger for a puppy, we got a cat. Alley Cat(you can blame my wife for the name). Nice enough. Friendly. Good with the kids but a cat. Only to be bothered when she's ready. Not so in to chasing tennis balls around the yard. A lap from her tongue is like getting kissed by a piece of 40 grit sandpaper. Now I love my cat, but she is no dog. The Alley Cat novelty wore out the moment my kids realized she was no dog either. I continued to hem. I continued to haw. As much as a furry new best buddy would be fantastic, I could not see laying out several hundred dollars for an animal that spends the better part of their days licking their genitalia(my admiration and awe not withstanding) and chewing my Nike's. I was also leery of 'saving' a dog. My luck, I would have saved a dog from the Michael Vick Collection. So I kept holding the females in my house at bay(Besides the pressure from my own family, our development has more dogs walking around in it than a college campus has coeds with tribal tattoos on their lower backs. The pressure was everywhere.). The bay dried up this past Sunday. While Emma laid sprawled out on the sofa working on a nap and I tried to catch the last few innings of the Phillies and Red Sox, Alicia and Hannah went grocery shopping at Redner's. Among the fresh produce and sliced thin cold cuts for sale there was also a puppy. Although we did not know her yet, what we were soon to discover was we would know her. A printed sheet with the puppy's face and a phone number was pinned to the cork board hanging on the wall next to the Express Aisle(You know these boards, every grocery chain in America has one. A place where you can find guitar lessons hanging next to a Strawberry Festival advertisement.). So as they walked out, Alicia saw the ad, saw the unbelievably low price for a 14 week old Yellow Labrador Retriever, saw the dog's face, looked at Hannah's wide eyes, memorized the phone number with lightning speed and broke a small number of traffic laws attempting to get home to tell me about a 14 week old Yellow Lab for sale. While the idea of this dog was an instant hit to the female members of my house, I had my reservations. My girls(Alicia included) were transfixed in reverie about all the reasons people loved dogs so much. I had visions of snow filled below freezing early morning walks with a paper towel and Ziploc bag. I saw myself emptying bottles of Resolve onto my carpet. I would not be won over so easily with such egregious displays of pleading and gushing. I am a man of my convictions. So I did what any man who was strong with his convictions and firm in his manhood would do...I called the owner(as if I really had a choice). The owner told us to come over that day and see the dog. So I gathered the troops and told them if they were so intent on getting this puppy, if we were to get her(if...yeah, more like when) all were going to have to cough up some money to buy her. We shook ceramic piggy banks, emptied our car change holders, I put in my container of change I had had since my Millersville University days and we headed off to a Coinstar. I proceeded to empty out years worth of coins(and pick out the Crayola Factory coins Emma contributed) into the Coinstar and at the tally's end we had enough to buy one 14 week old Yellow Labrador Retriever(who would have thought my former laundry and emergency Natural Light beer money would be used like this). Before the sun fell on Sunday night we were at her house and petting what would soon be our dog. By the time we left, we had a handshake agreement on the puppy and the next day after work I would be picking her up to take her to her new home(that sound you may have heard were my convictions going right out the window). I brought our new puppy home on Monday night. We had decided on her name too. Short of lifting the sofa cushions to find loose change, this dog had been bought with a lot of coins and no coin more prevalent in our collection than the penny(like 2500 of them). So Monday afternoon around 5:30, we welcomed home our Penny. And in the briefest of time that she has been apart of our family, we are all so happy and so lucky to have our bright shiny Yellow Labrador Penny.
A story from simona about dogs family posted 03/13/2010
ciao John! ti scrivo dall'italia e ti scrivo con il tuo libro nel cuore... io e Andrea , il mio compagno abbiamo sempre pensato di essre esagerati nel trattare i nostri "angeli" come membri veri e propri della famiglia facendoli mangiare dalle nostre forchette o dormire nel nostro letto sotto il piumone e con la testa sul cuscino... poi e' arrivato il tuo libro (che chiaramente ho letto e amato tantissimo) e poi il film (che grazie a Dio ha rispettato fedelmente la tua storia)... si e'aperto un mondo fatto di storie ,di esperienze, di risate e lacrime ma soprattutto fatto di tanto tanto amore, a volte sento una forte pena per chi non ha mai provato l'amore di un cane o gatto o furetto o criceto o qualsiasi altro animale, non sapranno mai come e' fatto l'amore vero e incondizionato di un animale, quell'amore che ti fa tornare a casa sereno sapendo che quel qualcuno che ti ha aspettato a casa tutto il giorno impaziente e' cosi' felice di vederti che a volte si fa pure la pipi' addosso!!Io ho tre bellissimi maschietti, sono meticci e per questo hanno tutto il bello delle varie razze da cui provengono, sono un po' matti e fanno gran disastri ma sono pura dolcezza fatta a cane. il primogenito si chiama Ringhio quest'anno a settembre fa 7 anni e' arrivato ancora prima dei mobili quando io e Andrea abbiamo trovato la nostra prima casa, ma ha un piccolo problema:soffre della sindrome di abbandono e se sta a casa da solo ulula e piange fino a quando non rientra qualcuno a casa a volte agonizzava per 7/8 ore di seguito!Il veterinario ci disse che l'unico modo per farlo smettere,non potendo noi lasciare il lavoro,era trovargli un fratellino da accudire cosi' e' arrivato Pippo, o Trudi o Principe, trudi perche' quando e' immobile sembra un peluches e principe perche' essendo molto bello e cosciente di esserlo assume pose regali che gli hanno regalato il soprannome, le nostre famiglie non erano molto contente del fatto che avessimo in casa due cani da accudire e per di piu' in un appartamento veramente piccolo cosi' in seguito ad alcune faccende famigliari troppo lunghe da spiegare ci siamo trovati a dover cambiare casa, allora abbiamo cercato una casa che soddisfacesse le esigenze di tutti percio' un appartamento che avesse anche dello spazio all'aperto per loro, conclusione abbiamo comprato un appartamento di 50 mq per noi con un giardino di 400mq per loro!!Noi nel frattempo coccolavamo l'idea di prendere il terzo cane ma avendo paura della reazione delle famiglie abbiamo escogitato una balla fenomenale in cui abbiamo raccontato a tutti di aver trovato Leo in un agriturismo dove il proprietario maltrattava gli animali (cosa peraltro successa veramente di cui si e' occupato il nostro meraviglioso veterinario)nn potendo prenderli tutti abbiamo salvato almeno lui e abbiamo fatto in modo che intervenissero le forze dell'ordine.Povero piccolo... quando l'abbiamo portato a casa era pieno di pulci e zecche e mentre lo stavamo lavando per togliere il grosso si e' addormentato nel lavandino e sotto l'acqua corrente... Se fossi in grado di farlo con questi 3 ci sarebbe da scrivere un'intera collana di libri, ma mi "accontento" di condividere la mia storia con te che sarai sicuramente in grado di capire e apprezzare perche' sei del mio mondo:quello dei fortunati amanti degli animali. Grazie dell'attenzione e grazie! Il mondo dovrebbe godere di piu' di persone come te e la tua famiglia.La tua storia fa bene al cuore.P.S. la scena che preferisco e' quando owen sta mangiando la torta del suo compleanno e con la stessa forchetta mangia insieme a Marley. A volte non abbiamo questo tipo di intimita' nemmeno con le persone! Grande! Bellissimo! Grazie ancora Simona
A story from macy about my dog king posted 03/14/2010
dear John Grogan my name is macy i have a black lab name king he is very special to me and my family my grandpa is in a weel chair and our dog king is bye him every step of the way king is very pertective and he is friendley to everyone we love him so much we have had him for a good while he is the best dog ever king enjoys marley and me alot thats the book that i read to him everyday marley and me is my favorite book too write back
A story from Anthony about Bosco posted 03/14/2010
Hey John, just want to say I love your books, and the movie Marley and Me. I must say my family and I cry everytime we watch it, especially the end. This is my dog Bosco. He is a 6 yrs. old chocolate lab. I adopted him from a no kill shelter when he was 3 months old. From the moment I seen him I had to have him. Bosco would eat anything he could get his mouth on, unfortunately he had to have 2 surgeries, for his stomach. As he got older he grew out of eatting everything, and now has issues with his stomach. I put out alot of money for him and even have pet insurance, but I don't care because he means so much to me and my family. He is thank God doing well under meds. I don't know what I do if anything happened to my buddy Bosco. I hold him so tight when I watch the movie because I wonder how I would handle doing what you had to do with Marley. I can truely say I like dogs more than people. I love what is said at the end of the movie about dogs. You are truely right give them your heart and they will give you theirs.
A story from Val about Absolute Amazement posted 03/15/2010
Dear John, I just wanted to say that in 19 years of living, I have never seen a better film or read a better book than Marley and Me. I honestly dont know how to describe it. Like, you'd think movies wont do books justice, but this one did in every way and by God, you have become such an idle to me.
Im sorry for your loss, but know Marley would have been one of the happiest dogs to live. And its all because of you and Jen. :)
A story from Paula Peters about Kodi - Our Golden Retriever posted 03/16/2010
I have a very heart warming story about my 13 year old, blind and partially deaf Golden Retriever. I'm not very good with the uploading of a photo so there is not one here. But he is a beautiful very light blond and obviously very healthy Golden. Kodi was the first dog I myself had ever had. My husband and I have been married 15 years and Kodi was 13 on February 15, 2010. I bought all the Golden Retriever books so I would do everything right, we cage trained him, went to Obedience School, the whole works. He never chewed anything, went to the bathroom in the house or anything really bad when he was a puppy. At six months of age we realized he was too big for the cage and it was time for him to join us - which he did in bed every night from thereon until a few years ago - as he can't get up in the bed anymore. Kodi did everything but talk. He knew all the tricks, he was never really bad, housetrained from day 1 - don't know what else I can say about him. We now have a total of three Goldens - Harley is 5, Sammy is 10 months and Kodi is still with us. But he almost wasn't. This past Friday he somehow got his collar caught on the gate off of our porch, pulled it off and ventured out. That was at 4:30 p.m. At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday we found him - ALIVE. Which I never would have believed. It was quite chilly, we live in Ohio, it was raining, all night long and into Saturday morning. We looked for him for hours - with lights after dark. We live in a rural area with woods on the outskirts. Someone about 1/4 a mile from our house had seen him right at 4:30 heading up a hill. We so concentrated on that area. With him being blind and his age we didn't think he would be able to go too far and the weather was a problem too. We went to bed that night unable to sleep getting up every hour looking out the window. We also live on a road where he could have been hit and having never been exposed to moving vehicles, he wouldn't have known what to do. No one saw him again other than the one time. We were out at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and spent the entire day with the help of wonderful neighbors, some I didn't even know before but I sure do now. My stepson's grandmother had passed away and he even came and helped us. We looked until dark that night. We were exhausted, hadn't eaten anything, muddy and dirty - so we went in the house both of us crying - not giving up but deciding we had to wait until morning. At 10:0 that night my husband decided to ride up and down the road again with a big spotlite. He looked down into a ravine that was again about 1/4 a mile from house and thought he saw eyes, but thinking they were a deer, he continued on until he came home. After another sleepless night we got up on Sunday morning, with it raining once again, and I said we can't give up. So we drove up and down the hill to make sure no one had hit him. We then stopped in the same area, I went one direction and he went the other which was down into the ravine off to the right of the side of the road. It wasn't five minutes that my husband came up to the road yelling for me. I said "Did you find him?" and he asid "Yes". I asked if he was dead and he shook his head, crying once again. I ran down the hill when he told me to go home and get a blanket so he could carry him out - you could not see him from the road at all. I said no, I had to see him and asked if he was marked up - but he said no. I was screaming and crying at this point and when I did finally see him, and he heard my voice, he lifted his head and opened his eyes. Joe, my husband, yelled "HE'S ALIVE". Those were the best words I had ever heard. He was soaking wet and terribly muddy. We think he had been there since Friday night and it's now Sunday morning, in the rain, laying halfway in a stream and just couldn't go anymore. He never barked because he couldn't or either he did and we couldn't hear him. He would always bark at my voice. It was a major chore getting him out of there but we did manage and took him immediately to an emergency vet's office within 5 miles. They went to work on him immediately. We surely weren't going to let him die in the car after all he had been through. I talked to him all the way there. He was such a horrible mess and so weak that he couldn't stand. They did a great job on him. His body temp was okay and his lab work was not all that bad. He was bathed in warm water and actually walked out to the scales, a little shaky but still walking. To us it was a miracle. I had cried so much I couldn't cry anymore. And my husband was almost as much a basket case as I was. I brought him home yesterday afternoon, Monday. He's on some medicines after having had IV's and has to eat gradually but he is doing great He's pretty exhausted and sleeping a lot but just to see him there makes my day. My point to the story, which I don't know if anyone will even read, is that it's amazing how much an animal especially a dog becomes a part of your life and how much you can love them. I couldn't imagine life without Kodi even though I know he's pushing it at age 13. He's always been so well taken care of and fed only the best food. With his being pretty much blind, I was always so careful with him, never taking him anywhere he wasn't familiar with. The friends and neighbors that helped us were wonderful - I couldn't say enough about them and how dedicated they were. Life would have gone on without Kodi but for the time being it doesn't have to. We so love him and are so happy he is home and safe. My e-mail is peterspoo2@stratuswave.net in case anyone is interested. Best words I have ever heard are "He's ALIVE!"
A story from Jim Grabowski about Good memories posted 03/17/2010
A year ago when Marley & ME came out on DVD I had a lingering sense that I know this story. From the wedding in the snow storm, the cathlaholic family,to the move to suburban Philly. I made the connections, Googled John Grogan and read The Longest Trip Home. The book triggered many similar memories. I also grew up in West Bloomfield, was a caddy for years at another country club and went to Our Lady Of Refuge in the early years.I also skipped church with my siblings, our proof of attendance was to pick up a program i.e. bulletin witch we conspicuously placed on the kitchen desk when we arrived home from some foray to the Cranbrook nature center on the south shore of Orchard Lake or down the railroad tracks to explore the swamps.Some of my most favorite memories were of the forts we built around West Bloomfield. Some were tree forts, some were cabins, some were underground, all were ambitious and gave my teen years some great sense of purpose.As the forts were "discovered" we would pick up our tools usually hid at some distance and move further into the woods or another mile down the rail road tracks where we would begin another fort. Growing up in West Bloomfield at that time was both exhilarating and transforming. The sites of these forts even after almost forty years is still evident. Some sense of destiny made three places nature preserves. I have made pilgrimages to them with my sons on family down state visits. The longest trip home is that journey in our lives to find one place at least to call home. For myself its that time when I roamed the fields and woods of West Bloomfield.
A story from Sheila about naughty dog posted 03/18/2010
THIS IS DOG IS SO CUTE AND NAUGHTY!!`
A story from Joan Ruff about Two Good Stories posted 03/18/2010
I just finished reading your second book The Longest Trip Home. The last part of the book where you where detailing your Dad's passing was both wonderful and heartbreaking. It brought back to me my own father's passing in 2002. He was 93 years old and had been such a wonderful, loving, supporting man all of my life. He was active up until about 6 months before his death. My son David had died in December 2000 and my Dad loved him so, I'm sure that had something to do with his passing a year later. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job expressing how you handled the situation and your own grief a year later. I read Marley & Me just a few months ago and found it too a wonderful retelling of the life of a special family pet. There were times I was "falling on the floor" laughing at some of his antics and others "crying like a baby" as he came to the end of his life. Pets become family members too and they give and receive love so abundantly. Thank you again. I shall treasure these books and pass them on to family members to enjoy also.
A story from Claire Schneider about Inspiring and Creating posted 03/18/2010
Mr, Grogan, First of all, I want to say that I really enjoyed your book, Marley and Me. Your book really made me connect with my dog, a beagle and age fourteen and still going strong. You and your stories helped me create a relationship with my dog, Chip and you inspiried me to take on my dream, to be a columnist for a real newspaper. I have always loved writing. In my Language Arts class, I really despise my teacher and don't like the way he teaches it. So, naturally being 13, I went home and created my own writer's notebook. I even have a small pocket notebook that is with me at all times. In those books, I write down events or notes I see and then I try to format them in a report,column, or feature report. It is really fun and that is definately what I want to be when I grow up. Most of these stories(reports) are about my beagle. He is a Marley in the making,(even though he is 14). He likes to eat bird-seed and toilet paper(that can't taste good) and he likes every inch of the flour if you drop a crumb so small, a mouse couldn't sniff it out. He knocks everything over with his tail, even though he is small, and he drools all over the place. He has escaped from many crates(which involve a plastic fence and a wooden board around the perimeter of the kitchen.) But, over all he is a sweet and good-natured dog who loves interaction. I would really like him to live forever, but he is fourteen and i know its coming. He walks up the stairs like it hurts him, and hardly ever jumps up on a high bed, but you should see him run when you mention the t word(treat) or the w word(walk). Anyway, i was just writing to say i really loved your book Marley and Me and maybe one day you'll be reading my columns in the newspaper.
A story from janet weatherred about barney posted 03/19/2010
HI JOHN LOVED THE MOVIE MAKES ME THINK OF OUR LITTLE COCKER WE HAD INTHE MID 80'S WE GOT HIM FROM THE ANIMAL SHELTER HE AND HIS MOM AND 2 BROTHERS WEREW DROPED OFF TAILS DOCKED AND 3 MONTHS OLD WE RAISED SHEEP AT THE TIME AND BARNEY RAN INTO ONE ONE DAY AND MADE MY MOM AND I TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHICH TIME FOUND OUT HE WAS BLIND. AFTER A FEW YEARS OF WORKING WITH HIM HE GOT AROUN BETTER THEN SIGHTED DOGS I COULD SNAP MY FINGERS ONCE AND HE WOULD SIT TWICE HE WOUL LAY. BY THE TIME HE WAS 6 HIS EYES WERE VERY PAINFULL AND WE HAD THEM REMOVED AND SEW SHUT IT WAS SOOO FUNNY TO HAVE PEOPLE SAY '' WELL I'M SURE HE CAN SEE ALITLE LOL I WOULD SAY LOOK AT HIS FACE AND SAY THAT LOL HE WAS THE BEST LITTLE DOG EVER HE PASSED JULY 20 1995 AT 10 YRS OLD FROM CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE I HAVE NEVER STOPED MISSING HIM AND CAN'T LOOK AT ANOTHER BLOND COCKER WITH OUT A TEAR
A story from Liz McCormick about My dear Newman posted 03/19/2010
Hi John,
Just saw the movie for the 1st time "Marley & Me". I was deeply moved...cried and laughed a lot. As a young girl I loved anamils, especially dogs and have enjoyed my great companions dearly. My funny, sweet loveable Newman a white cockapoo, with a stubborn streak lives with me now. When he wants something he doesn't give up or forget until he gets it,even as a tiny pup he was determined.
Newman's 1st great escape was when he was only 2 months old, weighing 2 1/2 lbs. I had 3 days off after I brought him home for us to get acquainted before I had to go back to work. The 1st day at work, I left him in the kitchen using a 3 ft doggy gate to keep him contained. I left him with plenty of food, water, toys and potty paper and when I returned returned home he greeted me at the front door. The house was a mess! Potty and poops everywhere.
Newman always loves to make a game out of everything like: pulling your socks off and throwing them in the air, and digging on the carpet, then rolling on his side waving his paws and then turning on his stomach and dragging himself forward using his front legs. I have never seen such behavior and he amuses us every night with his antics.
Even though he hasn't been raised with children, he is so sweet and gentle with them and loves to give plenty of kisses and brings out his toys to play with them. Newman is 9 years old now and I can't think how it would be without him. We moved to southeastern PA 6 years ago and I'm also Irish Catholic so I'm sure I'll enjoy reading your memoir "The longest Trip Home" I think you're a wonderful story teller.
The Parade article "Bringing Marley Home" brought me to tears, again demonstrates how much you and Jen loved this very special guy and I think it was the perfect thing to do, knowing that he is still with you.
I went out today and bought the book Marley & Me.
I'm a big fan, keep up the heartfelt stories.
Liz
A story from Joakim Passos about Livros, animais e Eu posted 03/19/2010
A story from Thomas Ortiz about Animals are pets posted 03/21/2010
Marley & Me is the #1 Pet-lover book. I too had a few adventures with a few fun loving animals.
Part 1: And Bingo was his namo. I wanted a chijuajua named Bingo.Yes, Bing. When I was young, I wanted a dog named Bingo. It was summer of 06. My aunt and uncle took my sister and I to Vero Beach. A week later, my parents had a surprise for us. There he was, Bingo. It was love at first sight with him and me.
Part 2: Rocky + Micaela A year later, somewhere in 07, my sister was DYING to get a cat. That was when until my dad's friend from work was moving into an apartment, and NO ANIMALS ALLOWED! My dad's friend had a cat named Rocky, and he was looking for a new owner to take care of Rocky. Rocky was a main-coone. That's when my dad spoke up and said that we can take care of Rocky. A week later, Rocky became a member to our family. Micaela loved Rocky, and Rocky loved Micaela. Micaela is my sister.
Part 3: Blu the bull dog One year later, a movie called "Marley & Me" came in theaters. Soon, in winter, it came out to D.V.D. I really wanted to see the movie, cause considering that I'm a pet lover. Soon, after watching it, my parents thought of getting one more pet. We had two pets, ans one was a dog, and the other was a cat. Bingo belonged to Dad and me, and Micaela had Rocky all to herself. Mom wanted a dog of her own. Our next door neighbor, Andrew, had to dogs, and they were having puppies. Andrew gave a puppy to us for FREE! We named him Blu. He was a bull terrier. When he saw Mom, he stayed to her right to her side.
Part 4: COPD The #1 thing you got to worry about pets is either for them to die, or getting rid of them to a new owner. Cause after a while you have them, it's hard to let them go. Their with you, their a-part of you, their a member to your family. When we got Bingo and Rocky, a few of our family members thought of getting RID of Bingo, but KEEP Rocky. Dad, Mom, Micaela and I said "NO WAY!" Anyway, after a few months of having Blu, something happened to my dad at work. He couldn't brethe, and the workers had to call the hospital. A few days later, the doctor said that we had to get rid of our pets. "Great," I said to myself. Well, not just that. We also had to get rid of the carpet in the house, because of the urine and poop that the dogs left. Our landskaper just didn't mow lawns. He also does floors. So after what we told him, he and his crew came to our house, and finished tilin up the floors in three days. Then we hadanother problem: Who was gong to take care of the animals? Our land-skaper offered to take care of the dogs. But what about Rocky? Well, Grandma Chambers knew this guy who was GOOD friends with her. We even knew him. He cleaned our house every once a month. He offered to take care of Rocky. Soon, everything got quiet. No barking, no mewoing, just a quiet house with a quiet family.
Part 4: Geo & Me + Winter We realized that Dad has COPD from the animals. After a year of getting rid of Bingo, Blu and Rocky, Dad said taht we can get TWO more pets, just without fur. Our land-skaper had a two birds. One male and the other female. Dad wasn't allergic to them. I named the male Geo, and Micaela named hers Winter. Geo and Winter.
Part 5: Animals It doesn't matter what kind of pets you have. A rat, a fish, heck, you can even have a pet bug if you want to! If you want a pet, get a pet. My name is Thomas Ortiz. I'm a 13 year old. I live with my parents, my sister, and my pet birds, Geo and Winter.
A story from Gwenne Farrell about Odie, the Best Dog Ever posted 03/21/2010
Dear Mr. Grogan,
I read your book Marley and Me and had to laugh because apparently my lab Hammie (proper name Hamish MacDougall) must be related to Marley.
However, it is not Hammie that I write about, it is Odie, the best dog ever. I got Odie from the pound and we nicknamed her SAD (sorry excuse for a dog). She was a Shepherd/husky cross that when I saw her I couldn't help but fall in love. She had a slit in one ear so it wouldn't stand up, a slit in her tongue, and was bi-eyed with one blue and one brown. She was name Odie after the Garfield character because she was just happy and had her tongue lolling.
Abount 18 months after I got Odie I got married. My husband was not a dog person and wanted to get rid of her. Of course I explained I had Odie longer than I had had him and that was not an option. And so, Odie and I worked hard at training from which she became an amazing dog. She was obedient and well behaved though ironically if I gave her a command she would check with my husband to see if she should obey.
Odie's biggest problem was that she was an escape artist and could leap a 5 foot fence in a single bound. She spent many a day doing the mail route with the postman!
My favourite story is when Odie escaped and I received a call saying she was at the local hospital. It appeared that she had opened the automatic doors and had gone to visit the patients in the emergency room. She was so popular the hospital invited her back anytime I wanted to bring her.
Odie was a friend to everyone which she demonstrated at our summer bbq. A friend turned to me in fear because her 6 month old was crawling up Odie's back and grabbing her ears. Odie simply turned and looked, realizing it was a kid, and gave him a lick. He was simply someone she could love.
Odie passed away a few years ago the same way she did everything, not making a big fuss just letting go. After her nightly walk and visiting our neighbours young daughter she just laid down and went to sleep. She was a wonderful dog in life and made sure her passing was easy for us.
I miss her to this day.
A story from Alicia Herzog about Toby...i will never forget him...... posted 03/24/2010
I have written a few stories before about Toby, my old yellow lab, but never before have I written about something like this. yesterday, I got home from school, and everything was normal, except that I could not find Toby. when my sister got home, my mom told us... that he was at the vet's with my dad. I lost it, screaming NO! over and over again, hard jagged sobs wrenching from my chest. I knew. we arrived at the vet, where I stayed with Toby until the very end, stroking him and telling him that I loved more than anything else in the entire universe, that I was sorry, and goodbye. My dad tried to get me to go out to the car before the vet gave Toby the injection. "No, I want to stay here." I said several times before he would let me stay. I had made a secret vow to myself that I wanted to be the last thing Toby saw before he left. I never thought I would see the day that my dad cried, as he is a retired special forces soldier. But he did. the vet came and told us some things about the shot, that he might whine or move around a little bit, but that it wasn't painful to him. I covered my eyes and buried my head in my mom's arm. And the last thing i heard Toby make was a whine and a small amout of gas. My baby was gone by the time the vet was done giving him the injection. It kills me to think of him, and today at school, i soent the entire day trying to hold back tears, until I finally went into the bathroom and cried. My math teacher asked why i didn't have my homework. and i told her why. within two hours, all my teachers, plus my guidance counseler knew. I barely ate my lunch today. Everybody was sympathetic for me, even the bullies. Toby had to be put to sleep because of kidney failure. he started bleeding out of his bottom. Before he left, my dad took him for a long walk in the park, until he couldn't walk anymore. We're getting two dogs next, a chocolate and a yellow lab, but not for about a year and a few monthes. I'm crying as i type this, and i want to write a book about Toby. My mom's friend sent us flowers, my neighbor got us a card. We're taking Toby down to N.C. next week to bury him on my cousin's farm, and my aunt Pam is going to take the ashes of her german shepherd, Shelbie, who died of cancer, and put them in with Toby, so that they will always be together. Toby was a brother, a friend, someone to talk to, who would listen when no one else would. Toby was the perfect dog, I loved him, and I prayed every night for him, but I'll never see him again, until I die and go to heaven, in about eighty or so years, as i am only 13. I love you forever Toby, and i will never forget you. Ever. Thanks, i feel a little bit lighter now, and, john, i now know what it feels like to lose a beloved best friend.
A story from Crysta about Hannah the Husky posted 03/26/2010
I just finished reading Marley & Me, and as you've heard a million times I was touched. About two years ago, I purchased my first dog, a Siberian Husky, whom I named Hannah, as she was born right in the middle of Hurricane Hannah. Little did I know how true she would be to a hurricane...
I first saw her picture on a breeder's website and was in love. I cleared my bank account to have that precious little puppy. Training began immediately...but here we are two years later and it hasn't sunk in.
I cannot begin to tell you how much money I have put into building fences...and reinforcing the fence after she broke it, and heightening the fence after she jumped it, and putting concrete around the yard so she couldn't dig under it...the dog is an energetic mess. My solution was to take her for long walks. Only, I didn't realize (though I should have) that a sled dog would drag me around my neighborhood for 5 hours only to be upset when I managed to drag her inside when we happened to get near my house for the umpteenth time since the walk began.
I am constantly returning from work to find all kinds of chewed up objects. Paper is her big fetish. I once came home to several twenty dollar bills shredded to bits on my living room. I haven't the slightest clue as to where she found them. But, it broke my heart that she did. What a waste.
My proudest moment, however, was about two days ago. I was about half way through your book at the time, and I returned from work to find it (to my horror) lying on the floor in my bedroom. "Not this one!" I groaned with angst. "I haven't finished it yet! There is a bookshelf FULL of finished books in here! Why this one??" And then, my spirit livened when I noticed a lack of shredded paper bits on the floor. "She just drug it out," I thought. "Something else caught her attention. She didn't chew it up!" And, upon further investigation, I found that she didn't chew it up, but had full on swallowed something like 40 pages of the book. I was horrified! But, as I flipped through the pages, I realized just how thoughtful my dog was. She had eaten only pages that I had already read. Thrilled that I could finish your book, I gave her a treat and told her in my sweetest voice what a naughty girl she had been, and settled in to finish it before she could come back for seconds.
If that isn't irony, I do not know what is. My dog ate a book about a dog who spent his entire life eating inanimate objects, and destroying property for the fun of it. But, I wouldn't trade my mess of a dog for anything in the world.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful life you had with your beloved pet. It's a story I won't soon forget.
A story from Brian about Molly the Dog posted 03/28/2010
Dear Mr. Grogan I am one of the biggest fans of your book Marley and Me I have read it at least 12 times. Reading the book made me think of my own dog Molly. She is a cocker spaniel and little less of the level of insanity as Marley (but not a whole lot) she might behave a little better but I always say if your Marley and my Molly were ever to meet the two would tear a hole in the universe. She will always let you know when she cannot get to something she wants by giving a little howl. Another thing she likes to do is chase the sunlight when it comes in from the sunroof and on top of that she is a little neurotic, for example she will go in front of and behind a parked car but will not go along the side and is terrified of the color red.At one point in her life when you would play with her for a while then when you left even for a second she would put her tail in between her legs and run all around the house. She can even put herself in a self induced trance, she will sit for a long time with a toy in her mouth, just watching the sunlight even if you take the toy away she won't even budge. Her one true weakness is food, she will drop whatever she is doing when she hears the kibble falling into the bowl and run to the source. If you're a piece of food and you fall on the floor within earshot of her: you don't stand a chance the only thing you can do is pray. She may be insane but she is the closest I have to a sister. -Brian
A story from Keith Brocklehurst about Bereavement and my dog posted 03/29/2010
My CKCS Jasper died 2 years ago from MVD. I was up all night with him as he deteriorated, and the vet effectively 'euthanased ' him. It hurt for ages and with such pain that I wrote about it in a book called 'I had a Dog in Alkrington'. Thar certainly helped, and part-way through its writing I read Marley & Me and enede dup quoting a passage from there, as it seemed to sum up a universal feeling betwen mana and dog. My dog WAS a family memebr, and I probably spent more time with him than anyone outside my immediate family.So its perhaps not surprising that the attachment was so strong......a la Marley. John, I have used , acknowledged and quoted, a passage from your final chapter in Marley & Me in my own book.....I hope that's OK and seen as a compliment....thanks
A story from Keith Brocklehurst about Bereavement and my dog posted 03/29/2010
My CKCS Jasper died 2 years ago from MVD. I was up all night with him as he deteriorated, and the vet effectively 'euthanased ' him. It hurt for ages and with such pain that I wrote about it in a book called 'I had a Dog in Alkrington'. Thar certainly helped, and part-way through its writing I read Marley & Me and enede dup quoting a passage from there, as it seemed to sum up a universal feeling betwen mana and dog. My dog WAS a family memebr, and I probably spent more time with him than anyone outside my immediate family.So its perhaps not surprising that the attachment was so strong......a la Marley. John, I have used , acknowledged and quoted, a passage from your final chapter in Marley & Me in my own book.....I hope that's OK and seen as a compliment....thanks
A story from Sandra Kerr about The Longest Trip Home posted 03/30/2010
My younger sister, Janet, emailed me one day and said "you have to read this book "The Longest Trip Home". She had just read "Marley and Me" and loved it and then got really excited when she heard about the prequel to Marley. Janet finished the second book before leaving for work one morning and was in awe of the book. When she referred the book to me, I had no idea what I was in for. I didn't realize it was a memoir until I couldn't locate it in the library's fiction section. But soon after starting the book, I, also, couldn't put it down. I loved getting to know your family and reading about you growing up. My family is pretty religious too, but perhaps not as much as yours. So, when my father, Norman, got sick with cancer in 2006, our family was devastated. Us six kids had "lived in a bubble" as Mom used to call it and never experienced the emotions and grief that such a disease brought. So when Dad lost a lot of weight and was soon after diagnosed with the fourth stage of colon cancer, we all reeled with shock. There was no cure, only prolonging of life, and with chemotherapy and medication, the life wasn't fantastic. None of us could accept the fact that Dad had terminal cancer and so we hung on to the doctor's words that "the tumor in the liver was shrinking" or everything looks okay. During the process of my Dad's cancer, my siblings and I took turns travelling home to Newfoundland, helping my mother, making appointments, or driving to the hospital for chemo treatments. The parallel between your story and experiences and what happened to my family were phenomenal and it felt like you were writing our story as well. I remember travelling with my brothers and sisters from Ontario to Newfoundland, rushing home because the news at home wasn't good. This was it. As bad as it was during the drive, we shared lots of stories of our father, and I realized that I didn't really know the man he was,just the father that I loved so much. My brothers told stories that made me shake my head with awe and wonder, but also pride. My sister, Janet, was the only one of us siblings that settled close to home, but because of her MS, she wasn't able to do all she wanted to do to help my parents. It reminded me of your brother who also lived at home but wasn't able to care for your parents. We were all visiting Dad in pallative care in the hospital one Sunday morning, and the town ministers came in for a visit. Although we are an Anglican family, the United Church minister visited and said a prayer for Dad and our family. When Dad introduced all of us to this minister, he was told that Dad was a very rich man. This minister was from South Africa and had a voice and manner that would fill you up and make your heart swell. I was reminded of him again when you spoke of the Nigerian pastor in your story. I finished your book on my morning commute to work. I remember not being able to see the words too clearly because the book was breaking my heart and bringing back so many memories. When you wrote about your Dad's last days before Christmas, I was thinking, "Oh my God, I wonder if he died on Dec. 23, like my Dad did." It was almost too much to handle. My brothers and sisters and I had rushed home on Dec. 22/07 because this time it truly was the end. My mother and other sister were so afraid that we would not make it on time. But we did. We arrived at 10:30 pm and my Dad died around 12:30 am on Dec. 23/07. He had not slipped into a coma, but was merely waiting for us, before he left us for good. I thank you for your story and can relate to much of what you went through. Your story was amazing and now my other siblings are reading it as well. Your family was blessed by such loving parents and your parents were blessed by such admirable children. I would like to think that my parents feel the same. We are all still an extremely close family and my mother can proudly say that she had a great life with my dad and has no regrets. Thank you so much for a truly remarkable book.
A story from Bobbi about Thanks For The Inspiration posted 03/31/2010
I love it when my 2 yr. old granddaughter humors me and carries on a conversation with our dog via my poor attempts at ventriloquism. I can say that and find humor in it now. But go back oh... say around six years maybe. It was one of the most terrible and wonderful years of my life, the first year of my Gracie's life.... when I picked up a book 'Marley and Me' and brought it home to read. The book inspired me to write my own memoir and I've been a John Grogan FAN ever since! www.graciesdiaryamemoir.blogspot.com
A story from Lila about Passover Dog posted 03/31/2010
Monday night was the first Passover sedar this year, so my mom, brother, and I all went to my great-aunt's house to celebrate. When we got there, there was a dog inside. The dog, Petey, belongs to my cousins. He is an extremely boney, 13 year old Greyhound. Anyway, my brother has always been a bit skiddish around dogs, even older ones like Petey. I was scared too until I read your book about a year ago. Anyway, my brother came in just to look at Petey and liked the way he looked so he pet Petey's ear. "It feels like Schnizzle," he said. Schnizzle is his stuffed dog. By the end of the night, my brother was petting Petey all the time and even calling him over. Maybe there is hope for a golden retriever in my future. We'll see.
A story from Virginia Russo about a wonderful book that brought back these cherished memories of a dog named Roxy posted 04/01/2010
Mr, Grogan, I just finished your wonderful book Marley & Me and I just have to say I read a lot of books about dogs fiction, nonfiction, but this was truly the best one yet. You wrote it like a love story between man and beast. We had to put our shepard mix dog Roxy of 11 years to sleep just a year ago yesterday.My husband and daughter watched the movie Marley & Me 3 weeks before we had to put our dog to sleep. I couldn't watch it so I said I would read the book maybe. I'm so glad I did. It was the hardest thing that we ever had to do. She would be a member of the Bad Dog Club, but she was very loyal to her family. Like your wife I eventually saw how nice the house and yard looked etc., but my husband was so lost that on Fathers Day of last year we adopted a beagle lab mix. Talk about a pain in the ass. Pepper can be so annoying at times we want to send her back!! I did read a great book Mornings With Barney, about a man and his Beagle. That book really shed light on our little one. She just turned 1 in March and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I'm looking forward to reading your memoir and Bad Dogs book. Thank You again for writing such a wonderful book. I'm sorry it took me this long to read it.
A story from Katie about Charlie- One Bad Dog posted 04/02/2010
John I just finished reading "Marley & Me"- it truly is one of the most special books I have ever read. My family, too, has a "bad dog." Charlie is a Sheltie who spends his time barking at everything that moves, sneaking into our pantry, eating our walls, and disobeying our every command. When we call him in from outside, he always has to look around to decide if he has other options. He eats everything, including countless Oreo cookies, my dad's foam putting mat, sneaker laces, my mom's garden tomatoes, and my dad's wallet (with $100 dollars in it. That was one expensive poop). One time we came home from a night out to find he had gotten some fresh corn off the counter and eaten even the cobs. Anything on our counter or table is free game to him and he usually enlists the help of our other Sheltie, Casey, in on his antics.
My mom firmly believes he is the reincarnation of some prankster human. The most common thing in our house is hearing someone yell, "Charlie!" And yet, we would not trade him for the world.
I have decided to give your book to my mother for her birthday, knowing she will truly understand how our bad dog is one of this life's blessings. She originally did not want any animals in the house, but since getting Charlie and Casey 6 years ago, has become their biggest fans. I am also trying to get my husband to read the book- he, too, had a wild, crazy lab who passed away a few years ago after seeing his family through some of the hardest times in their lives.
Thank you for sharing your story and giving the world a chance to know Marley.
A story from Anna about Frankie posted 04/04/2010
After reading this book i have realised how quick a dogs life goes, and i have learnt to treasure my dog. Marley was a great dog,a bit like frankie. Frankie chases cars and chews my childs toys, but we still love her like a daughter. We have learned a lot from Marley,and think of him as a hero. Well done the grogans!
A story from Cat about Cain nicknamed Toady posted 04/04/2010
John,
I've just finished reading Marley & me and thought it was great. I thought I would tell you a bit about my dog.
I got Cain as a foster dog back in Auckland NZ in Nov 1999. Soon enough he put weight on and was a lovable 6mth old german shepherd x with an evil streak. In the Dec I adopted him as my own he soon began destroying his toys not a problem then the decided it was a good idea to hang from any towel on the washing line run on his back legs and swing round. Then one night after moving house he decided since at this stage he was kenneled outside that the rose garden needed digging up. I then proceeded to hide his digging from my flatmate as it was his garden. Soon after this in 2001 I moved home to my old city Christchurch where I introduced him to my brother's german shepherd which Cain did start to settle down a bit and they played quite happily in the compost pit and run around the garden. In 2005 we moved to the UK and had a few problems settling in and then I saw Cesar Millans programme and tried some of the training out after awhile it has worked. Cain is still going strong even though he's coming up to 11yrs old hes just so full of fun and makes me laugh. I don't think it matters what dog you have as long as you love it and and include it as part of the family and accept them for who they are as mine chose me.
A story from Tammie Riffle about 2nd grade class wrote their own version of Marley goes to the mall posted 04/04/2010
John, I am a second grade teacher in Greenville, Ohio. My students loved reading your Marley books. As one of our writing projects they decided to write their own version of Marley. It took us 2 1/2 months to complete our story. During our writings many lessons were taught. We wanted to share our story with you hoping you might use our ideas in one of your future books. Please understand this was a writing lesson and we are not stealing your story. The children had sooooo much fun doing this project and looked to you as their mentor. Email me if you want to read our story - triffle@greenville.k12.oh.us
A story from Mevlija about My Ben posted 04/06/2010
Dear Mr Grogan, I finished reading your book 'Marley and me' all in tears. At the moment I felt that someone was sensing my emotions, touched my soul and felt my pain. In your book I found the same thoughts, premonitions, absolutely same feelings that have been overwhelming me for eight months. I envy you for one thing, you buried your Marley but my Ben has been stolen and I've never heard anything ever since. I live in a small country, in which war finished a few years ago, in which 200000 people died. In one day several thousand people were killed. Many children became orphans, many mothers lost remain sons, husbands, brothers. You are a journalist, you have maybe heard of Bosnia and Herzegovina. And how should I even cry for a dog in such a country with many other more painful disasters? How? I don't ask myself that question, I just cry every day. In my country they steal dogs for sale not for sordid, they sell them and take to Italy, Bulgaria, Krit (Greece). I also have a son and a husband. They ask me who I love more - my dogs or them? My Ben was 10 years old, vital and strong German Spaniel, excellent hunting dog. He was a second child to us, with all his vices and virtues of spoilt dog. I write to you because I will feel better for a moment if I share my thoughts with someone who knows the feeling.
Thank you for your wonderful book!
A story from Mary about My dog Hero posted 04/06/2010
John, Bless you, for loving Marley, for sharing him and your family with us. Maybe someday I can share my story but not today, not yet. My heart is too heavy, too sad. I am sending a poem my husband wrote for me, it was framed and sitting on the kitchen counter one day. We are breeders of AKC field champion lab retrievers so I was able to have my 1st dog as a pup from birth, or maybe I should say he had me. Many tough times we had, some I did not know if my Hero would survive, some I doubted I would survive! But survive we did, for only 6 short years. You are a fantastic writer, and Marley and Me really brings pictures into ones' mind as it is being read. Next time you go and visit Marleys final resting spot please ask him to play with my Herodog. I am sure both are sitting by the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. Mary
A story from Annica Miller about Thank you for a great story posted 04/07/2010
Hi John,
Just wanted to let you know I've read Marley and Me several times and also saw this movie.
The book was actually a help over the last few weeks as we knew the end was near for our beloved Copper, a yellow lab cross. His final year had similarities with Marley's which helped me cope with what was to come. I am saddened to let you know Copper left us late last night at the age of 13. We'll never forget him and treasure all the fun memories we have of him.
A story from Katy about love your books posted 04/07/2010
Dear John, I love Marley and Me the book. I wish though that the movie had Marley on the movie set and ect. You have gave me some courage to tell my mom we really need a dog now.Anything is possible now that Ive read your book. I have a question what is the Longest Trip Home about. Hope to hear from you. P.S. Collen and I are 2 months apart in age :)
A story from Andrew Carr about Marley reminds me of Oxo posted 04/08/2010
I just finished the book Marley & Me nad have to say I was moved to tears. Such a good book. Highly recommended. My friend had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was the same personality as Marley. Lovable and always thinking he was a puppy. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I wish I had know Marley - I know I would have loved him.
A story from Judi Joslyn about Marley helped save my dog posted 04/08/2010
Monday evening, our beloved german shepherd, Katara, became very sick. She began vomiting often and continued all through the night. She was still very sick the next morning, but became quite sleepy and the spasms were less violent. We decided to take her to the vet to be checked. I was very afraid of a twisted stomach and that was what was suspected by our vet. He suggested x-rays which confirmed what he had feared. Because I had read the book about Marley and had seen the movie, I had been checking her stomach to make sure it wasn't bloating. The vet said that since her stomach was not beginning to bloat, we had a good chance of saving her. We had emergency surgery with an excellent outcome. She is home with me now and I truly credit your Marley and his story with making me aware of what these symptoms might mean and for the immediate need to see the doctor.
A story from Karli about Marley: A Dog Like No Other posted 04/08/2010
Dear Mr.Grogan, I think you are a awsome author!I think Marley;A Dog Like No Other is the best book I've ever read.I love yellow labs.I think Marley was a very funny dog.I also sent you a picture of my dog Bailey.She is a yellow lab.We sometimes call her Marley Jr. because sometimes she doesn't listen very well.Well enjoy the picture!Please write back! from,Karli
A story from Karli about Bailey posted 04/08/2010
Karli's Dog Bailey!
A story from Karli about Bailey or Marley Jr. posted 04/08/2010
another attempt
A story from Jade, Marie and Anne about Cairns Appreciation Club posted 04/11/2010
John,
We thought you might enjoy this photo of us enjoying your books.
Although we hail from a long way away, we still appreciate good literature.
So here we all are having a good time devouring your words of wisdom and wit.
Note: Our Marley Mascot (middle front).
The books are upside down because we are from down under. Groan.
Anyway enjoy the pic as we three unashamedly attempt to encourage others to enjoy your writings.
Regards,
Jade, Marie, Mascot Marley and Anne (left to right) Cairns, Qld, Australia
A story from cheyenne cline about my dogs posted 04/11/2010
whene i was three (but now i'm nine) we got a dog named Jack well he rally likes bred he jumped up one to our six foot couwnter and got the bred out of our cabenet.
A story from Rose about Masen my puppy posted 04/12/2010
i just want to say that marley and me is a great story that truly made me laugh and cry. It reminded me of my childhood dog, a giant chocolate lab mix, he could of been marley's twin. Well one day i came home from school at age 16 to find that masen wasnt anywhere to be seen, usually this was a bad sign. I went up stairs into my bedroom to find my dresser drawer on the floor and my underwear all over the floor. And there was masen with my undies in his mouth, he looked at me and ran for the door.i chased him and finally caught up to him to find out her ate my undies, which he pooped out several days later. I found out that night that he had eaten a bra, a necklace, and half a diary.
A story from Milena and family about Mel...I Miss you more and more posted 04/15/2010
My little "girl"...I miss you !!! But i know that you stay in the beautiful place..playing with de angels... I always remember all the nice anda funny moments that we live together...
Mel... my sweet...my dear... you make your family very happy.. always playing and jumping and giving love and friendship and affection and peace. You feel our life with happiness anda love !
We will love you forever !!!
By, Mi, Osmar, Marli, Nina, Ciça, Rodrigo, Renato, Ricardo, Family and friends...
A story from Meaghan Hechter about Bruno posted 04/15/2010
I have never lost a pet. I got my first dog on my 13th birthday. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. We had this special connection. From the first moment we met Bruno loved me. To be honest I didn't want a dachshund. I wanted a lab, one of the classic big and beautiful puppies I always saw in the magazines. You see, my mom knew someone who was leaving the coutry and needed to sell some last minute dachshund pups. She had to talk me into even going and seeing, what I refered to as wiener dogs. At that point I decided that if I was going to get a dachshund it would have to be a black and tan. So, when we came to the office where this woman worked, I had my mind set, either a black and tan, or nothing. There were only two puppies left, and to my joy, one of them was a black and tan. I ran to the crate, completely ignoring the "boring" brown dachshund, and told myself that whoever came and licked my hand first would be the one who I took home. Both puppies were whining and as I opened the crate, you won't believe what happened, the black and tan shrunk away and the brown dachshund ran forward, covering my hand and arm in kisses. I was dissapointed to say the least. I was young,and for me, color was the way to go. However, it seemed this little brown dog had made up his mind for the both of us. He wanted me, and slowly but surely, as the times passed, I realized I wanted him too. He was beautiful, and such a love. He couldn't get enough licks, and I couldn't either. So, after two hours of fun, my mother and I left, knowing that this little dog was the one for us. I knew his name before I even met him, and it just so happened to be a perfect fit, "Bruno". I am 18 years old now, about to be 19 this july, which is Bruno and my aniversary. Bruno just truned 6 this April, and I reakized that I don't have much more time left to spend with this barking maniac. Your book, Marley and Me, brought tears down my checks. It made me laugh. It plain made me happy, but it also made me sad. I just hope, that when Bruno's time comes, I can look back and see everything the same way you did. Bruno isn't perfect. He never stops barking and, like Marley, hates thunder storms. I could go on and on about the crazy and misbehaving aspects of Bruno's personality, but I won't. What I am trying to say, is that you really touched me, and my family with your book. There will never be another Bruno, but thanks to you, I know that just because he will eventually be gone, doesn't mean he will ever leave my heart!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, and with me!
A story from Manuela Romonath about Our live with Ronja posted 04/16/2010
Dear John and family Grogan
First please apologise my English, it is long time ago since I had practice to use this language. I am a 51 year old mother of three children. A dog where half time of my life a member of my family, so I know how you and your family grieved about Marley.
My dogs always accepted me as the alpha animal. Ronja a mixed of a round through a village, was born in Spain / Mallorca as a street dog. A German Lady married to a Spanish police officer rescues these dogs out of the animal shelters, because they keep the dogs only 21 days. If no owner picks them up, they would kill these dogs anyhow. All our animals, cats or dogs, where always animals needing a home. This German Lady with her organisation called âAjucanâ mediate this dogs to German families. This is the way, how Ronja came with 4 month in our family. Until I read your book about Marley, (I couldnât stop laughing) I always thought my Ronja where the naughtiest dog on this world. She had plenty similar behaviours like Marley. I was able to train her the important dog live keeping rules. She comes straight to me when I whistle or call her, she sits and lay down when I tell her, but I can only rely on it, when there is nothing more important around us. I could never teach her not to empty the bin when she is alone, even though she knows exactly she shouldnât do that. She also pulls on her lead getting nearly choked because of her hyper activity. I am glad to live near a forest, so she can run without lead. Is she on the lead with me on the other end, dogs three times bigger than her are enemies. She tries to attack them. Without the lead she goes carefully to them, and starts playing with them as if there are biggest friends. The latest coup she made was steeling a 20 ,- ⏠piece of roast beef, straight out of the oven. It was laying on the kitchen table to cool down. She never tried before to take anything from the table, but this piece smelled so lovely that she couldnât resist. The only reason for being not as naughty as Marley was, is her size. Being a little dog with 17 kg, she isnât able to destroy and damage such al lot like Marley. Ronja would never run away. She is much to afraid of loosing me. If I go in to a shop, she is waiting outside, she barks for her life. There could be a big hole in the shop which swallows me up. She wouldnât trust it, even after all this years going to the same little shop.
I donât agree in one point of your view. These dogs might be mentally ill, but they are not stupid. I even say it is a kind of intelligence. To open a door latches (Ronja opens every door) or going their own way is logic. Do you know any other dog, which is able to do this without being trained on it?
Ronja is now 10 years old, she is getting grey and signs of osteoarthritis are showing up. We all know the time with her shortens. The children start asking how long she will live. We all love her like you can love a member of a family which shows every second of her life, that you are the greatest in her world. Ronja is as well always on my side, and I would miss her if she wasnât with us anymore, the way I miss all my animals which where on my side.
P.S. Ronjas biggest dog friend is blond Labrador, the dog of my mother.
Thank you for the good time with your book. Manuela Romonath Germany / Reinbek by Hamburg
A story from Tia about My Immortal Chewy and Lovable Shanti posted 04/16/2010
Dear John, I literally just finished reading Marley and Me about twenty minutes ago. I started it a week ago after watching the movie for the twentieth time and figured it was time to get the real story. After reading the book, I began to appreciate my dogs more than I used to. My family has two dogs, Shanti who is a four-year-old black lab-collie mix, and Chewy who is a sixteen-year-old Maltepoo. Chewy surprisingly still has a lot of energy and can run around like there is no tomorrow. He is almost completely deaf and has been gradually growing blind over the past few years. We have had Chewy since I was two (I'm now almost eighteen) so he has been a part of most of my life. He has been a bit neglected over the past couple of years mainly that if he is in the house, he is in his cage and if he is outside, he is on his leash. He used to roam around the house all the time being the kitchen vacuum cleaner and when he was tired, he would curl up and snooze under the coffee table. A couple years ago, Chewy started going to the bathroom inside the house again. Not because he couldn't hold it (because he would have just gone minutes before outside), but because he felt the need to start marking his territory in the house. That is when he became confined to his cage and Shanti along with him. Shanti was always so big and she sheds terribly which is why she is also in kennel confinement. Winter is always hard for Chewy because he doesn't grow a winter coat so he is inside most of the time. He has arthritis so he gets sore and we put him in Shanti's kennel for a few minutes so he can stretch his legs. But then he feels the need to mark his territory in Shanti's cage so his time in there never lasts that long. Over the past couple of years, both the dogs have become an household accessory that we let out every few hours and keep them in there cages the rest of the time except during the summer when they spend most of the day outside on the leash. After reading the book, I began to realize how little time I spend with my dogs. Recently we have been joking around that Chewy is immortal since he is sixteen and still has much energy even thought most dogs his breeds usually live about nine to twelve years. One of my cousins even said, "Of course Chewy will still be around in five years! Lord knows he'll never die!" But obviously no dog is immortal and I am beginning to realize that maybe I don't have as much time with him as I thought. Since reading the book I am beginning to realize that I would take it really hard if Chewy were to go anytime soon. I think that I would feel guilty for neglecting him in his final years and for not appreciating him for the gentle sweetheart that he is. So thank you for helping me realize that I don't have the time that I thought I had. I need to start appreciating both my dogs. Shanti is technically still young which gives me a lot more time to spend with her. I don't know how much more time Chewy has but I know now that I need to be with him in his final moments and show him the love and care that he deserves. So thank you again for showing me that dogs are more that just another household accessory, but that they are our teachers and our companions who are there when we need them most. :)
A story from Caitlin F. about My Tiny posted 04/20/2010
Mr Grogan,
Your story Marly & Me sort of reminded me of my St. Bernard, Tiny. He was a big dope who would lay on me and crush me under his 225 pounds. His hip was hurt when he fell down our back staircase im Charlotte, NC. He lived, only to get heartworms without us knowing. We had to give Tiny away about three months before we moved to Georiga. We got a call about a month later. He had been put down because of his heartworms. It still hurts to talk about him. I hope he's up in dog heaven with Marley. They'd love each other.
Your Fellow Dog-Lover, Caitlin (Caiti)
A story from Caitlin F. about My Tiny posted 04/20/2010
Mr Grogan,
Your story Marly & Me sort of reminded me of my St. Bernard, Tiny. He was a big dope who would lay on me and crush me under his 225 pounds. His hip was hurt when he fell down our back staircase im Charlotte, NC. He lived, only to get heartworms without us knowing. We had to give Tiny away about three months before we moved to Georiga. We got a call about a month later. He had been put down because of his heartworms. It still hurts to talk about him. I hope he's up in dog heaven with Marley. They'd love each other.
Your Fellow Dog-Lover, Caitlin (Caiti)
A story from Caitlin F. about My Tiny posted 04/20/2010
Mr Grogan,
Your story Marly & Me sort of reminded me of my St. Bernard, Tiny. He was a big dope who would lay on me and crush me under his 225 pounds. His hip was hurt when he fell down our back staircase im Charlotte, NC. He lived, only to get heartworms without us knowing. We had to give Tiny away about three months before we moved to Georiga. We got a call about a month later. He had been put down because of his heartworms. It still hurts to talk about him. I hope he's up in dog heaven with Marley. They'd love each other.
Your Fellow Dog-Lover, Caitlin (Caiti)
A story from Marcella Ferreira e Cruz about In the longest trip home posted 04/20/2010
Hi john,
I just wanna say a few words...
First of all, sorry about my english, but I'm from Brazil and was the first time that I felt the need to write to a writer.
I literally just finished to read In the Longest Trip Home, and felt like I was part of your family, seems that a know you better than any other person so, that's why i'm writting.
You touched my heart and made me think about many parts os my life and my family's life.
I want to say "thank you" and I will never forget your history!
And I wish I could have a father like yours, you're very, very lucky and I know that you know that!
P.S: I wish you could speak Portuguese, Has many other things that I wanted to say... =(
Photo: your book in Brazil!
Marcella Cruz
A story from Karen Hevesy about Our Dog Deano posted 04/21/2010
The other day my daughter said something very interesting. It was a simple phrase yet it left quite an impression. Actually, we laughed until we had tears rolling down our faces. We had attended .....this is a little hard to admit (with a straight face) a guinea pigs birthday party. Two guinea pigs to be exact. Yup. It included little tiny party hats, a carrot cake and they got gifts like, grapes and cabbage. They had Guinea pig races. One of the guinea pigs relieved himself in the middle of the race as the children cheered them on to victory. I never thought I would use the terms guinea pig and cheered them on to victory in the same sentence. I can sort of imagine what you think of someone who would throw such a party, but what does it say about us for attending? It says, get a life, you have much too much free time. So, we come home and my daughter, son, and I are talking about the party. Weren't the pigs cute in their hats? How about those races? Aren't you glad he didn't poop while you were holding him? Won't cabbage give them gas? When my daughter says " I wish I had a pet." My son and I both stopped, crinkled our brows, looked at each other and both immediately looked to the left of the room. Because there less than 10 feet from us was Deano. Our pet. The same pet we've had for 10 years. After we drew her attention to the yellow lump in the corner, she remembered that she in fact does have a pet. She than clarified it with "I mean a pet that does something." Oh, well that's different. We have a pet in that, he has four legs, and drinks out of the toilet, but you know he's not winning any races. He could win if the race was held in the roughly 20 minutes a day he's awake. We always say we didn't get a dog, we got a couch that came covered with its own dog hair. He is very sweet but not the sharpest knife in the drawer. One day Jim came home from work. Deano was outside. He sees Jim pull up, in the same car we have had for years. Deano barks. Jim gets out and talks to him, he wags his tail, Jim pets him. I look out and say, can you move your car to the other side of the driveway, the boys want to play basketball. Jim gets in the car, in front of the dog, he backs up 5 feet, and parks. Deano starts barking like he has never seen him before. Jim gets out and Deano starts wagging his tail. He's like, "hey Jim, where you been man, this other guy was just here and...." Another time he jumped up out of a sound sleep, looked out the window and proceeded to bark at a box.... for an hour. Our neighbor had set out his recycling in a box. It had taken him a year to stop barking at the blue bags. I can't tell you how many times he has smashed his face on the sliding glass door chasing a squirrel. The squirrels don't even budge. they know he'll smash his face and go lay down for 20 hours. When he was a puppy we were in the basement. It wasn't finished yet and there were tools etc. all over the place. He came tearing in, and for some unknown reason, ran over and swallowed a hunk of steel wool. Didn't smell it, just swallowed it. Steel wool. Not good. We called the vet and they told us what to do to get him to return it, without having to wait a day. Are you with me? So we give him the medicine. And sure enough, 5 minutes later, up comes the steel wool. And 2 erasers. A crayon. And part of an action figure. He felt better. We were horrified. A couple of years later, a Saturday, Memorial day weekend. Deano starts throwing up. After awhile, no food is coming up,just watery stuff. Really gross. . We had decided, that because he was still drinking, we would wait until Monday and take him to the vets. So, we barricade him in the kitchen and wait it out. Sunday, he was still sick. But still drinking and acting Ok. Of course he sleeps 23 hours a day, when he's feeling good, so we don't expect much. Monday morning, I get up and let him out. He must equate "going out" with exercise because he's usually right back in. He does not fool around. He's all business. No pun intended. So I realize he's been out awhile and I look out the window. Have you ever seen a dog sweat? I don't mean, because he's hot on a summer day. I mean sweat like a grand jury just swore him in and he's knows he's gonna lie. I looked into his eyes and saw pure desperation. He was "perched", ready to ......you know....go. But he looked like he had locked his keys in his car...with it running...off...... a cliff......with a..... baby in it. And the car was on fire. And apparantly, so was his butt. He acted like he was being audited by the IRS. And he hadn't saved any receipts. He was doing that shaky thing dogs do, when they do "doo." He was squatting and shaking, standing on his toes. And in between that, he was putting his face in his paws and wiping his brow. The boy was sweating bullets. He just had that "Oh God, if I ever get out of this mess I promise too......." look. The dog next door walked by, he gave a little wave and said, "I feel for ya man, stay strong" . Deano was acting like he was in labor. Labor? That's impossible. He's a boy. But I gotta tell you the longer it went on, the more I was beginning to doubt everything I knew about anatomy. Than it was over. Well at least, the worst of it. I can't prove it, but I think he actually smiled. I went out to congratulate him?, when I saw it. Not a puppy. No, that would a make more sense than what I saw. There, on our lawn, was a full size..............corncob. Not the mini size cobs you get frozen at the grocery store. This wasn't no niblets. This was a full grown Eastern shore ear of corn. Why Deano why? I wanted to ask him why? Why must you eat out of the trash? Did we learn nothing from the steel wool/eraser/crayon/action figure incident? But what I really wanted to ask him was.... how? Seriously. But I was speechless. I would have stood there all day shaking my head. Deano on the other hand, had moved on, he was standing at the door. "Hellllooooooo, uh, can I get a little breakfast here, and I'm way overdue for a nap." What a trooper. So next time you think a party- hat- wearing, racing guinea pig is better than my dog. Think again.
A story from Dean about Long time dog family posted 04/21/2010
Dear Grogan Family, your house sounds very much like ours! The women in our family made a night of it when Marley & Me came out and we loved it! We laughed, we cried, we knew all the feelings. We have had five dogs in our 33 years of marriage along with 2 boys and 1 girl. Our children are out of the house and 2 are married. They all have dogs and we have our first yellow lab named Rosco PEE. I bought your book Marley right before our 4th dog died while on vacation and couldn't bring myself to read it as I knew what the book was about. Then in the fall our kids knew we were missing a dog in the house and got us Rosco. It was then I finally read the book and after seeing the movie I am obsessed with Marley. I have seen the movie at least 50 times and bought the CD as I love the music. Rosco isn't quite as funny as Marley but comes in a close 2nd. We have always been a family to love dogs and have often said "I want to come back in this world as a dog but only in our family" You see we feel the same...they are a part of your family! I was so happy to read that you brought Marley to your new home. I love all your books and my grandkids love the childrens books of Marley. Thank you for being the writer you are.
A story from susannah crowe about Marley and Me posted 04/23/2010
Hi Grogan Family! i just finished reading Marley and Me and i cried mysself to sleep that night! Without Marley being at the end of the story, it was like there was no more to read! i have always wanted a dog, since i can remember. My parents always say a lond," NO!" but i wont give up, i will get one! i have also seen the film of Marley and Me and i also cried, but reading the book was the best! it had insight, that the film didnt. i love to think of all the famous people in History, like William Shakespeare, and other very famous people, and it truly amazes me that a DOG will go down in history! Ever since reading Marley and Me i have had a craze for Labradors! and i think i will definetly have one! i loved your book so much, i would laugh out lound, then i would be crying, but the best bit is at the end, the bit that really touched me, and it is this," A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. status symbols mean nothing to him. a waterlogged stick will do just fine. a dog judges others not by their colour or creed or class but by who they are inside. a dog doesnt care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. give him your heart and he will give you his."
In memory of Marley
A story from Sydney about Toby posted 04/25/2010
My dog is no where near like marley marley is funny. My dogs name is toby he is dachshund i wanted a lab like marley but i got toby but i learned to love him he is now perfect for me and my family i like your books they entertaining to read!
A story from Liz about Charlie the poodle posted 04/26/2010
Poodles are great. There are the best dogs that you can get. They're friendly, loveable, playful, and intelligent. I have a black poodle named Charlie and everybody loves him. He gets along great with every dog that happens to pass by and best of all he doesn't shed. He listens well which makes him very obedient. I love Charlie soooo much and desperatley want another poodle for Charlie to play with. Charlie is 3 years old and already showing some grey as his fur grows out. Though he sometimes looks old, he always acts likes a puppy and loves to play with puppies to prove it. I could never have gotten a better dog than Charlie.
A story from kalina about marley & me posted 04/26/2010
Marley & me is a great book! at the end I cried! i write books all the time i mostly write about dogs. Right now i am making a book called still my puppy! i can't wait until i finish it! i'll share it on this website when i'm finished! BYE!
A story from kalina about books posted 04/26/2010
Hey John,i just posted a couple mins Ago,i was wondering can you make another BOOK about yourself and why you like dogs? if you can or can't please type back!
A story from kalina about LOVING THE BOOK posted 04/26/2010
LOVE THE BOOK!
A story from kalina about CRAZY MARLEY! posted 04/26/2010
OH MY GOSH! marley would really do the marley mambo when he ate something,and he really got kicked out of obeidience school! what a crazy pup! WOW!!!!
A story from jennifer hughes about bouncer posted 04/27/2010
this picture was taken last week, the week before she passed away. bouncer was a part of our famliy for nearly seventeen years, she will be sadly missed by myself, my three children and the rest of my family and neighbours. i miss her deeply and just want her to welcome me home when i arrive home from work or cry to go out i the morning etc. the house is so empty without her. she had a long good life and she loved us all unconditionally, she was so loyal and playful. your book marley and me was absolutely brilliant, i read it last year and cried my eyes out the first time he went to the vet with a twisted stomach. when he was growing older and suffering with his joints, sight and hearing it reminded me so much of my labrador. i am so happy she lasted so long, however i still cry as i miss her so much. i have been advised to get another dog but i dont want to,just dont feel up to it. my little angel whom brought so much happiness and love to all of our lives from playing football with the kids to sniffing and moaning when she seen any of us upset as if she was asking us to cheer up. she was with us throught hick and thin, happy and sad times. it didnt take much to keep her happy as long as she was fed, played with and loved she was happy. xxx R.I.P bouncer love you always and thanks john for allowing people like myself write proudly of our loved ones.
A story from carysday about bad daog posted 04/28/2010
A story from Sue Bruner about I can relate! posted 04/29/2010
Just wanted to share this Photo. This was my First Edition Hard cover. It was really hard to be mad at Abby, Afterall the story is about a bad dog! I could only laugh. Now off to find another copy.
A story from Amy Lambert about Violet..The Great Dane posted 04/29/2010
I just finished reading Marley and Me for the first time, though I saw the movie when it came out, and loved it so much I bought the DVD, and the book. I just got around to reading it though, since I was in school, not a lot of time for reading. I am a dog lover, have had dogs all my life. Currently I have a Great Dane named Violet (her picture is included). In some ways she reminds me of Marley, she is playful, always destroying something. She knows when she is in trouble, if she has something she doesn't want to give up, she will shake her entire body and back up at the same time. I just want to say that Marley sounded like a great dog. Also, I noticed that in the book you mentioned the movie The Last Home Run. I remember seeing that movie on TV years ago, and I remember the dog, but at the time I didn't know it was Marley..though who would? The book wasn't out yet.. I wish the movie would come on again, so I could pay closer attention to him. Anyways, back to Violet, she is almost 8 months old, still a puppy, just a BIG puppy. She weighs nearly 75 pounds, and is nearly as tall as me when she stands on her hind legs, and I am 5'6.
A story from Howie about Just finished "The Longest Trip Home" posted 04/29/2010
I loved "Marley" and just finished "Longest Trip". Thank you, John for sharing your entertaining, insightful, often funny and very honest stories. It was a pleasure to listen to you narrate on Audiobook for this last one. I, like many I'm sure, got very teary-eyed at the end of both your wonderful books. Thank you again for your great writing.
A story from Ambrosia May about Touched By the stories of Marley posted 04/30/2010
Hi John, my husband and me watched the movie of "marley & Me" time and time again, and we love to read the book too. My husband, who always fall asleep in 2 minutes when facing a book with more than 50 pages, has used 2 weeks to finish "Marley and Me" and been deeply touched to tears. We love Marley and we appreciate your attitudes and your love to such a "worst dog".We live in China and we have 2 Boarder Collies, Kiss & Nicole, we sometime believe they are the Worst dogs in the world ,too, and we love them.We learn a lot in your book,thank you for sharing the story.
Next I love to show you some pics of our dogs, they are Crazy!
A story from edalyn levy about marley and me part 2 posted 04/30/2010
hello john, when is the book or movie comeing out i been try to find the book in the book store and cant find it please email me poohloves28@msn.com i am big fan of your
A story from ryan osborne about my dog posted 04/30/2010
i think i have a reincarnation of your dog cause i got a yellow lab lucky that acts exactly like him yesterday my dog lucky we left him alone with are leftovers on the table and then i was sleeping cause i didn't want to go cause i was tired so i woke up and went down stairs and he was sitting on the island eating last nights spaghetti and so i snuck up on him lifted his butt up and he just went nuts and one time when we were in the mountains we were going down the highway when lucky almost jumped out the window and i have your book i just think the pictures of Marley are so cute my favorite part is when you and Marley are on the sled that cracked me up!
A story from Meghan about My yellow Lab posted 04/30/2010
John, I have to wonder how you put up with Marley all those years. Our yellow lab, Lucky, is not as bad as a lot of Labs that I know, but he has a few good stories. A few months after we got him, (we got him when he was almost a newborn) he was in his cage because he had just chewed up something of my brother's. So we heard him cough, and we go over to his cage to find my mom's dishtowel that she's been looking for for a few weeks. Then when my family and I went up to Gunnison (we live in Colorado) we were waiting in the drivethru and my mom rolled down the window so Lucky could get some air. But he actually ended up just jumping out. :)
A story from Sarah about Zip and Brooke posted 04/30/2010
Mr. Grogan, I just finished reading Marley & Me a few days ago, and it was my 3rd time reading it, but after reading other people's comments, I want to read it again. Marley & Me is a fantastic story! I've seen the movie, but like another commentor said earlier, it doesn't have the feel and insight as the book. I am only 11 and I got my dogs, the first dogs I've ever had,Brooke and Zip, just last year. They lived in a puppy mill for years. Brooke is a girl, and she had many litters of puppies. Zip is a boy. Zip and Brooke were rescued by this man who rescues these kinds of dog. It was sad because they had never seen grass before, probably never been outside, before this man took them out of the puppy mill. We adopted from the man and took them to our home. It was so funny because at first, they would walk side by side throughout the whole yard, and even though they each had their own crates, they would sit together in one crate. They are now about 7 & 8. They are mini aussies. They practically have no tail! So they wag their "stump" where their tail is supposed to be and it looks like they are shaking their butts. Zip and Brooke are shy, sweet, not very playful; in other words, not at all like Marley. I was hoping for a dog that would play with me. I learned to love my dogs, but honestly, I don't know how I can interact with them more since they don't...I don't know how to put it. They like going on walks, and we do walk them, but they don't play. I pet them and teach them tricks (sit, speak, paw, and that's it), but that's about it. I love them a lot. I know I should, and I do, enjoy every second I have with Zip and Brook. I could go on and on. Brooke especially has a lot of funny little quirks. The main thing is, Marley & Me has taught me a lot. It is hilarious, yet sad. I cried in the end. To me, the book was sadder than Old Yeller. I like how you put all those comments that people sent you in the end. They are cheering, so when you finish the book, you feel content in a way. Yes sad, but you feel like you are wiser than you were before. Marley & Me touches you in a deep way. I plan on getting a Labrador when I can own one myself. Thank you for writing such a wonderful, entertaining book!
A story from Svante StÄl about A tribute to dogs posted 05/01/2010
So nice that someoneÂŽs taken the time to write a tribute to mans oldest friend. Just finished "Marley & me" and I truly apreciated the story. We have a Pyreneer puppy who is now just month old, and heÂŽs outgrowing us, everyday IÂŽm amazed at the speed of his growth. I figured out that heÂŽs grown one cm per day weÂŽve hade him. IsnÂŽt that amazing? HeÂŽs so long now that he doesnÂŽt know were he has his behind as he wonders around the house. Sometimes he gets stuck in corners, he used to sleep under my bed, but no longer after he got stuck there a few weeks ago... We also have a full size Pudel who is 7 years old. She was quite happy to get this little puppy of 30 cm length late in december -09. But in just 4 month sheÂŽs been desperately outgrown when our Nanook is about twice her size. Svante from the other side of the globe (Sweden)
A story from Taylor about Marley&Me posted 05/01/2010
john, i am a huge fan of yours and would just like to say how much your book marley & me inspired me. i have seen the movie more than i can count and i am in the process of doing a book report on your book. my aunt and uncle had a dog named jazmine. she passed back in october and her story was great one. my aunt and uncle pretty mch lived a life exactly like yours and jenny's. they have 2 boys and one of them even looks like the oldest one from the movie. jazmine was there through everything. i barley remember my life without her in it. jazmine died the same way as marley and will forever hold a place in our harts. a couple months ago my aunt and uncle got a new dog. they named it marley. not after the book but after Bob Marley. Marley is exactly like your marley, she is fun and playfull and full of love and life! i wish you could meet her to see for yourself. thanks again, taylor :)
A story from Taylor about Marley&Me posted 05/01/2010
john, i am a huge fan of yours and would just like to say how much your book marley & me inspired me. i have seen the movie more than i can count and i am in the process of doing a book report on your book. my aunt and uncle had a dog named jazmine. she passed back in october and her story was great one. my aunt and uncle pretty mch lived a life exactly like yours and jenny's. they have 2 boys and one of them even looks like the oldest one from the movie. jazmine was there through everything. i barley remember my life without her in it. jazmine died the same way as marley and will forever hold a place in our harts. a couple months ago my aunt and uncle got a new dog. they named it marley. not after the book but after Bob Marley. Marley is exactly like your marley, she is fun and playfull and full of love and life! i wish you could meet her to see for yourself. thanks again, taylor :)
A story from Katie about Maxie posted 05/02/2010
Hi John,
I have read Marley and Me alot of times and i love the book. It makes you feel like you are right there watching it all happen. We bourght maxey 5 weeks ago and he is a very livley dog.
I hope you continue to right fab stories like marley and me in the future!
Katie
A story from Emanuel about The book... posted 05/03/2010
Hello John, My name is Emanuel Goetzke from Brazil. I'm 22 years old and recently a goog friend of mine come from USA and brig me your book. Of Course i had been knowing about the book and the movie but i didnt sawed the movie just because i wanted to read the book. So, yesterday i finished, and i dont have anything to say than CONGRATULATIONS. You and your family have a lovely live history and marley is a great part of it. Is honorably how you write and i loved to read the book and now more about the "worst dog in the world" ahhahaaha... So thank you for share your family history with me and the world. I aprecciate that.
A fan from Brazil, Emanuel Goetzke
P.S.: Sorry, my english is not good ahahahaha
A story from Barbara about Toby posted 05/04/2010
Hi John, On February 3rd this year, we had to have our beautiful Toby put to sleep. He had suffered a Tumour that was removed last September so we were lucky to have 5 extra months with him. The picture is taken at Christmas with my 1st granson born the February before, so this was his first Christmas and alas Toby's last. From the moment my granson was able to lie on the floor and observe his surroundings, Toby was always by his side, as he learned to crawl he would often pull himself up using Toby as his steading hand. I'm so glad we have these lovely photo's to share. After Toby was put to sleep Bill and I said we would never have another, we still have a PBGV who is ten, and misses Toby like mad. A few weeks after Toby passed away, Sky was showing Marley & Me, I said I wasn't going to watch it, but I did. It brought home so many memories, as before Toby we had a golden labrador like Marley called Sam, he grew up with my two children and lived to the grand old age of 15, your book could almost of been out story, with the worst dog, out of control lab that was Sam alright. Toby was black but had just as many faults as Sam, some worse. I cried almost all the way through Marley & Me, but you have no idea how much it helped, just seeing those antics again although crying made me laugh. Having watched the film, I realised that having been married for 30 years, we had had a lab in our lives for 29 of those years, somehow being without one didn't seem feasible, and decided then and there that we would have to have another labrador not to replace those we lost but because we needed one of those manic animals in our lives. So we made the decision that in September this year we will get another labrador, this time a chocolate one. Until then I'll watch Marley & Me until I can look into those beautiful eyes again. Thank you and your lovely family for sharing your story with us.
A story from Kimberly about Grendel the Lab/Great Dane posted 05/04/2010
Grendel was born from a litter of 17 puppies. My husband looked at the lot of them as we stood in the owner's barn and made the decision we have discussed repeatedly over the last three years: Let's get the biggest one! Grendel is 95 lbs of clumsy, goofy, loving chicken. He is petrified of anything and everything: Christmas trees, stockings, wrapping paper, chairs, chihuahuas, anything that he has never seen before, forgot was there, or wished it wasn't there. My favorite/most embarrassing Grendel story occurred a few months after we brought the pup home. It was 3:00 in the morning and I was used to Grendel's morning ritual of nudging me awake to let him outside to use the bathroom/party with the neighbor dogs. Groggily, I got up and walked to the back door. Grendel shot through on his adorable little puppy feet. It took a few moments for me to notice something pink hanging from my puppy's mouth--a mouth that was heading toward the fence where Grendel shared his toys with his neighbor doggie buddies. Quickly I realized that a pair of my underwear were going to end up in the neighbor's backyard if I didn't get them back. Luckily my bare feet didn't make much noise as I snuck up on him and stole back my undies. Many more stories have been added to the Grendel tale and I'm sure more will continue.
A story from Keni about My Friend Sam posted 05/05/2010
I saw the movie last year and was drawn especially to it because I too had my "Marley". He came to us on an August day, 13 years ago, by being dropped off by my friend's daughter's from their convertible, smiles from ear to ear. Earlier that day we had gone to the beach, and of course she brought this cute golden lab puppy that had been rescued by the daughter from the pound, only to find out that NO, they couldn't take on dog #6! Of course being I live in the country and have a 3 year old, I would be the easiest target. I said no earlier that day because we had two other dogs, but now they had driven off and my 3 year old was already smitten in 30 seconds. Yes, we kept the puppy nobody wanted, and he took alot of adjusting to. The bond my daughter had with him was almost like her own guardian angel. Sam knew that she was his little golden girl. He had saved her life on many occasion and I can never begin to thank him. The last year he had become much slower. He was the most unbelievable frisby fool you have ever seen! He actually taught me how to throw one. We showed off to people, especially my son's teenage friends, throwing it behind my back, under my leg, etc. He made me look good. If Sam didn't like the way others were throwing it, he'd retrieve it to me instead. Eventually the jumps were getting closer and closer to the ground and I had to make sure I threw on level ground as not to have his hip go out. In February he had a tumor that burst which he nearly bled to death. Two weeks later, the vet removed it and it was a waiting game to see if it was cancerous. After surgery, things went well, but 3 wks later, the dreaded was happening. Last Saturday he was finally at the point of not being able to even pick his back end up. The mind was willing but the body not. My vet had seen me so many times and was so good to work with me to try to help him. I was so hoping he would have gone on his own, but I guess Sam would not let go until we were ready to say goodbye. We did say goodbye last Saturday morning. I had remembered the Marley movie. My husband said he would bring him, but I knew I had to be with Sam to let him know that I was now there for him. I wonder who really saved who, he had been with me through so many things and always the loyal one. My husband and I hysterically cried the whole way home without a word between us. We placed him in his blanket and made a simple box for him. We placed three of the 7 frisby's we found in the box as my husband, daughter and I each said a special goodbye. We kept his favorite one I bought him last summer that I had his name on. That one marks where he now rests, the trail he made of years of circling around our Volleyball court with ALWAYS a frisby and almost begging someone to stop the game to play with him. I really don't know if he knew he was a dog. I know for one thing, he was one of my closest friends and he will be severely missed by everyone who came to visit us. Thanks for your book that I read after the movie. You've inspired me to write a few of my my many stories I had with Sam (for my own therapy). Thanks again for the honesty that came through your writing. They are the best.
A story from MARION about HONEY posted 05/08/2010
We bought Honey in February 2010, she was eleven weeks old. It was the first time I had ever had a dog and I fell in love with this life loving puppy as soon as we had our first cuddle. Whatever sort of day I had at work, she was always there when I came in, excited to see me and making me feel good. Yesterday, she was playing in the park with my son's two year old dog, when a larger dog came up to play too. They were all playing nicely when Honey lay down on the ground and didn't get up again. My husband rushed her straight to the vet, but she had died. The vet seemed to think that she must have had some underlying heart condition. She was just five moths old and I it seems unbelievable. She was such a joy to have around and we miss her desperately even though we only had her for such a short time.
A story from MARION about HONEY posted 05/08/2010
A story from MARION about HONEY posted 05/08/2010
A story from Amber.H about Stryker posted 05/09/2010
For my Birthday my boyfriend bought me a puppy,it was my job to pick him out and to go get him. After Months of searching I found an ad and It read. "Purebred golden retriever puppy needs to go now, free too good home." How could I say no? Ten minutes into the ride home. I gave into his cries and let hime out of the kennel. He curled up into the passenger seat of my car and fell asleep while I rubbed his soft ear, ever since then he has been my trusted companion,but not it has not been the smoothest ride. He has adopted the nickname "marley" from my family for his exuberant behaviour and stomach of steel. But I wouldn't trade him for the world
A story from Emi about Gizmo posted 05/10/2010
Hi, Mr. Grogan. I too remember crying my eyes out reading your book. My beloved Chihuahua, Gizmo passed away yesterday, 5/9/10. He was my best friend I have never had. Royal, loving, most of all, my comfort. When I was upset, he would cuddle with me, and somehow he made me feel better. It was very difficult decision, but I knew I has make one. He went to better place in my arms. I miss him so much. It hurts so much, my heart is broken. I have lost my best friend. He was tiny Chihuahua who was loved by my husband, my children and I. He has giving me so much. He was 14 years old. His little heart could not take it anymore. Gizmo will live in my heart.
Thank you,
Emi
A story from Karen about Murphy & Me posted 05/10/2010
My goofy Murphy actually ran around the house with my hardcover Marley & Me book. . .perhaps, she thought it was her bad-behavior bible!
A story from Heather Gregson about Reading Marley and Me posted 05/10/2010
I would just like to say that the book really touched my heart,I felt like Marley was mine and I went through every emotion with you all,I had to put it down so many times,however it is a beautiful account of so much love and Marley surely did love you all,never have so many tears been shed whilst reading a book,I know wherever Marley is he will always be right there with you.Thank you for sharing so much love,laughter and tears with us,what a beautiful friend you had in Marleyx
A story from Michelle about Author Visit posted 05/10/2010
Thanks for the author visit today in Aurora, IL. Your books have always been my favorites because I love retrievers and I love reading about all Marley's escapades. If you ever get another dog that is afraid of thunder or noises or even separation anxiety, I recommend the Thundershirt at thundershirt.com! I bought this for a friend of mine's dog who is petrified of noises and it settles her down right away. Above is her picture! Thanks again for the Brooks Elementary visit!
A story from Zoey about A Story About Candie posted 05/16/2010
once on a hot summer day, me and my dog Milly were having a great time outside. then Milly died. i got a new dog. its name is Candie like the candy you eat. but spelled different i decided that i would keep her. i did til she died. every night she played. i love her. she died at the vet from a stomach twist just like marley! i buried her by the old oak in the backyard. The End.
A story from Jade about my dog Buddy and the Marley book posted 05/16/2010
My grandparents got a pitbull back in 2008(I was 8 then)and boy was I surprised!He was so small he could fit in the palm of your hand!He was supposed to stay that size,and he came with a case(it was purple and it said princess on it)but now only his head can fit!He behaves just like Marley!He chews on everthing in sight.He has eaten a frisby and a food dish!He is just as loyal too.One time,my grandfather left for a weekend and Buddy was miserable!He tore up the whole room looking for him!I have read both books and I love them.My parents won't let me see the movie because I cried my eyes out.I wished with all my heart that it was just a story but I knew it wasn't.My third grade teacher read the book to my class and we all bawled our eyes out!We made an alternate ending.One said"the vet gave Marley a shot to bring all his life back."Anyway, Buddy is still going strong and I hope you write many more good books
A story from Vickie about my Olive posted 05/18/2010
Over the years I have had several special dogs that I considered lucky to share my life with. Bubbleface was my childhood buddy who explored the country side with me, played tag, and hide & seek. He died at the age of 8 yrs.
in my young adulthood when first on my own, I rescued a stray pup, Lit'l Bit. He had a gentle loving disposition and was a great pet. Years later after I had married and had my first son, he just vanished from our yard one day. There had been a string of dog nappers and the authority thought it was a men raising fighting dogs that were stealing pets to use as opponents for training. It breaks my heart to think of what Lit'l Bit's last days may have been. I loved both these dogs with all my heart.
But my biggest love came in the form of another four legged kind. Never a big fan of cats, this kitten.. whos mother had died while still caring for her litter of kittens stole my heart at first site. My boys had rescued the cats at their dads house and had nursed them and tried to save the entire litter, but only a few survived. Olive had nearly died from exposure to the cold and rain.
When my boys were visiting at their dads I would hear stories about these kittens who were very skittish and had taken up residence under the front porch. Except one. the small fuzzy black one that my son had nursed from the brink of death. This guy knew no fear, and would walk into their house as if he owned it.
When I went to pick my boys up the kitten ran up to my feet and followed my every step. It was love! An aunt had told my boys this was a girl kitten and since 'she' had large beautiful green eyes, we named her Olive.
It wasnt until several weeks later, when Olive had grown we discovered our Olive was indeed a boy! by that time it was too late to make a name change, so Olive stayed Olive.
Olive stays at my side all the time and is the best friend I have ever had. He doesnt meow... we always say his meower broke the night he nearly froze. Instead he gives out a horsely "mech"
I never knew a pet could bring this much joy into my life!
Thank you for Marley & Me. your story touched me so much and made me fall in love with your 'bad' pet.
A story from Natasha about Marley changed me just as much as it changed you posted 05/19/2010
Im one word, I fell in love with Marley. So when he started to have trouble in his stomach with bloating, i was being torn apart. I couldnt take seeing such a wonderful dog being put through such misery. And i cried upon reading Marley was dead. I mean i cried. I have a female 5 year old German Shephard named Precious and she came to cuddle me as Marley did when Jenny had her first miscarriage as i cried about Marley. Woah. That dog had me breaking down!
A story from joey elliott about my dog is just like marley posted 05/20/2010
Hey Mr. Grogan! My name is Joey Elliott,and im seventeen. I've been reading your book as a school project. I'm so far on the 9th chapter, and its only getting better! My dog's name is porsha. She's a lab great dane mix. Like Marley, she loves to act out, and chase anything that moves! When she got fixed it calmed her down for about a day, than she was right back to it. Mr. Grogan you are such a great author, and i love your book so much. I can tell you truly love animals, and have a passion for writing. I love animals too. But im still growing into the writing part. You have my vote for the best writer ever! This picture underneath is me and my dog this christmas! You are #1 Grogan!!! jleonard456@yahoo.com i'd love to hear reply from you. Your book has really inspired me to keep my head up. Thank you so much.
A story from Joey elliott about porsha posted 05/20/2010
A story from Joey elliott about picture posted 05/20/2010
A story from Dolores about My Dog Serenity posted 05/20/2010
I just finished Marley and Me last night. what a great dog, what a great story. My condolences. I know by now you have recieved thousands of stories. I just have to share a part of mine. My dog's name was Serenity. He was a very nice dog, a Keeshond whom my elderly mom adopted to be a watchdog; He would lick a intruder to death! He was full grown and trained and set in his ways. His greatest fun was to get off of his choker leash and run. Ran right into a car one night, and bounced off, luckily. This became a game, run from Dolores, from yard to yard till he was heading straight for a big street. I finally learned to stop chasing him and he would come home. Such worry wondering if he would make it. he would never look as he was crossing streets. The one thing he could not stop himself from doing was barking and going after every other dog in sight. Size did not matter, from puppies to big Dobermans. He got the muscles covering his stomach torn out for that one day, but that did not stop him from going after every dog in sight. I would love to have a picture of me bringing him home from the vet. I had a leg cast he had a lampshade and a big bulky wrapping around his tummy! He was company for my parents last years, he was there for me after they passed on and I know they are all in Heaven waiting for me. After my mom passed I had a sale of her goods in her apartment... later that night smeone broke in and stole the tv that was not for sale... the day before, Serenity had slipped on the kitchen floor and hurt his hips. the next morning when we found out my friends were so mad that the TV was stolen. I did not care Serenity had gotten out and was running! Down the middle of the street of course. He saved me from a deeper depression after my parents passed. His cold nose getting me up out of bed to walk him. But his hips were getting worse and worse, he was 14 at this time. I lived on the 3rd floor and fashioned a way to carry him up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment. It was made out of a dog coat lined with sheepskin; The skeepskin did not chafe him as I lugged him uo three flights of stairs. The days came when he struggled to get up to his feet just to urinate. I knew it was time for a visit to the vet. She was very kind and told me it was hurting him to go down the stairs as well as up. The decision was made I would not keep him alive in pain, for my company. She put the shunt in. and left me alone to say my goodbyes' I laid on my friend, the last of my family and balled my eyes out. I finally went to get the vet to tell her to come do it or we were leaving. She put the drug in and I watched the life leave my friends eyes. He watched me till the end. She was kind and told me just to leave I could pay later. about a week later i got his ashes. Crying again till I opened the tin, there were his ashes, but it was not him. his spirit was nmot there he was gone to dog heaven. I was happy. I can still see his big brown eyes, that had natural liner around them looking at me. God we had fun. Life goes on I am moving the beginning of June into my own place. It's been 8 hard years since Serenity died. I am going to have two cats and a special woman to love me. So another chapter begins. thank you for letting me share
A story from Truc about The frist dog of mine-NĂŽ posted 05/25/2010
Dear Mr Grogan. I have read Marley and me for five days. It reminds me all the memories about my dogs. Now I have two dogs and they are so cute, although sometimes one of them bites me(what a bad dog!). I still remember my first dog whose had a bright fur. But he's gone for many years...Anyway,I love your story very much. Thank you Mr Grogan.
A story from Manca about Marley & me/my pets & me posted 05/28/2010
Hi! I`m from Slovenia. I read your book Marley & me fife times. It`s best book ever. I always cry when I read it (when Marley die). I had one dog, one day he just ran away from home and he was never return home. I miss him a lot. Now I have two pets. Dog and bunny. Dog loves wather and in summer she swim every day in the river. She`s name is Dama (in our language this means lady). My bunny is not shy like other. She`s name is TaÄka (this means something like...paw, but in english is not word like this), because she`s got (just) one white paw. She has her own halter. I know it sounds weird, but she loves when she can go on walk with me. I love them very, very much. I just love all animals. And Marley & me is m favourite book. Have fun. Greetings from Slovenia!!!
A story from Manca about picture (my bunny) posted 05/28/2010
A story from Cathy Conner about ADog Named Lucky posted 05/31/2010
I got your book several years ago. I loved it, It was much better than the movie. We had a dog named Lucky, I had to put him down a couple weeks ago. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I wasn't sure I could survive it. It was so similar to Marley's end. But he was the total opposite of Marley, he was the best dog you could ever have.
Even before Lucky was put down, I wanted to write a book about him. Even before your book. Lucky was such a unique dog. He was the neighborhood social welcoming committee. I have so many stories to tell about him. All the neighbors could tell you stories about him. He wasn't just a dog that wandered the streets. I also feel like it might help me deal with his death better if I could write it down. I am not a writer and don't know where to start. I was wondering if you could help me. Funny thing is, 14 years ago when he wandered into my husbands warehouse hurt, when he brought him home, I said I was going to take him to the SPCA the next day. My husband said, take him to the vet, see what they can do about his bum leg and get him shots. My two boys at the time were 9 and 12 and begged me to keep him. They wanted to call him Lucky because he was lucky he found us.
The vet said he was probably about three months old and was a lab/shepard mix, you could see the shepard in him. She said he must have gotten hit by a car or someone to a baseball bat to his leg. She said we could do surgery but didn't think it would fix it, he will either use it or he won't. I grew up with dogs and never had a dog like this one. I know people say that, but you have no idea about Lucky. I really want to do this, please help me if you can. Thank You Cathy Conner
A story from Edyta about from Poland posted 06/01/2010
Dear Mr Grogan, I have read The longest trip home and..it was like looking at myself in the mirror.. Meaby I will try to understand my mother once again. Thank you so much! Edyta
A story from Maggie about Rowdy and Marley posted 06/01/2010
When I was reading "Marley and Me" i kept thinking about our summer fling from 2009. We had adopted a dog we knew nothing about and we named him Rowdy. The name fit. He was a beautiful dog but during the day he did nothing but tear apart the house. I loved him so much but he was a lot to handle. I was just finishing seventh grade when we adopted him. The first night he stayed with us I had him sleep at the foot of my bed because our other dog, Gatsby, slept on my sister's bed. Rowdy slept noisily and he took up the entire bed. In the morning he would gallop down the hall and ask to be let out. Whenever we let him out he'd find a rock and dislodge it from where it was and he'd play soccer with it, pushing it with his nose. We nicknamed his game "noseball". It wrecked the backyard but it made him happy. When I'd come home from school the trash would be everywhere! A couple times too many I'd be the only one home and I'd smell the trash. I'd walk in and collapse, already feeling the exhaustion of cleaning it up. On walks Rowdy would chase everything and anything in sight. By the time it was time to go home he'd be too exhausted to walk. When it was only my sister and I we'd pick up his front and back paws and carefully walk him home. He'd slobber on our hands and his doggish grin would show he was having the time of his life. It was too much for us to handel and I regret that. I miss him. When I read the book I remembered the best of Rowdy I kept imagining myself taking care of Marley. Both were amazing dogs and I love them both. Thanks for putting everyhting into the best of words and making me remember what mattered, the love he showed for everyone he met, just like Marley.
A story from Julie about Labrador Retrievers posted 06/04/2010
I just got done reading Marley and Me and I loved the book. A few weeks ago I had to put my dog of 13 years (I have had him since I was 6)down and reading the book really felt comforting. I also loved the book because I took have a crazy black lab named Annie and i related to some of the stories, especially how he would follow right at your heels, Annie literally follows so close to me and is so large she knocks me into things or just completely down and my favorite part is when she does this in public. I related to many of the stories and it made me realize that she is not as bad as I thought and the love that some humans share for dogs is something that is hard to describe and very special. Thank you so much for this book.
A story from alexandra-alex about oliver- my best friend posted 06/07/2010
Mr. Grogan, hi. i'm alex. i'm 12 years old and my dog's name was Oliver. I read your book and it was wonderful. When the story came to a close and it was time for Marley to pass on, I cried..... I closed the book and sat in my room for a couple of hours reliving what I had read.(Along with Marley's last few moments.That was really deep.) This is Oliver's story. Oliver has been with my family since before I was born and my best friend since...... I never really knew life without my loyal shetland sheepdog. I fed him, let him out, and played with him. He was upbeat and crazy most of the time, but could settle down at night. I was always the first one home and would be greeted by his usual bark of happiness. He was everything a loving family could want. But most of all he was my best friend. As he got older he slowed down, but was still as playful as ever. He just slept longer and seemed more tired. Toward his later years, he urinated on carpets and rugs. I would smell his mess and have to clean it up before my mom threw a fit. His hearing and eyesite was gone before I knew it and he was less and less like himself as time went on. One day I came home and did not hear his bark. He was sitting in our living room. Just lying there. I knew something was wrong. I talked to my parents but the didn't do anything about it. That Friday, his breathing was shallow ad he wouldn't lick me like old times. The next day we took him to the vet. Every second of that car ride I held him, begging him to stay with me.( He always was nervous in cars) He was totally unresponsive. The vet said he wasn't hydrated so they gave him fluids and oxygen. He wasn't doing well. We made the desision to put him down. We said our goodbye's but I had a feeling he wasn't all there. He kept putting his head up to he sky reaching for air that couldn't reach his lungs.He was 16 on June 4, but never made it. He died on May 17, 2010. When I got home from the vet, I went into my room and sat there, reliving his last few moments, wishing I would have stayed with him while he was put down. Though I knew it was too much for me to handle, I can't help but regret that I didn't stand by him like he did for me every time I needed him. I miss him still. Oliver is now buried in our yard along with some notes and a scarf I made for him. We had a little family cerimony. It wasn't anything fancy but it was everything to me. I miss him like crazy and from time to time I still cry. I'll always miss my Ollie-Bear,my pet, my brother, my best friend. Every story extends past its last page. How did you deal with coming home and not hearing Marley's happy bark or not having to feed him anymore? How did you deal???? Please share your thoughts with me. My email is www.confuddlefish.aak@gmail.com. You may not have time to answer, but your reply would be appreciated.
Thank you for you time, Alex K.
A story from Frances Kaplan about Clyde posted 06/08/2010
Hi Mr. Grogan, I read your book, Marley & Me, loved it. I both cried and laughed out loud. We had a black lab named Clyde. He was almost 100 lbs., big square head. His favorite outing was going to the vet to visit all the other dogs. People would ask me if he was a great dane, since he was so large. Unfortunately Clyde liked to eat rocks. He had four major operations to remove the rocks from his intestins. He was only 7 years old when he had the last surgery. He barely made it through the surgery but when my husband went into the room to say his goodbyes, his tail was wagging. We had a 20' x 40' in-ground pool that Clyde used more than anyone. He even jumped off the diving board. To get your attention Clyde would regularly pull a towel from the bathroom and run with it until you caught him. My daughter's new shoes for kindergarten were so nice, except Clyde chewed one before she could wear them. After a hard day at work, my husband slept on his recliner in the family room, Clyde ever so gently chewed the socks off his feet, exposing only the toes, he liked to lick his feet. Once a group of teenage boys came into my fenced backyard and threw rocks into the pool. When I asked them what they were doing, they ran. I caught up with them, Clyde at my side. They were being very disrespectful. I told them that one word from me and my dog would make mince-meat out of them. Clyde sensed the confirtation and was circling the three boys. The boys were so scared and said they would not do this again. He acted like the best trained dog....not!. Your book really spoke to me. Thanks for sharing your story.
A story from LISA HOYLE about MY 3 AMIGO"S posted 06/08/2010
Mr.Grogan I had two small yorkies one was named mandy moo moo and the other was named scruffy I also had a third dog named riley a dog that I rescued from a area animal shelter. They were my best friends I am divorced an live alone they were my best friends.My little yorkie mandy moo moo got sick and had to be put down in November,the nes=xt month December I had to put down my other yorkie scruffy because he grieved for mandy moo moo so bad so then in the next month which was January I had to have riley put down because she slipped three disc in her back hind legs and couldn't stand or walk and there was nothing that the Vet could do for her so i had to have her put down. I now have three graves out my kitchen window I guess you could say that I can watch over them always now and know that they are all three together again and are waiting on me someday to come acroos the rainbow bridge to see them again.I now have to new yorkie pups names Savannah and Maddie and they have helped me greatly with my loss of my three amigos.I also just in may rescued a dog that I named Bart who has completed my family to my three amigos again. Thank you so much for Marley and Me it has helped me to go on without my three amigos and start a whole new set of best friends to love,and give them the best life that I can give them that they so deserve.Give an animal love and they will give you all ot their being.Thank you so much and God Bless You.
A story from Nicole Collinet about My dog Trixie posted 06/09/2010
I have a dog called Trixie she can chew through anything like once there was a blade on the table and Trixie jumped up and chewed right through it but thank goodness she never swolled it. Every morning theres something chewed up on the floor by her kennel.One day at night she was crying while she was biting her tail I went to go look and found a big red bump we took her to the vet the next day and the vet said that it was not dangerous and it will get bigger and in six months it might go away or stay there but they can also cut it out my mom wants them to cut it out because she can not let Trixie heart her self by biting it and crying. i now my mom and she will sort it out. I am so relivided it's not dangerous otherwise i do not no what i would have done if it was really DANGEROUS.That is my story.
A story from Olivia about mini Marley (but white and 4 pounds) posted 06/10/2010
I recently got a puppy after begging my parents for one for about two years. Little did I know that my 2.1 lb. dog Paisley, would reach four pounds and at that stage eat everything, from toilet paper, tennis balls, ants (yes, really she eats ants when she's suppose to be doing her business ) and puppy training pads, not to mention a whole list of things. I have rated Marley and Me "a book that EVERYONE should read" it's just so touching and funny and sad. I love it so much!
A story from Olivia about mini marley (but small white and 4lbs. posted 06/10/2010
Not to mention she can chew through a roll of toilet paper in seconds!
A story from Tiago ribeiro about About my 4 fish posted 06/11/2010
Hi mr. Jonh. IÂŽm a big fan of yours. IÂŽm portuguese and loved you book "Marley and me"! I had 3 little fish,because one of then died, but they are during about one year and four months! They are during just fine! I hope you write more types of books like "Marley and me"! Bye see you soon!
A story from gabby about my dog posted 06/11/2010
hi mr.grogan when I was yonger I had a black lap,newfindland mix named boots and he was a dog who thought he was welcome to your lap enytime he wanted all 145 pounds of him! He got into just about anything he wanted to ecpecially consiting of food like eating ten pounds of pink chocolate for a wedding favor or biting into an electrical cord and trust there's a lot more. I thought I had the wolds worst dog, while reading Marley and Me and seeing the movie I relized what a great dog he really was, but unfortonaly every life comes to an end and twelve years later boots was put down due to an illness.
A story from gabby about my dog posted 06/11/2010
hi mr.grogan when I was yonger I had a black lap,newfindland mix named boots and he was a dog who thought he was welcome to your lap enytime he wanted all 145 pounds of him! He got into just about anything he wanted to ecpecially consiting of food like eating ten pounds of pink chocolate for a wedding favor or biting into an electrical cord and trust there's a lot more. I thought I had the wolds worst dog, while reading Marley and Me and seeing the movie I relized what a great dog he really was, but unfortonaly every life comes to an end and twelve years later boots was put down due to an illness.
A story from gabby about my dog posted 06/11/2010
hi mr.grogan when I was yonger I had a black lap,newfindland mix named boots and he was a dog who thought he was welcome to your lap enytime he wanted all 145 pounds of him! He got into just about anything he wanted to ecpecially consiting of food like eating ten pounds of pink chocolate for a wedding favor or biting into an electrical cord and trust there's a lot more. I thought I had the wolds worst dog, while reading Marley and Me and seeing the movie I relized what a great dog he really was, but unfortonaly every life comes to an end and twelve years later boots was put down due to an illness.
A story from gabby about my dog posted 06/11/2010
hi mr.grogan when I was yonger I had a black lap,newfindland mix named boots and he was a dog who thought he was welcome to your lap enytime he wanted all 145 pounds of him! He got into just about anything he wanted to ecpecially consiting of food like eating ten pounds of pink chocolate for a wedding favor or biting into an electrical cord and trust there's a lot more. I thought I had the wolds worst dog, while reading Marley and Me and seeing the movie I relized what a great dog he really was, but unfortonaly every life comes to an end and twelve years later boots was put down due to an illness.
A story from Anne-lise about My Lab Nixe posted 06/12/2010
We got my dog Nixe on December 1997 as a puppy. She was an English Lab, a lovely sandy color. In our village in France, there was this farm were a female Lab would give a litter a year. We also chose our dog because she was brave and happy-looking. I was 11 years old and my brother 8 and it was our first dog. She was not as crazy as Marley, maybe because she was an English Lab, and not that strong but she had her crazy bits. We always said she was a great tragedian because whenever we had a meal in the dining room, she would sit next to the sliding windows and look out the garden while shoting reproachful glances because we wouldn't share our meal. She would ask to go out, and then sit or settle down on the terrasse sphinx-like and watch for cats and rabbits. Every time we closed the windows (we live in Normandy, almost always fresh outside), she would come back and bark just once so that we opened again and stay outside and look at us like we were the last dummies on earth. Whenever she was in the front garden, looking out in the street, we could ring the bell, she would run like a bullet right back inside and greet the first person she met, even if nobody had crossed the front garden. She hates white small poodles and gradually any white and small dogs, and any females. She loved to eat apple and carrots, too. She was a specialist of bringing back wooden stick 3 times her size with a look saying: see, i'm the real master here!! Her name in German means water fairy. She was no fairy for sure but she loved water. At first, she was afraid of the waves but this fareway stick or ball we had just thrown were just too interesting. She loved getting sick after eating small crabs and her mouth smelled soooo bad. The first time she encountered snow, she was only a year old and she loved it, going submarine like in the water. She would goat jump and look for small animals hidden for the winter. She loved to open christmas presents, or any presents. Every night at 10, she just had to go out and have a little chat with all the dogs in the neighborhood and better not interrupt her, she would take no notice anyway. When we finally sold our house two years ago to move in a smaller one (my father had died in 2004 and it was just too much work for my mum), she was older, partly depth, kinda blind, her hinder legs were slower to get up and quicker to get down, and she couldn't remember were she was. At the end of September, I left for Ireland to be a teaching assistant. We had just found out during the summer that my dog was likely to be sick with a brain tumor or maybe some kind of nerves attack. We decided not to waste money on radios and stuff. It was difficult to give her food as whe wouldn't eat anything because she couldn't smell it. We said as a joke it was because she didn't like the fishy smell of her new oldies dogs food. So we fed her rice with gravy and dog meat from the butcher. But then she couldn't find her water bowl anymore either. Two weeks after I had arrived in Ireland, my brother got back from uni and found her entangled between the chairs under the dinner table and poop all over the carpet. My mum took her to the vet and he put her to sleep. My mum told me that he had cried too, as he knew us for almost 11 years. As we now live in the city, it's forbidden to burry your pets in the garden so we left it at the vet who would take care of it. My mum can't take a new dog now as the whole house has been under heavy remodeling and she is working all day. She is thinking of taking a cat when the works are done (and so my gran doesn't come and stay 3 whole weeks in our now tiny home as she's allergic to cats). But I'll definitly take a dog, maybe from a center, whenever I've the right flat for it. I hope Gracie and the kittens are alright and thank you for sharing your ordinary/extraordinary story with us! My mum couldn't bear to even watch the movie yet, I think she's still grieving.
A story from Zoey Golden about My First Dog posted 06/13/2010
This story isn't about the World's Worst Dog or even my experience of having the Worldâs Worst Dog. It is about the love and companionship a dog that you have known your whole life and loved more than most people you knew. My brother had just turned 5 and my mom and dad already had failed owning their first dog together, Lucky, a crazy wild untamed adolescent puppy, and wanted to try again. My mom was 3 months pregnant with me when they brought home the runt of the litter, a female, very small boxer puppy with a wishbone mark on her nose. They named her Cocoa. She was perfect they told me, very smart and loving, but she never wanted to be alone. When she was a year old I was born. We were inseparable, I would try and make her sit and yell at her over and over again to do the command she knew well but she would just wiggle her butt and knock me over. When I was 2 years old my parents divorced and my dad took Cocoa, my brother and I only got to see her and my dad every 2 weeks. But when I was in 3rd grade my mom moved to Oregon and my dad go full custody of Chance and me. So we got to spend our lives with our dad and our best friend who always knew when we were sad and would comfort us. Throughout the years we had our laughs with that dog, she went on trips with us to the farm, and she would be at the door waiting for each of us to come home from school and would sleep with us when we had a nightmare. She was there through everything I did, my first steps, my first words and my first big girl bed. She was there for me to be my support when I started to walk and on every birthday. But as 5th grade came Cocoa was going on 12 and you could see the gray forming around her eyes and face. By then we figured she was still strong she had at least another year or two in her. But when her birthday came on May 4th and she was 12 signs showed she wouldnât make it another year or two. She wouldnât have even made it another week. She started to go to the bathroom in the house and she would lie in her bed all day without eating or drinking. As days rolled on she couldnât even hold her back legs up. She couldnât walk or stand up. Her days with us were rapidly decreasing and on May 9th only 5 days after her birthday my dad took her into the vet to put her to sleep. He told me when I came home that night that when the vet took one look at her he knew she had spinal cord cancer and was to far along to have surgery make her better again. That day at school I cried all day thinking that I couldnât say goodbye to her one last time and I would never get to see her again. Coming home was one of the hardest parts. Every day she would be at the door like clockwork waiting for us to come home. And once she saw us she would spring up from either lying down or sitting and wiggle her little stub of a tail which would progressively shake her whole body. Coming home that night with no one there to greet me, killed me inside. It has been 4 years since Cocoaâs death and she sits upon our mantle watching the house and us as we live our lives without her. She has a permanent spot in all of our hearts and will never be replaced. We have never gotten another dog but I am trying to convince my dad we need one. Cocoa was my first dog, and will always be. The love I gave her and she gave me will follow me through the years and when I have another dog to share with my family.
A story from Alicia McClain about Sky posted 06/13/2010
John, I would like to share my story of Sky my beautiful Black Labrador. Sky is now seven and has been through a great ordeal.Until about a month ago Sky loved to run and enjoyed the company of anybody she came in contact with. Sky developed a tooth infection which seemed to settle in her back legs. The doctors that she has seen can't figure out what is wrong with her and have given her different medicines to help her feel better. Everyday I have to work with her to get up and move around. The doctors have speculated but haven't been able to come up with a real answer. I would give anything to have my precious active girl back. Sky has seen to have lost her zest for life. I will continue to try and bring her back at whatever it takes. I just needed to share this with you since you are such a dog lover. I will let you know how she is doing.
A story from Arlene about Enjoyed your book posted 06/14/2010
Hi Mr Grogan I just had to write and tell you how much I enjoyed reading Marey and Me. I am a west coast Floridan senior citizen and can relate to many of your experinces, your book touched my heart as no other I've read. I've relived as you the good and bad times as we owned a "mutt" as they say, and have never been able to get another to replace her. I wonder do you still have Gracie? Sincerely Arlene Kelly
A story from Karen Scott about Twisted Stomach posted 06/21/2010
After owning our precious Bogey Taylor the Basset he went to Dog heaven with a twisted stomach as Marley did. Your story of Marley brings me great comfort, loving your dog so much knowing the same pain of loosing a dog to this scary twist. I miss hearing toenails, the doggy door flap, a good howl...I miss my beloved dog who lived a great life and made each day better than the next for our family.
A story from Teresa Kant about Life and Love with an Unstable Dog posted 06/24/2010
John, I just wanted to tell you that Marley and Me was the funniest, saddest and best book I have ever read in my entire 50 years of life, and believe me, I've read MANY books! I lost my 6 year old German Shepherd/Border Collie mix to cancer in 2005. Her name was Saint Chubzie. Next we got a full blooded Border Collie named Allira. Allira isn't quite right. And, even though friends and family members advised us to get rid of her and get a 'better dog', she has been and always will be part of our family. We love and accept her for what she is. Until your book came along I could not explain to people how a dog like this can expand your heart in ways that a 'normal' pet cannot. I didn't know how to tell them that love from a special dog like this is somehow better. Now, because of you, they can read and begin to understand. I just wanted to say thank you.
A story from Alex about Ginger posted 06/25/2010
Gingers bath:
Ginger was actually a cat but he behaved like a dog I always noticed at the end of the day he would cuddle up with my own dog dipsy (whom I have left a story about) Ginger also rarley left my side and to be honest he was my best friend but on with the story. I had ran my self a bath it was not deep as I just wanted a quick bath but as I switched the taps of I went down stairs for a drink I did notice Ginger had sat with me while I ran the bath but I just thought he was in a clingy mood so I went down stairs, had my drink and when I arrived bck up Ginger was just sitting in my bath water as if nothing unusual had happened and he seemed to enjoy it.
the end
I have decided to write a childrens book series about a magic cat based on Ginger, I tried to write his Biography too but to other readers a cat who spent his life hugging dogs and following me around might not be very interesting but I know all his stories and so to me he's facinating
A story from Nicole about SQUEAKERS posted 06/26/2010
This is a story about my cat.. i know its not a dog but a pet is a pet and she felt like a little sister to me.. anyways i just turned 14 june 6th and its been 2 years since the death of squeakers and i still can`t forget her i loved her SO MY HEART HAS JUST GIVEN UP ON LOVING ANIMALS RIGHT NOW I HAVE A DOG BAILEY BUT ITS NOT THE SAME I STILL MISS SQUEAKERS.. JOHN GROGAN I KNOW U PROBABLY R NOT READING THIS BUT IF U R IT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY.. i only had squeakers for about 3 to 4 months.. one day i was walking up are drivway when i noticed my stomach felt strange. and for some reason i knew something was wrong.. i started screaming for squeakers and looked everywere.. then on friday my i took a nap and woke up and went outside i thought she would be out there but my dad said do u want to say good bye to squeakers.. i started bawling and now wenever i think of her i just cry or dnt love animals anymore... IF ANYONE WANT THE FULL STORY FROM BBEGINNING TO END ITS REALLY LONG SO JUST E-MAIL ME AT ..... nicolemarie1986@yahoo.com AND I WILL TELL U HOOW SHE GOT HER NAME. JOHN GROGAN IF UR READING THIS COULD U PLEASE E-MAIL ME SOMETHING
A story from chiara about un cane posted 06/28/2010
I'm Italian 11 years, I found this site, I love dogs and I'd like one in particular a labrator beige puppy!! this film struck me and do not know how many tissues I used my mother had a dog and I I was there when I was little! named Maia was a white pastor of Maremma and I loved her like my sister because a dog is like a person!
A story from Karen about Chloe the unlucky Dalmatian posted 06/28/2010
I figure a dog lovers site is the best place to tell this story. We rescued Chloe at maybe 5 years old and she was terrified. She was a barker in the shelter but once out, she was terrified. Our neighbors all have children that seem to hate dogs and Chloe's dalmatian spots have been like target practice. Nothing I have done has been any good at protecting her or me. The police told me to get counseling. So here it is, another night with stupid children riding their bikes on my 0.11 acre yard and I'm writing here for counseling. I would move today if it were possible but every day I walk Chloe with my camera phone armed for court one day and I put my body next to traffic. When we adopted Chloe, I never knew how many loose children there would be who would run at a dalmatian dog just because of movies. We've been run down in the cross walk by cars, even a riding lawn mover came at me and her on the side walk. It goes without saying that she does not like children and will back into my legs or duck under my husband to get away from children rushing at her. I don't invite people near her, but those spots are like electric beacons. Everyone thinks that all dogs love them. Chloe doesn't. I'm surrounded by animal haters, it seems so thanks for letting me read some animal lover stories and release some frustration.
A story from Debbie about Our Princess posted 06/29/2010
We had a Jack Russell terrier. Her name was Princess. She was an active, crazy, dog. We loved her so much. On night we were eating dinner and Princess comes in the dining room with the tv remote in her mouth with a look on her face as if to say" Okay who's going to chase me to get this back?" She only lived 10 years- she got sick and died in 4 days of liver disease August 2008. We miss her teriblely, but can not bring ourselves to get another pet. She will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
A story from Virginia about My dog Noodle posted 06/29/2010
I just finished Marley & Me, and (after I dried my tears!) decided to spend the evening with my dog Noodle. I believe he is the best dog ever!
I got him the week after I moved out of my parent's house six years ago, and he has been my best friend ever since. He is half Lab and half Airedale, and the word that best describes him is "oaf". He can't walk across the kitchen floor half the time because he is afraid to slide, so to avoid this he walks backwards. Friends always get a kick out of him backing out the door! He loves to sneak and eat the cat's food in the middle of the night when we are asleep, and when we are gone his forbidden pleasure is to creep up onto the furniture or our bed. He also loves to sneak off if we are not watching him too closely when we let him outside!!
The greatest thing about Noodle is his personality and his love and loyalty to his family. He is very good with kids. I have a six year old step son and he has been around Noodle since he was 3. As I'm sure you can imagine, Noodle put up with a lot of being laid on, sat on, climbed on, lead around, sometimes he's an extension of the Hot Wheels track, sometimes he gets his hair spiked up to become a dragon... and never once has he gotten upset or snapped or growled. He just pants and grins and wags his tail.
Sometimes, life gets so busy that I tend to not spend as much time with him as I should. This book makes me feel horrible for that... I know he is getting older. I can tell in his actions and the way he stands up sometimes. I don't want to regret the time I wasted with this furry friend who loves me and patiently waits on me to come home every day.
Thank you for this book... and for how it has changed me. I'm going to make the most of every day... with my family and my dog right by my side.
A story from alexandra about My dog Indie posted 06/30/2010
A story from Alexandra about My dog Indie posted 06/30/2010
One day my dog Indie, was about to get a bath and he knows when he is about to get a bath, because i will go get the leash. so i went and got the leash and he goes and runs outside and he thinks that he is going to get the bath outside so he goes and rolls around in the grass until i have to go get him. so when i go get him i guess he decides he wants a bath now so i don't even have to put the leash on him he runs right up stairs and jumps in the bath tub and barks at me to give him a bath.
A story from Pat about Bunsen and the Thanksiving turkey posted 07/03/2010
Bunsen is a black lab mix who is highly spirited and forever hungry. One Thanksgiving evening, after all the guests had left, I took the remaining flesh off the turkey carcass and left it in the roasting pan on the back of the stove.I left the kitchen for a few seconds to put some aluminum foil in the trash to prevent Bunsen from getting it form the kitchen trash and consuming it. As i return to the kitchen, I see Bunsen running toward the doggie door, turkey carcass in mouth,with Petrie, my shepherd mix in hot pursuit. Unfortunately or fortunatley,The turkey carcass would not fit through the opening in the doggie door. In fear that Petrie would attempt to enjoy the leftovers, Bunsen then bolted upstairs to my bedroom where he proceeded to enjoy the carcass in the middle of my dry-clean-only comforter that was on my bed since guests had been invited for the holiday. This little escapade resulted in a trip to the emergency pet hospital as well as a vain attempt by the dry cleaners to salvage the comforter. Bunsen is n o 12 years old and can no longer reach the back of the kitchen stove. I miss these crazy things he used to do and am ever aware that his days with me are coming to a close.I just finished reading Marley and Me and wept because too love my slightly crazy, nearly human, best friend
A story from Loretta Loechle about about Hershey the Chocolate Lab. posted 07/04/2010
Before my Husband and I got married and we always talked about getting a Dog (We both love animals) but i couldnt decide of what kind of dog to get,i just knew i wanted a Big dog! so one day we decide to visit a pet store, there was all kind of dogs BUT theres was one laying on his back taking a nap, we both fell in love with him, there he was our new baby,He is just like Marley, at one point i felt like i could deal with him anymore but after watching the movie made me realize that he is part of our family i love Hershey so much, and we cant imagine our lives without him, we both work a lot and sometimes its hard to spend time with him, but the movie Marley and Me taught us that no matter what happens family is the most important thing and we should stick together! our Crazy energetic 110 lb chocholate lab keeps us together after a hectic/stressful day. I am very greatful to have found the most craziest,energetic,and wondeful dog.
A story from Holly Link about The Longest Road Home posted 07/06/2010
Hello John I just watched the movie Marley and Me for the second time and I just finished reading your book "The Longest Road Home" for the second time. Thank you so much for both stories. I was raised in an evangelical Christian church and faith was everything in my family..so I can relate to what you're talking about. It was so interesting to see you discuss how your parents thought that Protestants didn't have it right and that Catholics were the one true faith, because we were taught that Catholics had it all wrong and we were the one true faith. I always worried about you Catholics! I walked away from my faith a few years ago for many of the same reasons you describe that you did.. and that decision has seeped into every facet of my life. You wrote something in your book that really hit home to me. You said, "The chasm religion had cleaved between my parents and me brought competing emotions: the heady feeling of liberation tempered by the dull, aching sadness-sadness palpable, sometimes barely registered, but present every day-of knowing I had caused my parents so much heartache." I know that even though I am a devoted wife, mother, high school teacher, that I am a disappointment to my parents because I have walked away from the faith they built their family on. Nothing is more important to them than the long-standing Christian heritage they helped to carry on and now I am breaking that and it feel like a betrayal to them. My parents reaction to me is much like your parents reaction was to you..filled with so much anguish and disappointment, but still love. It's hard. But your story has given me hope and a model..and courage. I struggle to not be bitter now that I understand how scewed (sp?) and tainted my relationships and worldview were because I was so afraid/judgemental of sin and sinful people. I think I missed out on a lot of beauty in life and a lot of potentially beautiful relationships (didn't sound like you had that particular problem..good for you!). I try to remind myself that my religion also gave me good things too and probably kept me from bad. I'd love to know what you tell your kids about God and your upbringing. My kids are still quite young and I feel like I'm really waffling in that area. And on another note, we just adopted a crazy goldendoodle named Charlie. He is stressing me out because he barks and steals things from all around the house, but the movie helped me be more patient with him and just love him. Thanks so much! And if your PA house looks anything like the house in the movie...love it!
A story from Holly Link about woops posted 07/06/2010
In my comment below, I screwed up the title to your book. So sorry! "The Longest Trip Home!"
A story from Candace about My Teddy posted 07/06/2010
I used to think that a dog was just a dog!! I never understood why someone would let their dog lick their face or sleep in their bedroom or hold off on doing things like holidays because they couldn't take their dog with them. This all changed for me when my family got Teddy!!!! My parents got Teddy 11 years ago. At first I was scared to get attatched because we had a couple other dogs that we always ended up giving away about 2 months after we got them when I was a lot younger. We got Teddy in strange way which would take me too long to explain but obviously it was meant to be!! When he was a puppy and my brother and I would head off to school and my parents off to work, Teddy would drag a shoe out of the closet at the backdoor that was each of ours, drag them into the living room and place them in a circle. Then he would lay in the middle of them and go to sleep. When he started doing this, the first thing that my brother and I did when we got home from school was growl at him. This became our way of greeting him and it has comtinued to this day. Teddy also became my mom's shadow (literally)! He follows her anywhere. He is our so called "Walmart Greeter" at my mom and dad's business (he gets paid in treats for his work that he does LOL). And the customer's have come to know and love him. She goes to work and he goes with her, she cleans the house and he's right there with her. My mom is such a night owl that Teddy would stay up with her all night but would growl at her when he thought it was time for bed. But if she wasn't ready to go he wouldn't leave her side and my mom never sits still long enough for him to lay down to have a nap beside her. These are just a few things that have never left my mind. I'm watching "Marley & Me" as I am writing this and in a way it is helping me deal with the news we found out today. Tedddy has tumors all throughout his stomach. We have been told that he has 2 weeks - 3 months and I'm hoping we can make him better with a homeopathic remedy if nothing more than to make him comfortable!! I guess what I really wanted to say is that I can tell he is not ready to go yet and Marley is a testament to that!! But when the time comes, we'll all be there with Teddy. I'm not sure how to explain to my boys who are 6 and 4 what is happening and what is going to happen when the time comes so I have decided to let them watch Marley and Me tomorrow to prepare them a little better. I would like to say I'm sorry to those people that I've said " It's just a dog" because it's not just a dog. They are a member of your family and sometimes you realize it right after you get them and then other times it takes you a while to realize it. Thankyou Teddy for making me realize. He's not an extordinary dog, or the "world's worst dog" but he was our dog and nothing could ever take the memories away!!
A story from Liz Furmanek about Matchmaker Nick posted 07/07/2010
I have written to you before telling you about my three dogs. We lost Ellesi Rose (14--tumor on spine) and Eyelet Lace (15--Doggie Alzheimers)and only had Nick, our cocker spaniel left. Nick is the reason that I met my husband, Jim. Jim was walking Nick and I was walking my two girls and the latter attacked Nick. The three dogs soon became fast friends (a pack as we used to refer to them) and Jim and I got married in the park a year and a half later. Ellesi and Eyelet wore rose garlands and Nick wore a bow tie! Last Wednesday, Nick died in Jim's arms probably from a seizure. He was 14. We are heart-broken, but vow, when it is time, to get more dogs. Although they are only with us what seems to be such a short time. They are always in our hearts and we smile.
A story from Carol Misrack about Fletcher posted 07/07/2010
Dear John, I just finished reading your book "the long way home". Believe me it is my story as well. Almost every word in the book reminded me of my years growing up catholic. If we ever had a problem in our life, we all knelt around the dining room table and said the rosery. Like you, I still feel spiritually I am still catholic but I am (as you said in the book) an absent Catholic. My parents were married 64 years when my father died. My mother was almost verbatum like your Mother. She still knew all of us and could have a conversation, but five minutes later all was forgotten. After dad's death we moved Mom to an assisted living facility near my sisters home. The staff there saw that mom was depressed and suggested that Mom get a dog. I almost died with the suggestion, but when I came back to see mom, Fletcher, the big chocolate lab., sat in the chair right next to mom's chair. Fletcher was her constant companion. Mom would go out in her scooter and good old Fletcher ran right beside her. Fletcher slept at the foot of mom's bed to keep her feet warm. Honestly, I think he sensed her every need. One night mom fell on her way to the bathroom and fletcher ran to the station and would not stop barking until someone came to help mom. In June of 2000, mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was quite advanced and mom had little time to live. All five of her children took turns sitting by her bedside and caring for her. There we were the kids and faithful Fletcher. He never left her side in the three weeks of her illness. He only barked if the Dr. came in and tried to examine mom. One morning I was there and mom was not looking well. All of a sudden Fletcher lept to his feet and was barking and running around in circles. Not being a person schooled in dog behavior I thought he had to go to the bathroom really bad. I asked my neice to take him out. Fletcher came running back into the room just as mom was drawing her last breath. Fletcher jumped up on mom's bed and sat there and cried. It was the most unbelievable sight I ever saw. Fletcher stayed with mom at the funeral home and walked in front of her casket at the church. He sat at her side during the whole mass and all the procedures. After mom was buried next to dad, we took Fletcher back to the facility. Fletcher sat in front of mom's room for two weeks wimpering. Finally, they made the decision to send Fletcher to a puppy farm so he could recover. Fletcher remained at the facility for several years , but he is always in our hearts.
A story from Felicia about 1st on the list is Faunsy posted 07/09/2010
OOh where do I start.. Well we rescued him from an abusive home. They had him tied up and was barely feeding him. So when we got him his name was tank, he was very malnourished and nervous. But after a month when he realized that we were here to help, roles reveresed and He become the daddy..lol He LOVES baths its kind of scary. He will jump on the edge of the tub when he feels he had enough bathing, and stand up waiting to be dried. Then He stands still for his blow drying and sits back when he gets his nails clipped. Please believe I was not trying to raise a snooty dog. I dont know what happened!! lol He will not eat food if touched by another dog nor drink the water. He runs around the house like a mad man every morning around 4 am and licks toes of unsuspecting visitors..lol But I love him sooo much. And he's never met an object, dog (or just the tail), arm he didnt want to make sweet love to.. neutered and all. So I decided to change his name to Faunsworth Bently.. cool huh?! lol That just one dog wait to u hear about the others..lol
A story from Bolero~S about My Simple Story posted 07/10/2010
Greetings to readers and Mr. Grogan. The stories here are more interesting than mine but nevertheless, this story I'm going to share means a lot to me.
He was only a pup when my parents brought him home. He has drooping ears but those ears soon became erect when he grew older. Rocky's his name. The book came out after I lost Rocky and I couldn't help but compare Marley with Rockey while I was reading it. Much to my surprise, he shared many similar traits with Marley. He ate anything from stones to faeces. He even drank the sewage water!!!
Rocky was living with his momma and siblings at a construction site located just beside a park. They would sometimes come rushing out eagerly at the joggers or cars.
I've got an old grandma dog at home but it wasn't enough. My parents decided to catch one and bring it home. They stood outside of the fenced construction site while making squeaky noises at them, just to lure a pup out. Luckily, momma was not there and a dopey-looking, adrenalin-pumped pup came dashing out towards my parents, while his siblings cowered and whimpered, as if they were warning him not to go. My parents prepared a gunny sack and when the time was right, they tossed the sack over Rocky who managed to break in time before crashing at their legs. My parents bagged him and quickly drove away.
At home, he was no more like the pup my parents got him from the construction site. His tail was between his legs and his head dropped so low to the ground while eyeing at my parents warily. He was not weaned from his mother's milk and I fed him with milk using a baby bottle. It was his first day home. At night, with his siblings and momma gone, he whined and yelped for hours, driving the whole neighbourhood within ten square miles crazy. My dad was a violent man and he got up and whipped Rocky until he kept quiet. I didn't dare to stop my dad or else I'll get whipped too. Despite the harsh and brutal beatings he took, his loyalty to my dad was unwavering. Wherever my dad went, he followed while waiting to be pat.
Soon, he gained confidence and became the alpha dog. He strained on his leash like Marley with his tongue hanging out and eyes bulging, dragging me behind. In fact, I had to wear skateboarding gloves while holing on to his metal leash. He chugged on happily and leapt at any stray dogs or cats, almost tearing my arms out of its sockets.
He's super friendly with strangers and other dogs. Like Marley, he kept jumping up to kiss the guests at home. I had no idea how to break him of that habit, so I had him locked up in a very large "cage", made by tying both ends of thick wire mesh to the wall at a corner behind my house. Luckily, he didn't have Marley's phobia of thunderstorms, so the cage was pretty much in good condition.
Once, I played soccer with him using an upturned plastic bowl. Unfortunately, he doesn't know what the yellow and red cards mean and he kept crashing into me to get the "ball". He would chase it all over the house and crash into a pillar. After that he just shook himself and walked away nonchalantly, having no more interest in chasing the dome-shaped thing.
My dad who is suffering from hypertension used to go cycling with Rocky running faithfully beside him. Surprisingly, he ignored strangers and stray dogs and cats for the first time as he ran pass them. Due to the daily long runs, his nails became short. It saved me the time to trim them.
Rocky had a very good memory. My dad made a lot of turns in many streets and cycled eight kilometres away from my house. Rocky decided to take a shortcut so he could run side by side with him. However, there's a very large drain ahead and I was glad he didn't attempt to clear it. He got left behind while my dad continued. When my dad got home, he was surprised to see Rocky sitting at the gate waiting for him.
One day, my dad muzzled him and let him roam outside the house to relieve himself while my dad readied his bike to get some medicines from the hospital. My dad didn't notice that Rocky followed him all the way to the hospital. When my dad got there, the security guard stopped my dad and asked him about Rocky. My dad denied ownership and went in. After he came out, the dog was gone. When he reached home, Rocky wasn't there as always if he couldn't catch up with my dad.
From that day onwards, I never see him again. Every night, when I go to bed, I can hear him barking happily at a distance as he races back to his cosy home. But again, he didn't appear at the gate... for a long long time...
This story happened a very long time ago. By now, he must be gone from the face of the earth...
I love you, Rocky. You're the best "soccer" player, ever...
A story from Felicia about Dog number 2 posted 07/11/2010
Midnight!! lol the dog that wishes he was a pup again. He was a bait dog. When he was found he was missing part of his tail and ears but we took him in anyway. For years he was the lone dog in the house. Head dog, calm, quiet and polite!! until faunsy came into the picture (the firts dog i wrote about) Now he trys to keep up. Steals food and happened to knock over the cooking sherry.. scary day for us until we left the vet and found out he was going to be ok. then it became funny. He climbs into laundry baskets and manage to get my 3rd dog pregnant not once but twice. who knew he knew what is was, he's like 65 in doggy years.lol oh well we love him. it seems he will never slow but I know he will soon :( until then ROCK ON Midnight
A story from Raine Aird Langer about My Marley posted 07/12/2010
I moved to Madrid to be with my boyfriend (now, my husband) and almost immediately, I wanted us to get a puppy. WeÂŽre both dog people and our initial delay was just due to our living situation ⊠we didnÂŽt think a small, cramped apartment would be fair to a dog â we, ourselves, were already growing out of our studio! After 3 years in Spain, we got engaged and then married in the summer of 2008. Then in 2009, after nearly a year of marital bliss and a new home, I started on my campaign for a âpuppersâ, insisting that our work schedules wouldnÂŽt prevent us from caring for one and that they would adjust â and so they did. I woke up early one Saturday morning in May 2009, to find my husband scouting out breeders online â and he found an ad from a breeder whoÂŽd just had the cutest litter of golden retriever puppies. And he gave me a look and asked if I really wanted a puppy, and I of course said yes ⊠and he said, âYou better get dressed then. ItÂŽs gonna be a long drive.â When we arrived at the breeding farm in a small town in the Sierra of Madrid, I was greeted by the only two puppies left from the litter ⊠both males ⊠but one stood out. He was the cutest ball of ivory fluff yapping and jumping at me. And I picked him and declared him mine ⊠the breeder, said âhmm, not sure if you want that one ⊠heÂŽs missing 1 cm of his tail, but if you really want him, IÂŽll knock off âŹ100.â So you see, our Marley, was a âclearance puppyâ too. The similarities donÂŽt end there ⊠We soon learned that our Marley was mad for food especially mangoes, watermelon and apples. HeÂŽs also had many an adventure chewing the wall and furniture in our bedroom, destroying throw cushions, living room furniture and several remote controls and pretty much anything he can get his paws on. One day while I was at work, he chewed the plug off the power cord for our fridge and the control dials for our washer, dryer and oven! We have our vet on speed dial âweÂŽve had to call him with numerous emergencies. I once came home to find that Marley had found his way into the pantry and helped himself to an entire bag of Muesli which had quite a bit of raisins in it. He didnÂŽt seem to be the least bit affected by them, but it warranted a trip to the vetÂŽs anyway. He also found a bag of stale food that someone had âforgottenâ to dispose of properly in the park near our house, and he swallowed the plastic bag and all its contents rather than give in to my desperate pleas of âlet go.â So when I took him for his annual check-up the other day, the vet quipped âwhatÂŽs he eaten this time?â People often ask us when we plan on having babies, and weÂŽve taken to answering that Marley is all the baby we need. He has brought us so much joy, and despite all his mischief, heÂŽs turning into a fine dog with lots of personality! IÂŽve also recently discovered that he has the âability to calm downâ. We took him on our first âfamilyâ vacation this year, to Portugal, he was on his best behavior ever â I was terrified that heÂŽd thrash numerous hotel rooms, but he didnÂŽt ⊠I think he was just so grateful we didnÂŽt leave him!
A story from Dawnette about Hoshi the Boxer posted 07/15/2010
My family loves boxers. Boxers have been described as the rodeo clowns of the dog breed. After loosing our 2nd boxer to cancer at the young age of 7 we decided be careful and pick our next boxer pup from a reputable breeder. When we went to the breeder's house to look at the puppies, ask questions about the different personalities, etc., I instantly fell in love with Hoshi! Instead of being level headed, finding a pup that would fit our needs and personality I just choose the one that was the most beautiful. As we were walking out the door with our bundle of joy the breeder said "watch out she's an ankle biter."
Not only was she an ankle biter she was a destroyer as well. One day my husband came home early from work and let our nine month Hoshi out of her crate. He got busy doing something and forgot about the dog. About 45 minutes later he remembered he had pup loose in the house. He found her in our guest bedroom digging into the matress. Apparently she had found an old bone and thought it needed to be buried. She dug a 6 inch deep 12 inch diameter hole in the foot of the bed. There was shredded material everywhere. Until we could afford to buy a new matress we always had a funny story to tell company right before putting them to bed...reminding them to avoid the hole at the foot of the bed.
A story from maya pieters about hi posted 07/17/2010
lohn do you remerber me and jack you gave us your books and artagragh
A story from Alisha Martin about Slurppy posted 07/19/2010
It kept growing & g r o w i n g and G R O W I N G
A story from Barb Spunar Paton about Neighborhood posted 07/19/2010
Hi John,
This has nothing do to with Marley and Me, but rather, The Long Journey Home, which I am currently reading. I had to write a note because I grew up on Pine Lake and currently live in Sylvan. I went to OLR in the 70's; hung out at Cass Lake; rode my bike to Sylvan Lanes; still shop at the party store across from OLSM, etc. I had no idea that the author of Marley & Me grew up in the same area as myself. Reading this book is bringing so many childhood memories back for me. Your story about the nuns at OLR had me in laughter/tears with the metal edged rulers and erasers. AND ..... I was one of those kids who got the eraser thrown right smack in the forehead for talking!
Well, again, I just had to write a little blurb and thank you for sharing your life in such a comical way. Barb
A story from Kristi Fuoco about Skipper the happiest mutt posted 07/19/2010
I just finished reading Marley and Me, and with tears in my eyes thought back to the many wonderful memories that I had with my family dog growing up. Thank you for your beautiful story.
We got Skipper, the brown-eyed fluffy white bearded collie/something else when he was 9 months old and I was 8 years old and he was a part of my life for the next 15 years. When I was sad, he would curl up next to me. When I cried he would listen to me talk. He slept by my bed every single night. He would patiently lie there as my sister and I french braided his long white hair, and he was always up for a long walk on the beach. Three years in a row at a local fair he won "Happiest Dog" and "Shaggiest Dog" and he was definitely both.
Even at the end of his life, when he was going a bit senile, a bit deaf, and a bit blind (and a bit incontinent) he was always the most loving and happy dog you could imagine.
I can't imagine growing up without him. Here's a typical Skipper photo where he is "driving" my grandma in the van.
There's nothing like a family dog.
A story from Ciera about Duke posted 07/20/2010
I love your story of your family and Marley. Your story just reminded me so much of Duke my nine year old chocolate lab. I got him for my 10th birthday which is two days before Christmas. When he was a puppy we decided to leave him our garage just like you did and as you know, big mistake. He tore apart anything he could get his puppy paws on and can you beileve it he even got into antifreeze. Surely we we alarmed by this; after taking him to the vet after he had fallen ill he was prescribed medicine and they told us he should be better within weeks. But I guess the puppy docs didn't realize how sick he was. He became crippled and couldn't even eat or drink. After some TLC and feeding him mushy puppy food and giving him water with a dropper; he could finally walk again. Claming the title of "our miracle puppy". Soon after he was well again he was up to his antics. By the time he was feeling better New Year's had rolled around and we still had the Christmas tree up. Well as the rascal he was (and still is) He decided he was going to grab on to the tree and run in circles with it, until he tired out. Our dog has also cost us a pretty penny too; agian like Marley. When we first put Duke outside we put up an invisible fence lining our wire fence to keep him in. We figured the most humane thing to do. Duke figured out that if he got too close he would recieve a gentle shock. He kept testing the boundries and soon found out that he could with hold the shock. He escaped countless times. Until one day we upped the shock. He couldn't stand that; we figured the shock was too great for him. But again we thought wrong. Duke chewed through the wires that kept the invisible fence running and took off when ever he pleased. There is countless things that dog has done. But looking back I know I wouldn't trade one minute of it. Someone with a "bad dog" knows the love that those dogs give back. And they also know that whose to judge your dog, just because they are in the text books a "bad dog". In my eyes my dog is my little baby that can do no wrong and will be there for me until the day that he no longer can be. I know you know what I mean by that. Duke is getting in the old stages of his life; he has a little gray on his chin, he doesn't bark as much, he not much for swimming anymore in his kiddie pool, he more content with laying in the grass with me and watching the world pass by. I know that the day that Duke wont be with me will come closer than I think; but until that day arrives to me he's still going to be that little puppy tearing anything up that he could get his little paws on. Thank you so much for your story about Marley; it touched my heart.
A story from Sister Florence Vales OSC about Our Maggie posted 07/21/2010
2001 I had written you and told you about our puppy, a yellow Lab named Maggie, who was a gift to our Monastery by Brother Richard McFeely, a Franciscan brother. We told you about Maggie how she pulled our veils off our head and ran around the monastery garden so happy as a lark. Maggie gave us so much joy and she was so healing for me but the sad news that I have to tell you is that our dear sweet lady, Maggie, died on June 8th after a short illness that began in March. Maggie had a rapid cancer and one night June 8th while I was sleeping in the basement with her she went into a convulsion and we took her to an all night animal hospital where they put her to sleep and she died. My last words to her were,"Thak you Maggie for giving us so much joy." when the doctor told me she was gone, I said,"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." That was 3:00 AM and I was spaced out but still that remains true. God gave her to us and she was a blessing. She is buried out in our yard under a tree with a staure of a guardian angel because she was that to us. Our vet is going to get a head stone for Maggie. The Sisters at this point do not want anopther dog but I am hoping and Maggie will run up to the Good Shepherd and bug Him until he sends us one. I dream on. thanks for your book. I never read the last part because I feared about our Maggie dying too but one bears up. God is great and always good.
A story from Cleo Webb about Reading your book posted 07/21/2010
I go to the Friendship Center, which is the Day Care for the elderly, and read on Wednesday afternoons. The latest book is your "The Longest Trip Home." I want you to know that the ladies find your story so fun. It is a great joy for me to hear them laughing so hard that they almost cry. You must have been a real character and great fun as you were growing up. Thank you for putting your story down on paper. I look forward to next Wednesday when we all learn more about you and your family
A story from Felicia about Dog number 3 posted 07/22/2010
Well, I'm back to talk about the 3rd dog in the group. She was also a stray when. Two girls were walking her and her sister and said they were looking for someone to take them. Well while we were checking them out the girls left with out a trace. So now we were debating what to do. But I couldnt turn her down. My aunt took her sister. From that day forward I named her Gingy! She's very quiet. Sadly before we got her spayed at around 1, midnight the older dog managed to get her pregnant not once but twice. The first time I was a little nervous. Will she be a good mommy? She's so young. But she surprised us and was wonderful both times. She's my old faithful. Always by my side. Best choice I have made!! I love you girl (the pic is when i first got her)
A story from Liz Lawton about Bran posted 07/22/2010
Dear John:
When I bought seven hardback copies of your (then) new and hardly heard of Marley and Me, and read it til I could laugh and cry no more, then the other 6 books went to close friends and family who you managed to upset even more, I thought I would never again be so touched by a story of a dog....UNTIL I flipped thru the channels several years later and came across the movie of the book. So now I'm writing this to admonish you again...you managed to reduce me to a puddle of tears over your beloved Marley.
All my life I've had dogs, mostly lab mixes to be sure, but always with one common denominator - rescued. And so it was with Bran, whom I did write to you about once. Brandy was the name she came with and I hated it but it's all she knew. So I shortened it...never thinking I'd be asked a million times "oh how did you come up with that name, is it her coloring?" and eventually I realized that with my English accent I could tell a white lie that would be totally believed (don't know why the accent helps but it does - people believe everything I say if I keep a straight face). Anyhow I said "oh, no it's celtic pronounced actually Brahann it means "creature of the wild", and they would nod solemly, the head would tilt back a little, the mouth would open and they'd say "aahhh what a wonderful name". (I secretly wonder if anyone used it for their own pup). Bran came from an abysmal background chained up, teeth broken, scarred face, but oh so like Marley in looks maybe a little more reddish tinge, but the face - oh the face!! You've probably had thousands of people writing to you with "my dog was like Marley" no Marley reminds me of Bran because of that labrador gaze, the bull in a china shop syndrome, the tail that is a lethal child or glass knocking over tool. The labrador enthusiasm, I remember the first time we took her to a state park and she found a little stream with a couple of planks across it was just us and her and she kinda scooted her butt down and galloped around and around in circles around and over the stream over the bridge until she wore herself out. You see she'd always been tied up, she only knew how to run in circles, and this was her idea of freedom. She saw me thru 2 teenagers years of angst, a divorce, a couple of new jobs, a new marriage and finally she had her final days in Bushkill, PA. After she went blind and we realized she had a brain tumor we had her put to sleep and as the vet was injecting her in the back of our car she heard a dog bark in the distance and she raised her head with those sightless eyes and pricked up her ears - ever ready to protect us. So then I suffered a clinical depression and my husband could not console me. Eastertime we went to Ulster County to see where Bran's ashes had been scattered but never actually got to the dog crematorium because we stopped at a shelter and so became Bonnie our black lab. We moved to S. Carolina Jan 09 and suddenly found ourselves with three more dogs - one being a baby great dane advertized by the Georgia pound as a baby border collie (they knew no-one would adopt a thoroughbred mantle great dane (too big). We paid and out loped a gigantic puppy who was to be gassed the next day. Then there's our little pit/mix we lovingly call our pitrador who is only 1 1/2 but has developed a torn ACL which we can't afford to have fixed so we have her on pain meds (also "about to be euthanized" when we got her) and let's not forget Bob "What About Bob" you say - our black retriever boy who ran out into the road in front of my husband's old truck. And back in PA we would sit on our porch at night and my husband would say "no more dogs after Bran" HAHAHAHAHAHA....what happened to that! My husband's business failed in PA, our house went into foreclosure, my husband had triple bypass and I lost my job in a hospital. We moved to SC to start afresh, and look at us know - four four legged friends we never thought we'd have and just a complete joy. Sometimes I could tear my hair out at all the dribbles of water across the floor, the usual accidents dogs have (!), the fur balls that only seem obvious when we have visitors (darn it) and the endless 31 lb bags of food from Sams Club, but omg they are THE best. Thank you John for reminding me that all the furballs and messes aren't importanat, that the adoration and unadulterated love we have from our dogs is priceless. And if the visitors don't like being goosed by the pitrador, or the shoulders being assaulted by two great dane front legs, or Bob's paw being offered a million times a minute or Bran shaking water all over them then tough tough tough - they're our babies and they'll always have a home here. Thanks for making me cry you bugger! Liz
A story from Monica about Pepsy posted 07/23/2010
Ciao , scusa se non parlo inglese , ma volevo mandarti la foto della mia Pepsy che e' stata con me per 17 anni e da febbraio non c'e' piu'. E' tanto che ho letto il tuo libro su Marley ed ho riso e pianto tanto! Saluti dall'Italia!!!! Monica.
A story from Valeria about Josefina & Hera posted 07/23/2010
Dear John Grogan, im from Argentina, and i have to say i had not heard of you until Marley & Me came out. At first i thought it was gonna be a silly dog movie, like beethoven or something like that, but i have a golden retriever, and i thought i would give it a shot, since labradors and g. retrievers look so much alike... and as i was watching the movie, i was completly feeling your story. I laughed, seeing how similar were a few parts of that... until Marley's death... that took my point of view away from my golden retriever (Hera) and completly reminded me of my other dog, who we had to put to sleep in 2006. Josefina. It was the saddest thing thats ever happened to me, it broke me, and even today, it makes me cry. since she was not only a dog, she was part of this family, just like you said it. and i cant get off my mind that pink liquid that was being sticked into her body, as she was slowly dying... i completly felt your story. i dont even think ive ever felt so much identified with a movie as it was with marley and me. after watching it. i culdnt stop crying for a long time, and it left me with a really killer feeling inside, as i was feeling i was back in 2006 all over again. it was deff sad and heartbreaking. but i ABSOLUTELY love your story... the way you portray Marley and the love you have for him... is the way i feel about my dogs. and i have to THANK YOU deeply for that. you are a wonderful man. no one that loves an animal as much as you do could be a bad person. thank you for sharing your story, and i will deff read the book, if i ever find it here. much love
A story from Valeria about Hera posted 07/23/2010
im sorry,i forgot to add the pictures, so here they are. Hera
A story from Valeria about Josefina posted 07/23/2010
and heres the sleeping beauty, Josefina.
A story from Jadee about Ben posted 07/24/2010
I got Ben 11 yrs ago rescuing him from an abusive life. He's the yellow labbie that all the neighborhood kids love and adore. He reminds me of Marley in many ways, especially the whole dragging me while walking, at least until later in life when I was trying to walk HIM! I've found many a missing pennies, and oter spare change frequently decorating the piles o'poop out in the yard over the last several years.... Your Marley made me laugh, cry, laugh, and cry some more. I cried so hard at the end that I ended up nusing Ben's tail to wip my nose and eyes!!!!! and Ben couldn't figure out why I was blubbering so much that he started whining, and tried to clean my face for the next 10 minutes. Gotta love that dog, and I wouldn't trade him in for the world. Just to help me get through the last process with Ben I've gotten a black labbie puppy, who's growing while Ben's aging....and enter the Marley wannabe puppy....here we go again, except with crate training this time
A story from Hannah Luo about Lululu~ posted 07/25/2010
(a single note:I'm writing this story as my Mom's aunt, whose story is to share) I didn't remember when or where or who told me, that all of those whom I love is going to leave me. And somehow that was , right. I used to own two dogs, Babe and her son Lulu. Because of that (stupid) rule in our apartment I had to give Babe away to my niece's family, since they always wanted a dog to keep. Then I gave all my heart to Lulu, the little mutt who howls like a wolf and is cowardly enough to be scared by a cat. Inherited, what do you do about that? Despite all the howling and hiding and mischieving (He even ate those fresh-baked pancakes while I was out! Guess how I knew? Paw-prints on the table of course.), he was with me all through the five years he lived. When I divorced with my husband, when my daughter got married, when she left China with her husband to the US... Everything. What he brought is endless and endless of happiness, even though sometimes I had to take the stick and chase after him until he admitted he did all those things by crawling under the sofa. I should have known it was a bad ending for him when I dicided to put him in the vet's while I visit my daughter. That day I was back the vet told me, the second day I left, Lulku was off the leash and got crashed by a car. She even offered the video tape but I refused, considering I wante to remember him in one piece with no blood. I just kept watching those clips of him swimming in the little pond, we laughed a lot in the video. My MSN icon is Lulu's photograph since he died. I didn't get another dog, and now that I'm living in Michigan, I would ask them to let me see Babe when we video-talk. I just hope Babe will be fine in the next few years and then die peacefully. "Come Lulu" "Oh you little bad boy, lululu" Lululu~
A story from Hannah about Hannah Luo's lulu posted 07/27/2010
Miss U Lulu!
A story from Annalie Day about My Used to be Dog Mona posted 07/27/2010
A story from Jemma about Gipsie posted 07/28/2010
GIPSIE was a lab. We rescued her from a shelter, we miss her! Once she jumped off our deck and landed in our swimming pool!!! And 4 weeks later she had a litter of pups(aww) she passed a away after 13 years. Im 30 now and trying to move on. YOURS SINCERELY: Jemma XXX
A story from Carol Pierce about My Angel In fur posted 07/28/2010
Where does one begin. I got Lady in Sept. 1991 at the age of 3 weeks. Marie wanted to get rid of the puppies as soon as possible. Since I am allergic to dogs at times, I couldn't say no when she asked me if I wanted a dog. I told the girls I had a surprise for them. When we got to Marie's home, we were lucky to get the only little girl pup and she fit in the palm of my hand. When Lady came home, my daughter Bonnie would get up and give her the bottle just like you would a baby. She was very goo at that. I remember one putting Lady in her kennel in the hallway. I came down and she was out of it. It was locked. She was so tiny she fit through the opening. I remember Lady's first bark. I couldn't b elieve I had my little girl's voice for the first time. I will say she was quite naughty and a lot to handle she was 2. Everyone enjoyed playing with her, but no one wanted to pick up the poop or take her for walks. I enjoyed every minute with her and took with me every place I could.
My lady came at a time in my life that I didn't how important and what a major part she would play in my life.
She was my best friend, constant companion, loyal, caring, loving, my nurse, et. I got more love from her than my ex and children.
Anyway, after my family left me, I got Lady. She was the one constant joy in my life and gave me a reason to keep living. Friendly, outgoing, loved everyone, including animals. I was so proud of her. All I did was get compliments how good she was. When she died at the age of 17 I was devastated. She actually told me mommy its time for me to go. She gave me a look and really a mile with her teeth showing as if she really was talking. I knew exactly what she meant. I got a bed to fill the void. I call him Marley. It wasn't the same. I talked to Lady every night. I told her if I get another dog, it will be a rescue dog, an older dog I can grow old with. Guess what in Sept. of 2009 I adopted my grand dog. My daughter is a single parent with a little baby and couldn't look after her. Without hesitation I took her. When she arrived in Philadelphia in Sept. of 2009, from Ottawa, Canada I swore I was looking into Lady's eyes. Darlin is ajob. I realize I can't live without a dog. They give you unconditional love which I never ever received from a human and that is the truth. Human race has conditions on their loving.
Darlin is my service dog and now is a therapy dog. She also was abandoned whe she was 3 years and left at the groomers. They called my daughter and asked her if she wanted her, because she just lost her Dog. The previous owners said she was too needy. She is sweet, very loving,my constant companion and still gives me a reason to get up in the morning and enjoy life. Also in memory of Lady after losing my job last July, I didn't know what I was going to do. I knew I couldn't handle working for anyone again. I decided to become a dog trainer and instructor. I graduated from Penn Foster in May, and Brother of the Wolf in June. I found my calling at the age of 63. I need to work and this is something I am enjoying so much because of my love for dogs and my Lady.
Carol A. Pierce
A story from mike perez about god is alive posted 08/02/2010
I am an artist and a person told me years ago i should write a book .But funny thing is i do paint and bodywork this is a pice i did. i have a pet squrrel that i saved and i thought about a chirldens book. Funny thing is that i woke up from sleep to do this .
A story from mike perez about dog posted 08/02/2010
the dog. we pulled off for work one morning . as i started going my wife screamed stop .There a puppy was under some weeds. we saved her .that nite there was a hurracain off the coast.
A story from mikeperez about book posted 08/02/2010
a cover for a book
A story from mike perez about i love my squrrels posted 08/02/2010
i saved her when she fell out of nest as a baby shes 5years old now.The dog the nite before we found her was the hurricane.
A story from mike perez about sorry my art wont upload posted 08/02/2010
A story from I am an arbrust artist also about love posted 08/02/2010
if you now somw one who need an artist
A story from Cecilia about My sweet Prue posted 08/02/2010
I was ten years old when Prue came in to my life,she is a labrador retriver and today she is seven years old. durin my life i never met someone who love me so mutch! she had really change my life!! i'm 18 years old now and she is near me in evry moment and i'm very happy! Ps: i'm italian so i'm sorry for my english!
A story from Margie about Mandy posted 08/02/2010
Give the dog black hair and your Marley could have been our Mandy. Mandy was our empty nest dog, rescued from the pound. We were told that she wouldn't get that big but 125 pounds later we realized that was a lie. She ate everything. We would come home from work and find the wallpaper flapping off the walls. We have so many great stories of her. One of my favorites would be the way she would stare at people who sat in her spot on the couch until they moved after being told they were in Mandy's spot. She was a gift from heaven to fill the void of our aging children. Her death was one of the worst days of my life. But she was the best dog, at least after she ate the light bulb and gave up chewing. What a blessing.
A story from mike perez about life in generial posted 08/07/2010
a familey is like an old clipper ship!theres the boat the crew the mast and the sails.True love starts with a solid foundation. ...the ocean .... love all 3 and theres harmany the boat takes you there .in a relationship the alpha is the ship the spouse the sails and the kids are the crew.When kids disrespecet theres muntinay.If all three work together theres smooth sailing.Kinda like my life .My wife wants to be alfa but things arnt going right. but i love her. hope she will have a change at heart.My ship loves its sail an crew.so theres a harmony here. my lifes kinda in turmoil
A story from mike perez about love posted 08/07/2010
The sails they are hard to manage but with the wind they take you were you are going.If the boat stays afloat.But with the right crew. that ship will go far
A story from mike perez about sole mate posted 08/07/2010
When your familey is running along well its like that ship at the sea.
A story from mike perez about point of vew posted 08/07/2010
When theres somthing wrong . Fix it
A story from mike perez about funny thing posted 08/07/2010
woke up from sleep to write this
A story from mike perez about is my life a bad dream posted 08/07/2010
A story from mike perez about can you guess witch girl is my wife posted 08/07/2010
lol bet you cant
A story from mike perez about i dont care who you are this is funny posted 08/07/2010
A story from mike perez about or mabey not posted 08/07/2010
A story from moke perez about best to talk things out for to fix posted 08/07/2010
A story from mike perez about ok posted 08/07/2010
im a bad speller and abit nuts lol
A story from jerry about just wanted to thank you for a great book posted 08/08/2010
John, just a quick thank you for Marley & Me. I just read it. Going thru a divorce the book brought back some pleasant memories of our "Buddy" who ate the house (OK, not the entire house) but also was our son's first friend when we brought him home only days old. I could related to those times - some terrific, some not especially due to our divorce. But your book IS GREAT. That's it. So long from the Philly area.
A story from Meg about jack and marley would have been great friends posted 08/09/2010
i have been really bored this past weekend and decided since i have nothing else to do i might as well read. i instantly fell in love with marley and all of his craziness. it reminded me a lot of my dog jack. jack is a 4 year old boxer but like marley he has an eternity of puppy energy. im confident that marley and jack would have had a grest time running digging and stealing food whenever they saw fit. thanks far the awesome story:)
A story from Dechert about Marley and Cruz posted 08/10/2010
I just finished reading Marley and Me, for about the billionth time, and it has made me realize how similar my yellow lab Cruz is to Marley.Cruz is a crazy, sensitive, loving boy. He greets us at the driveway everyday and jumps on us and stares at us with his big brown eyes. He is filled with so much puppy energy and he is a very active dog! We will come home to find trash everywhere, clothes destroyed, helmets chewed up as well as newspapers, mail, and packages. When it is stormy, Cruz goes into panic mode. He loves to stick his whole nose in his water bowl and eat his food without swallowing. Cruz also manages to steal food off our plates and and jump up on the counters and eat anything he can find. He also enjoys eating toys and pooping them out for us. (How kind.) But when you scold him, he looks at you with such pitiful eyes...He is so sensitive some times. He enjoys swimming in the water and playing at the beach. He loves fetch and jumping off the dock. He also loves tug of war. But after a long day of play, Cruz will settle down and love on you and be a very sweet dog. Cruz also has a little pinhead- like a conehead which we all laugh about. Marley and Cruz could've been related for all I know, they are just so similar.
A story from Jimmy-Lois de Bruijn about Another fan posted 08/13/2010
Dear Mr Grogan,
Im Jimmy-Lois from the Netherlands (Sorry for my English)and just finished reading Marley & me. I just wanted to tell you how much I regognized in Marley.
My dog 'Mo' is now about 9 years old and on the border of the middle aged and just a granny. She gave me so much in my life and always adjusted to my mood and even helped me in hard times of life. Just as you made clear in the book, they can be hard at times but they will go trough fire for you. I Hope Mo will live for some time now but she got some not damaging cancer and her hips are losing strenght everyday. My sister got a dog to, a golden retriever called 'Marley' (Not after yours but after Bob). She likes your book just as much as I do.
I want you to know how much ressemblances i saw in your life with Marley (Not that much damaged stuff in my house) and my life with Mo. Just a tip to other readers with dogs, don't read the book when your on holiday, cause you are going to miss your dog and you do want to go home earlier just to spend more time with a wonderfull being in your life!
Thank you for a great story, a great book and a fantastic dog.
A story from Sherry McCoy about Marley posted 08/13/2010
We had a black Lab named Prince when I was a little girl. He was a beautiful and "fun loving" dog. He came to us at about 9 months old and was wild a an alley cat. The first thing he did was ate a hole in our chain link fence. He broke into our neighbor's house (how?) and tore up every pillow she owned and got in her refrigerator and all her bacon (how?). We never knew the anser to how, but he really did it, he was caught red-handed. My sister and I cleaned the house and my Mom and Daddy bought some bacon and paid for repairs. He came to the school we went to on a daily basis, but he didn't wait outside for us. He came IN the school and found my classroom each and every time. Then proceded to sit by my desk until recess or Mom came to get him. She was fuming each and every time and very embarassed! He ended up living on a ranch (I'm from Texas)and we weren't lucky enough to keep him. Our parents just couldn't deal with his antics.........belive me, there were plenty more, too! I loved the book and the movie. It was worth the tears shed just to know my Prince and your Marley.
Sherry
A story from Shery Rodriguez about My crazy old dog posted 08/15/2010
Dear John.
I'm Shery Rodriguez from Amsterdam, sorry for my english.
i have a sweet old dog tyara, she's right now 11 years old. She sleeps really allot. But she can be also crazy, like just running and i dont even know why, sometimes she is acting like a young dog. you dont even see that she's old, they dont believe that Tyara's age is 11. She is also asking allot of attencion. She really like's too eat cookies, so never say the word cookies. And then she right away is getting up and waits for her cookie. She really likes children, to play with them, or get there attencion. She can eat everything, and by the way. Marley & me is a great book. i read it already like 3 or 4 times, and the movie i had to cry. it was so worth it, its really sad but its great.
A story from paula about to lose two in one day:( posted 08/18/2010
A story from paula about to lose two in one day:( posted 08/18/2010
tomorrow will def be the most heartbreaking day of my life as i have to say goodbye to not one of my dogs but two,the oldest a collie x is 15 with an inoperable cancerous lump which has spread and is causing her pain and the other is my 12 yr old black lab who has a heart condition and senial dimensia. Both dogs have been with me through my adult life the eldest i saw coming into the world & now i have to see her leave it. Through failed relationships and having children the two of them have always been there looking after me and been my shoulders to cry on so as of tomorrow night i will be completely lost. It all seems so silly how these slobberers can become such a huge part of our lives & the first time i read your book i howled like a baby at the thought of losing my own and now the times come all the happy memories will bring a smile in the future but the pain hurts so much at the present,doesnt help when your losing the ones that you tell all your problems to & the ones who always make you feel better.xx
A story from Mikale about Petz posted 08/19/2010
I got my dog at least 5 years ago and he was a wonder ful young lil puppy and so small but i relised as he grew older he sneeky and gets into small spots and eat everything you dont want him to eat! phe got annoyign but i still have him at the moment and i love him so much but i really dont know what to do anymore and its really annoying im only young but thats how you guys started to relise how it is to be a parent it is hard but you reall ythink its easy when your a teenager you want kids adn you dont but i relised that its very hard to take care of a dog imagine a realyl baby a live and crying screaming and pooing baby!!
thats going to be difficult and hard to pick up so Quickly but lately i read this book and i am learnign new thintgs ive seen the moviea nd relised half of the stuff Marley does contrivutes with me and its surprising that im not the only one out there that accualy has the same prob lem bnut not a big dog a small lil pomerainien doggy.
A story from Heidi about My poodle Strudel posted 08/19/2010
Dear John, meet my poodle Strudel - I love her as much as you and your family loved Marley. She is a standard poodle and allowed to be a happy playful dog, meaning - no facy cuts, no polished nails, just a clean cut. She has selcetive comprehension, when I call her when she is in the fenced yard she comes right away,when she escapes the yard I have to get the car to get her, as he will not miss a ride,and comes zooming to get into the car but will avoid coming if I call her.Sometimes the car ride is just about x 3 car length in distance, but it works. When she was a puppy,(she is now 10 years old) she "ate" the travel alarm clock, no big deal until I could not find the battery. She had (and has) energy to spare and does not need to swallow a battery to charge her up - thank God for Vets and their talents,the battery was retrieved unceremoniously by making her vomit, another time she swallowed a knee high - it came back.... the natural way. I was moved to tears as Marley's journey came to an end - but Marley has had a loving family and household - he had a good life - loved your telling it. Sincerely, Heidi and Strudel (or is it Strudel and Heidi?)
A story from Caitlin Kline about Thanksgiving posted 08/19/2010
Hi John! Thank you for such a wonderful book and movie! I'm not kidding it is our life! Sophie in a sense is Marley. She's eaten everything you can imagine, dragged me down the street, and barked at thunderstorms. My husband and I don't have the kids yet....but we're just starting our adventure. We've already taken the trip to Ireland...but we've decided no kids for a while! Sophie is enough for us. Check out my Blog at www.lovesophiamaria.blogspot.com It would mean the world to me. Thank you!
A story from Caitlin Kline about Sorry!! posted 08/19/2010
I apologize my title was Thanksgiving on my first posting....that's the title of the article on my blog page. Thanks for letting us post pictures and tell our stories. It's amazing how many people can relate.
Caitlin Kline
Milford, MI
A story from mike about the lead posted 08/21/2010
I am going to take control of my life and god will lead me in this dance
A story from mike cole about my dog sawyer posted 08/22/2010
Your book,and the movie is so much like my dog Sawyer.It is so real .Everything in book/movie are so real.From day one,To the last day are so real! He was a GOOD Dog,A Very good DOG! STILL MISS SAWYER
A story from Pfeifer about Marley and Me--Lou and Sarah posted 08/22/2010
Dear John, so for years I have been passing your book in the store, never taking the time to buy it and read it. Our dog(s)got sick and everyone told us Lou had what Marley died of. So Sarah was our yellow lab, big, strong, loyal girl, well behaved unless your were another dog she needed to take charge of. She died 2/09, we too put it off, watching her get frailer and frailer, taking her for walks using a strap around her middle to hold her up on the beach. Then came the day I found her trying to clean herself about soiling herself. I picked her up, put her in the shower and then told everyone it was time. We took her in the next day. So heartbreaking.We now had Lou,ourbig, 105# golden, the dog that also flunked school. We called him the Clifford dog as he doubled in size weekly. So in April of 09, 6 weeks after losing Sarah, we arrived at the beach for a mini vacation. Lou started the dry heaves as we were going to bed. There was no ER vet, just the ability to talk to a vet who thought he had eaten something bad. I believe the only way he survived the night was the devoted care by his Dad. He slept in the car with him, walked him endlessly all night. The next am we arrived early at the local vet and found out about the twisted stomach. Although he was 8 we had the full blown surgery to save our nutty, sweet dog. No way could we have made it through losing another dog. He is doing fine but as he turned 10 this summer he has slowed down, content to sleep in the house and be with us. Reading Marley and Me brought it all back, our dear Sarah and Lou who combined were so similar to your Marley. I have yet to see your movie, worried it would be too sad but after reading your lovely book, I will watch it soon and think of Marley, Sarah and our aging nutty Lou. Thank you
A story from Luke about My Dog, Marley posted 08/23/2010
About a year ago, my family drove all the way from PA to West Virginia. When we left WV, we had with us a new member of the family, Marley. It was my idea to name the dog Marley because I had recently read "Marley and Me" and I thought it was great!!!!! Anyways, even though my dog's name is Marley, she is the complete opposite of John's Marley. First of all, she never barks, even when people ring the doorbell. Secondly, instead of jumping on people when they enter the house, she rolls over on her back, wanting a belly rub.
A story from Tracey about Gizmo posted 08/29/2010
Dear John, I read Marley and Me when it first came out and was so excited about the movie. They were both great. Tragically,my 12 1/2 year old peek-a-poo Gizmo passed away on 8/23/2010. She kept getting infections over and over and so I had to make the awful decision to put her to sleep. I had her cremated so she can be put with me some day and to be honest I feel like that day is sooner than later. My heart is broken all to pieces as for she was my life and I just don't know how people do this. I wish I could get some kind of an answer for I have begged God everyday now to show me a sign of hope for I have lost my job and my apt. in this short time. I can't eat, sleep, and have shut the world out. I have lost almost all of my family over the past 20 years and that was hard but I never felt this kind of pain and I don't understand why.I got Gizmo when she was 5 weeks old and she was the runt of the litter and the best.She understood everything and went everywhere I went. Only boardered her once and cut that trip short.How can love be so great and hurt so much? I want everyone to hold on to there pets and love them with all of there heart for they only want to be loved and don't ask for anything in life.As for me, I don't ever want another pet so I never have to go through this kind of pain and hurt again.Got to try to pick up the pieces here somehow but not sure where to start. Please pray for me. You will never be forgotten for having the best book ever.
Sincerely, Tracey
A story from Mark about Charlie and Me posted 08/29/2010
Hi John, Although I have not read the book yet, I just finished watching "Marley and Me". I don't think I live to far from you, we are in Glen Mills PA and recently purchased a new home....and a new pup, Charlie. He chews everything, he barks at everything, he runs around knocking things over non-stop....and drives us crazy! But he lays in my lap, and he licks my face, and he follows me everywhere, and we are best friends. It's amazing how much joy a dog can bring to your life without really even noticing it all the time. We are about to start a family as well...but as it was so eloquently stated in the movie, we already have...with our baby Charlie.
A story from Eleonora about my fual GRILLUS posted 08/30/2010
Hi everyone my name is Eleonora and I live in Italy. The story of John and Marley makes me think about my love: a horse named GRILLUS. I am writing this message because I canât wait to tell everybody how wonderful he is and how much I love him. He is 5 years old, practically his is still a foal but he is very big: he is 185 cm high and I think he can weight 700 Kg. 700 Kg of wish to run and eat fresh grass but he is also very affectionate and when I am around he never takes his eyes off of me, he always look for a kiss and a pat. I think that animals are special because you can feel the love they have for you and because they are ready to give you all they have, even their life if you would ask them to. I know that my life with Grillus wonât last forever, though he is so young now, and when I think about our separation I almost cry. But at the same time I know that the happiness he can give me during our journey together will be immensely greater than the sorrow of our split. Even if horses cannot show their love like a dog (I mean that they donât wag their tail or jump on you to greet you and you cannot take them in your bed to sleep) they use a million of different behaviors and signals to show their feelings which can melt your heart and fill it with joy. Finally, when I give Grillus a bucket full of water he likes to make the submarine with his nose: he is wonderful!! This is my horse and all my love for him!!!
A story from Barbara about Bailey posted 09/01/2010
On Feb 14, 2009 I surprised my boyfriend with a Bernese Mountain puppy as his Valentines Day present and he surprised me with an engagement ring. You can say that was the moment we started our family with our little fur ball Bailey ( not so little any more ). Your book and movie reminds my husband and myself of our life with Bailey and how things change with marriage. Seeing your movie made us have Baileys tummy tacked to her inner wall so she would not ever have the flip. They told us that it was commen in large breed dogs. On another note Bailey loves sitting in front of the TV to watch Marley and Me but always walks away when Marley gets sick. I guess she can sense it. My husband and Bailey are the best of friends and she brings excitment and peace to our home. The love of a dog is unconditional and your ending quote is so true .
A story from Mark about Loving, losing your pet and grief posted 09/01/2010
Well, I just turned 49 yesterday. I'm a strong man, and strong willed. However, June 18th 2009 was the worst day of my adult life, the day I got the call my Duke went into arrest, at the tender age of 3 years, 4 months. I've actually been afraid to watch your story about Marley. June 1, 2009, being the responsible parents (I never considered my wife and I 'pet owners'....he was our baby), took him to the vet for his yearly shots. The last words from the vet were "You have a happy, healthy puppy". Thats when she suggested the Leptosporosis vaccine, on top of his other 3 shots. 17 days, $27,000 later (dialisys, everything you can imagine was done at Tufts Veterinary Clinic in MA, one of the best). Some people call us crazy...I call them heartless. He was there for 10 days....each day, we'd see another pet owner walk their dog or cat out, smiling, happy their 'baby' was coming home. At the same rate, we'd see people walk out totally devestated, carrying a cardboard box out with them, knowing their loved one was in a cedar box, now just a oile of ash. I couldn't fathom walking out like that, it is the most heart-wrenching thing you can imagine.
Much like Marley, noone wanted my Duke at the pet store. He was a beautiful Australian Shepherd. The first time we saw him, we watched him playing with kids, and figured he'd be going home with someone. The next day, we thought about going back, and if he was there, we'd bring him home. He was there....we were told that he was there for almost twice as long as the average puppy (2 months, Duke was there for 4 months). Brought him out to see how he took to us, and it was love at first sight, not only for my wife and myself, but for him as well. We played for what seemed like hours, but 20 minutes later, we had everything he needed to bring him home. I slept on the couch, as we blocked the living room off so he couldn't get into 'trouble'. I did that for a month. He always fell asleep with his paw in my hand, as I sensed, and could feel, he was feeling he was safe. That was until he was a 'big doggy'. He was ALWAYS with me...in the car, the yard, bed (when I went to bed, he'd jump up on me, and not let me up, he wanted me there, much like when he was younger and I held his paw...he WAS part of me. As is said at the end of the movie, he made me feel special and extraordinary.
2 days after being told he was 'happy and healthy', he was back at the vets....they couldn't help, so off to Tufts. The doctors and nurses there were wonderful, and did all they could. He was making progress, but regressed, and dialisys was no longer helping. We left the day of June 18th, having made the decision that we were just prolonging the inevitable, for our benefit, and not Duke's. On the 19th, we were going to put our still much too young puppy to sleep. However, on the 18th, 1 hour after coming home (1 hour drive each way to the hospital), we got a call, I'll never forget the time...7:18PM.....Duke was in arrest. The decision to just let him go was difficult, but one that had to be made. 1 hour later, we arrived, saw him on the table, wrapped in a blanket, and his eyes seemingly still half open, looking at us. Knowing I would be one of those to walk out with a box, devestated, tore me up. We brought his favorite toy, his 'lambie', so he could take it with him. He now sits on the fireplace mantle, in a box, collar wrapped around the box. When I go, my Duke is coming with me, because if I could have just ONE day to share with him, I'd hug him the entire 24 hours. I know he loved me, unconditionally, and I sincerely hope he knows how much I did/do love him, and miss him dearly, to the point of being depressed and crying every day...every day for over 14 1/2 months.
We did rescue another Aussie, who was abused to the point he is mentally handicapped. Boomer is such a good boy, but he's no Duke. My wife thinks I'm disappointed in Boomer, but there could not be a more loving, caring home for him. I learned the hard way, that a pet is like a human being....or even a snowflake. No two are the same.
I want to thank you for allowing me to share my story, hopefully somewhat healing my shattered heart (not broken, but completely shattered). To those of you that do have your '4 legged' kids still with you, don't let ONE day go by that you don't hold their face, kiss them, let them give a kiss back. John is right.....they don't ask for much....just a loving home, and he's also right about giving them your heart, and they'll give you theirs. I don't wish what happened to me on anyone.....whether my Duke was 3 1/2 or 12 (God, I wish I could have had him with us that long, at least), every day we had fun and loved each other. Grief of losing a loved one is a powerful thing, and nothing hurts more, nothing hurts longer. As one of the other stories mentions the loss of a human family member hurts, which I've experienced, the loss of a pet hurts more. Humans make their own minds up, rely on themselves, can take care of themselves. Your pet, well, when they need taking care of, they come to YOU...THAT shows the deepness of the love that is shared. Again, tell your pet you love them every day.....they aren't with us for as long as human family members, not by a longshot...and if they get ill at a young age...your shattered heart can never be repaired.
Thought I'd share my favorite picture of Duke (4 months before he got sick), in Maine, in the snow, just waiting for me to 'chuck' the ball (he's really looking at the ball, not me...but that was ok with me) for him to fetch it, bring it back, so we could do it all over again.
A story from Mark about Loving, losing your pet and grief posted 09/01/2010
Well, I just turned 49 yesterday. I'm a strong man, and strong willed. However, June 18th 2009 was the worst day of my adult life, the day I got the call my Duke went into arrest, at the tender age of 3 years, 4 months. I've actually been afraid to watch your story about Marley. June 1, 2009, being the responsible parents (I never considered my wife and I 'pet owners'....he was our baby), took him to the vet for his yearly shots. The last words from the vet were "You have a happy, healthy puppy". Thats when she suggested the Leptosporosis vaccine, on top of his other 3 shots. 17 days, $27,000 later (dialisys, everything you can imagine was done at Tufts Veterinary Clinic in MA, one of the best). Some people call us crazy...I call them heartless. He was there for 10 days....each day, we'd see another pet owner walk their dog or cat out, smiling, happy their 'baby' was coming home. At the same rate, we'd see people walk out totally devestated, carrying a cardboard box out with them, knowing their loved one was in a cedar box, now just a oile of ash. I couldn't fathom walking out like that, it is the most heart-wrenching thing you can imagine.
Much like Marley, noone wanted my Duke at the pet store. He was a beautiful Australian Shepherd. The first time we saw him, we watched him playing with kids, and figured he'd be going home with someone. The next day, we thought about going back, and if he was there, we'd bring him home. He was there....we were told that he was there for almost twice as long as the average puppy (2 months, Duke was there for 4 months). Brought him out to see how he took to us, and it was love at first sight, not only for my wife and myself, but for him as well. We played for what seemed like hours, but 20 minutes later, we had everything he needed to bring him home. I slept on the couch, as we blocked the living room off so he couldn't get into 'trouble'. I did that for a month. He always fell asleep with his paw in my hand, as I sensed, and could feel, he was feeling he was safe. That was until he was a 'big doggy'. He was ALWAYS with me...in the car, the yard, bed (when I went to bed, he'd jump up on me, and not let me up, he wanted me there, much like when he was younger and I held his paw...he WAS part of me. As is said at the end of the movie, he made me feel special and extraordinary.
2 days after being told he was 'happy and healthy', he was back at the vets....they couldn't help, so off to Tufts. The doctors and nurses there were wonderful, and did all they could. He was making progress, but regressed, and dialisys was no longer helping. We left the day of June 18th, having made the decision that we were just prolonging the inevitable, for our benefit, and not Duke's. On the 19th, we were going to put our still much too young puppy to sleep. However, on the 18th, 1 hour after coming home (1 hour drive each way to the hospital), we got a call, I'll never forget the time...7:18PM.....Duke was in arrest. The decision to just let him go was difficult, but one that had to be made. 1 hour later, we arrived, saw him on the table, wrapped in a blanket, and his eyes seemingly still half open, looking at us. Knowing I would be one of those to walk out with a box, devestated, tore me up. We brought his favorite toy, his 'lambie', so he could take it with him. He now sits on the fireplace mantle, in a box, collar wrapped around the box. When I go, my Duke is coming with me, because if I could have just ONE day to share with him, I'd hug him the entire 24 hours. I know he loved me, unconditionally, and I sincerely hope he knows how much I did/do love him, and miss him dearly, to the point of being depressed and crying every day...every day for over 14 1/2 months.
We did rescue another Aussie, who was abused to the point he is mentally handicapped. Boomer is such a good boy, but he's no Duke. My wife thinks I'm disappointed in Boomer, but there could not be a more loving, caring home for him. I learned the hard way, that a pet is like a human being....or even a snowflake. No two are the same.
I want to thank you for allowing me to share my story, hopefully somewhat healing my shattered heart (not broken, but completely shattered). To those of you that do have your '4 legged' kids still with you, don't let ONE day go by that you don't hold their face, kiss them, let them give a kiss back. John is right.....they don't ask for much....just a loving home, and he's also right about giving them your heart, and they'll give you theirs. I don't wish what happened to me on anyone.....whether my Duke was 3 1/2 or 12 (God, I wish I could have had him with us that long, at least), every day we had fun and loved each other. Grief of losing a loved one is a powerful thing, and nothing hurts more, nothing hurts longer. As one of the other stories mentions the loss of a human family member hurts, which I've experienced, the loss of a pet hurts more. Humans make their own minds up, rely on themselves, can take care of themselves. Your pet, well, when they need taking care of, they come to YOU...THAT shows the deepness of the love that is shared. Again, tell your pet you love them every day.....they aren't with us for as long as human family members, not by a longshot...and if they get ill at a young age...your shattered heart can never be repaired.
Thought I'd share my favorite picture of Duke (4 months before he got sick), in Maine, in the snow, just waiting for me to 'chuck' the ball (he's really looking at the ball, not me...but that was ok with me) for him to fetch it, bring it back, so we could do it all over again.
A story from Mark's Duke about Duke posted 09/01/2010
Sorry, had to change Dukes picture to 'jpeg'.
A story from francis bowlin about samson rescuedhadbeenabdused posted 09/02/2010
Samson has been with me 4years.Ittook me a year working with him befor he would trust me.Now heis dying with his kidneysHe has taught me nomatter what in time you can trust and love again.iknow i willnever forgetsamson. The dog who learned to love and trustagain. I wish i could send a picture but i am new to a computer.he is mixed breed springer,spainal,border,collie,burmese. he is truly beautiful. Iwas told you should havehim put down.I could not allthough he had problem's he looked at me with those amber eye's like wont some one please love me and i had to take him and he has giving me so much love. I have read marley and me 3 time's.It was myinpersition to keep on trying with samson.God bless Francis B.
A story from Ken Copeland about The Longest Trip Home and depression-era fathers posted 09/05/2010
I couldn't put this book down! As another "baby boomer", your memoir brought back a lot of memories. Like your Dad, my father ("Pop" to my brothers and me)was a no-nonsense kind of guy, too. While your Dad was recycling paper towels, mine was serving up desserts of white bread with a light coating of butter and a sprinkling of sugar ("if we couldn't afford butter, we'd sprinkle just enough water to make the sugar stick!"). And try explaining to your new girlfriend that the blank in the dashboard of the family sedan was because a radio was deemed an unnecessary frill (& maybe, at least in my mind, because by the 1960s, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller no longer dominated the airwaves!). Necessity molded our fathers that way, but in the end we "boomers" learned to respect others, be humble, love our families, and not only how to survive the minefields of life itself, but to enjoy the passage along the way to that "last stagecoach stop". I empathize with how you must feel when the Holiday season arrives and memories of your Dad are poignant. My father passed away on December 26, 2007 at age 88. BY the way, having been born in 1949, I was fortunate enough to not have the drug culture to contend with; for me, it was a blue collar "Leave it to Beaver" world. By the time I got to 1967 and drugs finally hit the streets of Delaware, peer pressure was pretty much in my past. Reading your story and how you got through it made me especially glad I missed dealing with that issue. Pimples, no car radio and how to contend with the whole Viet Nam thing were enough for any guy. Happy trails and keep writing!
A story from Lindy Wilson about Marley and Me posted 09/07/2010
Hi John. Thank you so much for your book, 'Marley and Me'. I am certain that you and your wife have lived almost parallel lives to ours, just a few years difference and on the other side of the world. We are from Queensland, Australia, and started our dog adventures in our early 20's (1992). Our first 'baby' was a red boxer named Chester. We did the puppy school and although he wasn't expelled as Marley was, after each six week increment, the trainer would read out the list of graduands and, more often than not, poor Chester would be back repeating the class. Our first lesson was teaching the dog to be tethered while we walked away, then turning to regain eye contact with our pup. Nine times out of ten, I saw the rear end of Chester - he just had no idea, and was the 'butt' of many dog trainer's jokes! As a pup, he would go to my parent's house when I worked at the local school. On several occasions, he met the milkman at the front gate and promptly preceded to carry the plastic milk cartons all over the yard. Then he made the discovery that those little puppy teeth could make ample holes in the handles of the milk cartons and provide a lovely treat of fresh milk. Hence, a dog proof delivery method had to be employed from that day on. It is amazing how we adapt our most mundane daily routines to fit our new friend's quirks! His most heinous crime while being puppy-sat, however, was the discovery of a magnificent bridal bouquet, painstakingly crafted by my Mum for an upcoming wedding, chewed, slobbered on and beyond repair. I don't know who hid the quickest, Chester or me! We bought Chester a mate when he was around two, another boxer, Gemma. The runt of the litter, and enough love to sink a ship. Definitely blessed with more brains than poor old Chest, but they were truly a team. They had a terrible set on an out of hand Golden Retriever who lived up the road, and one day, Gemma jumped clean out of the passenger window as we drove past the Retriever. She rolled in the gutter, giving us a fright and suspecting fatal injuries, but she simply got up and kept chasing the dog. On another occasion, she ran straight through a stranger's house in hot pursuit of their cat. Who knows what the poor family thought about that. We didn't hang around to find out! Gemma had to be put to sleep in 2002 when she succumbed to lung tumours, and Chester lived until was nearly 13, and died of old age. These two broke our hearts when they died, as did our most recent dog, Banshee the rescue greyhound. He was a mighty dog, so faithful and very smart. He died of the same illness as your Marley. He too was offered surgery, but with the same risks spelt out to us, to which we agreed 'no'. He had a week with us after his diagnosis, perking up on the Saturday morning, as he charged through the house (an interesting sight for a huge greyhound and lots of tight corners). We had to leave him home alone that day, and when we arrived home late that night, he had died in the back yard, his stomach as hard as a rock. The guilt of not being there when our best friend needed us still bothers me today, but our more philosophical friends ensure us that we probably would not have wanted to be there and see him like that anyway. We had him cremated, and his collar hangs above our bed, much like Marley's chain in your drawer. We miss him so much, it is that ache that your wife explains in your book. Along the way of our lives, we have had three children (boy, girl, boy) and one bad experience (a 'missed abortion' as it is so eloquently termed), the same that you experienced. We have lived on the coast, very trendy, not favourable for big, slobbering dogs and moved to the hinterland on two acres, where Chester and Gemma are laid to rest. Currently, we've swapped the coast for a small country town and now have two dog friends, Grace the very old boxer and Ray the nervous whippet. Your book simply made me laugh so much that I cried, and then, of course, it made me cry so much I couldn't sleep. So many of the adventures you described and experienced were like reading my own life story. Memories came flooding back and I have been moved greatly by your story telling honesty and ability. Thank you. Lindy Wilson
A story from Sven Van der Poel about About Marley &me posted 09/09/2010
Hi John, I just finished your book and i wanted to tell you that i really enjoyed it, cring in the end, as a proud dog owner myself i can find myself in your story, altough my dog is not a bad dog at all but he is my best friend and companion. Last year after a Seven year relationship my partner left me. I was devistated, but the one who pulled me trough was my dog, when lying in my bed heartbroken he didn't move from my side conferting me ,never leaving me out of his sight. last year in november i wanted to change my life, do something exciting, so i moved Joppe and myself from Belgium to Ireland, Cork I too grew up with dogs, but Joppe is my first own dog and i understand the loss of a pet, i can never imagine living without Joppe, altough he is seven years of age now his still full off live and very playfull, but i know he isn't going to be around forever. thx for your story i loved it. Sven
A story from Lisa about Marley & Me posted 09/10/2010
I am sharing this story of our chocolate princess, Bailey! I just finished watching Marley & Me, again, I am not sure why I did that to myself..considering we had to put our chocolate lab, Bailey, down 2 weeks ago...I guess I was torturing myself! Bailey came to us as a puppy also and she taught us the true meaning of unconditional love! She was a funny girl, who loved tennis balls and jumping on the couches when she thought no one was looking, it was great, seeing her jump off the couch when she would hear our key in the door....we could see through the cracks in the door and down she went! I miss those days so so much and I cry each and every day! We both know it was the best and Bailey is in a better place but it's so hard to come through the door each day and not see her! She passed too quickly but we know she lived a great life and we were so lucky to have her in our lives for those years! So, to end this, thank you for your book, it's amazing and the picture is one of my favorites of Bailey!
A story from keeana fort about my crazy pup! posted 09/10/2010
dear john grogan, i've just finished reading your story marley and me and let me say, marley sounds like an outragouse, awesome dog! I have a dog named sapphire a.k.a sapphy, and she is a dumb, playful, funny dog! she never obeyed me unless there was somthing in it for her. every time we went for a walk shed drag me down the street, in search of squirrles. if she found one, she would bolt and try to climb the tree looking for it. she is incredibly clever, one time i had a party and we all went in to one room. i came out and she somehow ate all the cookies!! oh and thats not all, it was thanksgiving and we had spent all night cooking a turkey. we had placed it on the table and i turned away for just a couple of minutes, and when i turned back around the turkey was gone!! all that was left was the carcas! but she knew when she was wrong, she gets realy guilty! one look and she'd run into her kenal. my lab/husky/amarican bulldog mix was off the wall. she had mood swings, as in one day she'd be affectionate, and obey like an amarican bulldog, but the other, she was a lab, bouncing off the wall and runing around and knocking things off the table with her tail. after that she'd be a husky, misbehaving. recently i visited my father in florida, and he lives in naples, s you know is full of swamps. swamps = crocs and crocs = crazy sapphire!! she is dumb enough to get close to one and almost get her head chewed off. when we first arrived, she spotted ducks and chased them into a pond and decided to go for a swim. i was flipping out! she got out and jumped on me, soking me in pond water and slobber. sapphy ate every thing! one time, i got her a "super tuff" kong toy and she ate it hole! im surprised she didnt get sick!
sapphy may be dumb, but she taught me to enjoy the little things in life. she taught me how to enjoy life, and not to let little things bother me. she is loyal and sweet and never ceases to amaze me. i love her. and thats why i love your book. marley reminds me of sapphy, and i cant imagen to go through losing a best friend. marley will be dearly missed. and when the time comes for my obnoxious pup to "let go of the grass", i'd hopfuly give her a wonderful funeral and make it as butiful and heart felt as marleys. :3
sincerly, one of your fans, Keeana Fort
A story from Sarah about The best dogs in the World posted 09/11/2010
Dear John Grogan. I read your book Marley and Me about three/four years ago in April after my sister had got it for christmas and had read it like she had never read and enjoyed a book before. I was deeply touched by the story, and having just got a black labrador puppy a few weeks before, excited for the challenge! I had always wanted a dog, and Bonnie is everything I could have wanted. In some ways, she is very similar to Marley; she does not do what she is told, she eats anything and everything (including a bar of soap, a shoe insole, a chicken carcus, and her blankets!), she knocks things off tables with her tail, most usually my mum and dads glass of wine. She 'sings' along when I play the piano, she has had incidents in the sea similar to Marleys (which she adores- the sea that is, not the incidents!) and she can drive you insane. When she was a puppy, she even chewed a hole through a plaster board wall which my dad had built to keep her safe in the utility room when we were out. Last night, I was coming out of my boyfriends house, and found Bonnie had jumped through from her place in the boot of the car to the drivers seat. She steals shoes, and opens presents before you get the chance. She rips post to pieces, although sometimes she drops it at your feet. She sits on the carpet and squeaks her toys when I am doing homework, and one time even ate it (how ironic) and she jumps up at my bed and licks my face in the morning. She was never going to be allowed on the sofa, or upstairs, but somehow she has ended up with a sofa assigned to her, and upstairs most of the time she is in the house! When Bonnie was one, it was discovered that Bonnies knee cap dislocated and so she had an operation to put it right, but this went wrong and the tendon came away from the bone and snapped. After four weeks in the vets, and 4 weeks caged at home, Bonnie was allowed to walk to the end of the drive, and then the end of the street. Eventually she was back to normal, and loves climbing hills with the family. She also loves eating the sheep muck, and one year decided to throw it up in the tent after we had got back. This is the only time I have ever known Bonnie to refuse food. I write this now because I just watched the film Marley and Me, which reducded my mum, Grandad, sister and me to tears. My dad will not watch the film. Bonnie has put muddy paw prints all over our lives, and everyday I am grateful for her being here. Its a cliche, but dogs really do become a part of the family. Bonnie is not a bad dog; she is the best dog who does naughty, silly things, but also loyal, funny, entertaining things. She licks your face if you cry, she licks the water off your legs after you have been in the bath, she roles around on her back and catches her tail, she is scared of the hoover and right now she is nudging me to play with her, so I best do that. I am sure all dog owners feel the same, and I can relate to how much you loved and cared for Marley. Our dogs are the best dogs in the World! Thankyou for your book, it makes me realise that Bonnie is not the naughtiest dog in the world, but another one to add to the best dogs in the World!
A story from Allyson Oconnor about My Dog JACK posted 09/13/2010
My Dog Jack is a really well behaved dog. He is 16 now and deaf and partly blind. He has only chewed one shoe in his life, and what do you know it was my WEDDING shoe! I couldn't tell him he was bad because I got to the seen of the crime to late! Another very special story to me is about how he saved my daughter from certain injury. I woke up one morning to find my three month old daught out of her crib. My husband was at work so I knew he couldn't have her. I immediately rushed to the stairs when I couldn't find her in my room. And there she was. She was sitting on the top step and she was leaning on Jack! Jack did not move as if he knew what happened. I was amazed.
Now Jack spends most of his days sleeping out side, except when its time to play. I have a recent story about Jack that is kind of funny.
My husband came home from work one afternoon. He saw Jack in the middle of the yard with a crow pecking at him! He immediately thought, 'Oh-No its the end of him!' As he started walking forward, the crow flew away and Jack sat up!!! He just hadent felt or heard or seen the bird!
Jack is one of the best things in my life. He may not be a bad behaved dog, but he can deiffinately join the worlds best dog club!
A story from lisa mcdaniel about tiger lilly posted 09/16/2010
i have 2 sweet dobes that are 3 and 6 yrs of age that i love with all my heart, but i would like to tell you about my tiger lilly(my cancer cat). in 2002 i was told i had stage 4 cancer and would more then likely not make it through thanksgiving and christmas but i proved them and did and i had my tiger lilly the whole time. i got tiger lilly in 2000 at the age of 9wks. she came home to my husband, 3 sons and our boxer thor who she did not like at all. she lived in the entertainment center for about a week until i could get her used to the dog. well life went on and she had a couple of litters and we shared them with family and friends and she was a great mommy. so in 2002 she was my best friend and my sleep mate. when my sons were sleeping and my husband at work she was the one that was with me at all times. she let me cry, scream, get mad and never said a word. for 2 years she slept with me on our living room couch and never complained. she was not happy when we got our first dobe and did not care for the second but she warmed up and all was good. this year (2010) in july she started to loose weight and did not eat or drink any water. so after visits to the vet we, as a family decided to let her go. so as i sat and watched me and marley again for about the 20th time i know how john and jen feel. they are your babies, your 4 legged babies, so good , bad, happy or sad its hard when you lose them. so as life goes on i will feel that pain again with my dobes but i will never forget them or ever stop loving them. like marley tiger lilly and my dobes have done crazy and silly things. so i guess thats what makes life good, kids and pets.
A story from Stacey King about The Longest Trip Home posted 09/17/2010
Dear John: I want to thank you for "The Longest Trip Home." It was such a wonderful story. I lived at Orchard Lake Road and Long Lake Road for several years (my youngest brother attended Andover High School), so I could see what you were talking about in my mind. I too lost my father in a similar situation, so the part of the book where you lost him was heart wrenching for me. You are an awesome writer, and I really enjoy your books. Keep it up.....your loyal readers are waiting for the next one. Sincerely, Stacey
A story from kalina about my loved dog cash posted 09/17/2010
it was about two years ago, when i realized i had fallen in love with a pitbull named cash.when my dad's friend went on vacation, we watched his dog. that's when i realized i had fallen in love. that dog, has a very special place in my heart. we had him for about three months, then the owners took away cash. that dog was like family. the owners lied and said he was our dog. but i guess they lied. i was heartbroken when i first heard cash was gone. i cried for the whole night. the owners never really took care of him but i want him back.i know someday we'll see cash again but it still hasin't happened. well, i guess he's out there and i hope he has a good ,happy rest of his life.
A story from Debbie & David Jones about Maggie posted 09/23/2010
Dear John,
I usually don't do this type of thing but there was no way I could resist sharing this with you. We recently had to put down our first love Molly. It was sudden and as you know a deep loss for us. Molly had a little sister her name is Corrie. They were not from the same breeder. If we thought that we were the only ones that would feel the loss we were sadly mistaken. Corrie would howl every night and there was nothing we could do to ease her pain. Our vet thought that perhaps if Corrie had a little sister she would come around. So we searched and found another Golden Retriever. I would like for you to meet Maggie. She was born on March 20th and we brought her home when she was 8 weeks old. I saw your movie just before Molly passed. I don't think I ever laughed so hard or cried so much when I saw your story. I told everyone that they just had to see the movie. Alot of people said they didn't know if they wanted to see it but I tried to insist. The reason of course was that the ending was so sad. I said that may be but the ride is so worth it. Many watched it and agreed. All this being said the reason why I am writing to you is I wanted to let you know that although I know for you there will never be another Marley I think we just might have someone just like your Marley in our Maggie. I kept saying I don't know how they do it when I was watching the movie. Now I know you just do. Both Molly and Corrie never behaved the way Maggie does. I almost immediately had to remove everything that could move in the house including the lamps. There is nothing that she doesn't get into and yes she has already torn a chair apart stuffing and all.
I don't have a picture to download right now but I will send one so you can see that she even looks like your Marley.
Maybe someday the both of you could meet.
Thanks for allowing me to share
Wish us luck we are going to need it.
A story from Ellie Evans, 16 about My Dog Penny posted 09/24/2010
Hi John! I've just finished reading your 'Marley and Me' book for the 1000th time, and I have to say, it gets to me everytime! But this time I decided that is was time to share my story with you about my dog Penny. Penny is an 8 year old German Shepherd rescue dog and we've had her since she was 8 months old. She loves causing havoc and eating everything and anything possible. A couple of years ago she fell ill with pancreatitis and we almost lost her, the vet couldn't believe she'd made it, but being the incredible dog she is she just about pulled through, and now she's gone back to living her life normally and causing havoc as per usual. I have decided to share my story with you today because I have never been so proud of my dog as I am today, and I don't think I will ever have a dog as amazing as Penny, and I'm sure you felt the same way about Marley. Thank You.
A story from James C. about My dog Sheba posted 09/24/2010
Dear John, I have just finished reading marley and me and to tell you the truth i loved it. it made me cry. all i could think of was my dog sheba. who was a shepard. her legs started giving out on her too. it broke my heart. she realy was apart of my family. the day i had to say goodbye to her was the worst. your book made me appreciate the days i had with her though. thank you john for this. now i am going to appreciate everything that i do with my dogs. because you have to live for the moment.
A story from (Ms.) Sydney Trevett about Marley & Me posted 10/02/2010
I found your book yesterday at a favorite store and stayed up till 5:00AM reading. I laughed, cried and enjoyed every paragraph, remembering three dogs my twin sons used to have. Yippy's favorite place to throw up chewed plastic toys was in the middle of my bed!! Anyway, It was interesting to me that your son is named Patrick Grogan, as was my grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. Grandfather Patrick was born on St. Patricks Day. Do you suppose our families were related someway back in Ireland? Fun to think so. Keep up the good work, I will look for more of your great books.
A story from Amy Roberts about Marley and Me posted 10/05/2010
After watching the movie first time round of Marley and me I was amazed at the similarities between Marley and my black lab Tolly. My family bought Tolly from a breeder when I was nearly 7 years old and he was the runt of the litter. He made an impression on day one by digging holes in the breeder's garden. When we got him home he was mad, he ran around like a dog possessed and even running into concrete steps didn't stop him. He loved to roll on his back and snort like a pig - a trait he's still seen doing today. Marley and Tolly are 2 perfect examples of what you really get when you have a labrador. Tolly was marked untrainable by a trainer as a puppy and was known as "Mad dog malone" at the army base where he often left messes. He was infamous of running away, his stomach is an endless pit and will eat almost anything bar some healthy veg. He has endless amounts of energy and doesn't listen to a word you say. Tolly is now 14 years old and doing brilliantly. Of course when it got to the sad bit I did get very motherly over him. Although Tolly is very much a lot to handle and has drove all my other family members to insanity I wouldn't change anything. I'm going to buy the book now even though I'll cry my little heart out. When my dog is gone I will always be able to read this book and remember him.
A story from Rosaria Abagnale about io e Sleppy posted 10/05/2010
Era un giorno come tanti mio fratello Ăš medico veterinario e si presentoĂČ a casa mia con un batuffolo tutto riccio di colore nocciola e mi disse se lo volevo dato che i loro padroni lo avevano abbandonato nel suo ambulatorio per andare in vacanza.LĂŹ per lĂŹ non lo volevo tenere poi lo guardai negli occhi e sembravano dirmi"no! anche tu non mi vuoi?" efu fatta da quel giorno la mia ombra cosĂŹ la definivano tutti, mi seguiva ovunque era diventato per me la cosa piĂč importante ed Ăš restata con me fino al diciottesimo anno, era diventato vecchio, sordo e cieco ma nonostante ciĂČ era sempre la mia ombra. Poi un brutto giorno, quando io mi ammalai e dovevo ricoverarmi in ospedale per un brutto intervento lui quasi a sentire la mia sofferenza, cadde da un muro alto e morĂŹ come se avesse voluto dar fine alla sua esistenza, credendo che io non sarei piĂč tornata.Leggendo il libro di io e Marley, ho rivissuto in pieno la loro sofferenza per la perdita, infatti ancora oggi il suo ricordo Ăš vivo nei miei pensieri.
A story from Mark Myers about Tyler posted 10/06/2010
When my wife and I got married, we decided we wanted a dog. After all we both had them growing up and, we reasoned, if we could handle a dog they might eventually trust us with children.
We looked. We wanted the All American Golden Retriever, but our house was small and we felt guilty spending $800 on a purebred when dogs were being euthanized at the local shelter. My wife wanted a puppy, something small, cuddly and cute. The shelter didnât have any, but they did have a mongrel. He was covered with fleas, had open sores, and his hair was falling out in patches â but when they brought him out to us he immediately came looking for love. Tyler went home with us that night and that $35 pound dog eventually cost us far more than that $800 to clean up. It turned out he was allergic to ragweed, dust, fleas â and believe it or not â cats. Not that he cared. To him, having a cat just meant that you loved animals and you were fair game for him too.
When we got him from the shelter, he was wearing a bandanna. Somehow he knew it was his. He would patiently wait next to the washing machine, and then the dryer until it came out. He never noticed that over the years he went through 8 or 10 of them.
With the allergies under control he became a cute, blond collie mix that for his entire life people would guess was 5 years younger then he really was. He went everywhere with us. To work, family gatherings, to the beach, 12 hour car rides to the in-laws. My brother would borrow him to pick up girls, and the next door neighbor would borrow him to visit grandchildren. The dog was even in TV commercials â which amused my family to no end, because they said the only thing he was good for was looking blond and cute.
Then came child number one. We heard the horror stories. Spoiled dogs â and he certainly was â destroying toys, biting babies, bothering family members. We did all the things the books tell you to avoid problems, but we didnât need to worry. To him the baby meant more people in the house to pay attention to him. He took to sleeping by the crib. When she learned to walk, he would stand patiently while she grabbed a hand full of hair at the hips, and one at the shoulder and pulled herself upright, then would walk carefully next to her. When she was about 4, we found her one evening carefully painting all of his nails bright yellow. He just wagged his tail. When she was 5 she insisted she could hold the leash. I will never forget the day the duck exploded out of the brush two feet in front of them and into the street. He lunged â then realized who was on the other end of the leash. He stopped and stood trembling before the lead ever got tight.
He was already 9 years old when child number 2 came along. Thatâs getting old for a middle sized dog. It was never a problem. The whole walking routine went on again, although this time there were some more groans and moans with the pulling.
At 10 years old, Molly moved in. âGivenâ to us by my mother-in-law because her new home wouldnât take dogs, Molly was a hoodlum. She stole food, picked fights, and took his attention. A Chow, Black Lab and Wolf mix, she was bigger, far more aggressive, and a recipe for disaster. Eventually his calming influence even won her over, and now sheâs a pretty nice dog too.
When Tyler was 13 years old, my brother was killed in an accident, the same summer we found out his kidneys were failing, cataracts were taking his vision and his hearing was slipping away. I prayed for him not to go just yet because I couldnât bear to loose them both at the same time.
At 15 he was still walking a mile back and forth to school with the kids almost every day â skipping only the rainy and snowy ones â but on his last trip to the vet, the doctor started listing off all the things that should be done, then stopped, looked at the chart and asked âhow old is he?â - as usual guessing him to be 5 years younger than he was. When we said 16, the vet said just take him home and love him, heâs already past the top end of age scale and nothing we can do will change that.
He still makes that walk but only twice a week now, and still stands patiently while all the special education kids surround him and pet him until the bell rings, then stares pitifully in the door of the school after the kids he desperately wants to follow, just as heâs done for years. His hair is getting thin, and he relies on the leash to guide him down the sidewalk and around the obstacles he can no longer see. Getting up in the morning requires several minutes of stretching, and I know it wonât be long before he has to be carried down the steps. He still occasionally goes to work with me, but the new office is confusing to him. Each night he sighs, and laboriously still climbs up the steps to sleep by the end of my sonâs bed â where you still canât get to either my sleeping children without his approval.
The other week, my 11 year old daughter stood with tears in her eyes as I told her we need to cherish every moment. He will probably leave us behind soon, and heading down a trail we cannot follow, at least not yet. We will be heartbroken, but I know as he heads over that rainbow bridge, the old joints will loosen up, the gray will fade from his coat, and he will run ahead young and whole to play with my brother and the rest of the family waiting just on the other side. When our time comes, no matter how long it takes; he will be one of those patiently waiting to greet us.
Tyler left us behind this morning and I will miss him dearly.
Written June 23, 2007
A story from nguyen the anh about Pila, I won't forget you posted 10/09/2010
I'm Vietnamese so I very bad in English, but I have a dog and I want talk about it to everybody here. its name is Pila and it is a black dog. It isn't same Marley in the story, it is very obedient and friendly, it always protect me from attack of other one. It is on terms of intimacy with me, it wakes up me every morning to play with it, it always wait for me in the yard when I go to school, it jumbs for joy when I go home and take a walk with it. it is a small dog but with me it is a real friend. It is all with me, it makes me fun when I sad and it is my happyness, it understands me and i understand it. But 3 years ago, a bad man, who I haven't known, catched it and I loss it since that day. Now I don't know where it is and it miss it everyday. I pray for it everyday and I hope I can meet it again no longer.
A story from DaianeSouza about Marley&eu posted 10/13/2010
Mango was the most loving dog in the world,once we went to italy and mango jumped in a lobster pool and approached us with a giant wopper 63 inchs long!!! she past away at 17 years we've never greived so long before.
A story from Lisa Nocus about Thanks posted 10/21/2010
John, I just wanted to say Thank You. My eight year old had detested reading until I made her read Old Yeller. Now she has been consuming everything that has to do with dogs. She first found your books at the library, and she has finished all of the children's books that you have written, and is now writing her own story of a super hero dog. But what I wanted to tell you most is about a conversation of her's that I overheard the other day. She was telling her friends that her favorite author is John Grogan. It just amazes me that she has conversations about who her favorite author is. Thanks for making reading fun for her, and inspiring her to write down her own stories. On a side note, I can't wait to read the Long Trip Home. Keep them coming!!!!!
A story from Gabriela Murrieta Colorado about Puppy, my 18 year-old dog posted 10/21/2010
Hi John! Iâm Gaby Murrieta from a small city in Mexico, named Xalapa, where I was born also on March 20th, but in 1986. Iâve just read âMarley and meâ and it is definitely one of my favorites, because I laughed and cried. I think everyone who has had a dog understands you perfectly. My dog is Puppy and he is now 18 years old; Iâm 24, so you can imagine that I honestly canât remember my life without him. We have grown together. My dad, my mom, my sister and all the family loves him so much and we have the greatest stories about him, just as you do with Marley.
When I was 6 and Puppy was a real puppy, he dragged me through the entire park where we were âwalkingâ. He has also flown several times, the first one was when he missed the stairs of the terrace and fell in our yard, but probably the funniest was when we were on vacations in the Caribbean and rented a house with a pool next to the beach. We were playing with a ball and Puppy was on the shore trying to catch it. Then, when the ball jumped out of the pool towards the beach, Puppy ran after it and he didnât realize that his floor has finished, so he flew just as the looney tunesâ coyote falls. The last one was when my sister and I were walking him near our house and there was a strainer without the cover. Puppy was so happy running and enjoying life that he missed the floor again and ended down the drainage. Thank god he didnât hurt and that we can take him out quickly!
Time has been really kind with him. He is a little bit ill now, because of his age, he walks with a wheelchair and has a small tumor, but despites that, he is great. Veterinarians always get surprised when they see him. Reading Marley and me, has made me remember several moments of Puppyâs life that are also part of mine, and has also made me appreciate how lucky I am to have him. I know Puppy will live us behind probably soon, but Iâve decided to live each moment with him just as we have so far. Thank you for sharing with the world the wonderful Marley story and thank you for let us share our stories with you.
A story from Kate about Thank the Lord there are OTHERS posted 10/24/2010
Well, Mr. John, naturally like the rest of us living folk, I was exposed to Marley and Me. As a librarian in a smallish Louisiana community, I loved both the literary and video releases and cried the 'ugly cry' in both. However, when I read your "The Longest Trip Home" just a few months ago, the whole thing resonated with me and brought me back home as well....to Northville, Michigan, some few miles from your Orchard Lake and while I have you by three years (Class of '71) I didn't know, until recently, that there were other Orthodox Catholic Mothers (and fathers) and you freed me from being so alone all these years. LOL. It's taken me, now 57 years, to get over my Catholic upbringing and oddly I come full circle. No, I am not a church going bible banging (no forgive me, we Catholics didn't bible bang, in fact, we couldn't quote chapter and verse could we?) but if you asked me, and they do in the hospitals, what my religion was, I would say 'Catholic' and I am grateful for what I did know, I just struggle with the truth of it all and now more than ever, with the teaching of the Church some eons ago. I am an advocate of Kathleen McGowan and know that others as well believe..."why not?" I wanted you to know I have recommended your book (the Road book) to so many of my friends that I am fortunate enough to still be in touch with from grade school and high school and they are equally inspired, humored and reprieved. Northville was a small cinder in those late 60's early 70's and after I REFUSED to go to Marion, Ladywood or Mercy High School, my parents sighed and obliged me. As any 'cut loose' catholic school kid, I went wild.
Anyway, Mr. John, I am SO grateful for your funny, poignant and profound revelations that allwed me to to smile, nod and be aware that there were other out there like me, and my family. Thank you so very much. Keep writing...and Bless You Too.
Kate Camp
A story from janee about my 1st dog posted 10/24/2010
I've red Marley and me twice and it reminded me of how much i loved my dog she was the very 1st dog i ever experienced as a puppy. But I didn't get to be around her long my step father didn't have the patience to teach her not to bark so he gave her away. I still miss her & I still haven't forgiven him. I have no pictures to remember her by. Thank you John Grogan for helping me rember the little things that make owning a dog hell and heaven all at 1nce. I've had dogs go in and out of my life since and the most heart breaking so far is the death of my great grandmas dog snowball witch happend after the death of her other dog at a time where she was still in morning makeing the loss even worse for her and the other members of our family.
A story from Allison Dempsey about Rascal posted 10/25/2010
John, This Book has touched me ina place that I touht nothing could. You story reminded mme that my dog rascal, as silly and rambuctious he is now, will eventually become old and frail... like Marley. I have been spending more time with rascal, spending every moment making memories. I would like to thank you again for opening my eyes. -Allison
A story from Rebecca about Dexter posted 10/26/2010
I finished reading Marley and Me last night and I don't think I have ever laughed or cried that much at a book in my life! We lost our golden lab last June, he had to be put to sleep due to a Splenic tumour which had burst. We rescued him 2 years prior from a local animal shelter so unfortunately didn't have the pleasure of owning him from puppyhood. He was fabulous, very easy going - his only vices were pulling on his lead, falling asleep on the sofa and trying to find the very precise exact spot in which to do his business! I think now I have discovered this is definitely a lab thing but no matter how many times you see them doing this, it's still funny yet frustrating! There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him, what he would be like if he was still here. We will never forget our D-dog! We now have 2 more golden labs - a rescue and a puppy who is eating our house from the inside out - I wouldn't have it any other way!
A story from peter breen about The Longest Trip Home posted 10/26/2010
Just finished the Longest Trip Home and if I did not live in Pa. so much would be the same. Coming from a "lace curtain" family in the San Francisco Bay area so much is the same. Totally religious family of ten (mother) where three became priests (one later a bishop), three to the convent, and four stayed out. Always one of the priest sons around the house. Same approach to catholic school. My older brother even caught on fire trying to lite the candles in church. Parents were totally committed to catholic school and we automatically went to a catholic boarding hi school. College was not really a choice. We just went to the Jesuit college. All four of us went in different directions. All have had close encounters with substance issues. (What would one expect from a deeply Irish Catholic family?) 2 and 1/2 of us left the church. I came back after 30 years away and an annulement that I promised my mother I would do before remarrying. My father was a very quiet type who had his own deamons. He was in nursing home for three years as mother could not take care of him. The week before he died he asked me to take him out for a ride to see all the various farm lands that were in this early California Catholic family. I suspected that he had a reason for this "last trip". He did indeed know and died three days later. Really a fine book that I am going to ask my children (in their forties) to read to gain some real insight into the family. This book plus McCort's works say it all.....thanks much.
A story from marion miller midi815@aol.com about john grogan posted 10/28/2010
i loved maeley and me - your "growing up book reminded me of the tv show 2 1/2 men - we didn't need to know all your personal memoirs !!!!! two guestions for john--- 1) how did someone like you growing up with your faithfoul parents and going to catholic school grow so far away from your faith ??? 2) however did you forget the words to the Lord's prayer after your upbringing ?????
A story from robert connolly about miracle dog!! posted 10/28/2010
my story begins in a small one square mile town in nj within the shadows of giants stadium,a working class neighborhood where it is possible to live across the street from people you have never met or spoken to,i owned a small retail bakery in the next town,i had a black labrador puppy i named shannon,she was less than a year old and with all the romp and frolick a typical lab has,one friday evening as my girlfriend and i were letting shannon out for the last time before bed,we used to let her go on the front lawn where she would sniff and do tight turns finding the perfect place to do you know what! this perticular night the cry of a childs voice playing a few houses away caught her attention and something made me realize we had better leash her from that point on because up to that point she had never displayed any tendency to bolt or be distracted at passers by,so i asked my girlfriend for the good of all of us that we use a leash just in case she should run after something or someone,we lived only 3 blocks from rt 17 a verry busy highway. the next morning i got a call from my girlfriend asking me to come home,shannon had run away,i was puzzled because we had just the night before adressed the risks in not leashing her,why would she not respect my wishes at least for the safety of this wonderfull animal,when i got home i was told not only did shannon run away but she was struck by a car first! i was totally devistated at the prospect this dog i loved so much would be so poorly cared for and with so many verry scary possabilities of bad things happening i was even more sickened! i looked everywhere i could,put up flyers,called 3 police depts. to give her discription and my info, she also had on a verry tough nylon rubberized collar with id info as well.the night came without any sign of her and i had to drink alot of beer just to be able to sleep at all. sunday came and i found myself at the bakery as usual only this day i could barely function as my heart was broken and totally without life,i remember hearing the radio saying the lottery had reached record highs,something like 345 million dollars,i thought if i had that winning ticket i would have given it up in a second to have my dog safe at home licking my face like she loved to do. the door in the back of the bakery was privy to few people,the police,some close friends and relatives,when the door opened that sunday and a friend of mine ,steve,who had helped me train shannon and knew her and loved her almost as much as me walked through with tears in his eyes i figured he had just found out about my unfortunate circomstance,i was wrong,he came to me and put his arms around me,he told me his brother who has breakfast with him every sunday was coming over and had seen a dead black lab on rt 17 about where you would expect her to be had she been unfortunate enough to head in that direction,steve said he went to check in case it was another dog,sadly he said it was shannon and he id'd the info on her collar,it was blaze orange and not easy to miss,i said are you sure,he offered to take me there,i knew seeing her like that would have destroyed me,he then offered to go and take care of it for me and maybe he said i should go home and call it a day which i did. when i arrived home in a daze from the realization that i just lost the most wonderfull dog i ever had,i would never see the puppies i had invisioned her having,the great times hunting i trained her for that she absolutely was amazing at,none of it was ever going to be,my girlfriend was lying on the couch crying,i could not help thinking,why did she do that? why would she just defy my sencible reasonable safe request? the only answer i could come up with was,she was just being defiant and it was some kind of game she played with me and it had cost me a broken heart and my sweet dog her life! i quietly asked her at her earliest convenience to leave my home and that i would never be able to forgive her for the damage her games cost us,then i looked at the celing and i started to yell at god for his hand in my misery,just when i was really picking up steam the phone rang,it was the desk sgt,from the police station calling,figuring he was going to inform me of what i already knew i said sarge i already know what you are going to say,my friend is going to clean it up,he said no bob,i called because there is a black lab stuck on a wall behind the fiesta,a catering and banquet place on rt 17 south,i said no sarge it can't possibly be shannon,my friend knows my dog and he id'd her by her collar,he urged me to go anyway and i thought to myself what do they want ,for me to have a breakdown seeing someone elses dog when mine will never be back!,my girlfriend flew up from the couch and drove us to the fiesta only a few hundred yards from my house, and up on that wall to my amazed tear filled eyes was my dog! the wall was over 8 feet high and with that my phone rang,it was steve,he was hysterical because when he got to where the dead dog was lying in the road there was no dog and no blood,i then told him i had shannon and aside from some cuts and stuff she looked ok,he became even more crazy and met us at the animal hospital where we took her for treatment,he flew through that door where we were fell to his knees and was shaking like a leaf,it was a miracle ,he was crying and like i have never seen him in our years of friendship,an act of god he kept saying and i was overwhelmed with joy,that day i recieved an unbroken heart in the blink of an eye,it was a miracle of god,how else do you explain something like this except this time it happened to me,from feeling so utterly helpless to a joy filled heart! today shannon is 13,she has had 21 puppies in 2 litters,given me more love than i could have ever asked for and more important than anything,she taught me about faith,about god and all his wonders,that in the end we are not the ones who determine the final outcome,that through all the terrifying moments when she was lost i never asked for help i only blamed,this one sweet dog was a true blessing , more than i could ever put into words and she is still doing it! hope you enjoyed my story! robert
A story from veridianamachado@hotmail.com about missing dog posted 10/29/2010
Dear John
I have read ur book and also seen the movie....both in which i cried without stop!!!!! I am crying now because we have a 4 1/2 jack russel that is missing for 8 days now. He was in his shed when a guy came to drop some materials to my husband, opened the shed and he i guess he got scared and run off. The more the guy was trying to catch him, the more he would rum. In doing that we believe he didnt leave any marks....i have to say that he always been a bit naughty, as you know, there were several times that he disapeared but always returning within the hour or 2, but certanly never this long. We live by a golf course which leads to a very nice park, that our dog know very well. also, before he went missing, my husband was taking him to the woods near by, where he also knew very well. In both places, he wood disapeared but would always follow my husbands whistle or my call...Unfortunatly he wasnt wearing his colar with tag but he is microchipped. The police, dog warden, rspca, local vets and also the microchip company are aware of the situation. I have been seaching the net and found out that dogs are not as good as birds but some of the dogs have a good capability of coming home....They say they come back to the place where they got lost within 7-10 days, they stay within the 1-2 miles radar from the place and kind of follow their heart as trying to find home....Also another tip was to put a cloth with his/our smells on the place we last saw him.... Would like to know your option to this, i just dont know whatelse to do to find him....We also put an ad on the local paper and posters around the area. Will put some more tomorrow. Would love to hear from you if you have some spare minutes. I do appreciate. I am also your fan. Thank u xxx
A story from Chad Parana about Freddie posted 11/02/2010
Mr Grogan, after reading "Marley and Me" and falling in love with your story, I instantly thought of coming to your website and sharing this. This morning I had to do the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and have my best friend, my son, Freddie put to rest. Freddie was the most wonderful "kid" you could ever meet, respectful, playful, understanding, loving, I could just go on and on with words describing him. Yesterday morning, 1 November, I came home to my boy in some distress, but it didn't alarm me because he has been nursing an upset stomach. When I went to let him and his brother (Fudge) and sister (Sandy) back in from their morning ritual, Freddie was anywhere to be found. I was able to find him and he was laying on his side whimpering. I picked him up and took him inside, and called the vet. When she came in to the office, the look on her face told me that the news was not good - my boy had a large tumor that was attached to his abdomen wall and spleen, and he was bleeding internally. Surgery was an option, but he was fading so fast that he would have needed a blood transfusion (because of his internal bleeding/blood loss) just to go into surgery. The vet said that he didn't have much of a chance to make it. I couldn't bring myself to say it, but the look I gave her told her what was to be done. I placed him on the floor and sat with his head in my lap. When the vet gave him the shot to relax him, I asked for a few minutes alone, during which all I could do was cry and tell him what a good boy he was and that everyone loved him. He nestled into me as close as he could. When it was all done, I grabbed his big ol head in my hands and hugged him for the millionth time, and kissed him on the forehead. I refused to say goodbye, because one day I will see him again.
A story from Michaela Smith about Tarzan posted 11/02/2010
Mr. Grogan, I really loved your book. It made me realize that dogs aren't around forever and that you should enjoy every minute you can with them.
I got Tarzan from our neighbor when he was about eight weeks old. Now he is going on nine years and is still my best friend. Tarzan has been an amazing dog, and I can't imagine life without him. He still amazes me every day. I am thirteen now, so I have worked with him since I was about five, and he now knows 35 tricks. He is about the smartest dog I have ever known.
Tarzan is an outside dog, so we didn't see any need in housetraining him. One night during the winter, I let him inside to stay the night. I put him in the laundry room and placed cardboard in the exit so he couldn't get out, yet he could still see into the rest of the house. This I will never forget: I remember waking up and seeing him sitting next to me in the bed wide awake. My face was wet because he had licked me awake. I looked at the clock, and it read 4:15. "Really?!?!" I thought. I sat up, and right when I did, Tarzan jumped down and ran into the dining room. I got up and followed him. When I rounded the corner he took off towards the front door, jumped up on it, and whined. I realized that my dog had jumped over the cardboard and came into my room to get me just to let me know he had to go out. What really amazed me was that we had never housetrained him, and yet he refused to relieve himself in the house.
I really dread the day that I will have to tell my best friend goodbye, but I know that it will come eventually. All I can do is cherish every moment I have with him.
Your book really touched me in a way that no book has ever touched me before. I am a true animal lover and (of course) love to read books about animals. However, this book is, by far, my favorite.
Thank you so much John Grogan for writing this book. It has helped me so much.
Sincerely, Michaela Smith
A story from STEPHANIE MCPEAKE about LUCY LOU posted 11/03/2010
A story from STEPHANIE MCPEAKE about LUCY LOU posted 11/03/2010
LET ME BEGIN AT THE START OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER. I HAVE TO TELL YOU LUCY LOU WAS MY BEST FRIEND FROM THE DAY I GOT HER UNTIL THE DAY SHE DIED. LUCY LOU WAS BORN ON JUNE 25, 99 AND LEFT THIS WORLD SEPT 14, 10. SHE WAS THE MOST ACTIVE DOG FROM THE TIME SHE WAS A PUP TO ABOUT 2 MONTHS BEFORE SHE DIED. THATS HOW I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. WHEN SHE WAS A PUPPY I HAD TO CALL HER VET EVERYDAY FOR SHE WAS ALWAYS EATING SOMETHING AND SWALLOWING IT. I HAVE NO PANTS WITHOUT HOLES IN THEM, LUCY LOU DESTROYED 7 COUCHES, MOLDING , WINDOW SEALS,TOYS, ATE THROUGH A WALL TO THE INSULATION, GOT KICKED OUT OF TRAINING SCHOOL BECAUSE SHE DIDNT LIKE THE TEACHERS AND OTHER DOGS ( SHE ONLY LIKED MY FAMILYS OTHER DOGS), PULLED MY PANTS DOWN AND TORE HOLES IN THEM WHEN I WAS TALKING ON THE PHONE, AND BELIEVE ME MUCH MUCH MORE. SHE KNEW THE LOOK OF THE PEPTO BOTTLE, PEROXIDE, CAT LAX, AND THE VETS OFFICE. LUCY LOU LOVED TO GO TO GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS HOUSE, PICKED ON MY SISTER AND KIDS, PICKED AT GRANDPA, LOVED TO SING, WENT EVERYWHERE WITH HER MOMMY, SLEPT WITH HER MOMMY, LOVED TO WAIT FOR HER DADDY AND THE KIDS TO COME HOME,AND NEVER EVER LEFT HER MOMMYS SIDE. WE WERE BEST FRIENDS LUCY LOU AND I, LOVED TO GO BYE-BYE , LOVED TO GET IN GRANDMAS BED AND EAT FLUFFYS FOOD, LOVED TO GO SEE DREW, PIG, SCOUT, QUINCY, LUKE, ALWAYS AT GRANDMAS SHE WOULD CUDDLE AND KISS MOMMY AND GRANDMA ACT LIKE SHE WAS THE QUEEN OF THE FAMILY ANYWHERE SHE WENT. LUCY LOU USED TO LOVE TO CHASE MY BOYS AND NEPHEW AND NEICE AROUND, LINE THE KIDS OUT WHEN THEY WOULDNT LISTEN (I THINK SHE WANTED MOMMY TO HAVE A BREAK SOMETIMES OR SHE THOUGHT I NEED SERIOUS HELP), TAKE BATHS WHEN SAHE WAS A PUPPY, ETC. WHEN LUCY LOU GOT SICK AND GOT DIAGNOSED WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE MY WHOLE WORLD CAME CRASHING DOWN. I COULD NOT LOSE MY LUCY LOU MY HEART, LOVE AND BEST FRIEND. LUCY LOUS DOCTORS AND THE STAFF AT HER VET IS THE MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND REALLY TRIED TO SAVE HER, IT JUST WASNT MEANT TO BE. I WASNT WITH HER WHEN SHE DIED WHICH STILL BITHERS ME ALOT BUT HER TWO DOCTORS WAS WHICH GIVES ME COMFORT BECAUSE THEY CARED SO MUCH. SHE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL WHEN SHE DIED. THE DOCTORS CALLED AND TOLD ME THEY TRIED AND TRIED TO REVIVE HER BUT IT WAS HER TIME TO GO. I WENT AND GOT HER AND I KISSED MY BABY GIRL GOODBYE AND SMELLED HER PAWS AND EARS LIKE I ALWAYS DID. ON MY WAY TO THE VET I CALLED MY PARENTS SISTERS AND HUSBAND AND KIDS AND GAVE THEM THE NEWS. I WAS HOME FOR A LITTLE WHILE WITH HER JUST SITTING THERE RUBBING HER AND TELLING HER HOW MUCH I LOVED HER AND I WAS GOING TO MISS HER WITH ALL MY HEART. THEN HERE CAME MY PARENTS SISTERS KIDS HUSBAND AND THE DOGS FOR HER FUNERAL AND TO SAY THERE LAST GOODBYE TO LUCY. MY HEART WAS SO BROKEN AND ALL I COULD DO WAS CRY FOR MY BABY GIRL. I LOVED THAT DOG SO MUCH . IT HAS BEEN A MONTH AND A HALF SINCE LUCY DIED AND I STILL LOVE HER WITH MY HEART AND SOLE AND MISS HER EVERYDAY THAT GOES BYE. MY SISTER AND MY VET MADE ME GO TO OUR LOCAL POUND THE DAY AFTER LUCY DIED. ID DIDNT WANT TO BUT THEY INSISTED. I DIDNT KNOW THEY HAD ALREADY FOUND A DOG WHO LOOKED JUST LIKE LUCY AND SHE WAS WAITING FOR ME WHEN I GOT THERE. I LOVED HER INSTANTLY. TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE LOST THERE DOG I AM HERE TO TELL YOU I WILL ALWAYS LOVE LUCY IN MY HEART AND NEVER FORGET HER EVER, BUT GETTING LILLY HAS HELPED MY PAIN AND KEPT ME BUSY. I HAVE FOUND A DOG WHO LOOKS LIKE MY LUCY LOU AND ACTS JUST LIKE HER DOING EVERYTHING SHE DID. HOW CAN A PERSON FIND TWO DOGS WHO LOOK ALIKE AND ACT ALIKE 11 YEARS APART. MY MOM SAID GOD WAS WATCHING OUT FOR ME AND I THINK LUCY LOU HAS HAD A HAND TO. LILLY AND I ARE BECOMING CLOSE EVERYDAY. I AM THANKFUL FOR HER AND MY OTHER DOGS AND CATS I HAVE RESCUED I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH AND HOPE THEY KNOW THAT. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE LUCY LOU AND THE BEST THING I COULD DO FOR HER TO HONOR HER MEMORY IS TO CONTINUE RESCUING AND TAKING CARE OF , FEEDING AND GIVING LOVE AND SHELTER TO ANY ANIMAL WHO CROSSES MY PATH. LUCY LOU WAS ONE OF AKIND AND SHE WILL BE FOREVER LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN.
LUCY LOU JUNE 25, 99 TO SEPT, 14, 10
A story from marcia about my son loves your books posted 11/03/2010
my mom brought the children book MARLEY AND THE KITTEN for my son William and since last Thursday oCT,28,2010 WE HAVE BEEN READING THIS BOOK BEFORE BEB AND HE LOVE THIS BOOK AND ASK US TO READ IT TO HIM i AM GOING TO BUY ALL THE CHILDREN BOOK FOR HIM HE IS 2AND A HALF YEARS OLD AND JUST LOVES THE PICTURES AND STORY AND THE KITTENS
A story from asdfghjkl; about Rainbow posted 11/06/2010
Dear John, I loved Marley & Me. I was devasted when I got to the part where Marley had to be put down. I have been friends of many dogs and I'm sure that Marley and I would have gotten along together as if we were made for each other! I'm sorry about your loss of Marley and I keep wondering if you're ever going to write a story about Gracie. I would love to hear that one even if she's not as calm as Marley.
A story from Peggy about mixed emotions posted 11/10/2010
Hi John, Just wanted to let you know that in the summer of 2009, I took Marley and Me to the beach where I lay on the hot Florida beach with my newly graduated daughter, my daughter-in-law, and her mother. I had not seen the movie or read the book up to that point. The book was finished in one day, and as expected of dog lovers, the tears were streaming as I closed the back cover. The book had been passed around amoung friends and relatives before it came to rest on a shelf at my eye level. I'd considered reading it again, and this week finally pulled it off the shelf. The back cover has closed again, and right on cue, more tears flowed. I have determined that the book is cathartic. Sadness in losses of friends and family entertwine with the loss of jobs and homes and spouses- and yes, even our pets tug at my heart strings. Thank you for the opportunity to dredge up those emotions that have culminated and festered inside me (and obviously others) and been given a vehicle to course out of me and the rest of us, who are dog lovers, thus life lovers. I appreciate you John and look forward to reading your newest work.
A story from Akshay about Same as Yours!!! posted 11/11/2010
Hi John, I am Akshay, one of your many fans from India. Well I havenât read your book yet but I just loved the movie! I think it was so relatable. Frankly I wonder if it was so beautiful in the movie I canât wait to get my hands on it. As I said earlier I could relate to it because, I had a dog myself and like you said they love you no matter what rich or poor dumb or smart. I was in fourth grade when my father got him home. He meant the world to me!! We called him âMotiâ (moo-thee) - it means a pearl. He was just that, full of energy, lovable, cute, faithful, smart and possessive. I remember one day I did not do my lessons and went of to play with my friends. That evening my father gave me some hard talk. Just as he was about to pick up the cane. Moti barked at him as if to say - stop that whatever you are doing!! My dad was amazed all of us had a laugh; he certainly saved me some cane that day. On another occasion he noticed I had a big monkey (soft toy) hanging on my bedroom curtain, he looked at it for a minute in silence twisting his head from side to side, may be thought it was real. In an instant he jumped up and pulled him down by his tail. Before any of us in the house could do anything he gave my big monkey a French kiss -rather a bite!! I rescued the monkey before Moti could rip him apart. He lived with us for 3 years but after a point we found that many of our neighbors would complain. My parents decided to do away from him and we gave him to our paperboy. The Paperboy was Motiâs fan any ways so he was more than happy with the deal. I certainly was not. I tried to reason, but all in vain. Months later while I sat in my bedroom doing lessons one afternoon I heard a scratching sound on the door! I looked up through the eye-hole but I could not see anything. I told my mother that we had a ghost knocking on our front door. We both with great courage opened the door only to see Moti Jump up on us both!! He knocked us down. I was so happy to see him back he had walked over two miles back home it was amazing. I pleaded with my parents to keep him, they too were happy to see him back. He lived with us for a few more years, before he got severely wounded in a marathon fight with another street-dog in the ally. Like I said he was very possessive of his place. He had many big wounds and he also picked up some infection which never let his wounds heal. Just like Owen Wilson did in the movie, we put him to sleep with an injection. I cried like crazy that day. I also did when I saw that scene in the movie. I have not had a pet since then its been more than 12 years now!!. But I guess ill get one soon, when I get married. I still have the big monkey in my bedroom and he still bears the marks of the ravenous kiss!! Thanks for your wonderful book, please keep writing. I loved it. Love & Prayers Akshay R PS : You write back to me at akshay.rane20@gmail.com, ill consider myself really lucky if you do.
A story from Mike about old memories flooding back posted 11/12/2010
Hi John, I'm just after reading Marley and me, and I've got to say I'm kinda mad at you, you've made a 33 year old (supposedly) hard man from the west of Ireland ball his eyes out!! It took me back to when I was 12 when our dog Roger, a sheepdog, died. Like Marley, Roger was a bit of a pain, but incredibly loyal and good natured, my very first momory from when I was a baby was my mum bringing me and my brother back to the bard to see the new puppy, I wasnt yet 2 at the time but to this day remember seeing him running around the bard. He was supposed to be a working dog, but it never worked out like that! Roger loved chasing cattle not rounding them up, there were times when we would be trying to move cattle from field to field and we would nearly have them through the gate when roger would think he needed to stop them and drive them back and we were back at square one, but he only thought he was doing good. We could never get him to play fetch, to sit, to roll over, the onlt trick he could be was give you his paw when you asked for it, and even when you didnt ask for it you gt the paw! Every morning when we would walk out to wait for the school bus Roger would walk out with us, wait until we got on the bus ok then walk back home, and every evening without fail he was there to meet us as we got off the bus to walk us back home. He was a useless brilliant loyal lovible kind hearted dog. Its been 21 years since he died but I cried just as I did then when I read the chapter when marley wsas put to sleep, an uncontrollable bury your face in the pillow cry. You never forget great dogs.
A story from MĂĄrcia MagalhĂŁes about No words posted 11/13/2010
Hi Jonh, IÂŽm such a huge fan of your books! IÂŽm portuguese, so forgeve me some mistakes in the writting :) Marley & Me was a book that make my opinion for life completely changed... The way you compare MarleyÂŽs life evolution to our lives itÂŽs just.. beautiful... I love dogs, I have one since I was ten and now IÂŽm eighteen, and the love he gaves me itÂŽs undiscrieble... IÂŽve cried so much reading your book!I loved "the longest trip home" because IÂŽm very conected to my family, I love them, I can imagine how to live without them.. Please just.. keep writing ok??
MĂĄrcia
A story from doug nelson about dog love posted 11/17/2010
Hi, John. Just wanted to thank you for Marley and Me. I've had the book for over two years (on loan from my gf)>correction: my gf just informed me that she gave me the book five years ago as a b'day gift< but needed time to approach reading it being the overly sentimental sap that I am. It took several weeks but I finished it this morning about 6:30 between blubbering, nose blowing,face contorting, heart palpitating (how could you?) trips to the bathroom.
You really are the bastid I thought you were for putting me through this consciousness expanding trip which made me remember every single dog buddy in my entire 61 years and gave me an overpowering urge to drive 8 hours to see my 88 year old mother before they take her somewhere or she goes to sleep and never wakes up. Of course, my 12 year old JRT will accompany me as usual which tends to limit my travel to driving as she pouts for days if not included in my journeys...I am a sap and you are a sap inciter! Well, here's to Marley, Sport,Valentines,Inga, my current squeeze, Phoebe and all the other millions of short lived companions who tried to show us the path of unconditional love while they were with us. They don't have to live as long as we humans since they already possess the qualities which we lack. God bless them all and may their paths run free and easy because all dogs DO go to heaven. OF this one thing I am sure. Be well, a fellow dog lover still flunking out of obedience school for humans;) Doug
A story from LĂvia about love for Marley and Me posted 11/19/2010
Hi, my name is Livia, I am Brazilian (I do not write English very well, so I confess I am using the google translator) Well, today on 19/11/10 I just read a book that had one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard about friendship. Well, I must confess I did not like dogs (up to finish reading the book), or rather do not like any animal let loose by, walk on four legs or something, but I was always a lover of books, I decided to read "Marley and I "because of its great reviews. Always saw the dogs as a creature made to break things or anoint the house with feces or drool (well, Marley did not let me lie), I never imagined that something as beautiful as a friendship so true could from such an animal (well, Marley contradicted me), I learned a lot from this story, read the book in three days. Today when I took the bus from school, there were only 20 pages to finish the book, and I was reading all the way through. Not afraid to say I cried, I cried a lot as a part of your family and how Marley was my best friend. I truly loved everything! Now I will recommend your book just because it has great reviews, I recommend it because I loved the story of a mad dog and taught me a wonderful life lesson. A.... e devo dizer que vou comprar um cachorro, bem, adivinhe vocĂȘ, qual serĂĄ o nome dele? Thanks for the nice story, and winds south Americans take all my love for you. ((liviadacruzcosta@yahoo.com.br))
A story from Rosaria about My dog posted 11/20/2010
Hi John, i'm Rosaria from Italy. My dog Buddy, a dalmatian, is dead at 12 years old. In this 12 years Buddy was for me as a brother, a friend. With him i spend the best time of my life and i'm so sad. I read your book "Marley and me" and when i read the book i cry so much thinking when Buddy was dead. Now this moment is arrived and i thanks Buddy for all rappresented in this 12 year togheter. Time ago on this web sites i put a Buddy's photo...Sorry for my english... With love, for my Buddy...
A story from Alice Fernandes about feelings posted 11/20/2010
Hi my name is Alice am a Brazilian girl, and right now at 20:35 I finished reading your book, I just loved and cried over the last three chapters. As you described in your book you have received many messages from people moved by her story and do not want to be boring do not know whether to continue reading them. Looking back at the scene of my dog hunched on the floor dead when I got to school and did not cry, I just looked at one time paralizda wanted to cry but can not be a "strong" and because he could not. Unfortunately I could never tell how I liked him because he was aggressive and could never by his pet because he was always stuck in a chain qintal home. In the last days of his eight years old he really was alive, was loose in the house, down the street chasing people. In reading your book I felt like returning to the past and believe me I'm your fan, I feel like I know every member who lives his house. Thank you for giving me this EXPERIENCE.
A story from Joanne B about dogs-of course posted 11/20/2010
Well, each person that has had dogs as part of their lives can claim to have had the ONE that was truly "their" special friend. I adopted Echo when I was in college. She was a "mistake" made by a black lab and a collie (both AKC etc...). Echo was the quiet little girl who sat and looked at me while her 4 brothers tried to eat my feet. I took her home that day. She was all black except for the white cross and a white toe, a short ruff down the front and a fringe on that otter tail. Echo was a very pretty girl! We were friends for 12 wonderful years. She was remarkably easy to train, said all the right things when I was upset, protected me and my family from harm, and always stood by me. She had her goofy moments (LAB!!!!), such as when she wolfed down 6 cheeseburgers with everything when I turned my back (I didn't hear a thing!) or when she got her behind stuck under a chainlink fence and howled until I came out of the house. She got a ride home once by the director of the cemetary across the street- in his car-on the back seat- after he found her chasing frogs in the partially drained and VERY muddy frog pond (she had made it under the fence), suffice to say "he was not amused". My fondest memory is swimming at Lake Chocorua in Tamworth, NH. I would play with her until she was tired, then tie her to a tree on the shallow beach, so I could really swim. Usually I would swim parallel to the beach, but one day I swam straight out towards the middle of the lake. Echo became agitated and actually started barking, my Mother and sister were with her and tried to calm her (Iwas oblivious). She slippede her collar and charged into the lake, barking all th while. People stopped and stared, she finally caught up with me and told me off in no uncertain terms, she then turned around and backed into me! I got the hint and held onto her hips and she paddled me back into shore! After she forgave me and became a game we would play at the lake. She developed kidney failure after she turned twelve,but could not be saved. She died in my arms with the entire vet team standing with us - we all cried. She died as she had lived, sweetly and quietly. I will never forget my gentle friend.
A story from Kacy Woodruff about Beloved family members past and present posted 11/21/2010
Dear John, I literally just put your book Marley and me down, and am still wiping my eyes and blowing my nose. I admit I saw the movie before I read the book but the book spoke to me way more then the movie did. It brought me back to being a 9yr old little girl with my constant companion and impromptu babysitter/body guard Tasha, she was a German Shepard who was fiercly loyal and very over protective of me, she passed away when i was not quite 10 (a neighbor who disliked dogs added some kind of powder to her food bowl). we came home from a family night out to find our dog had passed while we were gone. I have since gotten a new dog (being as this happened 10 years ago) and the picture i included is of her, her name is Mystik she's a pit bull terrier who i believe belongs in the bad dogs club, (she's 5 months old) my son (who is 11) went outside to play with her and took his glasses off, they were missing for 3 days until i went outside to play with mystik and saw an odd thing on the ground, it was my son's glasses, Mystik had found them and ate them, so I asked her if she could see better after she snacked on his spectacles. Keep up with the amazing books that truly remind us of how short yet eventful lives we share with man's best friend and each other.
A story from Jay about Dogs posted 11/24/2010
Hey my dog is just as crazy as Marly he also sweet and loving and loves to play aroud he knows every detail about us he knows thta my brother is really rough and plaayful so he acts like thta when he is play with him and he knows how gental i am and plays with me like that he never bites me!Frist he crazy and jumping when he sees me and my bpther get home I'm 12 so he taller and me but he never hurts us whenn he sees that we have food he doesnt act crazy instead he puts his baby face one so we can feel bad for him and give him some!
A story from Emily about Annie Waggoner posted 11/26/2010
I got annie at a pound and she was sick. i think of jack.Happy Thnksgiving.
A story from Bailey about My dog Jack posted 11/26/2010
We first got our dog Jack about 5 years ago around Christmas time. He was really my sister's but he became a family dog. We didn't exactly realize what we were getting ourselves into, though. We had owned a wonderful and well-behaved golden retreiver and therefore we didn't have the slighest clue of what to do with our rambunctious Jack. He would constantly bark, jump, lick, and rip up our clothes (while we were wearing them). We were always angry with him. I felt horrible because he was always being screamed at and he was kept in a crate for our furniture's sake. Eventually, a friend of ours asked us to dog-sit and this dog (Toby) must have said something to Jack, because all of a sudden he started to behave and we never locked him up again. Now we always go for long runs together (I am a cross country runner) and he got me my best two mile time of 22:08! He sleeps with me every night and, even though the licking hasn't gone away, he is my best friend. Being a junior in High School is stressful, so whenever I am having one of my usual girl-breakdowns he is there with me while I cry. I don't tell anyone else this, but I also think he prefers me to the rest of the family : )
A story from Laura about Jack posted 11/27/2010
dear,john.i have seen the movie.the end is very sad.i like marley.he makes me think of jack. love.Laura ,Jack.
A story from Sarah about Marley and me posted 11/30/2010
Hi John I'm Sarah from Sydney Australia. Today I finished Marley and me I laughed and I cried. What a wonderful dog and family you have. He sounds like the most loyal and loving best friend anyone could ever have. Thankyou for writing such a wonderful story.
A story from Hi John about Thanks for nice book Marley and me posted 11/30/2010
hi John, i am Eduardo, from El Salvador. I just wanted to thank you for writing such a nice book. i had the chance to read this book traveling in Malaysia, and this was my first book that i read in my entire life, i can say that i enjoyed it, i laugh and cry about Marley, i am also about ur age and married to a wonderful woman(Christin), wish i can have a nice dog like him,
all the best John and thanks again cheers
Eduardo
A story from Phil Dzubinski about Longest Trip posted 12/04/2010
Mr Grogan,
Just finished "The Longest Trip Home" and quickly called my father to tell him I loved him. The book was like reading about my own life (12 years of Catholic Education..Mom calling me at College to see if I attended Mass...) that I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story.
A story from Erika about Harley and Me! posted 12/04/2010
I have read Marley and Me countless times. It is one of the most touching, heartwarming and entertaining books I have ever read! I adopted my dog Harley from an animal shelter 24 hours before he was scheduled to be eauthanzied because of him being part pit bull and no one wanting him. While reading Marley and Me I was reminded countless times of how similar Harley and Marley are! I cannot leave Harley in the backyard when I leave home because despite an extraordinary amount of money spent keeping him "fenced in" it never worked. He almost got hit by a car chasing after me when I left for work one day and that was the last straw. I started keeping him locked in the house when I left. Needless to say my house and belongings have suffered remarkably due to Harley and his OCD about me being gone. Everything from overturned trash cans, shredded mini blinds, ripped up couches and throw pillows, the bottom of the doors being chewed to pieces. So I got smart, or so I thought by "Harley-proofing" everything I possible could. I came home one night to him apparently telling me that no matter what I did he would still win. He had managed to drag a 5 pound bag of flour out of my pantry and into the living room where he proceeded to decorate the house in a cloud of white powder. I came home and my house was literally covered in flour and flour footprints and there was Harley with his muzzle caked in flour wagging his tail so furiously as if he had just won the Nobel Prize. I had to laugh! There was no way I could be angry! Long story short, Harley may be a handful, he has cost me more money than I even want to think about but he is my best friend in the whole world. Reading Marley and Me was a little hard because Harley is getting up there in years but I remind myself of the part in your book about what Marley taught you about living and loving life. Thank you for such an amazing read, one that will be dog-eared (no pun intended) on my shelf for all time.
A story from Brad about Thank you posted 12/09/2010
John,
Thanks for sharing the life of your family and your wonderful dog! I read the book after Howard Stern spoke of it on his morning radio show. At the time I was having some physical issues that I had to go under surgery, which brought on an extraordinary amount of pain. Your book, Marley and Me, was better than any pain pill known to man. Through reading your book I forgot about my injury and had quite holistical experience while reading your book. I can't begin to tell how much I appreciate your honesty and bravery in sharing your story. Thanks!!
A story from MARY KEROS about THE LONGEST TRIP HOME posted 12/09/2010
JOHN, JUST FINISHED READING YOUR BOOK AGAIN, AND ENJOYED IT MORE THE SECOND TIME. MY HUSBAND GREW UP IN THE AREA OF SYLVAN LANES, AND WE WERE MARRIED AT OUR LADY OF REFUGE. IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH A BOOK TALKS TO YOU WHEN YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA. WE STILL LIVE NOT FAR FROM THERE, AND I DRIVE BY THE CHURCH MANY TIMES. MY FATHER-IN-LAW AND MY HUSBANDS TWO YOUNGER SISTERS ATTENDED OUR LADY PROBABLY ABOUT THE SAME TIME Y0U DID. I ASKED THEM IF THEY RECOGNIZED YOUR NAME AND NEITHER OF THEM DID. ANYWAY, THANK YOU FOR A REALLY HEARTWARMING BOOK. I LOVED MARLEY & ME AS WELL.
A story from Nancy DePasquale about Catholic School posted 12/15/2010
I just finished reading, "The Longest Trip Home" and it touched me immensely. In 1961, I entered my local parochial school. You know what that means; nuns in habits, boys disciplined in the "cloak" room, and perfect handwriting. Yet, it was so much more. A home away from home and a safe haven. A place to learn, grow, make life-long friends.
It's hard not to be judgmental about the struggles and conflicts in the Catholic church. I envy your parents. Their faith was a gift.
It's also hard to take some things for granted. My catholic school has been in existence since 1853. Recently, we learned that we are on an "at-risk" list to close 31 schools in the archdiocese. It was a shock because though we're old, we have good bones.
I think we are going to survive. We rallied, prayed, retooled, and submitted our proposal.
The outpouring of love and support from our families, parishioners, and graduates is overwhelming. One graduate emailed me from Iraq to see how I was holding up. I guess I didn't mention that I'm the 8th grade teacher and that in 1961 I was a first grader. I like to confuse people when they ask how long I've been at St. Mary's and see them trying to do the math when I tell them since 1961.
Thank you for your books and for letting me express my emotions about a very special place.
A story from Nancy about Charley Poodle posted 12/15/2010
I submitted the story about Catholic School and forgot to mention that my dog Charley is an ever present force (in spirit) in my classroom. The students know they can get me off topic if they ask about Charley. He's on the background of my Smartboard, stars in math videos, and his name appears in almost every math problem. He's even my avatar on our class wiki. The kids say we look alike. Of course, we must read "Travels with Charley" an excerpt in our literature book and no one ever fails the test.
A story from Regina Dear about A little "Marley" in our Boxer "Cooper" posted 12/16/2010
I was so excited when I saw the previews of the "Marley and Me" movie even though at that time I was not familiar with the "true" story. It just appeared to be a cute movie! I spent the final 30 minutes of the movie with tears streaming down my face to the point I feared my body would dehydrate... A few months ago a friend of mine suggested that I read the book. My daughter happened to have a copy, but I balked at even the idea after remembering my reaction to the movie. Well, needless to say, I picked up the book and was amazed at the true story of Marley. What an incredible writer you are Mr. Grogan. When I approached the final two chapters of the book, I found myself cautiously weighing the thought of this being the first book I had ever read where I strongly considered not reading it to the end. After a few more days, I decided to throw caution to the wind and continue on the journey of Marley and your family and I am really happy that I completed it. What an amazing story! I grew up on a dairy farm and was always attached to the animals. I also grew up with black labs who were the most loyal and loving family dogs ever. My daughter and I currently have four dogs in our household. (after losing pets over the years, I always swore that I would 'never do it again' as the bond/attachment to them is so similar to that of a child, but when the time comes to part with them, I mourn for such incredibly long periods of time) We currently live in the hills of Vermont and have two chihuahua's, a poodle mix and now, Cooper, who is currently 9 months and 50 pounds of purebred boxer! There is so much 'Marley' in him that I thought of Cooper throughout much of your book. I cannot begin to explain the enthusiasm for life that this dog has and how many things he has destroyed in our home... stairs, 3 complete sets of bedding, a once beautiful coffee table with chunks removed now on the corners and the list goes on. Many things I cannot afford to replace or repair, but I look at them as reminders of how much I am in love with this dog. All four dogs sleep in my bed with me each night, (full size bed, so once in it, I must find a position and stay put as there is not any other option) The unconditional love these dogs give me is unmatched. Thank you for sharing your story of Marley and your family journey with him through the years. It touched my heart so deeply. I look forward to reading your other work. May God Bless you and your beautiful family now and always. Sincerely, Regina Dear Quechee, VT
A story from Liz about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/17/2010
As an animal lover, I of course loved Marley and Me. I received autographed copies of both Marley and Me and The Longest Trip Home for Christmas last year and got around to reading both of them this summer. As someone who grew up in Michigan in a catholic family, I really enjoyed The Longest Trip Home! I especially liked the chapter about taking in the kids who were affected by the Detroit Riots. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more!
A story from Donna about Marley and Me posted 12/19/2010
Dear Mr.Grogan,Ihad the pleasure of seeing you in person at the elementary school where i work.The school is located in Yardley Pa. Afton Elementary is the name of our school.When i found out you were coming i was so thrilled more so then the kids i think! I watched Marley and Me with my youngest child Liz who is a freshman in college this year.Neither one of us expected the outcome of the movie to be so so sad.What a wonderful heart wrenching movie.It took me some time to even watch it again.When the movie was near its ending Liz and I looked at each other with tears streaming down our faces and literally bawling our eyes out!Ill never forget that. I brought her dvd to work the day you arrived and you autographed it for her.She was thrilled and in return she bought me an autographed copy of Marley and me which im reading now.I just wanted to let you know how much youve touched the lives of us dog lovers and owners. Best wishes to you and your family!
A story from phoebe about my dog alfie posted 12/21/2010
i have a dog called elfie he's nearly one and im eight he can jump the full height of my mum . he's really active at night he jumps on my bed and nicks all my quilt.lk9hyug65tftv tfcvnfykjf
A story from phoebe about my dog alfie posted 12/21/2010
i have a dog called elfie he's nearly one and im eight he can jump the full height of my mum . he's really active at night he jumps on my bed and nicks all my quilt.sometimes he jumps from the setty to my chiar .i think he is really funny
A story from Mohandas Menon about Tango posted 12/23/2010
Hi John and others reading this just an update on Tango he has grown up well very marleylike and we begin to like him the way he is ,he is a natural I am his Alfa Leader and he lestens when I speak the last time I took him to the vet and the vets assistant put out his hand as a gesture and I saw Tango Growl at him in anger this was the first time I saw an aggressive Tango the vet said that he was essentially protective about me I take him for a run each day whether I like it or not through the week he will wake me up with his paws on the bed or lick my face at 5.30 in the morning we love him and he gives our love back in multifold .Our vet requested that we present him for a dog show the entire family said no we do not display our family members for others to watch and wow that is family for you. Mohandas Menon , Bangalore India
A story from Ann Marie about My Family posted 12/23/2010
John, I just finished reading THE LONGEST TRIP HOME. It was amazing...laughter and tears for this girl. I grew up in a family similar to yours...I am the only girl and the oldest in the family (like your sister Marijo) and I have three younger brothers. Our father was an amazing man and my brothers and I still talk about him with love and laughter when we get together for our "siblings only" dinners when we're all in the Chicago area together. My Irish mother Ann Catherine married my Italian father Pasquale Donato ("just call me Pat" he'd say) on the very same date your parents married - August 16th, l947. Thank you for your wonderful book and your humorous stories of growing up Catholic in the 50's and 60's.
A story from Claire about 3rd Time Reader posted 12/23/2010
My name is Claire. I am 14 years old and I just finished reading Marley and Me for the 3rd time. The story about Marley touches my heart in such a way that I weep every time I reach the ending of the book. Thank you for sharing your joyous adventure with Marley! When I was younger, I had a black Lab named Lincoln who frightened me every single time he popped his head out from behind a wall. My older brother used to use Lincoln as a makeshift pillow in the summertime when he was only a baby. We had some wonderful times with our dog until he passed away the day before my sister and I's birthday. Our family sobbed for days. For my brother, the death of our beloved Lincoln was a tragic event that forced him into a sort of depression. Lincoln used to lick my toes excessively as my dad would carry me indoors. I loved that dog more than anything. Happy Trails Lincoln.
A story from Claire about Christmas Eve posted 12/24/2010
Hello! Claire again. I just wanted to commemmorate my favorite dog Lincoln on such a special night because he really meant so much to me and I loved him dearly even if I did not show it. I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year!
A story from Nora about The Longest posted 12/27/2010
A story from Joakim Passos about Mika, my little angel who returned to the sky posted 12/28/2010
This Christmas, the tragic has happened ... my beloved dog died ... I then decided to write here my story and hers. We met in 2005 at the time, did not like her much, but over time it was me winning, becoming like a daughter to me. I just wanted her to know that I love her very much and thank you for it has been by my side all this time ... I love my Mikinha
A story from Cassandra about Buddy posted 12/28/2010
I just finished reading Marley and Me. I started the book this morning and could not put it down all day. By the end of the book I was sobbing and trying to hide it from my husband and our puppy and cats. Needless to say, I failed miserably. The book just made me think of my parents' dog. He died this summer and it was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. Buddy died from congestive heart disease at 12 years old. He was an eighty pound dog and we were lucky that we had him for as long as we did. Thank you for sharing your story.
A story from Jan about Kayla and Casper posted 12/29/2010
Hi there
My son bought gave me Marley and Me for Christmas, I laughed and cried through the book. I am a new dog owner of Kayla who is a Collie crossed with a Kelpie. We rescused her from the SPCA 6 weeks ago. Since then I have gone through 2 pairs of leather boots, 3 Pillows 2 glass bottles and she has even eaten the concrete garden Statues. But life has not been the same since we got her and I wouldnt have it any other way.
Which brings me to casper the cat who we had put to sleep 3 weeks ago at the age of 16 years. Casper was one of those cats who ruled the roost and attacked every dog that came within a 2 meter radius of "HIS" deck. He had the best hunting skills in the world, in fact the only time he caught a bird was when it flew into the window and knocked itself out and casper pounced and was very proud of his catch. He was the most fierciest cat with a heart of gold. When I read about getting Marley put to sleep, I cried and cried because putting casper to sleep was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Thanks for sharing your story to the world, I know that every pet owner has experienced thier own Marley.
Merry xmas to you and your family.
A story from Rachel about Childhood pup posted 12/29/2010
I'm a little late in the game, but having just finished Marley and Me and having been deeply affected by it, I had to give the author some thanks and praise. Your writing brought me back almost 15 years ago to when I was 16, and my family put our beloved German Shepard/Chow mix, Bear, to sleep after a full 16 years of life. 15 years after that day I still find myself mourning his death and celebrating his presence as an irreplaceable member of our family. Thank you for your heartfelt memoir; it has brought back so many memories.
A story from hayden mcleod about thank you! posted 12/29/2010
hi there, i just finished reading the book last night, it made me laugh throughout your stories of marley. i was sobbing my the end of the story, i felt a connection to this book and imagined everything during every chapter. i have a dog myself, zipper. he is almost 10 and its starting to show, he has his problems just like marley. zipper is very badly behaved and all of the stories of marley made me think of zipper. i want to thank you for the experience your book put me through, it opened my eyes and i truly fell in love with every word and moment of the book. thank you!
A story from Wendy about Marley & Me posted 01/01/2011
My daughter sent me the book marley & me for Christmas, because I have a dog that drives me crazy chewing up pillows, cushions and my lounge suite! I really started to hate him, until I read your book. I laughed and laughed through most of it, comparing Marley to the many dogs I've owned through the years and seeing so many similarities. Then, when it came to you having to put Marley down, I bawled my eyes out. I had an Afghan hound that was the stupidest dog I've ever owned, but I loved him with all my heart. I had to get him put down when he was only 2, because he had cancer. And my annoying, chewing dog Jet, jumped up on the chair next to me when I was crying over your book, put his head in my lap, and all of a sudden I didn't hate him any more. I took him for a walk, bought him doggy biscuits, and have a brand new respect for my stupid, chewing dog! Thanks John and your family for sharing your story with me, and making me a better dog owner. Wendy, Cairns, Australia
A story from Bruce Kilburn about My Girls posted 01/02/2011
I like many people have just finished Marley and Me. What a fantastic book I 'm not one to sit and read but I love Dogs and this story realy brought it all home for me. I have two 12 year old black labs that are the love of my life next to my wife of course. This story made me remember by old guy willie a great irish setter who was not very fond of thunder. I found him in the kitchen sink more than once trying to get out of a second story window. He was was a great pup and was with us for 15 years when his time came. When I went home from work that night it was the first time in 15 years I didn't have a dog in my car. That five mile ride was like 500 miles. It was a tough night. Thanks again for this great story. If you are a true dog lover this book will touch your heart in spots you didn't know you had.
A story from jennifer about i love music and guitars posted 01/04/2011
i love to play my guitar and i love to play all day on it win i watch the movie marley and me i cry buyt its sweet so just got dun reading the book and its so sweet
A story from Darien about Sunny and Oz posted 01/07/2011
Reading the book Marley & Me brought back so many childhood memories. Through out my entire life I have always been around dogs. Within the 3 years both my grandmother and my uncle had to put their dogs down. My grandmother owned a gorgeous male Collie named Sunny and my uncle owned a devoted Golden retriever named Oz(I unfortunately don't have a picture of him though). Both dogs were best friends and after Oz was put down from old age, Sunny constantly walked in and out of the room that Oz lived in and took on certain traits. Like barking at random things and walking from room to room. Then a couple years later my grandmother had to put down Sunny. They were both loved dearly and will, of course, always be missed. I remember when I was very little my grandmother, uncle, and I would take the pups to the park. When ever I would run Sunny would come running after me and, because me being so small, would knock me over. Then I would get right back up on my feet and we would do it all over again. Sunny was my brother, my family, and most of all...my friend. I don't there could have been a much better dog.
A story from massimo about childhood early teens Three short stories posted 01/08/2011
A little story about coffee bags
We used to live close to my father's warehouse, as a matter of fact the two buildings were as a whole. Once when I was six or seven, I did a quite amusing thing. Usually coffee stocks my father imported were unloaded in Genoa, but once it happened that a stock, my father was expecting, arrived in Naples. Now I have to add that my father feared illness a lot, especially the infective ones. In those days , papers and TV reported that a few cases of cholera were discovered in Naples, so my father gave strict order not to let the kids go inside the warehouse for any reason, and of course told my mother to keep an eye on us more careful than usual. I heard him telling this to my mother , but all I got was .... cholera's coming from Naples, be sure the kids don't go inside the warehouse when the bags arrive because ... As I said I was a little boy and like any other little boy very curious, so I thought "why can't we go inside the building when cholera gets here?" Determined to discover the reason of this forbidden fruit, one day I slipped inside the warehouse and I found a look-out among the bags. After a while I heard I was being looked for with growing anxiety, so I came out of my hideout. My father was startled to see me there and said a little sternly "but Massimo what were you doing here ? haven't you heard me saying you were not allowed in here?" and I "yes daddy, but ... I just badly wanted to see who Mr. Cholera was" I thought it was a person. My father started laughing and didn't tell me off
A piano performance
A dream of my life, it is to be able to play an instrument, but I think I am the most tone - deaf person living on earth. When I was eleven and I was in a boarding school where learning to play an instrument was compulsory, they asked me what instrument I would like to play and my answer was the guitar, but the teacher in charge of such thing asked me âshow me your handsâ I complied with his request, and he went on saying âoh no with such beautiful hands and long fingers you must play the piano, besides once you can play the piano you will be easily able to play whatever instrument you likeâ The fact was Iâve got quite ordinary hands, but HE was very fond of the piano, so he used to say the same thing to every child he met. The days at that boarding school were organized in this way: in the morning school, after lunch from two through four studying and in this span of time each of us had half an hour of time to train on our chosen instrument, then one hour of recess afterward studying again till half past seven. In the school there were 14 pianos and most of the them were seldom used, because kids werenât so keen on playing them , but I was, so instead of using only my allotted time I used to go from piano to piano for two hour in succession. So when my âcolleaguesâ were , more or less at exercise 20 I was already coping with number 90. But there was no knack in my fingers, only mechanical repetition. At the end of the school year, like in all but the schools worldwide, there was the usual show that we had to perform in front of our parents and relatives. In the boarding school there was a really beautiful theatre, with a real stage, lights and curtains. I had to play a very easy piece of music, but the problem was that I had to play it four hands , and it goes without saying , my partner practiced it very little, so once on the stage everything went wrong, I could manage my part quite well but not him , and halfway through the performance, full of shame up to my hair, I run away crying my soul out of my heart. My parents and the piano teacher tried to comfort me by asking ⊠but whatâs the matter? And I ⊠everything went wrong we botched badly ⊠and they âŠbut no Massimo, no one noticed anything they clapped you ⊠but all of no avail. It was, and still remains one of the most painful moments of my life. (Just my little story)
my first enounter with the unknow - a disaster account
In the summer of 1975, my family and I went on holiday to Moneglia, a little town on the Ligurian coast, we lodged in a little boardinghouse which provided us full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also beds in addition for the night. We had also booked a beach umbrella and deckchairs in a bathing establishment. Together with us came also two friends of my mother's , Anna and Graziella, and the latter will have an important role in my mishap. We had planned to stay over there for a fortnight, and so we did. On the first day we went to the seashore, while I was coming out of the bathing building and was stepping on the beach in order to reach our assigned place, my eyes fell on a vision coming off the waves, blue eyes and wet chestnut hair, quite shaped for her age, so my simple glance turned into an open stare. Instantly, I decided that I would spend all my time at the beach looking at her , without her knowledge, because the thought of actually speaking to her never crossed my mind, and spend all my time away from the beach thinking of her.
So, that I did, because I really am a straightforward person and always keep my word.
Days went by, the holiday end was approaching and the day before the last , even now I can't understand why, I opened my heart to my mother about my feelings. What I didn't expect was that sheâd tell what I said to her friends. On the afternoon of the last day, while I was sitting on the deckchair reading, I heard Graziella calling my name, I took my eyes off the book I was reading and saw her holding the girl's hand, saying, âlook who wants to meet you, her name's Cristinaâ, my heart stopped beating, I have always read this expression but I thought it was a figurative way of saying not that that could actually happen , more over, my mind went blank, it didn't take long, I've never had a huge one. What I did was, stood up and started running for my life. In Moneglia , between the seashore and the town there's a raised old railway route, so you've got to go through little tunnels to reach the country from the beach or the other way round, to reach the beach from the town, but there's one that is blocked and I, in my wild run, entered that one. âWhat shall I do now?â-, I thought. I stuck my head out the tunnel and saw Graziella and Cristina staring at the place where I had disappeared, a little puzzled I dare say, who wouldn't have been? I sat on my haunches straining my brain to find a way that could lead off my plight, but there were none, I was doomed and I knew it. So tail between legs, I slowly, really slowly, never knew how slowly one can walk till that day, I went back over to them and accepted my fate. We exchanged a few words, the usual stuff, age, school ,(I was about to switch from thirteenth grade to high school), address, and promises to write to each other in the following winter.
Once back home, I spent the following weeks in trance, I used to stop all of sudden, whatever I was doing and wherever I was, and start smiling like an idiot and thinking of her. As promised, we wrote to each other for the whole winter and spring, and when the summer once again arrived, like a famous Italian song says, we found each other at the same beach and at the same sea. She was with a friend of hers , Monica, I already knew she would come because Cristina had written this to me, she introduced her to me and we went swimming. At one point while we were just bathing in the shallow , I told her, âI brought you a gift, a book title is The Psychopathology of Everyday Life by Sigmund Freudâ. For a little while everything went still, I couldn't get what was wrong, and why the two girls kept staring at each other and at me alternatively, so I carried on saying , âyou wrote to me you would like to be a psychologist when you are grown up, last winter I saw my older brother reading this book so I thought it was perfect for youâ âYee..ss..â, said her,â⊠but right now ... you know ... we're on holiday and bricks and the like, you know... I really appreciate the thought , I really do , but...â I got it , and swam away, forgetting we were in the shallow, not a great move, sands and sharpened stones can be painful when you don't put the right quantity of water between you and them.
It was not a good holiday, Cristina had a lot of friends, I tried to go out with them a couple of evenings, but socializing has never been my best skill, if I have one, so I quit and came back to my novels. But all the same we kept writing to each other also the following winter, and once she wrote one thing I 'm rather proud of, so I'm quoting it, she wrote, âI can't understand how you can be so brilliant, shrewd and sarcastic when you write and so shy and silent in personâ.
Not that much, but I settle for little, you know.
A story from Chloe about Buster posted 01/13/2011
Buster is a minnie Marley he has chewed up lots of thing costing 150pounds.He is a 1 year old labx Just to say a quick hello to my bff Grace Conway Thank you for Reading.
A story from Chloe about Buster posted 01/13/2011
Buster is a minnie Marley he has chewed up lots of thing costing 150pounds.He is a 1 year old labx Just to say a quick hello to my bff Grace Conway Thank you for Reading.
A story from Chloe about Buster posted 01/13/2011
Buster is a minnie Marley he has chewed up lots of thing costing 150pounds.He is a 1 year old labx Just to say a quick hello to my bff Grace Conway Thank you for Reading.
A story from Ingvild about Norwegian dogs posted 01/14/2011
From age 0 to 12 i had a lovely dog following me all over the place. A lab as well=) Ive got told when i was a newborn that he ALWAYS was outside my door when i was sleeping. And if i made the smallest sound he ran straight in to the livingroom to my parent with a crazy look. "SHE MADE A SOUND! Shes awake people! But why arent you running to het her? HELLO!!" Or one time my brother were outside with Odin and another dog. He fell and hit himself and started to cry, Odin was unsure if he should go to him, but enden up with running in a circle around him so nobody got close to him until my parent came.. Actions like that truly show the love they give to us. They give every bit of their heart and want nothing in return. I really loved you story about your life with Marley, ive read it alot of times and it make laugh and cry every time. We sadly dont got our beloved Odin anymore. But we got a crazy Australian Sheperd now, who have a big and insane personality. Every single time he get his favorite snack. A hotdog he goes around for 10 minutes to find a PERFECT spot for it to eat, and mixes it to show it to us. Then he find the perfect spot and look at it with love in his eyes. Then he take one tiny piece at the time and really enjoys evey bit of it. It takes several minutes before he is finnished with it.
A story from tati about zeca = brother Marley posted 01/19/2011
Hy Grogan!!! I'm sorry about my English. I'll try to write about Zeca. I'm sure: he's brother Marley....hehehe. One year old, funny, funny, funny!!! He loves apple (think that is ball), do you believe? He loves people. My husband was traveling and I'm woke up yesterday and Zeca was in my bed, sleeping calm, like my husband stays. Zeca protect me when my husband travels and stays beside me all the time. I love him!!!
A story from tatinmendes@hotmail.com about Funny photo posted 01/19/2011
Zeca stays in the window when we arrived at home. it's so funny!!!!
A story from Steve about Rules learned from having dogs posted 01/19/2011
A couple rules I've learned to keep my house in (somewhat) order:
1. Only buy used furniture as it will become a chewtoy. 2. Don't keep anything edible under a height of 5 feet. This includes books, shoes, cell phones, remote controls, keys, mail, wallets, food, etc. 3. If you hear something crunching in the middle of the night, it's not a dream. It may be your cell phone, remote, shoes, wallet... 4. Having a driver's license with teeth marks on it is a great conversation starter at the airport or if you get pulled over by the police. 5. Spend some time chewing on something with your dogs. Can't let them have all the fun.
A story from Emily meredith-Smith about Marley and Me posted 01/20/2011
Dear John, It was an absolute pleasure to read your story about your family and Marley. It certainly touched a chord within me. We lost our darling girl Pip, a Border Collie in August last year, and I sympathised with your agonising decision with having to put Marley down. I went through that myself, and it was gut-wrenching.
Like everyone has said, I was sobbing too, and with young children, and the vigours of hectic family life, your book made me stop and remember what is important in life, and the lessons the canine can teach you about their endless unconditional love.
A beautiful story, thank you.
Emily Meredith-Smith (Australia)
A story from Leona about Jazz posted 01/20/2011
This photo sums up what our Jazz is all about. An endless ball of energy that leaves us wondering what he must be thinking to try some of the stunts he's tried. I totally relate to the events in your book. We have been there. Pretty much untrainable, except for the basic commands of sit, lie down. All else gets that tilted head expression and then a big, goofy, smile. Then all of a sudden, he's off on some mission that only he has been notified of. We love him. We treasure him. We know that such a pet will not cross our lives again. Friends and neighbours shake their heads and wonder how we can tolerate such an ill-behaved dog. Simple. Those soulful eyes with the light that always shines. His absolute love of life and everything in it. The unconditional love that we receive from him, and the laughter that fills our days, every day.
A story from Shirley Ross about my Dobermans posted 01/21/2011
Just finished reading Marley and Me, and I laughed and cried all through it. There were so many similarities between my Dobermans - I had 6 of them over 25 years. My last one was Samantha,AKA Sam, who lived to be 13 years old. She was a very special dog who went from Tasmanian Devil to loving gentle friend. She was my rock when my first husband died, giving me comfort when I felt like my world had ended. She fell in love with my second husband, and it was Sam who was the one who approved or disapproved of my dates with various gentlemen. If she liked the guy, she would allow him to pet her. Butif she wasn't too crazy about him, she would stand between him and me, letting him know tht I was off-limits. And if she completely disliked him, she would give a low warning growl,which told me that dating this joker would be a mistake. Needless to say, I listened to her wise advice. She was so unique, that I wrote a story about her after she passed away, and enlisted the critique of the high school English class to see if it might be publishable. They liked it so well that they wanted me to expand on all dongs and make it into a book. With my husband's encouragement, I did write the book, titled Doberman Dynasty, published by Cafe Press. My children now have as their legacy the memories of our beloved pets. So I fully understand the bond between Marley and you. They are truly a part of the family.
A story from Sayte Holland McComb about The Longest Trip Home posted 01/21/2011
I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent during the past isolating winter days, being an observer to your life. I finished the final pages this morning, before I even stepped out of my bed. Tonight I feel a loss, some life losses that we commonly share, but also the loss of having your story and insights continue. Keep writing that which you know best, you have the gift of conveying inspiration in ways you do not realize. Thank you for what your story revealed about my own life.
A story from Mirjam about My Lab. posted 01/22/2011
My name is Mirjam,I come frome holland en this is my black Lab. Beau.He is almost 3 years old.He is my best friend ever!
A story from Jaeda Jackson about Dogs Are People Too posted 01/22/2011
Every dog should have a nice loving home and a family to care for them.Some people take dogs for advantage.If you have a dog and all you do to it is torture it well you are wrong.Everyday I watch dogs and puppies get tortured and starved on tv.If you have a nice home for a dog go adopt one.Every dog needs food care and HOPE .DO YOU HAVE HOPE.:
A story from angeli from the philippines about kobe's so like marley posted 01/24/2011
I had a sweet discovery about my self these last few months. It's something that I never ever thought I could be. It all started when a family friend gave us a little puppy of labrador's kind. And upon seeing him, I was amazed by his kind, friendly eyes. Swear I'm not a pet-lover, but there's something in him that made me feel otherwise. My brother named him "Kobe," named after the NBA lakers' starplayer. (
brilliant
)
From the moment he was given to us up to date, I was taking care of him. And I've seen so much of his milestones. I could never fathom how he makes me feel and all I can say is "wow!" He's like a baby boy to me. And I never treated him like a pet but a brother. I feed him 4-5 times a day, I take him a bath every other day (maki-dog shampoo,haha!), I even know when he feels like having a pee or defecating, and I put those little clothes on him at night before he goes to sleep. I don't care even they tell me how ridiculous and absurd am I. Who are them to judge me?! I won't even mind.
In five months time that he's with us, I've seen him grow and develop from a little puppy to a bigger puppy. He's still a puppy, right?! And one day, I was alarmed when I woke up and found out that he's not eating. I even put stethoscope on his abdominal area and heard his stomach gurgling like crazy. When I send him out, he defecated a phlegm-like fluid with spots of blood in it and really foul-smelling. The next day, we consulted a veterinarian and had him confined so that he'd not be dehydrated while receiving an IV therapy. The next day we got him from the clinic and sent him home. A therapy with antibiotic and ranitidine was instructed to me. I followed it and eventually, he got well. His body built returned to its original state. And after two days, his condition became worst again, like he's not eating again and for three straight days, he never had eaten. That's why he became so thin and you'll see his eyes were like bulging, i don't know. And so I decided to put him an IV solution and again give him antibiotics and ranitidine. I thought I would lose him, and I can't afford to. But luckily, I don't. And I'm so thankful for that because now he's doing better. He's playful again and so energetic and so sweet.. And I think I would never love a dog the way I loved my only dog.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what you'll gonna get! Good thing I got Kobe in my life, truly a godsend..
A story from Kendra about Shared experience posted 01/25/2011
I Just finished Marley & Me and I understand completely what it is to have to say goodbye to a wonderful, loving dog. we had a golden retriever named shadow who went thru the same ups and downs as marley...the chewing...ugh!!! lol... we lost couches,mattresses...countles pairs of shoes..you name it, but in the end after 11yrs of loyalty and love we had to make the decision to put shadow down and the emptyness we felt just couldn't be described...But these days we have max and Barney a 5yr old golden retriever and a 3yr old black lab....I know... what were we thinking...lol....when I was reading your book, hearing all the stories about Marley I couldn't help but see both of my dogs in him...Barney the dog with the seperation anxiety and Max the ever present under your feet always happy and smiling kind of being. I just wanted to thank you for writing Marley and Me...I try and think about Marley every time I come home and Barney has trash all over the kitchen because we forgot to put it up...or all the chewed up stuff that he somehow can find even tho we "doggy proof" the house before we leave... I know in a few short years we will be facing the same decisions we did with shadow and I know how hard its gonna be...I just try to take everyday in stride and enjoy the special personalties that are Barney and Max...I know one day all the dog hair will be gone and I will miss it...lol... Thanks again, for sharing Marley with us... Kendra
A story from Emily about Molly the dog posted 01/26/2011
My dog Molly Elizabeth is a 6 year old lab. She is so much like Marley...as I was reading your book I could relate to all the things Marley was like to my dog Molly. One time she was chasing a cat and came back with her ear slit on the side. It would not stop bleeding! Another time she managed to get her collar stuck on on the dishwasher rack and pulled it out, dragged it on the hardwood and broke some plates. I loved your book so much, i have read it about 10 times and I cry every time. I loved everything about it.
A story from Xinyi about Childhood Dog posted 01/29/2011
I still could remenber when i was five i found this dog in the public playground. I looked around to see if anyone was searching for the poor doggy, but no one came so i brought him home. It wasn't long until another shocking news came along. The dog ran out of the door when no one was looking and I was still at school. After that, I have never seen the dog again. P.S. He was still a puppy, maby 2 or 3 month old.
A story from Ron and Judi Wood about A Year in my Life by Peanut Wood posted 02/01/2011
My name used to be Sophie but when mom and dad adopted me, they changed my name to Peanut. They said that "Sophie" (or Sophia) means wisdom and they do not want it to go to my over-active brain. They say my brain is full of the wrong kind of wisdom, that my mind is as mischievous as my body is long. Whatever that means! They say that I am long, round and reddish brown, like a peanut; so that's what they call me. I do not care what they call me as long as they love me, feed me and play with me.
They love me and play with me and laugh at me, but I am not sure why. Just after I moved here, dad drove mom to someplace. Someone left out a jar of this stuff that smelled really good. No one was around and I decided to give it a try, so I climbed all the way up to where it was and put my head into get a taste. (It even had a stick in it to help me get the sticky stuff.) It was good, but I could not see very well, so I fell off the table and wandered around the room in a fog. The next thing I knew, I was going down the stairs, head over tail. But it still tasted good! When dad got home, my goody four-paws sister greeted him, as usual. He noticed that I did not greet him. I was trying, but it was hard. My head was still stuck in the jar. Besides, I wasn't done! When he finally came downstairs, I was wagging my tail as fast as I could; it was the only thing I could think of to let him know I was glad to âseeâ him. Then, instead of helping me out, he just laughed out loud. When he told mom, she said, "It puts a whole new meaning to the concept of Peanut Butter, considering her name is Peanut and she must have been really churned as she went down those stairs!" Whatever that means! It sure was good while it lasted! But I don't like those stairs!
Mom and dad loved me right from the start, but it took my "sister", Kelly, a long time to even let me lay with her or sleep in the same place as her. She did let me have all her balls and I LOVE to play ball! I love it more than sleeping, walking, riding in the car; almost more than eating. They play ball with me inside and outside but if they are too busy to play with me, I can play with myself. When they watch me doing this, they laugh at it, too (I am not sure why). Some of their friends, who bring treats for Kelly, brought me a funny shaped ball they call a football. It's more the size of my head than my paw (foot) but, whatever! It's big and hard to carry, but itâs my favourite one. They said something about signing me up for the "Stampeders", whoever they are. They said I would do well because I am built long and low to the ground and that this should keep me from being part of a dog pile. Who wants to be part of a pile of dogs? I just want to play ball! The only problem they could see was that I return the ball to the person who threw it. Who else do they think I would take it back to?
The only thing I like better than playing ball is eating. But they keep telling me "NO" and putting fences around things that are growing in the garden. (The ones I got sure tasted good!) They won't even let me eat the food and treats that Kelly gets to eat. Mom keeps saying "Dr. Broughton doesn't want you to eat that." Whoever she is! When I finally meet her, I am going to have a few woofs with her.
Despite this problem, it's been a good year to be alive! They have a big yard and enough friends to love me and play ball with me. What more could I want!?!?
PAW NOTE: This is just to say thank you to all of those who gave me this "Year in my Life".
I can be reached at "rjkpwood@sniper.ca (That's Ron, Judi, Kelly, and Peanut Wood. They saved the best for the last - that's me!)
Peanut (Sophie) Wood went to Heaven (All Dogs go to Heaven) June 29, 2002. She is still loved and missed by mom, but she must keep the angels laughing with her antics. A copy of the above letter, complete with pictures, was sent to the Calgary SPCA on the first year anniversary of her adoption into the Wood family.
Kelly (Pretty Girl) Wood went to Heaven April 22, 2005. She is still loved and missed by dad and mom, she was always daddyâs little girl. She keeps the angels busy holding her. She had her 14th birthday April 8. She was happy and full of life almost to the end.
Judi Wood, on behalf of our first two fur-kids, gone forever from our home, but not ever from our hearts. :)
End note: We still have two furkids, both of them boys. Bear is a Pomeranian cross who is nine pounds of fur and ninety pounds of fury all in one cute cuddly ball of black fur. Comet is a collie, sheltie, shepherd, cross who is Ron's dog, but my guardian and shadow. A true friend! They are our two VERY handsome boys! :) Our e-mail address has changed since Kelly and Peanut left our home. Bear and Comet do not seem as interested in e-mail as Peanut was. But then, they never got e-mails, and she really did!
A story from Pam Stefanka about Brandon posted 02/04/2011
First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Gracie. Losing a pet is never easy no matter how many times we experience it. I just finished Marley & Me a few hours ago. I have had the book for well over a year but couldn't bring myself to read it until now. You see I lost my beloved Brandon in Sept.'08 just weeks shy of his 13th birthday. He was a beautiful Golden Retriever & wasn't a "bad dog" at all. On the contrary...he was the best companion/family member anyone could ask for. I must admit though it took 3 years for the light bulb to go on in his head. A month before he passed away he fell down our steps before my husband & I got home from work. He could not get up & we don't know how many hours he had been laying there. The vet diagnosed him with vestibular syndrome which caused him to be dizzy resulting in the fall. We thought we could beat it but I believe he suffered irreparable internal injuries that led to his rapid decline. (As a side note, it was hard for me to read about Marley's fall down the steps.) Even though it wasn't my intention to get another dog so soon, the opportunity fell in my lap approximately one month later. I truly believe Brandon led me to him knowing how lonely we were. His name is Chauncey & he is another Golden Retriever. He is now 2 1/2 years old & can usually be found sticking pretty close to me. I want to thank you for a wonderfully written book that brought back some precious memories of my own.
A story from Sorry about Gracie, but look who I found about Lila posted 02/04/2011
Hi John, I absoultly love Marley & Me and was very sad to read Marley's death. It seems that you just let Marley go and now Gracie is gone too. I would like to say I am deeply sorry and wish you and your family best of luck in the healing process. Just a quick question, do you think your next dog will be more like Marley, or more like Gracie? Anyway, the picture above is of a true Marley who I met at a Christmas Tree Farm. He was behind a fence and was trying to chew through it to get out to me. Once again, I am deeply sorry and sad about your loss. Best wishes, Lila
A story from Ted Hendrixson about My Lab posted 02/05/2011
Christmas of 2009 we had to put my lab Rooster down. He had an Amangio Carcoma on his head. Normally the treatment is to amputate the limb but it was on his head. Because of it he had frequent seizures. The blood pocket on his head bled frequently. Finally I went outside to feed him and his whole cement slab was covered in blood. My wild crazy black lab was almost dead. I had to go to school and when I got home he had been put to sleep. I was so upset. Mom said his temperature at the vet's office was 40 degrees so he was almost dead anyway. It was so sad. We only had him for four years. I live in Whigham Georgia and have been so touched by your book "Marley and Me: life and love with the world's worst dog" we even own the movie. What touched me the most was this " A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbols mean nothing to him. A water logged stick will do just fine. He doesn't care if your rich or poor educated or illiterate or clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his." I have that memorized. Whigham is about 45 minutes from Tallahassee Fl. so we are barely in Georgia. I love the first book and movie and have heard there is a Marley and Me the Second in production. I hope it is true. I am also sorry about your loss of Gracie. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Ted
A story from Jackie Nicolosi about Benji the heart of our family posted 02/06/2011
Benji came into our lives 7 years ago and I would have never imagined that he would will our lives so much. We love you Benji xxxxxx
A story from Jackie Nicolosi about Benji the heart of our family posted 02/06/2011
Benji came into our lives 7 years ago and I would have never imagined that he would will our lives so much. We love you Benji xxxxxx
A story from davide about tek and me..... posted 02/09/2011
mi chiamo davide ho 30 anni ....la mi avita Ăš una vita apparentemente normale.....ma da quest anno un po di cose sembrano cambiare....prima di tutto ho un alopecia universale....secondo...il mio tek di 10 anni mi sta per lasciare...sono confuso e nn so come fare a reagire a questo momento....ha un tumore maligno cutaneo in metastasi e dopo diverse operazioni aspettiamo che faccia il suo corso....nn e bello ma rispettiamo il volere della natura.... sono triste...nn so reagire....e il mondo in questo periodo sembra girare in un altro senso...tek mi ha accompagnato dalla morte di mia nonna( praticamente mamma.....ed e quindi un legame affettivo nn indifferente per me)....alle mie prime sofferenze amorose...e stato parte integrante della mia vita...con i suoi 60 kg e stato e per ora e una bella fetta del mio passato e presente....cosa si deve fare per affrontare al """"meglio questi momenti""" ???? nn ci sono libri....forum ....consigli ??? chiaro nn e bello condividere questi stati ma sicuramente sentirsi il meno soli aiuta nella sofferenza aiuta....nn credo in dio ma credo nella madre natura nel corso delle cose.....nelle catostrofi...insomma credo che lei abbia una risposta ai ns comportamenti...quindi accetto la sua morte...un po meglio....ma il pensiero mi attanaglia....vorrei essere forte o vorrei addirittura morire..per nn soffrire...gia perche in questa vita..la paura piu grande sembra essere la sofferenza..ma tanto chissenefrega...nn ho nulla da perdere ora. la morte nn mi spaventa, ma mi spaventa le continue sollecitazioni che al giorno d oggi si hanno : debiti, malattie, torture. soldi, affitti , bollette, ecc,,,,,,che mondo e ???? al posto che progredire degeneriamo e la natura si ribella......tumori....aids.....incidenti....catastrofi......insomma....il mio tek quando sara mi abbandonera....e io ??? vivro ma nn voglio che lui diventi per me un ricordo....deve e pretendo che rimanga una costante della mia vita.......nn sono pronto e mai lo saro...alla morte e un mondo ingiusto....bambytek@libero.it.....
A story from sharon parker about sam the dog that saved me posted 02/10/2011
mum and my dog sam. i was 15 when my parents got him for me he is the love of my life. had a pretty tuff time as a teenager my dad had a nervous breakdown and was taken to hospital for 6 months he didnt know who me or my brov was just say it was pretty upsetting. 2 months before my 16th birthday i got my best friend everyone said we made a great choice with him but i think he choose me the very first time i went to look at sam he jumped on me and had a weee all over me we fell in love at that moment he was mine,for years after that i was the girl with the black dog. in 2001 i meet a nasty piece of work sam didnt like my boyfriend from day one he wouldnt go nowere near him groal at him as this was coming from the softest dog ive know wish i took notice to what he was trying to tell me. in dec 2001 i found i was pregnant course i wanted the baby but i was bullied into an abortion and told to keep my mouth shut bout it that was the start of me having a massive breakdown. on 8th feb 2002 i had the abortion then the blackmail started i was told seeing as ive the abortion i had to move in with my boyfriend or ill be branded a baby killer so i make the hardest desision of my life i had to leave sam with my parents it broke my heart we had such a strong bond it was hard letting go. by sept 2002 i was back with my parents and my beloved sam but i was having a breakdown told my parents bout the mental abusive i went through. when i was really down sam would always be there lieing with me and never leaving me untill my mum come home for 5 solid years he slept with me in my bed just so i wasnt alone. we still have sam now but hes old hes 15 this year its heart breaking knowing this may be his last year tears are flowing as im writing this. to you my beloved sam im 31 in august im so hoping you still be with us you saved my life if you wasnt with me in my darkest of days i would of ended my life but you kept me going its hard saying goodbye everyday when i see you but you are always in my heart.
A story from Kevin Gunn about Similarities posted 02/11/2011
A story from Kevin Gunn about Similarities posted 02/11/2011
12 February 11
Hey John,
Just finished your memoir and wanted to commend you on a wonderfully told story. In your time in Philadelphia, I wrote to you on a few occasions reacting to columns of yours that moved me. I was pleasantly surprised that you responded, and always in a kind and approachable way. After the film adaptation of Marley and Me, I sought ought more of your work, and thatâs what led me to âThe Longest Trip Home.â
Born as raised in Havertown PA, I shared amazingly similar experiences to those recounted in your book. Especially the rigid Catholic upbringing, the Irish descent, the teenage trip-ups, awkward initial relationships, and managing becoming a man/father/husband, while remaining son/sibling/friend. I was born in 1957, and was married on September 8th 1989, just days after you and Jenny. So suffice is to say that I connected with your book.
You might be familiar with the radio station at which Iâve worked for most of the past 30 years. Itâs WMMR. I only bring that up because writing has been my core skill through several roles at WMMR (Morning Show Producer and Creative Director) And I only bring THAT up because it was my father who came through the door every night and dropped the Daily News and Inquirer in my lap and made me read them And so I found the wonder and wisdom of Bill Lyon, Pete Dexter, Steve Lopez, Bill Conlin, Gary Smith, Stan Hochman, and eventually even John Grogan, and many, many more.
So thanks for your work past and present. Thanks for your careful examination of your religion, for I am not as brave as you, and am raising my kids as a cafeteria catholic, those whom your dad SO did not approve of. Iâm working on it though!
All the best to you and your family, and thanks for your warm and wonderfully human take on things in this life.
Kind Regards
Kevin Gunn Havertown PA
A story from Steph about my husband's dog Kelsey posted 02/14/2011
Hi John, Thank you for wr
iting Marley and Me. I loved the book. I have read the book and seen the movie. Marley reminds me of my husband's beloved dog who was also a golden labrador. Kelsey died from a snake bite on Halloween of 2007. He was a sweet, loving, loyal dog who would do anything for my husband. We miss him very much. My husband now has another dog, a border collie cross german coolie. He is not the same as Kelsey but is lovely in his own way.
A story from Sada about Koda the sweet tooth German Shorthair pointer posted 02/16/2011
Koda came into my life about 2 1/2 years ago. He "belongs" to my boyfriend, but the moment I laid eyes on him I instantly adored him. You can't help but not love Koda.
Koda is a German Shorthair Pointer. Automatically you assume he is a hunting dog... Well, not so much. Koda was rescued in Illinois by my boyfriend. Since then Koda has ventured into more close calls than I can count. In California Koda went over a waterfall and tore a ligament in his knee. My boyfriend took Koda to the vet and they x-rayed him to see what damage had been done. The vet then proceeded to tell my boyfriend that Koda had a buckshot in one leg and a .22 round in the other... This would explain Koda's shyness around guns. We can only imagine the mischief this dog had probably gotten into back in Illinois. We often think maybe he was getting into the neighbor's chickens...? Or maybe someone was so cruel they decided to just shoot him... I hope that's not the case.
Koda is a sweet and loving dog, but he gets into his share of trouble. He begs constantly while we sit at the table trying to enjoy our meal. I glance under the table and look who it is... Koda waiting for some morsel, crumb, anything to drop down to where he patiently waits.
A couple winters ago, Koda was staying with my mom and her husband while my boyfriend and I were back in Illinois visiting his family. My mom called me one day to tell me Koda had eaten a dish full of tootsie pops...including the sticks. Then he went on to find a bag of Reeses peanut butter cups... And he devoured them all, foil and everything. That's when I discovered Koda had a serious sweet tooth because the next day my mom called again to tell me he tried to finish off what was left of the tootsie pops... That was the end of my mom and her husband setting out a nice candy dish for visitors. And that was the beginning of very painful bowel movements for Koda, I'm sure. And the beginning of a long battle with him over sweets.
I recently just finished "Marley & Me" and thought to myself, "wow, this dog is crazy!" But the story is so heart-warming and touching that I cried myself to sleep when I finished reading it... And I made sure Koda was on the bed with me, which is something he never gets to do unless he sneakily jumps up there and jumps down as soon as someone comes home. The truth is, Koda is 9 or 10. We don't know how old he really is since my boyfriend rescued him and the guy that sold him for $75 couldn't even put a whole sentence together. We "guesstimate" that he is around 9 or 10, and that's what the vets all guess too. I read "Marley & Me" and instantly thought of the moment I will have to say good-bye to my precious Koda. He has filled so many gaps in my heart and life that I can't even think about it without tearing up. My boyfriend has an even deeper connection with Koda and I fear for us both when that day comes. I know the day is a long ways away, but after reading "Marley & Me" you can't help but think about your own dog.
For now, Koda enjoys his days by sleeping on the couch that I always kick him off of. He gets his hair all over everything,(German Shorthairs do shed despite their name). He runs away from me as soon as I let him out the door. He runs straight for the pasture and digs for mice, caking his nose with dirt and tracking in mud as he gallops back into the house. Koda walks in front of me on his leash, not caring that he might choke himself by pulling so hard. He is a mischievous daredevil and never knows when to just take a breath. I love Koda unconditionally and do spoil him often. He is the world's best dog.
Thank you, John Grogan, for sharing your experience and wonderful story of Marley. I'm sure Marley and Koda would have gotten along great. Marley lives on in other dogs... I can think of one in particular.
A story from Hello about My dog max posted 02/17/2011
We first met max nearly 7 years ago when we picked him up from the breeders. When he came through the door he was a tiny fluffy little puppy, straight away he weeded on the floor, as we left the house there were to huge dogs (his mum and grandad) barking at the window as we carried max in to the car. On the way home we stopped and max got out for a wee, we all clapped and thought 'what a well behaved dog we have' (we soon realised we were wrong). Maxy has grown up like Marley. He once stayed at a kennels for two nights and didnt eat once beacuse as the owners came round to feed him he tryed to eat them insted so got asked to never come back. He always use to love playing tug of war with towels you were using and would pull them off you!! Maxy is a very big dog but thinks he is tiny so will come and sit on your lap! like Marley max loves food and one of his favorites is salad. Although maxy is a naughty dog he always makes us smile and is very loved! xxx
A story from Charlotte about MAX posted 02/17/2011
We first met max nearly 7 years ago when we picked him up from the breeders. When he came through the door he was a tiny fluffy little puppy, straight away he weeded on the floor, as we left the house there were to huge dogs (his mum and grandad) barking at the window as we carried max in to the car. On the way home we stopped and max got out for a wee, we all clapped and thought 'what a well behaved dog we have' (we soon realised we were wrong). Maxy has grown up like Marley. He once stayed at a kennels for two nights and didnt eat once beacuse as the owners came round to feed him he tryed to eat them insted so got asked to never come back. He always use to love playing tug of war with towels you were using and would pull them off you!! Maxy is a very big dog but thinks he is tiny so will come and sit on your lap! like Marley max loves food and one of his favorites is salad. Although maxy is a naughty dog he always makes us smile and is very loved! xxx
A story from Jayden about My dog Jack and her sister Shadow posted 02/21/2011
I have a dark yellow lab she loves to hunt and is close to dying she is ten years old I got her for my third birthday she has a sister who is just and her name is Shadowlike Marley she sis a yellow lab and also likes to hunt and died of cancer at nine years old I absolutley love your book it is funny sad and touching at the same time
A story from Jason about Shadow posted 02/21/2011
Shadow I a dog my son might of menshiened she was found at the pound with her sister Jack and my son and I love dogs to death!!!
A story from Nancy about My Dog Marley posted 02/23/2011
I have a dog named Marley who acts just like Marley in the movie!He chews on things and loves swimming in the pool. He gives hugs too!
A story from Deb about My life with dogs posted 02/27/2011
I just read Marley A Dog Like No Other as I wanted to see the movie and read the original book but heard about the ending and couldnt read it....I cried my eyes out!! Thank you for sharing your story!
First dog I remember was my grandma's German Shepherd who I grew up with and was put down when she couldnt walk anymore.. I didnt even go home from school that day. We eventually got Grandma a golden retriever but grandma got ill and we gave it to her neighbors as growing up we had a landlord and they wouldnt let my family have a dog... that was heartbreaking and I would drive by the house where she lived to watch her through the fence and cry....finally when I was a senior in high school mom bought a house and first thing we did was get a golden retriever of our own! I was married with a baby and one on the way when my dad passed and the same week mom had to call to have the dog put down... she didnt tell me til a week later as I was so upset about my dad she didnt wan to tell me about the dog.. I just had my first experience putting my dog down... and it was a horrible trip to the vet...I stayed til the end and I can't get over that feeling. My other two dogs are 10 and I am dreading the days... I learn from your story that we have to love them and cherish them right til the very end... it is so heartbreaking when they go but I say when we get a pet we are investing in a future small tragedy.. their pawprints will remain in our lives forever... i am so happy I finally read the end as sometimes you need a good cry! Thanks for sharing your story and tugging on my heart strings!
A story from maria contreras about my dog posted 02/27/2011
in my house.....i have a dog named princess but she is actully a princess of disaster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A story from Paula Gallaway about marley posted 02/28/2011
Dear Jonh iam reading marley & me again this is about the fourth time i have read the book i alway laugh and cry. The lony thing i have found was the flim is not half as goood as the book
A story from Chris about My Westie posted 03/02/2011
My Westie is 19 years old. He was my roommate starting in medical school. He picked my husband out of a series of bad first dates -- he literally bit one guy and he just loved my Brian fro the moment he met him. They now think at his vet that he has a brain tumor. I am an oncologist and I am just so heartbroken that I cannot help him. I am looking to see if you can help me figure out when is the right time. He is not enjoying anything anymore, although he does eat and drink; he is blind and deaf and has been form almost a year -- and he has made it around until recently when his back legs started to give out. He has two little girls, 6 and 3 who love him so dearly and I can't even bear to have to tell them -- although we have talked that Schroeder will die soon. When do you know?
A story from Monica about The Longest Trip Home posted 03/04/2011
Let me start by saying THANK YOU to John Grogan for this book I literally just finished reading 2 minutes ago. My eyes are still red from crying! but it was a "good" cry indeed. I was raised in a not-so-severe Catholic house and reading all the stories in this book brought back so many memories. I found myself nodding in agreement to so many sentences, believing them to be oh so true, and remembering what it felt like to grow up that way. Now in my late 30's I couldn't imagine growing up any other way.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane and thanks for writing this book :)
A story from morgan3 about lil posted 03/07/2011
My dog called Lilly and i have her since 2008. I just wanna say that the book is better as film and wish good luck to the future. JV
A story from Daiane about Bob posted 03/08/2011
Hi john I'm Dai and this photo is my dog Bob, he's a tremendous yob laughs destroys everything he can but does not reach the feet of Marley. laughs We're from Brazil. Bob I have a year or so and he too looooove Adoor also like the dog he has in my father's house, her name is suzi and she is the cutest thing in the world any day send a photo of it. kisses
A story from dino denunzio about my dog posted 03/09/2011
hi john this is my dog bailey and were from las vegas just recently my mom's friend lost her dog she's very upset about hid death and i just wanted to know how you felt when marley died
A story from Julianna about MY Midnight posted 03/09/2011
Hi John, I am in the middle of marley and me and saw the movie. I have a Black lab/wolf so she is like a hand full. When we got her she was a couple weeks i believe. She is almost as old as me like two or three year difference so because im almost fourteen she is like twelve. When I watched marley and me I kinda realized that she will die one day. If you would ever meet midnight she is very laid back but when thunderstorms come up she is terrified! Thank you you helped me.
A story from Bob about My dogs story posted 03/10/2011
John, When I got to your web site and read about your trip to see Tommy EmmanuelâŠI felt I was home. Your writing style, your choice of words, you phrasing, etcâŠâŠâŠ.is somewhere I have been â Your Books. You are comfort to readâŠan old blanketâŠ.has to have stains and rips. Why the rips? Well stains you can wash out and never see again, but ripsâŠ..you can stitch, repair and close, but they are always with you. And, who wants a ripped and stitched blanketâŠa cold body reading a story and the pooch that crawls under it. When I first got married, my wife wanted a dog. We got a little apricot colored poodle. The color hid all the messâ he got into. We called him Bosco. Remember the drink Bosco. The song âI love Bosco, Its so good for meâ. Canât carry a tune. AnywayâŠ..her best trick was taking food from my lips before I could get it in my mouth. Two to three years after we got Bosco, she got PG. What a road we went down. The night she had the litter, we were living in an apartment on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. Four pups came out one by one. Bosco did her thing with each oneâŠcleaning them up, etc. Bosco was acting funny. Laid down and another one came outâŠ.the fifth. Sack and all. Bosco could not do anything else. Not knowing what toâŠâŠ.I broke the sack and placed this very special pup with the rest of the litter. Thatâs how Peaches was born. We gave away all the other pups, but I just could not give up Peaches. The best FRIENDS I have ever had. They lived for 16 and 14 years with me, my wife and Son. They got sick together and passed. Bosco always took care of PeachesâŠâŠâŠ..she was a good Mother. I loved and still love them. Got a new poodle called CurtâŠ.after the lead singer Curt Cobain (Nirvana). Yes, my son named him. His colorâŠ.Apricot.
A story from Monica from Italy about Pepsy posted 03/13/2011
Hi,this was my little Pepsy. She was 17 years old, but about 8 february 2010 she isen't with us. We love her for all time !! By, Monica ps. Sorry for my fast english!
A story from Larry Holden about Shiloh posted 03/15/2011
John you probably have heard and read all the great stories people have had with Labs or Goldens throughout the years after the release of Marley and ME. My wife had tried to get me to read the book for at least the last three years but being an ignorant male I did't want to read a mushy book about a Golden Lab since I have always had Golden Retrievers. But upon retirement I finally picked the book up out sheer boredom!Well I wish that my ignorance hadn't lasted so long.As read through the story I kept pausing to tell my wife that you had stole our life story and just changed the gender and breed.Our Shiloh was 90lb female with not an ounce of fat on her.We had her for five years before our first son arrived.There was plenty of time to train her but the first two were identical to your time with Marley.We had her for thirteen years and she helped us raise our young sons by sleeping by their beds when the Boggie Man was hiding in the closet and sleeping in bottom bunk when one of the boys needed her for comfort.I have but one picture of her and it is a portrait taken at a photographers studio.I will cherish that photo till the day that I die for she will always be my favorite dog of all time. I have since raised and buried another great GoldenShavannahbut will forever love my Holdens Golden Shiloh.We have a Black Lab Shelbie who we have nicknamed Marline because she is entirely out of her mind but we love her dearly.I hope you have a second to glance at my long winded story and again thankyou for your inspiring book, L.G. Holden
A story from Larry Holden about Shiloh posted 03/15/2011
John you probably have heard and read all the great stories people have had with Labs or Goldens throughout the years after the release of Marley and ME. My wife had tried to get me to read the book for at least the last three years but being an ignorant male I did't want to read a mushy book about a Golden Lab since I have always had Golden Retrievers. But upon retirement I finally picked the book up out sheer boredom!Well I wish that my ignorance hadn't lasted so long.As read through the story I kept pausing to tell my wife that you had stole our life story and just changed the gender and breed.Our Shiloh was 90lb female with not an ounce of fat on her.We had her for five years before our first son arrived.There was plenty of time to train her but the first two years were identical to your time with Marley.We had her for thirteen years and she helped us raise our young sons by sleeping by their beds when the Boggie Man was hiding in the closet and sleeping in bottom bunk when one of the boys needed her for comfort.I have but one picture of her and it is a portrait taken at a photographers studio.I will cherish that photo till the day that I die for she will always be my favorite dog of all time. I have since raised and buried another great GoldenShavannah but will forever love my Holdens Golden Shiloh.We have a Black Lab Shelbie who we have nicknamed Marline because she is entirely out of her mind but we love her dearly.I hope you have a second to glance at my long winded story and again thankyou for your inspiring book, L.G. Holden
A story from Larry Holden about Shiloh posted 03/15/2011
John you probably have heard and read all the great stories people have had with Labs or Goldens throughout the years after the release of Marley and ME. My wife had tried to get me to read the book for at least the last three years but being an ignorant male I did't want to read a mushy book about a Golden Lab since I have always had Golden Retrievers. But upon retirement I finally picked the book up out sheer boredom!Well I wish that my ignorance hadn't lasted so long.As read through the story I kept pausing to tell my wife that you had stole our life story and just changed the gender and breed of the dog.Our Shiloh was 90lb female with not an ounce of fat on her.We had her for five years before our first son arrived.There was plenty of time to train her, but the first two years were identical to your time with Marley.We had her for thirteen years and she helped us raise our young sons by sleeping by their beds when the Boggie Man was hiding in the closet and sleeping in bottom bunk when one of the boys needed her for comfort.I have but one picture of her and it is a portrait taken at a photographers studio.I will cherish that photo till the day that I die for she will always be my favorite dog of all time. I have since raised and buried another great GoldenShavannah but will forever love my Holdens Golden Shiloh.We have a Black Lab Shelbie who we have nicknamed Marline because she is entirely out of her mind but we love her dearly.I hope you have a second to glance at my long winded story and again thankyou for your inspiring book, L.G. Holden
A story from Camila Cides about My story "Marley and Me. posted 03/16/2011
I always had many dogs throughout my life, big, small, black, white, yellow ... Several different breeds. I grew up in an environment where having dog was part of a family's happiness. At age 20 married, very much want to have children, but I believe this will only happen in God's will, because I have trouble conceiving. Then in March 2010, my cousin called me to offer me a dog that she had won but was not needed to take care and give the dog away, and I have always loved animals and would not refuse a gift so special, and was accepted search him. Since then my life and my husband has changed, it is our firstborn, Marley, a name given because of Marley and Me, is the joy of the house, when I met the Marley story and I fell in love and wanted a dog equal to Marley, and my request was held, as the Marley Marley is the same, despite being totally physically reverse the Marley original, but inside, he is also the world's worst dog. But is the dog that I love. I am Brazilian and my English is bad. But I appreciate the opportunity to tell my story, Marley and Me. Thanks
A story from Dorothy Maloney about Marley posted 03/17/2011
This is coming to you from Roswell, GA, right outside of Atlanta - I thought you might be interested in my story -
I am a volunteer with a local Hospice/Healthcare organization and each week I am the "Story Lady" at a local Assisted Living facility - most of our patients are elderly and in varying stages of Alzheimer's disease -
I have read many youth books, but the favorite, by far,are the ones about MARLEY! - many of the patients remember having had a "Marley" wshen they were younger and they remember the little "problems" that Marley had -
Please know that you have brought much joy to the lives of these patients with your stories about Marley - we all hope there will be more adventure of Marley in the future!
A story from Fiorella Alvaro about Ignacio , my labrador posted 03/18/2011
Hi John, my name is Fiorella , I am from Peru and used to live and work as a Pharmacist in Boston, Vermont and Florida until 2010 when I came back to Peru,now I am working for a multinational pharmaceutical company. I love your book, I just bought it and saw the movie a year ago. I have a labrador named Ignacio, he is so cute, my best friend and we travel together wherever I go. I had dogs before and love them( I am a dog fan) but nothing like what I feel for my labrador, he is my first labrador and I just love him so much. Your book is so special to me, thanks for sharing those moments with people, it really touches me deeply. Ignacio is now 1 year and 5 months, he is yellow as you can see the picture , he weights 36 kilos (which in pounds I guess you just have to double the numbers), my ex boyfriend gave it to me as a present when he was 2 months and days, the first week he got sick and stayed at the vets clinic , since then I promise myself to take a good care of him, I gave him and give him too much love, super premium food (of course sometimes is imposible to say no to snacks but I try to give him healthy ones), he has a dog trainer and once he participated in a canine competition and got first in the ranking. But that is not so important , what really matters is that you remind me that a dog is man`s best friend. I will buy your new book, I love how you write and I wish you always the Best, thanks, Fio
A story from LARA about LUNA posted 03/19/2011
Hi John, I am sending you my sad story. Its about my dear little dog which was killed by a rotwiller on 31st of January 2011. I am devasted and I don't know how to get over it. I hope you understand italian. If not I can translate all that into English but first of all I would like to make sure that you are going to read it. Will you? In any case. Here is my little dog story in italian for now. I also wanted to let you know that I LOVED YOUR BOOK AND THE FILM ABOUT MARLEY. It made me laugh so much (when my dog was still alive!!)and of course in the end I also cried. Anyway it was great. Nice story. Nice people. do you have another dog now? My email adress is pekigui@yahoo.it. Can you give me some advice how to get over the death of my dog? I feel so guilty about what happened..Its really so sad. Thank God at one point it will be all over. Immagine if we were eternal and life would never finish! Gosh I can't imagine that!! Ciao Peki,
Qui tutto parla di te. La casa eâ vuota, mi giro e non sei li che mi guardi o dormi. Esco fuori e in ogni ponte, in ogni angolo, in ogni calle di Venezia câeâ un ricordo di te.
Cucciolotta mia, mi manchi tanto. Eri una furbacchiona, nella tua dolcezza infinita. Sapevi manovrarmi come volevi, bastava un tuo sguardo, la testina piegata da un lato, unâun orecchio su e uno giuâ ed ecco che il gioco era fatto. Lo sapevi benissimo.
Ma eri una cagnetta modello. Un poâ ruffiana ma buona, orgogliosa ma dolce, coccolona ma forte. Il mio cuore eâ lacerato senza di te. Mi manca quando appoggiavi il nasino sulla mia gamba per chiedere un biscotto, mi manca tenerti la zampetta prima di addormentarmi con te al mio fianco, mi mancano le mattine di quando mi alzavo e tu puntualmente andavi a nasconderti in fondo al letto sotto le coperte e io dicevo ma cosâeâ questo fagottino? E poi alzavo le coperte e dicevo cucu.. E tu facevi finta di mordermi la mano per poi invece riempirla di baci. Eri una cagnolina paurosa. Qualche anno fa ti avevano trovata abbandonata in mezzo al traffico, portata poi in canile fino a che eâ arrivato il tuo angioletto custode: la signora Adele. Eri felice laâ, con lei e la sua badante. Ti sentivi al sicuro. Poi un giorno la signora Adele eâ morta e io ti ho preso con me. Da allora siamo state sempre insieme. Tu avevi paura di tutto, eri assolutamente indifesa. Quel maledetto giorno del 31 gennaio 2011, in via Sandigliano a Candelo (Biella) un rotwiller ha scavalcato un recinto rotto e ti ha aggredita, ridotta in fin di vita. Non guardavi mai quel cane, tu guardavi solo me e cercavi il mio aiuto. Io urlavo dalla disperazione, dalla paura, tenevo quel cane per il collo percheâ non avevo altre armi, ma lei oramai ti aveva puntata, nonostante tu ti fossi messa con il pancino suâ. La mia povera mamma giaâcolpita da 2 infarti urlava accovacciata in un angolo e urlava forte il tuo nome e mentre tutto questo accadeva i proprietari del cane se ne stavano prima nel balcone della loro casa al sicuro, dopo si sono ritirati per poi uscire mezzâora piuâ tardi e dire che non avevano sentito nulla. Tu sei morta grazie allâignoranza umana. Gente che vuole cani come i rotwiller o pitbull ma poi non sanno gestirli. Gente allâapparenza tanto dispiaciuta per la tua morte ma quando il giorno dopo abbiamo chiesto il risarcimento danni (da donare alle Amichediluâ di Napoli - Associazione Animalista) ecco il dolore sparire dalla faccia del proprietario per dar posto alla freddezza. Ma si Luna, in fondo eri un cagnolino, neppure di razza, avevi giaâ 11 anni, forse te ne sarebbero rimasti da vivere altri 5-6 e poi il canile eâ pieno di cani in cerca di famiglia. Quindi lascia perdere tutto lâamore che mi hai dato, le nostre giornate passate insieme, le notti a dormire uno accanto allâaltra e il tempo che ancora avresti potuto avere per rivalerti sulla tua vita passata di cane bastonato e abbandonato che eri prima di trovare la casa della Signora Adele. Non importa se quando sei stata aggredita avevi il pacco intestinale fuori, morsi sul dorso e il terrore negli occhi e non piangevi, e ne sono davvero convinta lo facevi per me.
Luna vorrei tanto che tu avessi un minimo di giustizia per quel che eâ successo. Il tuo corpo riposa nella tua isoletta felice di S. Elena, quel posto tanto amato da te. Ma tu sei ovunque, ti penso in paradiso ma anche accanto a me in ogni istante. Voglio credere che se qui nessuno ti daraâ giustizia, e vedrai che non ci saraâ , nellâaldilaâ ci sia un qualcuno che si occuperaâ di cioâ che avviene sulla Terra. Ingiustizie, sfruttamento dei piuâ deboli animali o persone che siano, di tutti i tuoi simili privati della loro libertaâ e dignitaâ, di quegli animali fatti impazzire dentro le gabbie, di vivisettori che per denaro vi uccidono. Sia maledetto chi tortura unâanimale indifeso. Davanti a queste persone io sputo e provo solo un enorme disprezzo. Provo anche disprezzo per il nostro Paese e per quella giustizia che non câeâ. Un Paese il nostro dove chiunque puoâ fare quello che vuole, uccidere, rovinare la vita ad altri e rimanere impunito. Un Paese fatto di una giustizia malata, di un sistema politico e giuridico tutto da rifare e di un buonismo ipocrita che non serve a niente.
Ciao Peki, ti voglio tanto bene. Sarai sempre nel mio cuore.
Lara Longato
A story from Robert Sterbal about Photo of our lab reading a dog book posted 03/22/2011
This is a picture I took with a book I was trying to get my son to read. My adopted lab struck a perfect encouraging pose.
A story from Miles Mom about Miles the lab posted 03/23/2011
Hi John, I read Marley and Me soon after we got our yellow lab, Miles who was just 4 months old. There have been many moments since where I reminded myself that Miles would eventually get older as Marley did and I have tried to cherish his time as a energetic young dog. Today, after a replacing the sliding glass door he ran through (Miles was not injured, not even a scratch) 29 socks, a hula hoop, 4 shoes and the numerous surprised children who came up to him at the park and got a face full of kisses - Miles is 3 years old. He is the happiest, silliest, kindest dog in the world. He may even be calming down a bit (fingers crossed) and now only gets compared to Marley occasionally. Thank you for writing such a great story. It will always be one of my favorites that I will read again and again.
Miles Mom
A story from Laura about Claira <3 posted 03/23/2011
Well it all started July 2, 2010 when my beautiful shetland sheepdog entered this home. I remember seeing her for the first time, all scared and confused. She didn't know where she was or where her sister was. I remember holding her for the first time and helping pick out her name. Sophie? No. Rosie? No. Luna? No. Claira? Yes! Now I enjoy holding her and burying my face in her fur. Telling her I love her and calling her baby. There's no love like the love from your dog. The only problem is I can't hold her very long because I'm sadly allergic to her, luckily I have been recently put on allergy meds so I can keep loving my little girl. <3
A story from Mike Turco about Great Lesson coming to youngsters... posted 03/25/2011
Hi Mr. Grogan, I just wanted to say thank you for your adapted version of Marley and Me for middle school-aged children. I am a fifth grade reading and math teacher in Cortland, Ohio (Lakeview Local Schools) and have ordered a classroom set of it to use for my reading class. I like to use novels for my children that I know they will enjoy. But I always try and use novels that teach valuable lessons in life. My wife and I are the proud owners of three Bichons, one being a rescue from Small Paws Rescue. I was very touched at the end of your novel to see that you and your wife had went to look at a rescue Lab after the passing of Marley. I know that this novel will leave very few dry eyes in my classroom, but I feel it will be valuable to my students in that I know they will learn a little about life and love through the reading of your novel. So, I wanted to thank you in advanced and on the behalf of my students, thank you. I know this novel will be an excellent ending to a great school year.
A story from Mekella about The Longest Trip Home posted 03/25/2011
I literally still have tears in my eyes after finishing the last few chapters of your memoir "The Longest Trip Home". Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. P.S: I hope all is well with your family, your kids are so beautiful!
A story from Irene L. about Departure of a friend posted 03/27/2011
My little friend left me on friday, of sudden death. He didn't even had time to close his eyes. I was overwhelmed with grief and regret over why I can't save him... he had been the best thing that ever happened to me, and he had taken me out of my depression. Because of him, I never had to rely on medication...
I was in the worst time of my life in 2003, I was hurt badly by a terrible breakup and i was emotionally disturbed, all I could think of at that time was to kill myself.
One day, I went by a pet shop and a little puppy immediately got my attention. He was looking at a couple picking up another puppy and I observed him for a while and couldn't help but catch the look of longing in his eyes. As a mix breed, he wasn't the prime choice anyone would want to consider. My heart found it's way to him and I bought him at RM450. This little dog was special in his every little gesture. The day I went to collect him at the shop, I remembered him being shy and excited at the same time: he went to every little cage, barking loudly at his friends as if to say goodbye and that he has found a new owner.
Over the few years, we had a great time at our old house where there were spaces and lots of freedom. Every day when I came back from work he would be the first to greet me and accompany me till we go to bed. Once he went missing and I searched for him frantically with tears and luckily, I managed to find him and from that day onwards I realised how important he was to me and that I cannot bear to lose him.
Due to financial downturn, my family had to move to a smaller place 2 years ago and in the midst of relocating, he has suffered stress from people who housed him for a few weeks.
The apartment now I am staying has robbed him of his voice and the freedom we once had became limited, though I tried to take him to a nearby park as many times as I could, hiding him in a dog bag. I am angry with myself most of the time and regretted that I cannot make the situation better, still he was happy and every time he sees the dog bag, he will seat himself in it and waiting for me to "smuggle" him out. Due to long working hours and being alone by myself with no one beside me, my little friend has to wait for me to come back to spend the little time with him and sometimes I looked at him and I felt the sadness..
25 March 2011, he was killed by a similar condition suffered by Marley, a condition I wasn't aware of and didn't make it in time to take him to the vet...
Few hours after his departure, I was still in shock and one of my good friend (Joe Ren Akioka) helped me to give him a burial, I hated to see him go and I cannot contained my grief, regret and guilt. I have been crying my heart out and I know I cannot let it go.
He has loved me unconditionally for all his life till his last breath and I am going to miss him so much, all his memories are in every corner of my apartment and every moment I opened my eyes, it is killing me.
I hope he has gone to a better place and if there is such a better place called heaven.
(Pardon me for the poor writing skill, I have tried)
A story from Irene L. about Departure of a friend (Addendum) posted 03/27/2011
Greatly missed - 2003 to 2011
A story from Vanda and Mario from Italy about our little dog posted 03/31/2011
These was Sissi, our dog of 8 years old, but from year 2005 she'isnt more with us. We love her for ever, mum and dad. Sorry for our bad english !!!
A story from John-Sebastian about Our escape artist - Pam the Dachshund posted 04/03/2011
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your story of Marley and your family to the world! I've read it in English non-stop over the weekend (I'm Dutch by the way) and was touched by your story, recognising many things our dogs had in common. My dog was a sweet, high-energy, but mischievous wire-haired dachshund called Pam. I grew up with 4 dachshunds from birth, but Pam (our last one) was definitely my favourite and a dog I could proudly call my own. She passed away only two-and-a-half months ago, 19.1.2011, at the respectable age of 14.5.
Like Marley she would not hurt a fly in the world. Just like you describe in your book, if burglars were to burgle the place she would have greeted them with great gusto and licks. She also never grasped the notion of walking on a leash without pulling and nearly choking herself to death. The few times we did release her from the leash, she'd sprint off, chasing rabbits, pheasants and other game. She was an expert at breaking out of the house too. If someone was answering the door, you had to be very careful to make sure she wouldn't dart out of the house in search for the neighbour's cat(s). One day we actually came late to my uncle's wedding, because she escaped the moment we wanted to get in the car. It was particularly painful as I was the best man on this big day...
On many occasions I've found myself crawling through bushes, jumping over fences, climbing over fallen trees, into neighbour's backgardens, into the canal, and even on the neighbour's rooftop to try to get her back. On that last occasion she managed to climb the stairs to the second floor, go out the balcony door, and walk over our balcony to the neighbour's roof, to chase some (imaginary) cat on their roof top ... but would she listen to my calls? No, instinct took over, and she only came back to us when she felt she had enough fun for the day (or on those rare occasions I was able to catch her, yelling her name out loud on the top of my lungs, often to much amusement of the neighbours). As Pam grew older, she was easier to catch though, but she never lost that edge. Right up to her 'natural' death (she died overnight in her sleep), she was always on the look-out for another outbreak.
I still feel very sad about her loss, but I know this is how nature works. She has been the most fantastic and loyal companion since we got her (I was 15 at the time and like you I slept the very first night next to her as she wouldn't stop crying). When I moved out of the house for college, I went back every weekend to my parent's place to check up on her. Later, when my parent's moved to the border of Germany, and I moved abroad for my PhD in Scotland, it became increasingly more difficult to see Pam regularly. Fortunately, cheap airline tickets and Skype made it possible for me to see her often, though in the latter case she could not see me and had no clue where my voice came from. She was, as the family nicknamed her 'het domme blondje' (the dumb blonde), but we loved her for it anyway. She gave us much joy, and I find myself recounting many funny (and not so-funny) incidents more and more often.
Now, I'm 30 years old and with my girlfriend moving in in two months' time, I think I know what you've felt like when you just married Jenny. We'd both like to start a family, but are scared to death of parenthood. We've discussed this issue many times, but since my girlfriend is only 24 years old, we decided to wait for it a bit more and first try our luck with a dog. I don't know if it will be a dachshund again, or a slightly bigger breed (my parents are now getting a labrador retriever, who was born 3 days ago by the way), but I will make sure to do the necessary research before adopting a new dog.
Thanks again for your gift to the world! Reading Marley and Me brought back a lot of good memories of my own dog, and certainly did help me in coping with mourning over my own dog.
Yours truly, John- Sebastian
P.S. Find attached a picture of Pam in her older days with a pig's ear (doggie treat) in her mouth.
A story from Karen (age 12) about cahsing! posted 04/05/2011
Unfortunately I donât own a dog, but one a friends does. She has a black dog that is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a king charles cavalier. The dogs name is Tilly. Last Sunday we went to a field behind a tennis court. After an hour of being at the field Tilly got a milk carton in her mouth, it took me and my friend 10 minutes to get it off her, later she got a plastic bottle in her mouth and it took 15 minutes to get it took off her. After a while she found a bone and started to eat it so we had to spend 30 minutes getting it of her. It was a really fun day!
A story from Alexis(age nine) about Marley:A Dog Like No Other posted 04/06/2011
John, Your story about Marley was so amazing,I cried at the end.After I finished reading I looked at my dog Mandy in the eyes and told her that when she is gone,I will never forget her.Your stories about Marley facinate me and my class so much that we all read the story.I have one other Marley book and read it every day.I want to see the movie too.Marley is a great dog and his spirt probaly still is in your heart today.Thank you for sharing the greatest dog story in history.Marley is not my dog but after your book, it felt like it. Thanks SO much, Alexis(age 9)
A story from Elaine Ramos about (Brazil posted 04/06/2011
Um grande abraço em vocĂȘ, na Jenny e nos seus trĂȘs filhos lindos.
Elaine Ramos
A story from emma armstrong about marlee and me posted 04/07/2011
Dear John,
my name is emma and im from newcastle in the u.k. I also have a golden lab called marlee who is nearly two. After watching the film Marley and me it inspired her name given by my daughter jorjie. I must say however i have seen the film and laughed and cried and thought it was brilliant but more recently i have read your book and although i many ways similar to the film i found the book much more heart wrenching when your beloved marley passes away. My Marlee is just as crazy and uncontrolable as yours was and i found myself relating to alot of things when i was reading. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Gracie also, i cannot even begin to imagine how lost i will be if anything should happen to my best friend, even though sometimes amid chewed shoes, ripped wallpaper, broken appliences and soiled beds i could scream i would be lost without her. Thank you for making me realise that she is not a bad dog but just mischevious and full fun and curiosity.
A story from Minu about Experienced the love of a dog through your book posted 04/08/2011
I just finished reading Marley and Me yesterday night. The book was given to me by one of my friends, and am so glad she did.
I've never had a pet all my life, but have always been wanting to have one. I'm really fond of dogs :)
I met a doggie named Marley ,who stays nearby to a park where I go for an evening walk sometimes. Its been just a few days since I met him, and I try to sync my evening walk timings with that of his, just so that i get to see him... A few days after having met Marley,my friend Divya brought your book and suggested that I read it.
Your book is really amazing...I have never felt so heavy at heart after having read a book. I couldnt help crying when Marley was put to sleep.It was so hard to read on...
I wanted to thank you for making me experience the love of a dog through your book, some things need not be experienced in life to be felt, it can be felt through other's experiences too...
Even if I have a pet someday, your Marley will still hold a special place in my heart.
A story from Linda, Lansing MI about Longest Trip Home posted 04/08/2011
Hi, John, I just finished your book and I could relate to so many things, especially at the end of the book about losing your dad. My dad has been gone 21 years and my mother passed away July 4, 2009. The story about your dad hit home about my mother in so many ways. You are such a great writer and I hope you write more books. Sorry to read about your dog Gracie. It is never easy losing a great friend as your dog. I also read Marley and Me and loved that one too. Good Luck in all your endeavors.
A story from Kate about From Northville posted 04/09/2011
Just wondering, do you read these musings? :) I just re-read my entry from 10/24 and I am embarassed. Sorry. Blah blah, blah....again, sorry. :)
A story from Asia (10 years old) about About your dog Marley and my dog! posted 04/12/2011
Dear John Grogan, I just got finishing the book of Marley and Me A dog like no other. I have a dog named Clancy and he is a boy and a Chihuahua Rat T errier mix and he is almost similiar like Marley but my dog when he wants to go inside when he is done with the bathroom at the backyard he jumps up and down and the patio door he is only 10 in dog years which right now he is 2 he has alot of energy and zip. When Marley died at the end of the book I almost cried but i didn't well i didn't want to cry in front of my classmates at school.So now i was thinking about getting a labador retriever.When i grow up i wanted to be a author and you are my favorite author. When you described Marley in the book it reminded me of my dog.I hope someday i can write a book about my dog all i have to do now is follow my dream of being an author. :)
A story from Lisa Curtis about Super Dog posted 04/13/2011
First off I have to say I LOVED MARLEY AND ME! My dog Tanqueray is beyond amazing. I adopted her a little over 11 years ago. She has always been a tough and smart dog. She and my other dog Baccarat have always been by my side. I survived a medical horror story and they both were truly amazing.
And now Tanq is going through a terrible time. In February of 2009 I lost my brother David to an accidental prescription overdose. Six weeks later my best (human) friend died of a heart attack. In July of 2009 Tanqueray was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma. Needless to say I was devastated. Now here we are in 2011. Tanq aka Super Dog is still going strong. The tumor in her rib cage is the size of a softball, however she still loves to eat, play fetch and go for walks. I swear she would give Balto a run for his money (or a treat). Yes she has amazed her vet. I know the day will come and it will break my heart. However John your book really opened my eyes on how not to be so depressed and simply enjoy every moment with both of them.
A story from Lisa Curtis about My Dog Baccarat posted 04/13/2011
Baccarat was just a little puppy when I adopted him. You see I wanted a companion for my dog Tanqueray and I had to get a puppy. Tanq does not do well with dogs (to say the least). Well little did I know that the puppy I just adopted would grow up to be a giant. Baccarat is 125 lbs and stands 5'4 on his hind legs. After the first several weeks together Tanq finally stopped biting Baccy and decided to allow him to be part of the family.
Baccy I swear had he been human he would have been a Super Model. For the past 9 years every time I take him for a walk (which is daily) someone always comments on his looks and size. He has been a great addition to my family. I must tell you though he did go through a lot of adjusting. 1 month after I bought a new living room set, I came home to find that cute little Baccy had eaten the corner off of not only the sofa, but the love seat, oversized chair and the ottoman. And yes I had to leave the house for about 20 minutes before I was able to walk back in without strangling him. By the way Tanqueray still dominates Baccarat to this day, and she is half his size.
Dogs are the best!
A story from Stephen about Marley & Me...and Sally posted 04/14/2011
Hi John - Greetings from Dublin, Ireland. Listen Buster! You officially owe me for the price of: 1 pillow. I stayed up until 5:30 am this morning finishing 'Marley & Me' in bed and lost about half my body-weight in water, blubbering over the final few chapters, which were both heartbreaking & inspiring, at the same time...somehow! My pillow is now a salty, water-logged mess! You, my friend, have somehow managed to capture, in words, every aspect of owning and loving a dog. The photo is of one of our two dogs - Sally, in her younger days. She is an amputee - originally a rescued dog and has 3.75 legs...her back, right-hand foot having been amputated many years ago, before we got her.I'm afraid she is nearing 'The Big Meadow' now herself...or in her case...'The Big 'All-You-Can-Eaterie'. Food is her passion in life! - Not playing...not walks!...Just Food! 'Yes, all dogs love food!',I hear you cry - but in Sally's case, it goes beyond love...it's obsession! I suspect that if I were made out of the same stuff as 'Meaty Strips' are made out of, she would not hesitate to cannibalise me! She has been to the vet 3 times since the start of the year. Each time, we thought it would be her last, but like Marley, she is a little fighter, and has deftly pooped directly beneath the advancing shoe of the unsuspecting 'Grim reaper' and hopped merrily on her way. But just like Marley, she wins Hearts, wherever she goes. I live in one of the 'toughest' areas of North Dublin, and have been stopped and quizzed many times by roughies, toughies, drug-users, drug-dealers, and all manner of 'hard men', about my little 'Hopper'...always concerned, asking the same question 'What happened his poor little leg?' (They assume she's a 'He' and just turn to putty! ;) I don't know how much longer she has, but we shall fight on! God Bless you and your lovely family John!
A story from Elizangely about Pretinho my little dog posted 04/17/2011
Hi John my name is ELIZANGELY i have a little dog, the PRETINHO, it is a pretty, very smart dog and we attend together the film of the Marley, I loved its history and that they continue sensible to coexist as much other Marley that to come and that always blesses them to God. You have a pretty family⊠kisses!
A story from dino denunzio about sad story posted 04/18/2011
hey john i feel so bad about marley i watched the movie so many times and i still cry thinking about it but im glad he lived a long long life and lived it with a familey who cared about him i know how it feels to lose a dog when i was about 2 years old we had to put our dog down of corse i wasn't there but i knew what happened he was 10 so that's pretty long for a dog but he had to go
A story from Anita Gripe about Marley & Me posted 04/20/2011
Hi John, Greetings from Cornwall, England. I've just finished reading Marley & Me for the 4th time today and again I read the final 3 chapters in floods of tears (it never fails to set me off) with my dog Sam sitting next to me licking my face. I love the book! So much so that I've bought copies for a number of my friends who all agree, Marley was a great dog! I was prompted to send you a message after reading the book this time because as Sam is getting older (he is 7 now) he seems to be getting naughtier by the day and Sam gets up to the same kind of antics as your Marley did with very similar consequences. Sam tips up the rubbish bin and eats the contents, steals food (only yesterday he stole a full tub of butter from the kitchen unit and devoured the lot), eats socks and hankerchiefs whenever he manages to get hold of them and has just done exactly what Marley did on 'Dog Beach' on our local beach. Also though, like Marley, he is loving, loyal and is never happier than when me and my husband are just with him. I dread the day when we lose Sam. I am very sorry to read about Gracie - I saw her on the Dog Whisperer and she looked like a lovely natured dog. I really am truly sorry you lost her at such a young age. Kind Regards, Anita
A story from Bridget Provinsal about L.A.P. The Story of my 3 Seeing Eye Dogs posted 04/24/2011
My name is Bridget, and i read Marley and Me my freshman year of high school (im 17 now) and have never loved a book so much (Harry Potter comes in a close second) but this is one book that one can read and never grow tired of it, and find something new in it every time. Then i saw that the movie was coming out! But here is why this book meant even more to me: I raise Seeing Eye puppies for the visually impaired. I foster these dogs for 14-16 months and then they return to the program, and there is a chance i would never get to touch them again. I chose to raise golden retrievers,and when this movie came out i had just started the program, and went to see the movie with my Seeing Eye puppy, Lilac. We both enjoyed it and my dad even started to cry! I remember looking down at the goreous yellow puppy fast asleep at my feet during the movie, and at that moment i knew the bond between Lilac and i was unbreakable, just as it was for John and Marley. Lilac was my first dog and i have never been so attached to any pet in my life. Then, Novemeber i got another Seeing Eye puppy, Alcott, and she and Lilac grew inseperable. I got Alcott knowing taht the time for Lilac to return to the program was very soon. Then January 7th 2010 came around all too quickly. Lilac was to return to the program and continue training. I remember seeing her walk away with the lady that brought her back to the program , and Lilac was excited and happy to go back. I was so torn. I wanted to be happy and proud of what i was doing, but it was like a part of my heart was returning with her. Now in that program there is a 50/50 chance that the dogs will pass the program requirements. Lilac did not pass because she was too timid, so they offered her back, and she came home! January 26th, 2010 she came back! Now i had grown extremely attached to Alcott at this point and she had grown to be a part of the family in a whole different way. This dog was more than just a dog. She was more than just a spunky golden retriever she was the best thing for my dad. My dad always had dogs growing up, but he said she was the greatest he ever had. She had such a fire in her heart that warmed everyone around her, and when the time came around that we knew she was to return, what did we do? It only seems logical that we would set ourselves up for yet another heartbreak, so we got yet ANOTHER golden retriever! Another dog that we would foster for the Seeing Eye. This little fluff joined us on March 7th, 2011. Her name is Patsy and she is by far the CUTEST puppy.ever. Pictured here is all three of them with my, their momma :). Lilac on the right of the picture, Patsy on my lap, and Alcott on the left of the picture :) We had three goldens for 3 days! Alcott returned to the Seeing Eye program on March 9th, 2011. My dad even cried when she left. I had (and still have) such a bond with Alcott, that i still get teary when remembering her. The hardest part is that the program is only 20 minutes away, but i am not allowed to see her. This dog was with me for a year and a half, slept on my bed every night, went for daily runs with me, and was always there when i went to school and returned home. I have heard nothing reguarding how she has been doing in the program, so in one sense i guess no news is good news. Yesterday i bought another copy of Marley and Me, the book, because it was the deluxe edition full of pictures never published before, and i knew at a time like this i would read it for the fifth time :) I was wondering if it would be possible to send it to you, John, to sign. This book gets me crying laughing, closer to my puppies, and just happier every time i read it , or even look at the pictures on the inside. That would be incredible! Thank you for reading this lengthy story of my life with my dogs, aka my best friends! Love, Bridget, Lilac, Alcott, and Patsy. (L.A.P) <3
A story from Stephen about Sally Fights On! posted 04/25/2011
Hello All! It's really nice to read all of your stories..and Bridget...I think what you're doing is great, even though it must be painful parting with those lovely dogs ;( My dog Sally (1 of our two) has really kinda 'rallied' in the last week or so...so strange!...in a good way! We really thought she was at deaths' door a few times since the start of the year...originally a rescued dog, she must be at least 12 or 13 now. I had to ring the vet last Thursday because she had severe diarrhoea from Tuesday night, and he said to starve her for 24 hours - Nightmare!! Thats like telling Colonel Gadaffi 'Be Good!' ...or Lady Gaga 'Don't be such a Nutcase!'...or Bill Clinton - 'Don't be so cooool man!' ;) It was hard for the poor little dog...following me around the hall & kitchen, and I could tell what she was thinking! "Ehhmm! Helloo? Say!...Aren't we missing something here?...Like a Frickin' MEAL???"...but!, I'm happy to say, our vet's advice was spot-on (He's my own personal Dr Jay...He's great!), and now she is doing so well, I suspect she may outlive all of us! ;) GodBless you Good Folk!
A story from Ashleigh Kelly about Our lab Shumba posted 05/03/2011
Dear John,
This is our lab Shumba (meaning lion) He is such a character and although we have definitely had our fair share of ups and downs with him we love him to bits. In fact, it was just yesterday when my mom was ready to give him away but fortunately he struck this pose just in time and she fell in love with him all over again.
Thank you for your wonderful story.
Ashleigh Kelly South Africa
A story from mup about cherry posted 05/03/2011
one day i was mopping my floor in the kitchen, my dog cherry had 'kennel cough' then she came up to me and barked and then went to the kitchen and i saw her laying down on the floor so i picked her up and she had a ceagar so i put her down so then i called my mommy and then when she was on her way and when when my mommy came pee came out of cherry's mouth... R.I.P CHERRY! YOU LEFT YOUR PAW PRINTS IN MY HEART!!!! I LOVE YOU CHERRY!!!!!!!!!!!!
A story from Ruth about Zak posted 05/04/2011
Dear John
I have always been a huge fan of Marley and Me and every time I read it, it had reduced me to tears. I need to tell people about my dog Zak. He is a golden retriever and he is 12 years old. I have only had him for 6 years as he was a rescue dog but they were the best six years of my life. Unfortunately Zak had to be put to sleep two days ago as he had had heart trouble for about a year now and his legs had started to go. I got up on monday morning and he could not walk without me supporting him and then he was still falling to one side. He could not even go to the toilet properly. I was with him till the very end and it broke my heart. He was the best friend I ever had and had helped me through my parents divorce,and a few more dramas that I could not have got through without him. Whenever I cried or was upset he would come over to me and nudge me with his head for a cuddle. He also had a thing for pinching peoples socks there were number od occasions when i had been loading the washing machine and sorting the clothes into piles and i would turn around and there he was grinning at me with a sock in his mouth. He also pinched a chicken out of the oven one time and ate it in the back garden string and all. I am lost without him and I can barely concentrate on anything. I know he is in a better place and no longer in pain but it does not ease my grief. He was one in a million. He was my friend and I will never forget him.
Ruth, Sunderland UK
A story from Stephanie K about I love dogs too x posted 05/05/2011
I just wanted to say I loved the movie Marley and Me although after recently reading your book, I must say the book is much better! I have always loved dogs myself and grown up with them all my life. At the moment we have 4 rescue dogs which were all abused or due to be killed...I think this is a lovely website for everyone to share their own experiences of their dogs and it is so nice that there are so many good owners out there to read about. Once again I loved your story, it made me laugh out loud at some points and also, cry like a baby at others - it was moving. My dogs have also given me moments where I have thought "why, why, why are you chewing a whole in the wall or feathers from a pillow" but I love them all so much and would not have them any other way. Marley was an amazing dog for you and we are all blessed to have such loyal companions. Thank you for the novel, it was an inspiring way to think about and view our beloved animals x
A story from Brynn B. about You, and my dogs. posted 05/07/2011
Dear John,
I am only 10 years old, soon to be 11. I was working in class when we were told to grab a book for testing. I ran over and grabbed a random book. Later at the end of my test, I had to read for a few minutes. I looked at the cover and immediatly thought : "oh no." It was titled: "Marley; a dog like no other." I had seen the movie when it first came out, and had left the theatre in tears. So I was very worried about reading the book. But as I began to read, I couldn't put the book down. I got home today, and began to finish the book, giggling and laughing, and talking about it to my friends online. But as I reached the end of the book, my soft 10 year old heart began to break. It was so sad the way Marley's life had to end, and it left me in tears for the second time. I instantly looked at my Bulldog Ike. Ike is 12 years old, bulldogs die at 8, so he is due to die anyday, and your book inspired me so much. I have conviced myself to treat Ike's days like they are his last. I don't know what life is going to be like when my dear Ike is gone, My parents had him before I was born, and he has been with me through out my childhood. I get a lump in my throat just talking about my dog dying this way, and it makes me really sad. I have another dog too, Teddy, he is wild JUST like Marley, and he makes me smile. Teddy is 3, we bought him so that when Ike dies, we have him. We got Teddy when he was 8 weeks old, and he isn't a very well trained dog. He is very spunky, and loves to chase the deer, even if they run the minute the door opens. Teddy has had a crazy life with us, and it only goes down hill from their. Whether it's chasing down Teddy in a mall parking lot, or FORCING him to take a bath, Teddy is or wild, cocky, spunky little guy, Its hard to believe he's not a puppy anymore, but I love him!
Now John, back on my dog Ike, I'm really scared. Ike has Athritis (I don't know how to spell it) but it means his back legs are really weak and he can barely move. I know your dog Marley had it. But back a while ago when it was raining, Ike wouldn't go up the steps back into the house, he just stared at them and gave me a look like; "Your seriously not going to make me go up those steps right?" and I had to force him up the steps, I couldn't leave them there. The a while back in summer, Ike was making his way up the steps and tripped and fell, I spazzed out and quickly got my mom, who wasn't very worried, AT ALL. It doesn't make it even better when Ike attacks us for touching his back legs. I hate that my dog is getting old, and I never want that day to come when he dies. I don't want him to die in this house either, since we are planning on moving.
Well I hope you read this! Takes a lot of courage for me to post anything and admit I'm 10. (BTW, sorry I filled your 'share your stories' thread with Spam about my dogs!)
A story from Ticha King about My dog name is Marley king posted 05/07/2011
I wanted to say first I love the movie is amazing and also read the book that the book is mor detail than the movie. Our dog, puppy hes almost a year old we name him Marley he is special and a little rugrat since he was little puppy thats why you chosse that name, This dog is terribly undisiplined he gets into everthing he destroys what ever gets on hes sight especially the sofas he really eats them we have to throw out every sofa we put in our backyard due to marleys habits, we have got him a bunch of sqeekie toys and ropes for him to play is all over the backyard which we live in a small apartment the back is not so big, when we let him inside the house he acts like crazy jumping on us biting he loves to bite that habit he has it since we first brought him home its so funny beacuse he would not stop biting our feets everywhere that we went he was constantly back of me, my 2 boys and my husband, my boys love to play with marley rough I think thats why marley doesnt get the rules he acts very energetic and crazy, he has grown a lot and he scratches windws and doors for us to pay him attention, what worries me is that a while now he has hes skin very red especially on the bottom and hes legs like if he has a rash or his skin is falling and he has a lot of black spot what is that im very concern hope is not something bad, we are very low budjet and we cant take him to the vet they charge to much we dont know what to do, we dont wanna loose our dog hes presious to us he barely a year old and we love him very much.
A story from Stephen about Murphy...and Marley...and Me! posted 05/08/2011
This is Murphy...deceased 2 years now but probably the closest dog we ever had to Marley...in Temperament and Personality. He was a real 'Character'...with a lively, cheeky personality, and a boundless energy characteristic of his breed (98% Border Collie...so, a mongrel basically ;) Murphy could easily have been Marley's 'Apprentice'. I just watched an hour or so of 'Marley & Me' on DVD...and turned it off. Sorry Hollywood! Once again, you have managed to take a work of art, and turn it into a banal, mediocre pile of cr@p (no disrespect to Owen Wilson & Jennifer Anniston - Both great actors!)...but if the 'Brains' behind this had really been 'Brainy', they would have used John's Book as a 'Script' for the movie...and realised that the 'viewing audience' would all be dog-lovers, without trying to embellish it...or screwing around with the story - Scriptwriters Job already Done!! - What could be simpler that that?? Sorry! - But the movie is a complete travesty! I'm just glad I read the book first (PS. Sally Soldiers On ;)
A story from Rick Griffith about The Longest Trip Home posted 05/10/2011
Really enjoyed the book as my niece got it for me from you and was autographed as well. Reminded me of my own childhood growing up in Warren in the late 60's. All of the goofing around, exploring our limits, smoking those first cigarettes and all the other great things about the Detroit area at that time. Of course none of us realized how great it was while it was going on.
It's always emotional going home, treading the same tracks as our young legs took us. The friends houses we remember and the schools, churches and all the things in our little worlds that our lives revolved around.
Thanks for a great book John and allowing me to remember what a great childhood I had as well.
A story from Jo Frock about The longest Trip Home and stone houses in PA posted 05/11/2011
Dear John, I just finished The Longest Trip Home. I loved the book and at times could not put it down. I think it is the only book I have ever read that made me laugh out loud, made me smile often, that I could so relate to in numerous ways and the made me cry in the end, all in the span of a few hundred pages. Also, I know eastern Pennsylvania well and own a 200 year old stone farmhouse together with my sister. It is the house where we grew up in Chester County not far from Pottstown. THank you for this memoir, so well written, warm and humanly told. I look forward to your next book! Jo Frock Olney Maryland
A story from Thomas DeFeo about Loved One posted 05/18/2011
Ruffy was my dear 12 year old Spaniel mix, who died three years ago on my birthday. Since his loss, my life has been filled with his successor, Katie. Yet, not a day goes by that my thoughts do not turn to him. Your one statement is the most accurate of all..."you give them your heart and they will give you theirs." If anyone ever had a BIG heart, it was this 35 lb. dog. Rescued from being one day away from the "big sleep" at 9 months (we figured he was a Christmas puppy who grew up), he entered our world and loved us from the start. Appreciative of having a second chance, he showed it every single day. After 9/11, my partner (of 30 years) and I traveled across the country for 9 months...and so did Ruffy. He loved the car, and was just happy to be part of the pack. We have photos of him at every national iconic site...Ruffy at the Grand Canyon, Ruffy in front of Old Faithful, Ruffy in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ruffy in front of the Paramount Pictures gate, the list goes on. My partner, an accomplished writer, and winner of Screen Writer's Awards actually thought of doing a childrens book on the adventure, but it did not come to be. Ruffy snuggled nightly and many nights would fall asleep in our arms...giving you soft kisses. A true food lover, he was known to find chicken from three blocks away under 6 inches of snow...his radar never failed! The night we had to make the decision was the worst night of my life...even the death of my parents was not as heart wrenching. Yet, like a trooper he was brave. We were there until the end, he held each of us with his front and back paws and went to sleep. It was not the birthday I was planning. Our tears never ended, and still do not. As I type this, 3 years later, I am still misty eyed. He was unique, he was special, he was my "little man", he was my Ruffy.
Thank you for Marley; thank you for being a dog person and thank you for sharing your story of life with the world's worst dog (not so). Every time I watch my DVD of "Marley and Me" I can't help but cry...and also think about my Ruffy.
Bless You.
A story from Sara M. about My puppy, Shadow the Min Pin posted 05/23/2011
My name is Sara Moslemi, and Im 11 soon to be 12 in august. John Grogan, I think your book, "Marley & Me", was beautiful, let alone the major motion film. I couldnt help myself but cry at the end, since im a dog lover, i could never see Marley die like that.What's even worse-my own dog dying. My puppy, Shadow the Min Pin, is the sweetest, most playful dog ive ever seen, replacing my old dog i gave away,named Addy.Yesterday Shadow didn't feel very well, he vomited quite a few times and had diarrea. Today he is feeling the same way, just a little better. I gave a prayer,and watched the film "Marley & Me". As always, I cried,but it made me feel a little better because all dogs die like we do, but this film will tell you that your best buddy was there with you on those hikes, in the pool, on that journey. But his time will end one day, but the journey wont,because he is up in the heavens looking down at you, as if he was still upon your feet, looking up to you as if you were going to give him a treat. My dog isnt dead- he is only 7 months old, but isnt such a little rascal like Marley.We are still on a journey together, but one day Shadow's time will end, but he is looking down at me, still awaiting for more treats.
A story from Lisa D. about GDV posted 05/25/2011
Hi John, We have a 10 year old chocolate lab that we adopted from a shelter 4 years ago. He is the most amazing dog, but like all of us, he has his "issues". Bo was given up by his original family after a divorce, and found himself in a shelter. Unfortunately, he has severe separation anxiety, which made shelter life very difficult for him, and finding a family even harder. Bo was given up by another person after one week because he was so nervous and destructive. We took a chance on him, and after chewing the seatbelts out of the car and chewing a hole through a wooden door, Bo ended up on Xanax long enough to get used tohis new living arrangements with us. While he still follows me every where, he is a happy, content, well- adjusted dog, who is loved more than words can say. Back in October, we were visiting our second home in Maine, and bo started to retch, pace nervously, and his stomach got quite large. It was 11pm at night, but I had read Marley and Me and seen the movie, and I was pretty sure Bo was in trouble. We took him to the closest emergency vet which was an hour away. His stomach had bloated, but Luckily, it had not twisted, and after gastric tube was passed, he came home with us. Unfortunately, the day after Easter, bo started retching again. I got him to the vet within 15 minutes, but his stomach had already twisted. Bo had emergency surgery to untwist it and has a gastropexy done. Now, a month later, he is doing great, and we have more quality time to spend with him. I want to thank you for writing about GDV. If I had not read your book and seen the movie, I don't think i would have recognized the symptoms, and we may not have Bo now. I have been passing his story along to others so that people with larger breed dogs are aware of how serious this condition is. Thank you for telling Marley's story! He helped save Bo's life! Lisa D.
A story from Camryn.H about Lou posted 05/25/2011
Me and my family own a yellow lab named Lou. Not quite as bad as Marely but close! We can relate to what Marely did! Between taking shoes to taking important papers from my backpack! I read Marley: a dog like no other. I cried, and I laughed but my favorite part of the story was when Marely hopped on the sled with you! I thought it was so cool that you and your family buried Marely by the two cherry trees that you two nearly missed! Just one qustion: Did you and Jenny get Lucky? I Loved your book I hope to read more of your books!
A story from Mary about Shadow and Jack posted 05/26/2011
Hi John my name is Mary. i am14 going on 15. after reading your book marley and me i could'nt help but cry. when i was 5 i found a black lab on our family ranch. he ws horribly skinny. we kept him and named him showdow. he was my best friend we did everything together. i could have had the worst day and came home to shadow and had the best. a couple years later i wanted another dog. i got a german shepherd and named him Jack. now i had 2 best friends and i spent all of my time with them. a few years down the road when i was 12 shadow got really sick with cancer. the vet said it was untreatable. she said that the treatment would kill him. we had no choise but to put him down. i was devistated. he was my life. i cried for the next week but soon figugured out life had to go on.
A story from Kelly about Marley posted 06/02/2011
My name is Kelly from Southwest Florida. A few years ago we brought home a cocker spaniel puppy, named Marley. The minute we got him home, he squatted and let loose all the pee in his body- all over the living room! From that day on there has never been a moment where he hasn't been devouring toilet paper, stealing food, trying to escape, barking at everything that moves, and so on and so on. He has so many resemblances to your Marley- such as he's scared of everything (storms, the vacuum, blankets, bugs), you can't walk him without HIM walking YOU, but the biggest resemblance is that he's the most loyal, lovable dog there is. He's the best. The cat in the picture is the late Oliver the cat, possibly the best animal I've ever owned. He passed away a couple weeks ago, being hard on all of us, but especially Marley. They were inseperable. Your book has helped me feel better about the death of my beloved cat, and learn to apreciate and love all of Marleys faults. Thank you!
A story from Jeff Horton about The Neighborhood posted 06/05/2011
Hello from Texas.I grew up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood in Saint Paul, Mn.much like your's. I did not connect at first with your Mother's emotional response at receiving the Eucharist but now I so,so get it.Your Episcopalian freind in Christ, Jeff Horton
A story from Ruth Burk about boxers posted 06/06/2011
I just finished reading Marley & Me, my boxer is nearing 11 and I know we are in the twilight of his years, as boxers don't live but maybe 8 to ten years. He has cushings disease, losing his hearing and hair from the condition, but he still loves to go to work with me on Weds, where he is the official greeter it makes me sad to know I might lose him in the next year or two, but the joy he gives me everyday is payment for the heartbreak I will feel when he is gone. I'm sure I will have other boxers because to me a home is not a home without at least one boxer in it, two is much better. I also have a girl my Peanut who doesn't like people as much as Champ does, so she goes to play with a friends two boxers when we go to work.
A story from Felipe E. Piva about Fredy my dog. posted 06/10/2011
Hi,everyone my name is Felipe i have 11years old and i live in brazil,i have a dog named Fredy,he`s a Lhasa Apso,i love he,he is the fourth of my dogs,my 3 boxers has died,when he death,i aleardy have only 6 years when my first boxer die,today i have Fredy my unique pet.
thanks for read!
A story from Lynn about My Collie posted 06/10/2011
I just read Marley and Me and loved it. We had a collie named Campbell and your book reminds me of his final days. My mom would have to carry him outside to relieve himself and this meant up and down stairs. He had lost function in his back legs. We kept giving him cortisone shots until it was clear he needed to be put down. My dad took him to the vet-we could not bear to go with him. Its amazing how we will adapt to keep our beloved pets. My favorite part of your book was the runaway table in Boca! No matter how embarassing the events were, you and your family graciously accepted your pet and his goofy ways as only a loving family member would. Thanks for such a sweet book.
A story from Tonda Galloway about My Dog named Kira posted 06/13/2011
I just got finished reading Marley and Me and could not quit crying, my heart is so big when it comes to any dog or story of one. I have a chocolate lab named Kira(her registered name is Chocolate Sassy Cream Pie)and she is everyting to me. She is 7 1/2 years old and she already has problems with one of her back legs. She takes a pill every morning to help her with the pain, but she still wants to go outside whenever she can. She loves a tennis ball and that is all she wants to do is me throw it and she will bring it back. The vet said just be carefull about her getting over heated, and we live in South Carolina and it is realy hot here right now. I don't know what I will do when the day comes, like Marley, that I have to make that decision that you had to make. The movie was great but the book was so much better. I just wanted yo say that I am very sorry about you loosing Marley. Just so you know this was one of the best books that I have ever read.
A story from Kelsey about My Puppy Nala posted 06/13/2011
Dear Mr.John Grogan,
A story from Kelsey about My Life and my Puppy Nala ( mainly :p) posted 06/13/2011
Dear Mr.John Grogan, My name is Kelsey. I am 11. I will be 12 in September. I just finished reading Marley and Me today. IT'S A LOT BETTER THAN THE MOVIE!!! It's more TRUE than the movie. I am a huge fan! I loved to read since I little! My great aunt told me that when I was like, 4,I sat her down on the couch and read her a book. I have always wanted to be an author since I was little, but this year, I started to get annoyed of writing. That was before I read Marley and Me! It inspired me to wirte abbout my 10 month old yellow lab puppy, Nala. Today, I am thinking, "Man, when i grow up, i want to be like you. To have a family and pet like that!" You are an AMAZING inspiration. I am actually mildly deaf and i am trying to have Nala understand that. She is MY baby! NOT MY SISTERS! haha! But anyways, my oldest sister is completely deaf! So we have dealt with this. My sister and i are doing really well with being deaf. We are not any different than anyone else. Some people, like, if me and my sis say what cause we didnt hear you, sometimes that person will treat us like we are stupid and say it really slow over again. It's annoying i guess. NALA: I got my puppy on my birthday when she was 8 weeks old. That day, my dad said my mom was working out. Thats why she wasnt home. Me and my dad had come home from an insanely long college football game. And my dad said i had laundry. I go into the laundry room, and Nala is in a cardboard box! I didnt have laudry and my momma was buying me a dog! I was shocked! i had never felt like that before! I love her more than anything! She is 10 months now! OMG! looking back at all of her damage! AUHMAZING! she used to pee everyday in the house! poop was worst! me and my family took turns picking it up! she swallows everything in sight! we restle all the time! i win.....only if i am on top of her! if she's on top me! SCARY! haha! she has HUGE teeth! they hurt! today....i took her out in the front yard to pee......my neighbor's dogs were out. :( :( :(! Nala practically tore y hand out of my arm! I had to sit down on the grass to SLOW her down! not stop her! her sister is way bigger...dont even wanna think about what would happen! She had town up every bed she's had! 3 BEDS! SO FAR!!!!! So when she sleeps in her crate ( not fully traied yet) ...she sleeps on a blanket! One night she slept with me......not good! I have twine kinda furniture....she tore it up!! I had to cover it up with a blanket!!!!! She threw up twice in the morning! ON MY BED once! then in the living room the 2nd time!!!!!! I LOVE HER TO DEATH!!!! i cant imagine losing her!!! My life would be over if she died anytime soon! I had lost my yorkie Maggie......when i was seven. I miss her to death! she was a great dog! Then i lost my cat.. Twix a couplemonths ago....probably of a heart attack and we burried him behind the fence where Nala couldnt dig hime up....they didnt get along...haha. sooo THANK YOU! John Grogan, when I grow up I wanna be you. Not Miley Cyrus or Angelia Jolie. Y O U!
A story from Liz about the book and the blog posted 06/14/2011
I also just finished reading Marley and Me, and I sobbed my way through the last few pages. I thought of all the beloved dogs, cats, birds, rabbits that I have loved over the years. My 15-year-old daughter and I have been volunteering over the last year at a shelter for dogs and cats. We usually put in about four hours once a month. Every time I go, I usually want to bring at least one of them home. I also love your blog, because I am also a gardener in Florida, and the deer, rabbits, raccoons eat my plants. I wish they'd leave me a melon or an ear of corn once in a while, but I don't want to fence them out either.
A story from Diane Coty about My baby Rocky posted 06/19/2011
I just finished reading Marley&Me, and so many parts in the book remind me of my baby Rocky, tough name afraid of his own shadow,terrified of rain and I live in Florida so we know all about rain season. Rocky has been the glue that has kept me and my husband together. He has changed our lives in such a positive way and he's not an old man yet, but we have had our talks about when it's his time, and I cry just thinking about never having him around and if it were up to me I would want to go first. Your so right when you talk about animal lovers how we are a different breed from the others and we have unconditional love and caring. I always say the word dog was spelled backwards because thats about how close to GOD we are in life on earth. I don't think I will ever see the movie. The book took alot out of me, I loved it. Thank you for sharing your story.
A story from Scott Froehle about Katie's Life Story 7/15/1996 - 6/162011 posted 06/20/2011
MY STORY-KATIE GIRL FROEHLE (AKA TWEETNESS) I was just walking along the road and was feeling of sort of lost. This car stops and a lady gets out and picks me up. She carried me down these long steps and into her house. Well I guess I am going to sleep here. She put me into a room with no windows and I cried. She brought me out and let me sleep with her. Crying works every time. Next day she took me to a boat and there were a lot of boys and girls on that boat, Boy, did I make a hit. Everyone said they wanted me. Sure feels good to be wanted. Thatâs the beginning of my story, but hereâs the rest. She took me home to a house where there was a man and two other dogs. The dogs told me they lived there with the lady that found me, a man and a boy. They called the man Grandpa, the lady Granma and the boy Scott. My new friendâs names were Sundance and Scrubby. Scrubby lived at the house all the time and belong to a boy named Scott. Sundance lived with a girl named Suzanne. I donât think the man was real happy to have me, but he was nice It wasnât long before the boy Scott moved out to his own home and took me with him. I think Scrubby was pretty upset. She thought she owned Scott. Anyway we were all family and I got to visit often with Scrubby and Sundance and we became very good friends. This is where my story gets really good. You see Scott and I became such good friends and he took me everywhere. Even to work at times. Granma use to say that he used me as a âchick attractionâ. I never knew what that meant. Scott and I had many years together and we took long walks in the park. Sometimes Granma would bring Scrubby over and we would go out to the park and play. I thought my life couldnât get better. I was wrong. Suddenly there was someone else in Scottâs life. There was a lady named Suzanne (not Sundanceâs Suzanne) and a little boy. They called him Devon. I was a little scared. âMaybe, they wonât want meâ âMaybe, Scott wonât love me anymoreâ. âMaybe, I will be too much trouble.â I tell you it was a scary time for me. Well, how dumb I was to be afraid. Now I really had a family. The lady loved me, the boy loved me and Scott was still my friend. In fact I now had the most important job that any dog can have. I had to protect and take care of my family. I then knew that Devon and I would be lifelong friends. He would need me at times and I would be there for him. For several years it was just the four of us and life was good. Soon a cat was added. His name was Jake and for the first week he hid under the chair. All I wanted to do was play with him and welcome him to the family, well eventually he came out and before you knew it we were the best of friends. We would play hard all day and then at night weâd snuggle together and sleep, he was a cool cat as far as cats go. Then one day a new dog came to live with us. She is a cute little thing, but kind of yappy. They gave her the name Shelby. You know how things go in families, Shelby just became one of us and things went on as usual. Isnât it funny how things just seem to go on as usual, even as things change? After a few years Shelby and I went to live with Scott and Jake went to live with Suzanne. But Devon was still my best friend and I still had the job of looking out for him. I have had many good years sharing with Shelby and the family. Shelby used to get me in trouble sometime. She liked to roam. Yes, I mean she would like to take off and run away from home. Not only did I have to look out for first, Devon, next the family and now Shelby. So, if she ran I had to follow her. After all she needed me to take care of her. She got me in trouble so many times. But we stuck together. Devon is growing up so much. He really doesnât need me that much anymore. I am glad, because as I am getting older, a little achier and it is getting harder to get around. I am proud of Devon; he has grown up so much. He is very responsible around the house. He is pretty independent. I think I helped make him that way. I canât play much with Shelby anymore. There is a new friend Cooper who joined the family. I occasionally have an accident and I just hate that I canât keep up with all my chores. I remember Sundance and Scrubby were like that too before they went over the Rainbow Bridge. Sometimes I think it would be nice not to have this pain or have accidents. Because I want to be remembered as a proud strong beautiful dog who loved and protected my family. I LOVE ALL OF YOU LOVE, KATIE
Postscript: Two of my favorite people took me out to see Dr. Lori. Another doctor saw me and gave me a shot to help the pain. It was so nice. I fell asleep and when I woke up; guess who was there. There stood Sundance and Scrubby. We all jumped (yes, I could jump) and bossy Sundance said âCome on letâs run.â We ran and ran. Finally we came to a bridge and went across. All I can tell you is that it is beautiful here. I guess this is that Rainbow Bridge I always heard about. I love you and want you to know that I am fine and will never forget you. Katie.
A story from Mick Farley about Sugar posted 06/21/2011
Sugar is the first dog I've ever had, the first pet that was really mine (besides a goldfish). My favorite thing she did that that made me think of Marley was when no one was home, and she was all alone. She climbed onto my uncle's bed, and bit her way through his blinds. Then she clawed a hole in the screen on the window. Sugar jumped through the hibiscus bush in front of the window, and ran out to the driveway. After figuring out that she missed the last bus, she went and plopped down on the porch, waiting for us to come home. And when a car pulled up, there she was wiggling her fuzzy butt, and smiling the way dogs do, ready to get all the love in the world. =D
A story from Jacob Johnson about Questions and About my dog, Cody posted 06/27/2011
Hi, my name is Jacob Johnson, and I'm 11 years old. I just finished ready your book, Marley and Me about a half hour ago I got to about page 270 and I stopped because I couldn't stop crying. My mom said I would laugh a TON and cry a lot, and I knew what she was talking about, because I had already seen movie multiple times. She was SO right, I laughed SO hard and I cried A LOT. I'm pretty sure I cried harder when I was reading than when I saw the movie. I just want to say I'm SOOOOOOO sorry for your loss of Marley. I have a two-year old cocker spaniel, and I couldn't imagine losing him. He is so funny, especially when we get him to chase a laser pointer light. If we just shine it once on the ground, he'll still be looking for it for the next hour. We sometimes say, "Cody, you give dogs a bad name," just because he looks so stupid when he's chasing the laser. By the way, did you ever have Marley chase a laser or anything like that? Well, I just wanted to say thank you for writing your story, I read A LOT, and I've read who knows how many books, but I have to say, this one will ALWAYS be one of my all-time favorites. Thanks again, See ya:)
A story from Tyler about Max posted 06/27/2011
My wife and I had been married about two years when I came home from work one day and there sat the ugliest dog I had ever seen in my living room. Following a few tense stares and questions on my part my wife explained that Max had belonged to one of my fellow soldiers who was getting out of the Army and couldnât take him with them. Max was a one year old Boxer, we think, although we had no proof and he was surely the runt of the litter if he was a pure bread Boxer. He also had a 10 inch scar on his back that, as the story goes, he received while trying to escape under a fence when he was a few weeks old. According to his previous owners, Max was going to be put down because of the scar by the puppy-breeder where he was born because they couldnât sell him. Lucky for him (us) that didnât happen. We learned rather quickly that Max would live up to his reputation as an escape artist. There are probably as many âMax escapeâ stories as there were Marley chew, but one thing always held true. No matter where we were or where Max escaped from he always came back with the same old guilty, yet satisfied, look on his face. Maxâs most often used technique was to wait until someone, usually one of the kids opened the front door or the gate to the fence and before you could say âMaxâ he was gone. For the better part of 6 years we lived on a military post with a small fenced in yard and strict leash laws. However, Max would have no part in obeying the leash regulations nor would he ever get caught, but he always came home. There was the time when we took Max camping and in the middle of a rain storm he got out of the tent and away he went, like a bullet, only to return in a half hour, drench and pathetic looking, but satisfied. Once we were in Ohio at a family reunion in the middle of nowhere and sure enough he backed out of his collar, one of his favorite tricks, only to return 20 â 30 minutes later to two very worried owners. Like Marley, Max was terrified of thunderstorms and would become a 50lb lap dog when a storm came through. He would also do this low âwooooâ howl when he was excited and we started calling him âMack-a-woo-wooâ. During Maxâs last few years we moved off of the Army Post and bought a house in the country with 3 acres and no leash laws. He had free reign to run and enjoy. His escape routine pretty much stopped because he could come and go as he pleased and to some extent because of old age. During the last 12 â 18 months Max rarely even left the yard. I only wish we could have lived here all of his life. Max became much more than just our dog, he was my best friend and the best dog anyone could ever want. Sadly, Max passed away late last year at the age of 13 and I was with him to very end, much like in your book. I am not an emotional person, but I cried like a baby on that day and even now after watching Marley and Me and while writing this.
A story from Karen Schumacher about Bear posted 06/27/2011
My husband and I had a beautiful lab named Millie, who had a beautiful coat called Red Fox. We bought another lab, Cinnamon, to keep her company as she grew older. Cinnamon roamed the streets one day and in a few months gave birth to 7 jet black puppies. I named my favorite, a chunky little male who loved to be held, Bear, and I wanted to keep him. One day my husband left a message for me, Bear was sold, he thought 3 dogs would be too much. Millie passed away not long after that and my husband and I bought Brandi, a chunky chocolate lab with hound dog eyes who felt the same as Bear when I held her. Six months after that my husband passed away. Over the years I was grateful for the solace Brandi gave me as a reminder of the joy my husband and I shared when we brought her home. I dreaded losing her which did eventually come. I was lost without her and within 2 weeks decided to see what labs were at the pound. Up popped a picture of Bear. He was a lab with a Red Fox coat, had droopy hound dog eyes, and his name was Bear. My husband had made up for his selling the little puppy by bringing me a piece of each dog in Bear. He was a faithful and caring companion to my father who lived with me up to his passing. Bear is now 10 1/2 and I am dreading again the day I will have to say goodbye. I watched Marly and Me for the first time this weekend. The movie really showed the love of a family and how a dog is part of that family, they really give their all to their families regardless of the circumstances, as Bear has done for me. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
A story from Chloe Pumphrey about Cooper posted 06/29/2011
I really don't have a story but there will be one to tell. I just want to say that my Lab puppy might just be naughty like Marley. I just hope he will be a good dog and we will live a wonderful life (and with my Welsh Corgi Ranger) I just hope they'll be good friends well that's all to it.
A story from Theresa about My Rudy posted 07/09/2011
Rudy the Hound May 18, 1997 â January 3, 2011
My Rudy Rudy Patudy Ru Ru The Rudster Sweetie Sweets Boogaloo My little boy My Ru The best dog ever Sniffer Pecker dog Goof ball
The world is less bright without my Rudy. He will be sadly missed by his humans, as well as the many hearts and faces he came into contact with.
He endeared himself to all as he carried Elmo on his walks along the river, his thoughts being, âif I get to go for a walk, then Elmoâs going for a walkâ. Runners would smile and children would laugh and ask to pet him.
Rudy was extremely naughty, however he came by it honestly. Being a beagle-x, he had a keen nose for everything and insisted on using it to the full extent inside and outside the boundaries set for him.
He was very agile and had a love of food, unsurpassed by most food critics. When left unattended he would remind us exactly how much.
Rudy considered himself a âRegal Beagleâ, therefore felt that anything left on the kitchen counter was for him.
One time he jumped onto the counter, walked to the stove and helped himself to a pot of simmering spaghetti sauce. Being the gentleman that he was, he never complained about burning his tongue.
Another time, probably because his hungries were too dry, he jumped onto the counter and lapped up œ lb of butter.
Rudy thought the six donuts left on the counter were for him. When I returned there was one remaining and a very happy bloated little hound, wagging his tail and proud that he had left one for me. How could I scold him, after all he was my little pillsbury dough dog.
He had separation issues and once when I went riding without him I came home to find he had chewed up my bike gloves. The next morning on his poop break, I saw the remains of my pink leather glove.
Rudy was concerned about his humanâs income and drew attention to it by eating the pay cheque.
Rudy loved spending time in the mountains. He travelled to K country and BC on several occasions, to enjoy some camping, hiking and mountain biking.
Because he was a âregal beagleâ, his idea of camping was in a trailer, in his own bed. No pup tent for this little star.
When not engaged in heavy hiking or biking Rudy could be seen sniffing, exploring and engaging in activities along the river or parks.
He loved to run and helped pace me for a race.
Grasping Elmo, Rudy would watch me put on my rollerblades, barking âtake me, take meâ. He was the best skating buddy you could ask for.
In winter, Rudy loved to run beside me as I cross-country skied along the river into Edworthy Park. He would bury his little black nose in the snow and happily lick the snow flakes as they fell around him.
When he heard the words âcar rideâ he would run to the back door with Elmo or a kong, in anticipation of another adventure.
Rudy insisted on visiting his first human in Arizona and was able to hike, bike and explore Sedona, thereby considering himself multi-cultural.
He was extremely smart and could sense when I was not well. He was my radar and would lie beside me, nuzzling the hurt away.
Rudy had an extensive vocabulary, was fluent in both english and Italian. His favorite italian food (other than spaghetti sugo) was a âbiscottiâ!
Rudy and I had a morning ritual. When I said âgood morning, good morning, good morningâ, he would beagle howl, Iâd laugh, hug him and heâd get a biscotti. He knew he was loved.
We did our yoga in the morning. His favorite position was downward dog and he would lick my face and howl at me if I didnât do it correctly.
When Rudy heard ânight, nightâ, he knew it was time to go upstairs and climb into bed. His little snorts, snoring and breathing lulled me into a secure comfortable sleep.
Sometimes he would roll over on Elmo. Weâd hear âElmo loves youâ and I would laugh and respond with âmama loves youâ.
I have a million stories about my Rudy.
Rudyâs vocabulary
at the door apple bad for dogs ball banana bath be nice bed bike blankey blinking light bring bum bum car ride cheese collar carrot check it out cold out come dog down downstairs drop it drink eat elmo friend gentle gimme five go play go sniff go to your room good morning good dog heal hiney foots house, house hungries itâs raining itâs snowing kitty kong leash look love you mailman mama nice night night no licky chew no licky dicky now okay one hungry orange other side pee pee park play nice poopoo popcorn quiet rabbit river run see sit ski slow smile sorry sweetie squirrel stinky doggie sunshine taj take treat up upstairs vacuum walk wanna what do good dogs get? what do you say whatâs up dog? whereâs rudy? there he is (snort, snort) wipe foots whoâs there youâre so cute
acqua adesso andiamo bagno bello bicicletta biscotti buon giorno buon notte capisce cara mia darme baci dove sta me cano fame formaggio gatto mangia mio bambino no no mangia poop piano scarpas spaghetti sugo uno venere qui- vene qua
A story from Donna Alvey about Harleyquinn posted 07/10/2011
Hi John, Let me just say Marley and me was a fantastic read that made me laugh and made me cry.I just had to write to you to share experiences with my dog Harley.
To begin with my partner and i went to a rescue centre to choose a dog that would be compatable with our six month old dog dusty. The dog we saw just didnt seem right and we were about to go when they asked us to look at a dog that had just come in. When Harley walked out i must say it was love at first sight and we couldnt wait to bring him home. We were on tenderhooks a whole week just hoping, selfish as it may seem that he wouldnt be claimed and he would be ours.
We have had eight wonderful years with him now and hopefully we will have alot more.
Harleyquinn as you can see from his picture was named after the clown and boy does he live up to his name.
From the moment we picked him up and and he tried to sit on my head from the back seat of the car i knew he would be a real character.
On Harleys first walk my partner and we were feeling quite smug as Harley and Dusty trotted at the side of us like the well behaved dogs we thought they were. Thats until Harley saw a squirrel and pulled my partner down the hill. Seeing a fifteen stone man rolling down a hill was quite funny and i did laugh. But i wasnt laughing a week later when we entered them in a dog show and it was me being dragged along the floor. Needless to say i ended up at the hospital with a badly sprained ankle.
You always think you know best where leads are concerned and getting them strong leather ones seemed ideal. Thats until we tied them up outside the shop and within two minutes they both came running in the shop to find us. Being the kind hearted dog that he is he not only planned his own great escape but dustys as well. Going outside we found two chewed straps that we had to try and salvage in order to get them home.
Water is Harleys one great love whether its the sea a pond or river, maybe its the retriever in him i dont know. Many a time he has come running back as black as the patch on his face,or his love of drinking sea water until hes sick and has the runs.But how come a dog that has such a love for water hates to have a bath. I always feel like ive just gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson when ive finally managed to give him a bath.
So far having Harley has been a great experience with alot of mishaps along the way, but his good qualitys outway the bad tenfold. Hes loyal,loving and has never shown any aggression to anyone or anything. Many a time Harley has run away when being chased by another dog,he shakes whenever he sees my sisters dog.This is quite funny seeing as she is a chiuwawha. He a wimp really for such a big dog.
Harley will do anything for a treat. He loves me to balance a biscuit on his nose so he can flip it and catch it, or walking through the park he will run and sit on the bench and wait for me so he will get a treat.
Ive had many experiences with Harley in the eight years he has been with us, there are just too many to mention and i would be here all week. Reading Marley and me just made me realise that there are dogs like Harley out there. As naughty as Harley may be i feel so lucky to have him and Dusty in my life and hope to enjoy many more years with them
Donnaxx
A story from Kathy about Comparing Experiences through "The Longest Trip Home" posted 07/10/2011
John- Thank you for sharing your family's story. It had special meaning as my four children, my dgt.-in-law and I flew to GA to visit with my 82yr old mother at Christmastime.... My father began working for Chevrolet (later becoming part of GM Assembly Division) in a southern Wisconsin town in the 1940's. He and my mother married a few yrs later. They provided a Catholic school education (grade school & HS) for myself and my eight younger siblings.(My family moved to CA in 1961.)....I enjoyed comparing and contrasting our experiences as I read your book....My Catholic Faith is a treasure that I appreciate more with time. It has been a source of peace and strength through the sorrows of the deaths of a child, husband and other family members. In the midst of the those trials and following, the joys have been abundant....Peace be with you!
A story from Helena about Brack posted 07/11/2011
Hi, John This is Brack, the love of my life. Heâs 11 years old. I read your book when it came out and loved it, because you were able to describe how I felt about Brack. Then I saw the movie, OMG, there was a lot of laughing, but also a lot of crying. This weekend one of the TV stations was playing again and I watched it again. This time because Brack is getting old, my view on the movie was much different. Just like Marley, he had a stomach twist when he was 4 years old, we almost lost him. But he had surgery and has been ok since then. The problem is that he is getting old and his hips are starting to give out. Heâs on medication and pain killers, so he is not in pain. But he has hard time going up the stairs. He looks and looks before he starts going up the stairs. I miss the days when he jumped all over and we could not make him stop or could not get him tired. We say heâs the senior of the house. I cannot imagine what will happen one day, as we are not remotely prepared to loss him. Thank you for such a wonderful book and sharing your experiences. It is one of my favorites of all times.
A story from Digby about Sail posted 07/12/2011
last night I said good bye to my best friend - Sail was 13 years old - a yellow labrador. I have had Sail since she was 7 weeks old - we had numerous holiday together - more often than not with some additional adventures. One one occasion my car's engine blew up and we had to wait 5 hours for a tow-truck. After the first few hours Sail was starting to get anxious - but eventually it turned up. She could not beleive she had to stay in the car as it was being carried by the truck - for 20 minutes or so she bounced along. She was the best man at my wedding - proudly carrying our rings - Until last week she was in good health - still running (illegally) on Manly Beach - only last Thursday did her health take a really bad turn. After a couple of visits to the vet she was transferred to a specialist animal hospital - and her diagnosis was grim - a weak and irregular heartbeat, extremely low platelet count in her blood, blood in her lungs and chest cavity. Regretably I had to make the hardest decision. But I know it was the best decision. Only yesterday morning she decided that she wanted to visit Manly and her favourite coffee shop one last time - she was able to see many of her friends and say goodbye. This morning my visit there was empty. Yesterday afternoon even when unwell she would encourage children at the vet to give her a pat - she would wag her tail and look at them lovingly - she was the most gentle dog in the world. Last night as i said goodbye her eyes were heavy - she was exhausted - she knew she was unwell - but she trusted me - evwen then she could get a wag in her tail.
good bye Sail - i love you so much
A story from Digby about Sail posted 07/13/2011
just cam across a photo of Sail and me on my wedding day - she was the best best man ever!
A story from Evelyn Morris about Rescue ME. posted 07/16/2011
My story began 3 months after losing my beloved Shi-tzu Gizzy..I decided to take on a rescue Shi-tzu..She was a lovely shade of Honey & her name was the same..Honey took an instant liking to me & I was won over..She was 18 months old A gentle lovable bundle of joy..Her presence eased the pain of my earlier loss..& she continues to bring me happiness to this day..& hopefully many more days..Thank You Honey my best friend...
A story from Mick Farley about Sugar's New Trick posted 07/19/2011
If any of you remember the story about the crazy dog who jumped through the window to go were we were going (6/21/11) this is about the same dog. Sugar the Stinky Beasty loses her mind when she smells Jack Links. A few nights ago I opened the bag and she came running. I tossed her a piece, then went and sat at the dining room table to finish a board game I was playing with my mom. The dog had been sitting next to me earlier because there was no food on the table, and now she comes rip-roaring into the dining room jumps up on the chair, paws on the table, and sticks her wet nose in my face, sniffing too loud for comfort. I laughed, and pushed her down. Then later when I was in the kitchen, Sugar decided to see if there was any more jerky, and jumping in my currently vacant chair, she stuck her nose in my mom's face. Of course my mother started yelling, but Sugar just sat patiently waiting for jerky. Eventually she got down. I'm holding my breath for November. Let's hope my little beasty doesn't try this on Thanksgiving!
A story from Alessia about Leo's Story posted 07/20/2011
17th April 2001 â 27th November 2011
Iâm an Italian girl who read âMarley and Iâ, the most beautiful book Iâve ever read, that was able me make me laught and cry at the same time. Because of my nationality, sorry if in these phrases will be some errors. Iâve read all your stories and I decided to share with you my experience even if the main character is a cat, not a dog but I think is the same: all of us told about love, friendship and loss. This story started more than 10 years ago when my boyfriend give me Leo, a white wag you can see above, in occasion of my high school leaving examination. When he arrived he was 1 moth, he wasnât able to mew and he fell asleep everywhere, in my schoolbag, in my shoes, on my scooter⊠He won my familyâs heart and he became a sort of friend for me. He spent his lifetime sleeping on my books, playing with the PC pointer while I was writing my thesis, checking if I came back home at night, loving us. Last year, without clear signs, I decided to bring he to the vet because I wasnât quite. Unluckly, I was right: the diagnosis was kidney cancer, with no solution. You can imagine all my pain and my sorrow. I decided to fight, or at least to try, giving him the most high quality of life possible. For 3 month Leo was treated with chemioterapy (with all that it means). Everytime he saw the cage, he gazed into my eyes as to tell âI know you do it for meâ, and then, all by itself, he jumped into the cage. And, after every treatment, every examination (and they were a lot), when I opened the cage he didnât run away, but he came close to me, rubbing his nose to my face. The chemioterapy didnât work, and Iâve always known it would be so. I decide to leave him quite and for 2 month all was ok. I looked at him and I couldnât imagine he was so ill⊠One day in November I brought him to the vet because he had lost weight and I understood that it was over. Only my courage and my love could help him. So, I took the hardest decision to organised the elimination. It can seem impossible, but, when I took the decision, he started to show all his physical pain. It was as he was waiting me to be ready to let him go. He fell asleep in my arms and when I all was finish I felt so alone but also curiously relieved. Every 27th of the month is still a problem, even if all that happened 8 months ago.
A story from Carolyn Martin about Buddy L. posted 07/20/2011
Recently finished reading Marley and Me. A wonderful, entertaining, difficult book to put down until one reaches the final years of Marley's life and the tissue box was always close at hand. My husband and I lost Buddy L. on January 10th. One of the most difficult evenings of our life and we were with him till the very end. Bud was a Black Lab / German Shepherd, a wonderful, kind, loving child for 10 1/2 years. He was a gentle soul that loved everyone he met and never barked or snapped at any other dog. Bud was an excellent watch dog for his own home and family as well as the neighbors. He was caring around sick people, loved the children in the neighborhood, and visited a nursing home. Bud went everywhere with us whether to VT, NH, Gettysburg, or on day trips to the beach. He enjoyed life and is deeply missed by all who knew him. Though he was not a destroyer like Marley, the book brought back many memories of our times spent with Bud enjoying all the seasons of New England, especially the snow mounds that my husband made to play king of the mountain with Bud. Thank you, John, for taking the time to share your family's life with Marley.
A story from April about Opal. The strongest little Papillon in the world posted 07/21/2011
I loved the story Marley and me. And I love Pennsylvania and your wonderful old stone house. My father hails from Pennsylvania. In July 2008 I drove to Montana to pick up my new papillon puppy I had decided to call Opal. We had lost our 17 year old cat a year before and I was ready for a new pet. My husband is allergic to cats and so I informed him I was getting a dog. Although he wasn't excited about it, he immediately fell in love with that 2 1/2 pound little bundle of fur. She pounced around like a little bunny. On March 17, 2009 when Opal was 9 months old, I was getting ready to go to Kamas, UT to visit our grandson. My husband, Bill was waiting for me on the sofa and playing with our Opal and Sam, a papillon we got in Texas in October. Opal was and still is a frisky little tyke who loves to play. She ran into my bathroom to play. I played with her a minute and then put her down to finish getting ready. Bill receive a business call and stepped outside on the back deck because the dogs had started barking. He was unaware that they had followed him outside. When they ran past him he excused himself from the caller and ran after them. Our fence, though ordered, was not installed yet. By the time he got around the house Opal was lying still in the street. I had just put the finishing touches on my hair and make up when I heard my husband call my name. The grief in his voice was unmistakable. I immediately cried out,"Is she dead?" I ran to the living room to see Bill holding her lifeless body in his arms, tears streaming down his face. He cried,"Get in the truck, we have to get her to the vet now!" I stood aghast for a moment wondering what he was thinking. He shouted, "April come on!" I ran to the truck and got in. Bill handed her to me and told me to give her cpr. He had already started it, but she was not breathing. I put my mouth over her little nose and mouth and started slow steady breaths. I put my index and middle finger on her chest above her heart and started chest compressions like I had been taught and had taught for infant CPR. Opal weighed just 5 lbs. She was stiff and quiet. I just kept on. I thought the two mile ride was the longest ride I had ever taken. I didn't know that we were yet to drive another longer ride to the night time vet. About half way to the vet Opal started to breath and opened her eyes. Her left eye started swelling so badly I thought it would pop right out of the socket. Little did I know that the swelling caused by bleeding would save her eye sight in that eye. When we got to the clinic I ran in screaming. Opal got hit by a car! Please help her!" The technician took her and ran to the back. After what seemed like an eternity the veterinarian came out with her bundled in a receiving blanket. My heart skipped a beat and then sank. He looked at us and said, "She is stabalized." I was elated. But then I wondered out loud why he had brought her out to us. He told us that we now had to take her to the night time vet about 8 miles away. Bill took Opal from the vet and we rushed to the truck. Bill handed me Opal. She looked up at me and started crying. We embarked on what truly was the longest ride of my life with Opal crying the entire time. I soothed and consoled her as much as possible encouraging her to hang on praying the entire time that she wouldn't die on the way. Bill took the freeway hoping to cut some time off of the trip, but we ended up in rush hour traffic and were literally stopped for about 15 minutes. Although I told him to drive down the shoulder, he refused not wanting to get pulled over by the highway patrol and further delay getting Opal to the Vet. We finally arrived and handed her to the technician. Our veterinarian had faxed over the information so they were waiting for her arrival. As I handed her my precious puppy I begged her not to let Opal die. Later after the vet had examined Opal, he came in to talk with us. He explained what we knew down in our hearts but couldn't bear to hear. Never in his career had he known of a small dog, especially one as little as Opal survive being hit by a car. He told us to go home and try to get some sleep saying he would call us. We went home crying. We knelt together in prayer and begged the Lord to let us keep our baby Opal. The night was long and especially dark. With each tick of the clock we anticipated the dreaded phone call. Morning dawned and we drove to the night time vet to pick up Opal hoping that we didn't miss a call on the way over. The vet came out holding her in the little blanket, handed her to us and said that it was the longest night he had ever spent. he looked utterly exhausted. He said that he had spent the entire night by her side. We took her back to the day time vet. We got there before the doors were unlocked, but the techniian saw us and ran to unloc the door. Everyone was elated to see Opal come back that morning. As each one of them came in the first theing they would say, "Is Opal here?" For the next two weeks Bill and I drove her between the day time vet and the night time vet until finally we were able to keep her at home. Luckily, I work from home and was able to care for her and give her the special diet and medication. She would not walk, however and we were unsure about the longterm outcome and if we did the right thing. Three weeks later, however she got up and walked across the living room. Our veterinarian didn't beieve me when I told him at one of her daily check ups that she walked and made me put her on the floor, walk away from her and call her. When she came to me he broke out in the biggest smile imaginable. We gave both veterinarians pictures of Opal shortly after the accident and the one above. The night time vet said that he keeps the one of Opal smiling on his desk at home to remind him that prayers are answered and miracles really do happen. Today Opal still plays with her best friend Sam and, although she has lost the sight of her right eye and has a little weakness onher right side, she is as frisky as ever. Thank you so much for providing this space for those of us whose dogs are our members of our family.
A story from April Hickman about Opal and Sam posted 07/21/2011
Sorry, but I had to upload a picture of both Opal and her pal Sam. As you can see in this picture just before Opal's accident, they are best friends and love to have fun. Thanks again. I will come back often and read stories other have shared and your blog. All my best, April
A story from Reginald Speak about Marley revisited posted 07/24/2011
My wife Barb who was a lover of dogs passed in 2008 from Parkinsons disease. While she was still very ill I read Marley and Me to her. I can still hear her laugh. We laughed together and cried together as I read to her. Last week I read Marley again and many memories flooded back. Thanks so much for this book which can be revisited. Reginald Speak
A story from Thea Williams about Tripp Trip (AKA A Walk with the Dog) posted 07/27/2011
Tripp Trip Last week I brought my nephew home from an overnight stay with my boys. The family lives in Levittown, about an hour northeast of where I live. Having some time to kill while waiting for my niece to get home so we could visit, I decided to take their "ready whenever you are" Beagle, Tripp, on a ramble. Scott, my protective brother-in-law, wondered aloud if I knew my way around their development. "Of course!" I boasted, eschewing the latex glove he offered me to clean up after Tripp, and off we went. Tripp is an interesting animal. Not wanting to discriminate, he sees every bush, shrub and fire hydrant as a new and exciting "business" opportunity. Scott affectionately refers to him as Mr. Poops and Mr. Piddle, and he lived up to both names that day. I'll bet we made a dozen stops in the first 10 minutes; that's a better average than Hanley Ramirez's 2010 season. Being an equal opportunity "employer", Tripp hit some fence posts and flower beds also. On one such stop, the property owner was outside working on his car when Tripp ambled up to make a deposit. "Come on!" I urged conspiratorially, "We can't do this here! There's a time and a place for everything, and this isn't it!" I guided him to a more desirable location (one with no homeowner lurking about), and he finished the job. "Good boy," I patted him, wishing I'd accepted that glove. I've often said it's a good thing I've never been summoned as a witness in an important court case. Not only would I most likely get lost finding the courthouse because my sense of direction is, well, senseless, but I'm also a poor observer of detail. Both these failings went against me the other day. If it's true pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18), mine pretty much landed me in a chasm on our way home. Although I've made this loop numerous times with my sister JoAnn, (hence my assurance to Scott that I needed no map drawn), I still managed to "mis-navigate" my way back to the house. After much floundering and several check-ins with long-suffering Scott ("Should I just backtrack on Hearthwood? Do you think Tripp would heel along a four lane highway?"), we arrived at their front door. Isn't it wonderful how our heavenly Father directs us, no matter how many missteps we take? Of course, we're much better off if we just follow His divine road map in the first place. The Bible is the map; prayer and the Holy Spirit, the means by which He illuminates it. And He always brings cleaning supplies for any messes along the way. "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21).
A story from Mary Nicholas about Cooper posted 07/27/2011
Cooper, my beloved Golden Retriever, was born August 24, 2000, one of 13 AKC purebred pups. Our family drove to Elbow Lake, MN to choose a dog for the kids and when we got there it was feeding time. The breeder brought out a stainless steel pan, roughly the size of a small UFO, and filled it with chow for the litter. When the pups scrambled to feed, I noticed one pushing through the crowd. He muscled his way to the front of the food line, planted his front paws into the pan, as though claiming it his personal domain, and gobbled kibble, totally shameless. I was pretty certain he was our guy, so kept an eye on him. After dining, he nosed his way over to my husband (now ex-husband, never much of a dog-lover), sniffed at a shoe, and wagged his tail. Needless to say, that gesture sealed the deal. 'Pushy-Pup' became Reba's Golden Alice Cooper... aka Cooper, Coop-Dog, Super-Cooper, Cooper-Pooper, Cooper-licious, Coop-Buddy, etc., etc., absolutely the best dog I've ever owned. Sadly, Cooper's health has been steadily declining in the past six months, and thinking about his mortality has been very difficult for me. To cope, I created a FaceBook page for Cooper where I can blog for friends and family about his health, daily activities, the humorous things he'd done in the past-such as helping himself to the center of a brand new pumpkin pie-to cute things he does now-like going from room to room to find me when he just wants some ear-scratching. I'm guessing some people, those who don't know me well, think I'm a little off my rocker; to which I say maybe so, but Cooper is the only man who's never broken my heart. I have a small book named 'Golden Rules, Virtues of Canine Character', a compilation of photos and quotations. My favorite quote is by Edward Hoagland, "In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." When I was younger, my father used to tease me saying that the man who married me had better love dogs. Ater five years of being single, I'm still thinking I got the best part of the deal.
A story from Stefani Reeves about Saying Good-Bye to Maxine posted 07/29/2011
John, I wanted to let you know that your story--the movie version this particular evening--is helping me to cope with the loss of my best girl for 13 years, a golden retriever named Maxine. Tomorrow morning, she will be put to sleep, ending a beautiful, crazy and loving life that has meant so much to me and my family. It has been an agonizing day from the moment my husband and I discovered her this morning with her condition rapidly deteriorated, through the appointment with the vet, delivering the news to our 8 year old daughter, knowing that our 2 year old daughter won't understand where her Max went, and in the last hours of this day spent deliberating over the decision. I was praying for a sign tonight that we are doing the right thing by helping her go peacefully before she gets even worse, and as I finally collapsed on the couch tonight and turned on the tv to distract myself, the last 15 minutes of "Marley and Me" was playing. The scene was very poignant, where you are Marley are sitting in the field, watching the sun set, and knowing her end of life is near. While I saw the movie in the theater a few years ago and cried my eyes out knowing that this day would come to pass with Maxine, I had forgotten the details of Marley's story. As I watched how Marley's pain prevented her from even walking up the stairs to her sleeping place with you and your wife, it hit home for me that this is exactly where we are with our Maxie-girl. In a way I didn't expect, the coincidence of turning on the television at the exact right time to hear your last words to Marley during your final moments with her has given me strength and courage for what I will say to Maxine tomorrow in her last moments. I wanted to be sure you knew that your story has again greatly impacted me, and reassured me that although this decision is one of the toughest I have ever made, the time has come. Our family's memories of Maxine will always live on and be in our hearts. It is comforting to know that there is someone out there like you, and all of your friends on this site, who understand what it is like to love and lose a beloved pet and family member. Thank you, John.
A story from Traci Costanzo about Jewells posted 07/31/2011
I watched the moviewith my husband and our 14 year old chihuahua in Feb of 2010. I really loved it and was thankful to still have my dog at my side. Jewells was on borrowed time. He had congestive heart failure and we had been 'watching it' for 3 years. In Oct of '09 we began to treat the CHF with lasix to reduce fluid and restricted his diet further. The Vet gave us maybe 6 months, he was now our "Hospice doggie". We treated him for allergies and intense itching with a small dose daily of steroids, even though bad for the heart and had the most incredable turn around. For 45 days he ate, pottied and played like a puppy! Then on the night of Tuesday April 27, 2010 he began coughing and having trouble catching his breath, he was not is distress, so I doubled his fluid meds. The next day was a little worse. He did not eat and followed me around and wanted to be constantly held. Easy, he was 8.5#. My husband and I had the talk, no improvement overnight, then off to the vet first thing. He took a turn for the worse early that morning, Th April 29. He was listless, blank stare. We both knew this woyld be his last day. At the vet his Dr or the ast 5 years did an x-ray and labs. CHF, he had a lot of fluid build up, heart rate way up and out of control, all labs off. We decided to do an iv, control his heart rate and increase fluid reducers to make him more comfortable. I agreed to leave him for the day, but would not leave him overnight. If my baby was going to die, we were going to be with him. We wanted to say goodbye. I went home and prepared our room for him. Made him a spot on our bed, got a window A/C, it was hot out and he could not handle it. We had treated him at home frequently the past year, I am a nurse and we had a great relationship with their office. We got our daughter out of school ealry and went to the vet office. Jewells was resting quietly and breathing better, but still blank stare. His heart and kidneys were failing. We took him home for the night and agreed if he made it through the night, we would put him to sleep in the morning. No more suffering. We made it home and put him in our make shift hospital room and sat with him. An hour later I left him with my husband to go make dinner. I walked back in the room 15 min later and my husband was frantic, Jewells had just stopped breathing. He did not know what to do, CPR, cry, hold him. I comforted him and told him not to try CPR on Jewells and to just hold him and let him go. After a minute he did. I took his IV out, wrapped him in his blankie with a towel padding incase he peed. We took turns holding him and saying goodbye. Our daughter know right away that he had died when I came out to tell her. She held him, kissed him and said goodbye. I called my mom to drive me to the vet, we were going to take him to a special kennel and have him creamated. Jewells sits in a small cherry wood box with his picture behind the glass window with his name, DOB & DOD engraved on a plaque on top. He sits on my mantle and I still think of him daily. I loved the movie Marley and me, I've seen it 3 times now. But, more so I LOVE the book. It is some of the best writing and the honesty, descriptiveness, and laughter put into it make it a favorite of mine.
Thank you to John, Jenny, the kids and to Marley for sharing your story and making me laugh, cry and love my dog just a little more.
Jewells was not a bad dog, he was so smart. He was litter box trained (newspapers) played fetch, had a sock for tug of war and chewing and slept in bed with us everynight. We even custom made stairs for him to get in in the large king bed, WAY before the cheep plastic doggie stairs come out!
Again, Thank You for the wonderful writting!!
A story from Tim about A snippet posted 08/06/2011
This is a little bit weird, I have only just seen "Marley & Me" and was oblivious to its success. But when I look at John's biog I see that I am exactly one month older than him - not so unusual I guess. Then I see that we got married on the same day. That's just coincidence I suppose. And I have a (black) Lab. Thought she was pretty naughty and destructive but having seen the movie, Marley makes her a little angel! She's a nervous dog though and usually lies down when other dogs approach, even much smaller ones. One day out for a walk together she met her match, a male Westie who did exactly the same. Both of them lying down facing each other nervously 10 feet apart. How brave!
A story from John Fletcher about dogs posted 08/12/2011
I watched Marley and Me, a couple of months ago for the first time, and, just finished the book yesterday. John's love for and interaction with Marley, reminded me of my youth and my German Shepherd, named King. Brought him home to Huntsville Alabama, from my home town in Kentucky, when he was 6 weeks old....he rode in a shoe box. King was a typical german Shepherd...fiercely protective of our family and stand offish to strangers....looked intimidating but he was a friendly dog. I was 14 wwhen we got King and 26 when he passed away. I had started my first job out of college, in Cocoa Beach FL, and my parents called me from Huntsville, with the news. My father never showered King with affection like we did, cause he always considered dogs to be on this earth to either use for hunting, or to guard the house. So he wasnt sentimental toward animals. But, he was choking up when he told me of King's passing.
My daughter has a three year old mixed Lab/Golden retreiver named Bella, and, a 2 year old registered black Lab named Duke. Bella is certifiable nuts. And she wiggles just like Marley did, but my daughter calls it Squiggles. Duke? He is fairly calm, ut loves to chew on things, and always looking for a human hand to pet him.
My next door neighbors brought home a Lab puppy last week end and I swear its the spitting image of Marley, right down to its huge paws. Absolutely gorgeous animal. The puppy will slobber you to death.
Mr. Grogan, thanks for writing such a great book for such a great dog.
A story from Rick Booker about Jellebeanz posted 08/16/2011
Tonight I lost my best friend, JelleBeanz. She was a 12 year old Rottweiler. She was full of love and fun with a really great giving spirit. As I come to grips with my grief, I think back about all the memories I had with my wonderful dog. I remembered reading Marley & Me and also seeing the movie. I remembered the point at which reality set in;that the dog we loved so much would one day leave us. Like most folks I pushed it out of my conscious thoughts and moved on with our life together. That changed today! As I mourn her loss tho, I can't help but look at the blessing she was for 12 years. We laugh with her and at her. We played, we loved we lived! About 10 years ago a beautiful and amazing woman became more than just a friend. We stepped together to a new and exciting new level. My dog became her dog. JelleBeanz was overjoyed with this new undertaking. For her it more love to give and to get. My wife and I lightheartedly challenged each other as to who love her more and whose dog was she really. JelleBeanz would show favor to her, that little traitor! LOL. Whenever my wife and I kissed and hugged, JelleBeanz would show her "disapproval"! She'd bark and run around us letting us know she wanted our undivided attention.Yep, she was the greatest! I have so many memories and right now they all bring tears behind the smiles. But I am thankful for the time we shared and the love she gave. What a wonderful dog! Love you and miss you much, JelleBeanz. RIP
A story from Brenda Hull about About Unique Marie posted 08/19/2011
I lost my Chinese Shar-pei on August 11,2011. She would have been 5 on October 25th. She was more than just a dog to me, she was my child. I had her since she was 6 weeks old and I fell in love with her the minute I saw her. She followed me around from the day I got her. She would sleep with me under the covers with her head on a pillow right beside me. I spoiled her and people told me I went over board. But I didn't think so. I went through some hard times shortly after I got her and she was the only one there. I needed her just as much as she needed me. People told me she was ugly but to me she was the most beautiful dog in the world. As a pup she chewed on everything. I would come home from work and find my flip flops drug out of the closet and chewed up, I found boxes of kleenex and she destroyed my couch. I woke up one morning and she had got into my purse because she could smell my gum and she ate it, wrapper and all. She even chewed up my money. She was very smart. She loved her treats. I have no idea how it started but I managed to teach her to bounce for her treats. All I had to say was bounce like a bunny and she would go crazy. I could whisper it and she would tilt her head and look at me like she was asking did you just say what I think. So I would whisper it again and she would start bouncing. It was funny. And she got where she could bounce pretty high for that treat. She later learned turn, sit, down (where she would lay down on her belly) and shake. If we were eating and she wanted what we had she would start doing all her tricks because she thought for sure we would give our food to her. When company was over and she would do that to them it was funny to see their reactions. She loved going for walks. I would just touch her leash and she was all over the place jumping and whining running around. She wasn't trained very well when it came to being on a leash. She would drag me. As we were walking so many people would ask me whose walking who. I think she was walking me. And if you asked her if she wanted to go bye bye you better hide because she would be all over you until you got her in the car. She was the best dog. I never knew I could love an animal so much. She loved people but a little too much. I had some that would run from her. She just wanted to play with everyone she saw. She was protective though. She never hurt anyone. She did grab one guys had because he touched me and she didn't know him. She didn't bite down, just held his hand in her mouth and growled. She started getting sick this past winter. She kept throwing up everytime she ate and had diarrhea a lot. She got to where I couldn't get her to eat for weeks at a time. But she still acted like she was fine. She started loosing weight so I took her to the vet and we tried so many different things. Tried changing her food and medicine. I finally got her to eating everyday again but she still wasn't gaining weight. her highest weight was 65lbs and her lowest was 39lbs. She was 42lbs the last time I took her in. So she did gain 3lbs but that was over a 5 month period. They did so many test and blood work on her but they couldn't figure out what was wrong. On the 11th she was acting like she wasn't feeling good and she clinging to me more than normal. She did this when she went into heat. So I thought thats what was going on. I went to work for the day and when I got home she hadn't started bleeding but she was still acting the same. I though if I took her for a walk maybe this will help. She got all excited and drung me around the neighborhood. Got her home and she started acting like that again. I just kept brushing it off as she was going into heat. Well later in the evening she started stretching her neck out. This is something she would do after sleeping. She would stretch her neck then her back and then her legs. So I didn't think anything of it. But as the evening went on she just kept doing it. The next thing I knew she started gagging like she was going to throw up but nothing would come up. So I got her to open her mouth because I thought maybe she got into something and it was stuck in her throat. I didn't get anything to come up. We took her outside so just in case whatever was in there did come up. She stopped doing it so we thought she was fine. But she was still moping around. She hated bathes but after she got one she would always get so hyper and playful. So I decided I would give her a bath. I got her in the bathroom and went to get her shampoo and towels. When I got back into the bathroom her belly was so big. It looked like it was going to pop. I called the animal hospital and told them what was going on. They said to get her in there right away. While I was calling my boyfriend had taken her back outside. I get out there and her belly looked even bigger and she was starting to stumble around. So I called her to follow me so I could get her in the car. She stumbled through the garage and when we got to the front yard she tried laying down. When I was younger I helped a lady with her horses and I learned when they lay down it's not a good thing. So that was the first thing that ran through my mind and I started yelling no don't you lay down, you can't die on me, I need you do you understand don't die I need you. My boyfriend came running and got her in the car. I couldn't drive fast enough. I don't live in a real big town. The animal hospital is no more than 10 minutes from my house. But it seemed like it took forever. She kept whining because I'm sure she was in pain. I rolled down the windows and she just stuck her head out and sat there. We got to the hospital and she jumped out the car and walked right in. The whole time wagging her tail like nothing was wrong. The next thing we know as we are trying to get her to the exam room she lost control of her bowels. They started talking and talking, questions after questions. I just wanted to scream do something with her, can't you see something is wrong, stop talking to me. They finally took her in for exrays and came back. Her stomache had turned. The first thing that ran through my head was Marley and I lost it. She said they could do surgery but as bad as she was they weren't sure she would make it through the anesthesia. And them she wanted to talk about the cost, she said around 1,500 to 2,000. But it could be more but they wouldn't know till they got in. She left the room so my boyfriend and I could talk. The first thing he asks is can you afford that. I said if that was my son in there would I ask if I could afford that, no I wouldn't and she is my child. So I told them to do the surgery. They said it normally took about an hour but she was bad so it would take longer, they would call. By the time we left it was late. I was home about 30 minutes and they called. She said that Uniques intestines were twisted really bad. There was a lot of damage to them. But the problem was she wasn't born with a full intestine. We didn't know this. So in order for them to cut out the part that was damaged it wouldn't leave enought there for her to be able to digest food. I didn't understand what she was saying or I just didn't want to hear what she was saying. But I kept making her repeat herself. She said if they finished the surgery the chances of her living long were slim to none and the time she did she wouldn't be healthy. She asked what do you want to do. I was lost as to what she was asking. Everything she had just said was just buzzing in my ear. I asked her what are you asking me. She said do you want us to euthanize her. I about passed out. I stumbled for words and all I could say was can I call you back. I hung up and repeated everything to my boyfriend through tears. I didn't want to make that decision, I couldn't. They just asked me if I wanted my baby to live or die. I asked him what do I do. He wouldn't say it either. So I had to call a friend and I told her what the doctor told me. My friend said what I didn't want to hear, Brenda you have to let her go. She is only suffering. I called them back and told them ok and I dropped the phone and cried. I couldn't believe I just had to choose between keeping my baby or letting her go. We had to wait to go up there. When we got there I told her I wanted to get the bill taken care of first. They were asking if I wanted her cremated. Oh no I want to take her home. I am not doing that to my girl. When went in to see her and she was gone. I kissed her and petted her, told her how much I love her. She was so cold. After being in there for a while I had them wrap her in the blanket I got when I first got her. They put her in the truck and we headed home. While they dug up the hole I laid in the back of the truck with her. I couldn't get my son to touch her but he finally came over and looked. That was all it took. The dog we love so much was gone. I laid there and talked to her and told her how much she was loved, she was the best dog and we were going to miss her so much. Her jumping on me as soon as I would walk in the door. Her waiting at the window when I came home from work. Her jumping to make sure I got up when my alarm went off. Telling me when it was time to go to bed. They came to take her to put her in her resting place and it was more than I could handle. I had to walk away. I watched from a distance as they laid her to rest. But as soon as the dirt went on her I thought I was going to die. My son had them bury her with a stuffed football I bought him when he was 3. Him and Unique would play with that thing all the time. After they finished covering her I went over to see. We just stood there and cried for the loss of our girl. My son walked away and I wanted to check on him so I followed. As we made it to the front yard i noticed he was on his phone so I waited. I just looked up at the sky and at that moment a shooting star came across. And it was like none I had ever seen. It didn't disappear as fast as the others and this one had some red streams behind it. I cried and I yelled to my son, did you see that and he said yes. I told him that was Unique letting us know she was home and she was fine. We both were up for hours looking at her grave just crying. For the next several days I let everything that happened bother me. So much to the point I was making myself physically sick. So I decided I had to know. Was there something I could have done that I didn't? What if I had gotten her in sooner? Was it my fault she had to die? So I finally called her vet. The hospital had sent over everything that happened and what they found. He read over it and told me there was nothing I could have done to change what happened. And the fact she was born without a full intestine would be why she had been sick for so many months. He went into more detail about everything but what it came down to it wasn't my fault. It was nothing I did or didn't do. And even if the stomache hadn't turned she would have continued to be sick and not gain any weight. So she would have never been healthy again. After talking to him I felt I could breathe again, like the weight of the guilt I was carrying had left. But it doesn't make it any easier to let go. I can just find peace with it know it wasn't my fault. I miss her so much. I no longer hear her snore as I fall asleep, I won't have her standing by me while I cook hoping to catch any food I might drop, She will not lay at my feet where ever I sit. I miss her having to always touch me, If I was sitting she layed on my feet or if she didn't want to lay down she would stand with her hip against my leg and her foot on top of my foot. I miss her kisses. I miss when I talked to her she would look like she was smiling at me and her eyes would look chinese. She was so devoted to me and I was to her. I will never forget her or stop loving her. I visit her resting place several times a day. I talk to her just like I did when she was still with us. I now have the best guardian angel. I know I will see her again and I look forward to the day her and I reunite. I will hold her and kiss her and tell her I missed her so. I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. I think of you in silence. I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart. Till we meet again, I love you always Lady Unique Marie Hull.
A story from Pat Secrest about my maltese posted 08/22/2011
First of I would like to thank John Gorgan for sharing his amazing gift of writing with all of us. I was fortunate enough to have Christina my Maltese for 17 years. We have in our home a 53 year old mentally handicapped daughter. She was particulary touched when we lost Christina. She decided that since we had lost our dog she would substitute one of her toy dogs. She wanted to put in the spot where our little one always lay. Our daughter has always had an unusual fear of any dog, but Christy , as she called her was different. She cuddled her and was never afraid of her. She lost a real friend. Thank you again for you heart warming story of the love of Mayley.
A story from DM about CLL and losing loved ones posted 08/24/2011
I just finished reading The Longest Trip Home. I lived every one of those moments with John as he sat with his dying father. I lost my mom to severe dementia last April, and John's story brought a fresh round of grieving to me. It's helping me work through the loss.
To complicate things, I have been diagnosed with CLL at a much too young age, which is what brought on John's father's demise. So the last year has brought on a lot of grieving in my own life as I lost my mom and am coming to terms with having blood cancer.
Although reading The Longest Trip Home was difficult and forced me to revisit my own grief, it was good to feel that the experience was shared by someone else.
Oh, and meet my own "Marley", name of Atlas. Boon companion!
A story from Alicia about Gracie posted 08/27/2011
Gracie is our beloved Bearded Collie. I had, for years, wanted a beardie, but their daunting price tag deemed it all but impossible until I accepted a great job and we moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. I am a teacher, and I was working with at-risk students, aged 16-23. The vast majority of my students, I'd guestimate around 95%, have been horribly wounded in their young lives, and they have serious behavioral and anger issues. These issues have to have an outlet somewhere, and they act out with violence, alcohol and other drug use, sexual promiscuity, and any combination of the above. I began to research therapy dogs and their impact on troubled students, fell in love with the idea, talked it over with my husband and convinced him we should get a dog to train for therapy use. And so our adventure began.
I spent 3 months searching for a beardie, focusing on those bred for looks and temperament, hoping and praying I'd find one with great intelligence, as well. We wanted a little girl who was beautiful, smart, funny and easy to train. Fortunately, God, in His infinite mercy, gave us exactly what we asked for, and in more ways than one.
On December 18, 2010, we traveled to a small town just west of Steamboat Springs, CO, to pick up our Gracie. She was 3 months old. We met briefly with her breeder, loaded her into the car and headed back to the Hills. Gracie promptly threw up twice and then settled in for the trip home. I should add here that Gracie was not our first dog; there were others before her who were housebreaking nightmares, and we were concerned that she'd be another in a line of disasters. Again, God was faithful; our furry little bundle of joy was finished with that task in 3 weeks and on to the next thing. I need to insert here that I took Gracie to work with me on December 20, paired her with my most volatile student, and she had him completely chilled out in 3 minutes. A three-month-old puppy, never had a minute's training, and already doing the job we'd "hired" her to do. Amazing!
As unpleasant events are bound to occur, I lost my job at the end of January 2011. Although it seemed a devastating loss at the time (I was blindsided; had no clue it was coming), it has turned out to be a blessing indeed. I need to share some personal info here to bring this account into context. I, myself, was raised by an angry, abusive father and an enabling mother who just stood by and watched, allowing him to treat me any way he wanted. You can imagine the fear and uncertainty, the physical and emotional trauma, the low self-esteem, rejection, and belief that I was never good enough. Abused at home, bullied at church, bullied at school... I grew up really damaged. But again, God, in His mercy and compassion, led me to a therapist with whom I spent 3 years, undoing the damage that had been done in my childhood and young adulthood. (Which is why I have such great success with wounded and damaged students.)
I eventually landed and settled in the Chattanooga, TN area, where I stayed for 14 years. I met and married my husband, we raised my 11-year-old, built a house, and went about the business of living. We were attending a church where we were very involved with its activities, especially the music ministry. Although this church was a good fit for awhile, changes began to occur, unpleasant changes where I now found myself rejected, not good enough (too much of this, not enough of that, etc.), and on the outside looking in. This was a very painful time, as other serious health and family issues had arisen, and I found myself without a support system at the time I needed it the most. Again, God showed His love and mercy to us and moved us to South Dakota, rescuing us from the heartache that Chattanooga had become. And when God decided enough was enough and stepped in, He really showed up and showed off! He delivered us from Chattanooga, brought us to the most beautiful place you could imagine, and gave me a job doing what I love. And I did love it; I loved my students and I loved the people I was privileged to work with.
I did not, however, love where I worked, as it was not a happy place. I was never really heartbroken when I lost my job; I was relieved to have been set free of the stress. And now is when God really stepped in and began a deep and thorough healing of my wounded heart. Who knew that Gracie would be doing her best therapy on me!?!? We take walks together. We romp and play in the house when it's too hot or raining outside, or in her yard when it's not. We both love the snow, and love to roll around and play in it outside. She loves to ride in the car, and I'm sure I am known throughout Rapid City as "that crazy woman who drives around with a goofy dog's head stuck outta her window!" We hang out together every day, sometimes all day long. When I'm in the office on the computer, Gracie is either under the desk, lying on my feet or flopped in front of the fan, hogging all the air. Gracie goes where I go, and she considers it her personal responsibility to accompany me to the bathroom. After we return from a "potty break" walk, she comes inside, walks around and checks all the rooms to be sure all is well, and flops at my feet to await the next part of our day. When I'm sad or don't feel well, she stays by my side (or on my feet) until "Daddy" comes home to take over. Sometimes she'll hop up into my lap and try to lick me to death, as if there's room for all of her in my lap; she's beating me to death with her tail at one end while trying to give me kisses at the other. Gracie regularly just lays her head in my lap or jumps up to put her whole "front end" into my lap for play time. She is a happy girl who smiles all the time. I've not been lonely since I lost my job and get to spend every day with my Gracie; she's always there, just waiting for me to call her name. I talk to her all the time, and she listens. I can tell Gracie anything I need to talk about, and she watches me, her head cocked to one side, listening patiently. Whenever I've had to leave her at home alone, she's always glad to see me return, and greets me at the door, smiling and wagging her tail, shaking all over with happiness to see me. Not even my husband greets me like that! What Gracie has given me is unconditional love and acceptance, almost like "God with fur." Through Gracie, God has shown me that I don't have to be perfect, and that the only standards I have to live up to are His. Just like God, Gracie accepts me in all of my human weakness and loves me in spite of myself. I know I don't deserve it, but I accept it and hold on to it, and spend every day being thankful for such amazing love.
Lest anyone get the mistaken idea that Gracie is perfect, allow me to enlighten you. Although we have no "potty issues" and she can be trusted to have the run of the house when we're gone for several hours, we do have other problems still to solve. We've had our share of shredded napkins, tissues and paper towels from Gracie's forays into the trash. She currently has the attention span of a gnat, especially when out for a walk; birds, flies, butterflies, horses, grass and trees are all equally fascinating to Gracie and receive her full attention for 5 seconds each. However, when another canine crosses our path, she really goes into idiot-overdrive. It's a miracle she hasn't snapped her own neck, the way she stretches and strains the leash, doing what the neighbors call her "Gracie Dance" upon meeting one of her own. And I have yet to decipher whether or not it's a good thing that every single person who works in Petsmart, even the vet clinic staff who have never treated her, knows who Gracie is. EVERYONE. Yes, she is happy, loving, affectionate and beautiful, but she is also still just a baby. I've been assured by our trainer that she will eventually grow out of these idiot behaviors, although not as soon as we'd like.
Now that I no longer have to live by the clock, I have time to just take care of me. I no longer have to get up at 5:00 in the morning; I sleep till 6 or 6:30 and get up to have breakfast with my wonderful husband before he goes to work. We sit in our breakfast nook, eating our cereal and looking out at these beautiful Black Hills that God has brought us to. We are happy, we are thankful, and we are loved. Although Gracie doesn't eat at our table or sleeep in our bed, she is a full-fledged member of our family and she loves us much more than we deserve.
A story from Darrah Stephany about Saying Goodbye posted 08/30/2011
As I sit here listeing to Theodore Shapiro's It all run's together, it takes me right back to Marely and Me. When I first seen the movie, I also own the book, I couldnt beleive how much this story seemed so similar to my own life and story about our chocolate lab Simba aka "Buddy" We bought Simba in 2003. He was our first dog we had together. Shortly after we brought Simba home I found out I was pregnant. I remeber many sleepless nights waking up from the smell of dog poo and dog whimpers and crying. I tell ya what it was a lot of work rasing our little puppy. I thought having simba helped prepare me in some way for the sleepless nights I would have after my son was born. and on Oct 10th 2003 we welcomed our first son Shawn David into the world. Simba was a handfull. He ate the wall, chewed my sons pacifiers, got into the garbage and that wasnt all. I remember so many times wanting to find him another home because all of what he put us through. In 2005 we welcomed my second son Shane into the world. I have to laugh at the memories of Simba getting into the garbage and taking it under my sons crib. We decided to get Simba fixed as a hope that he would calm down. Well we found out that didnt help too much. I often said that Simba and I had a Love/Hate relationship. He drove me crazy with the things he did. But he would just melt my heart when he was being a good boy, he would sit out in the backyard with me. Keep me warm in the winter by jumping on my bed and sleeping on my legs. Sadly on August 22 2011 our beloved Simba passed away. He had a terrible accident of running into a wooden wall in our backyard. I thought for sure he just broke a leg or his hips, We rushed Simba to the emergency vet, they did x-rays and came back in the room with terrible news. Simba had a spinal cord injury which left him paralized, and it was spreading to his top half of his body. We had to put Simba down. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. Its been about a week and the vet just called me yesterday to let me know Simba's ash's were in. I picked them up today and now I have my Simba back at home with me. and I am going to make a special place in my backyard as a memorial for him. We always told everyone, If you ever watched Marley and Me, that was Simba all the way... even the story was so similar to ours. regardless of all the distruction he made, eating poop diapers and our wall, chewing my kids pacifiers, and getting in the garbage. I loved him and still do...my now Guardian Angel Simba aka "Buddy"
A story from lisa k morella about The Longest Trip Home posted 09/01/2011
yesterday i finished your book "The Longest Trip Home" i am familiar with Marley & Me,read it,saw the movie and actually have 3 copies because friends know what an animal lover and especially retriever lover i am. at this time i belong to 2 beautiful golden retrievers. i could write about the "boys" but was blown away by your familys story.as it would be i finished the book yesterday-- as i was reading about your fathers death and his first anniversary i was sitting in my backyard in elverson,pa. thinking of my mother because it was the eighth anniversary of her leaving this earth. i cried happy tears, sad tears and loving tears for my mom & i and your dad & your family. it was a message from someone above to share my moment yesterday with your book. i thank-you , lisa
A story from Elaine B about The Longest Trip Home posted 09/06/2011
I really wanted to read this book when it was published in the hardcover edition; but my dad was in the mid stages of Alzheimers illness, and I didn't feel up to the journey at that time. I've just finished reading this memoir, and wanted to thank the author for sharing so much of his life. Your memoir literally took me back in time, to the 1960's in Chicago to Catholic School, ditched masses, questioned faith, and siblings whose love and loyalty was forged in our bonds of deceit. I'm a voracious reader, and have never been moved (or perhaps brave enough) to contact an author, but this book made my soul sing and for that I thank you so very much.
A story from Meason Kramer about Stolen Dog posted 09/10/2011
I was only 16 years old when someone stole my Yellow lab he was about 8 years old when some came his name was Danta he was also a trained water rescue dog
A story from Alina about This same Dog posted 09/14/2011
Hi, I come from Poland, and I had one sweet dog, ther was so similar how your Marley (I was reading this book for my 9 years old daughter in german). My Nestor is dying this sommer labrador mischling, 16 years old, but so many stories for example he has my camera eating, or was so affraid when thunder came. Cant gut hearing and seeind when he old was, but very strong and brav... I miss so much:(... I can write more if you want. My Email: Renkwitz@onet.eu
A story from Alina about My Dog posted 09/15/2011
A story from Alex about Munchkin and Me posted 09/19/2011
First I loved your book and film, Marley and Me, and I had longed to adopt a dog, finally one day at a Beagle adoption event, I met him, his name was Munchkin. He was found near death in a snow ditch, abandoned by his owners. Luckily his guardian angel found him and took him to a vet then to the Beagle Rescue. We think he's 9 yrs old, he's in great shape except that he only has two teeth due to poor care and his tongue hangs out permanently due to nerve damage but I think it just makes him special. He came to live with me in 2010 and is a celebrity everywhere he goes. He has his own Facebook Fan Page (Munckin's Fan Page) and his own Movie Review Column on FaceBook (At the Movies with Munchkin) please check him out. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing me to share ours. Alex & Munchkin
A story from Asha Dekingco about My dog and your book posted 09/29/2011
I really love your book even it's an adult version because even there's adult stories, I learned lessons. Every night, i read chapter by chapter to my poodle, Cristine. We finished it for one month until she died just like Marley. Before he died, i red the Chapter Beating the Odds and so on... I cried remembering why if Cristine died? She is such a wonderful dog... Even she is a bad dog... Now, we have a new dog, Christian, a poodle too. But Cristine will always be my number one... R.I.P. Cristine I miss you so much!
A story from Blake Velick about Marley And Me posted 10/06/2011
I just started Marley A Dog Like NO OTher . It is so good please make another story about Marleys other adventures
A story from Peggy Clark about The Longest Trip Home posted 10/07/2011
Dear John,
Just finished reading your story of "The Longest Trip Home." I was sitting at a picnic table at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, AR on a beautiful fall day. I just sobbed reading your encounter of your Dad dying. I could so relate to it and my Mother died on January 20, 1974. I was only 23. Me and my 3 sisters were all there, but as the night wore on, I told them to go home and it was just me and my Uncle John there when Mom drew her last breath. So hard, but such a priviledge to be there for her. Her last words had been a few days before when she said "I think I'll call it a day, Honey." She was only 55 when she passed, and I still miss her. Thank you for bringing so many memories flooding back to me. Also, I grew up Catholic in Chicago so almost everything you experienced I could sooo totally relate to.
Thank you for sharing your life with so many people. Peggy Clark
A story from Kellie Sova about The love we have for animals posted 10/15/2011
Dear Mr. Grogan, First of all I would love to say what a great book "Marley & Me" is. I was reading the end of it with my dog Starr by our fireplace. I think she could sense that I was getting sad reading it. That book made me appreciate dogs so much more. And the bond I have with Starr is so much better because of what you wrote about in your book, Made me love her even when she can be a pain in the YOU KNOW WHAT, and made me appreciate her when she is on her best behavior. But what a sad book though, it should come with tissues!! Thanks for a good read.
Sincerely, Kellie & Starr Sova
A story from Tayna Poppe Bourguignon about Sophia posted 10/24/2011
the sophia she is terrified of fireworks and New Year she could break the door of my mother's closet and took all the clothes and peed on them and then went into the laundry would save and began to eat a bar of soap that was inside the closet. The other day I went to the bathroom then she got her to drink lots of treble began to belch soap balls, I laughed too was very funny every sob she gave her was a ball of soap was very funny, so that after she began to vomit and my dad took her in the vet and then she came back and was fine. Tayna
A story from Anthony Piazza about Bosco posted 10/29/2011
I like to tell you the story of Bosco, my chocolate lab. When I was 29 yrs. old I adopted him at the age of 3 months old. As soon as I laid eyes on him, I wanted him. When the gentlemen at the no kill shelter opened the cage door, he ran right towards me licking me and wagging his tail with joy. I knew then we were meant for each other. My family was so happy as well. My father said as he waited near the door for us to come home with him, we let him out of the car, and he ran up the steps and opened the door with his nose, like to say this is my house now! And it was!! We spent alot of time with each other, for that case the whole family. My mother loved playing hide and seek with him, and singing to him, the song,You Are My Sunshine! That he was! I remember coming home from work or anywhere, and he be waiting for me to take him for a walk, or just sit on the porch, which he loved. All the neighbors and kids around the neighborhood loved him, he was the most loveable dog ever. I also believe that he was somewhat human, I never seen such a obedient and loyal dog like him. Over the years I can recall so many happy times with him, even when there was hard ones he made all of us smile. I myself have recently become ill, and since I been home we have been even closer, than ever. I can always rely on Bosco, to make me feel better, or just having him around, when I was lonely, from being ill. Towards the end of this summer, Bosco now 7 going on 8, I began to notice a change in Bosco's health. I spent lots of money on him, and would pay any price just to keep him around, as would my family. On Monday October 24, 2011, I took Bosco to the vet. I wanted a complete physical and blood work on him, because oddly he was losing weight. The vet said he never saw a dog so well loved and taken care of like him. He was right, Bosco was indeed spoiled, but I enjoyed that, because he was so special. The vet called me Thursday, October 27th, and gave me the horrible news that Bosco had Leukemia, and didn't have much time left. I guess I knew, but didn't want to accept that. Over the 2 days that I waited for the vet to call, I myself and my family saw Bosco was getting worse. And when the call came in, I was forced to make a decision, which was the hardest one I ever had to make. Before making it, I had taken Bosco into my room, where he slept for the past 7 yrs. and as he laid there, not himself.I asked him to give me a sign of what I should do? He looked into my eyes with his weak sad eyes and licked my face, like to say it is time for us to say goodbye! I took him that night to the vet, and stayed with him, as the doctor put him to sleep. The doctor gave me time alone to say my goodbyes. All I could do was flashback to all the happy times he brought me, I said Bosco, You have no idea how much I will miss you??? He looked at me as if to say I will miss you too! But I am suffering and need to be at peace. The vet came in and gave Bosco the injection. As he laid his head on my arm and I rubbed his paw, I watched Bosco slip away. I never experienced so much pain in my life and especially in my heart, which is now broken. Bosco was only 7 yrs. old when he died. I wanted him cremated by himself, money was no object, especially for him. I know he won't be here physically but his ashes will, and that will make me know he is still in my home and heart. I look back on what John said at the end of Marley and Me. " A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, old or young, fat or small, just give them your heart and they will give you theirs". That is so TRUE! SEE YOU OVER THE RAINBOW PAL! I will never forget you. I pray maybe somewhere, somehow, Bosco will let me get well again, so I can live my life through his short one. IN LOVING MEMORY OF BOSCO PIAZZA 2004-2011
A story from Anthony Piazza about Bosco's picture posted 10/29/2011
A story from Anthony Piazza about Bosco posted 10/29/2011
A story from Nasja about I Love posted 11/02/2011
Hello. IÂŽm Nasja. I life in Germnay. I love the book MARLEY AND ME. The End of the book are so sad.
A story from alexis about oldyeller posted 11/02/2011
My story is about my dog.My dog is just like Marley exeped his name is Oldyeller but just like Marley Oldyeller rummeged through garbagecans,jummped on people,licked peoples faces.But he was a special dog.He was an yellow lab.When i was 5 he let me ride him when he was strong enough.i loved him so much that when he died i cried for 2 days.and i still miss him.I never thought i would make the disision of putting him down.And now im 21.
A story from Anthony Piazza about Bailey posted 11/14/2011
I recently bought a new puppy, after the death of my chocolate lab, Bosco. I picked him up on Saturday he is a 2 month yrs. old yellow lab, I named him Bailey. Boy he is a pistol! I know Bosco would like the fact, that I decided to give another dog a good home full of love. This dog is adorable and really funny. He reminds me of Marley, he is into everything! But I don't mind.. I am happy!
A story from katherine shults about trickie posted 11/14/2011
i wouls like to start by saying i am 17 years pld and i had a puppy named trickie. shs was a lab but a really small puppy and i lost her when i was two yrs old. i miss her alot i have pics of her but its got me in it when i was small, but ill try to posst her up.soon.i love her so much. and hopefuly she is in a good home or she good be with the angels r.i.p.
A story from Katherine Jeanette Shults about malrey and me and went to being my life story to:) posted 11/14/2011
dear john, i want to start by saying i love your ur book on Marley and me. So good and funny and mostly really sad. Sometimes i wish i could have a lab puppy. I couldve had one dis weekend but my dad said no. But my mommy said yes. Either way i cant get him. Hes black and got a tiny white furr on his chest. & weeks old and really cute as can be. He likes to bite on ppl (which is my fault). He reminds me as marley alil bit. Always chewing on everything and always running away and mostly using the areas to use the potty. My friend cant take him anymore bc of that. So instead she is getting a pit bull.But you did do a great jobon writing the story and the movie was great.I didnt like the part when you had to take himt o be put down. because i dnt believe in that. so i guess i see why ppl do it now.( so they dnt have to suffer of the pain that they are going through.I want to be vet but i cnt see myself putting animals down so instaed in rather be an animal cop so i can save them.hehe. i love anilmals with all my heat. my step dad has 4 pit bulls dogs. i not o crazy about them but theyare really cute when they are babies hehe. he has one names kilo. she is so cute but she has skin cancer. I hate to see her pain but he doesnet have the heart to puy her dopwn which is understanderable. bc i she was mine i couldnt put her down either. he has one thati really love and her name is Dot which is KILOs mommy.i think or its the other way around.Doit is really pretty. she got tiger strips on her. but right now she is really hurt.she got in a fight which is not good at all bc now she looks really horriable and my step dad is going threw a hard time right now.But i hope jesus takes care of them for me.
A story from 12123 about 123213 posted 11/17/2011
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A story from John Fletcher about Charlie posted 11/21/2011
I posted back on August 12, that our neighbors brought home a pure white Lab puppy...appeared to be about 8 weeks. I noticed they kept the pup unteethered in the front yard and with no one watching him. After 2-3 weeks Trouble(their name) started wandering in the neighborhood.
I came home after work and heard him barking out back. They had taken this beautiful youg pup and had him on an 8 foot leash tied to a large tree. This was late August in Alabama and its is hot and humid that time of the year.
He barked constantly day and night and several times I went to their back yard to unwrap his leash that got wrap around the tree. The only time they came out was to feed him and yell at him to stop barking.
Meanwhile, his barking upset me and my girlfriend. She has a 7 year old Golden Retriever and treats Singer like her son. Labor Day weekend, a tropical storm was due through the area and I wasnt going to let Trouble stay out back. I knocked on their door and asked if they wanted to keep the puppy, and the grandmother who ansered said no.
Her daughter brougt the pup home as a gift for her six month daughter.....well duhhhh that wasnt smart. Grandma said the puppy was into everything and didnt get along with her small dog and would wonder off, so they chained trouble out back...day and night.
I told her I would love to have the puppy and she gave him to me.
I took the puppy on labor Day and named him Charlie. he looks like a Charlie....now a growing gangling goofy but very well behaved 45 pounder. Charlie is all white except for a few brown splotches on his ears. The vet thinks he may have a little Retreiver in him but is mostly Lsb.
Other than digging up our trees, chewing extension cords and computer wires and remote controls, etc etc... ;)>, Charlie is a great dog.
He never barks, and is about as laid back a 4-5 month puppy that Ive ever seen.
Everytime I think about Charlie being tied 24/7 to a tree in the middle of an Alabama summer, i think about the millions of pets in this country that may have it worse.
Charlie is living the good life now and always will.
John
A story from Elizabeth about Gracie aka "The female Marley" posted 11/21/2011
Dear John, I have wanted to share our story of Gracie for a few months now and after our crazy day with Gracie yesterday i decided that tonight was the night! I have seen Marley and Me on the big screen and loved the truth about labs that so many people never get to see, the mischevious side. I was raised with labs and love them as if they were family. I have shared in your sorrow of having to make that life changing decision to let an animal go in peace. I am sorry for your loss. As i was reading your blog i realized that after Marley you got another lab named Gracie, well i know that they have peacefully left you but don't be too discouraged b/c i am pretty sure that our Gracie's story will parallel Marley and hopefully bring a smile to your face. Gracie is a 6 month old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the first breed i have ever owned other than labs. Gracie is the love of our lives as we have no children and is proving fast that we may want to rethink having children after raising this little one! In the four months we have had her we have spent close to $800 dolars at the vet trying to figure out why she has horriable bowel problems, but that is the least of our worries. Gracie has a fetish with eating my soxs whole, in fact she has passed 1 and the other two, well they came back to us in the middle of the night! She has eaten my scarf, the corner of my fleece blanket, part of the kitchen sponge, chair stuffing on the regular, ripped out my earing, chewed the trim of the back door, ate a chunk of spakle off the wall and the klincher was last night when she broke through the glass door trying to let herself out to the back yard! My family and i refer to her as "The female Marley", she is a highley inteligent and extreamly headstrong animal that is to smart for her own good. I don't want to miss lead you to think that we are neglectful pet parents, she does all of this so quickly that its all gone before we can catch her. She LOVES LOVES LOVES swiming and dock jumping but hates going to the bathroom outside in the rain, GO FIGURE. Fortunetly she only needed four stiches in her paw and missed a major ligament by a fraction of a hair. We too live in the Lehigh Valley and the Halloween snow fall was Gracie's first experience with the snow...needless to say it was like winter swimming!! She loved it. I hope to keep you posted as our journey with Gracie continues through the years and i look forward to reading your new book. Thank you for all that you have shared about your pets and all the joy they brought to your life. Sincerly, Elizabeth
A story from Jeff Tandler about My Dog Teddy posted 11/25/2011
John,
My name is Jeff Tandler-I live in St. Louis, MO. I read Marley and Me in May of 2005-I was inspired because I too had a lab; a chocolate, off the wall, 100 pounds of mischief and exuberance of life, but surrounded by the kindest and gentlest personality. This book has resonated with me very deeply. You were able to do what many have tried before you and failed-personified a dog in the most realistic and honest way-as you stated-not like Rin Tin Tin or Old Yeller.
And not only that, but Marley's love and devotion to you was the unwavering theme as you lived your life with kids arriving, moving, jobs, change, etc.
Well, my life has followed your book very closely. We also got Teddy when we were newlyweds. We also had a miscarriage that was very difficult and Teddy was a comfort for us. In a way, I can see a lot of myself and my life in this book.
I always would joke that Teddy was not Marley, but definetely a second cousin. And even though there were days when my wife and I wanted to strangle him, we loved him with all of our hearts. He was my best friend.
I am writing tonight because this morning I unexpecetly had to put him to sleep at the young age of 6. This dog loved to eat everything from my 2 years old's toys to cell phones. A personal favorite of his were socks. This past week he began throwing up and upon further investigation by our vet, he developed a severe bowel obstruction.
I am 30 years old, a husband, a father of a daughter and expecting another in March, and I am absolutely devestated and beside myself right now. There really is only one other person in my entire life who I have felt this type of grief for.
I have been thinking a lot about your book today-specifically the chapter "under the cherry trees" where you discussed how you would commune with Marley, visiting his grave, touching his collar in your sock drawer, and having the feeling of emptiness. In a way, your book is a comfort to me.
Thank you for telling your story-in a way it has been a guide for me as adulthood has taken hold and it has definelty helped to console me today.
A story from Bonnie about Daily and Miche posted 11/26/2011
Daily,my blaclk lab, was born in Aug. 1994. She passed away in July.Seventeen years.She was so loyal.My dearest friend.I'm lost without her and have tried to have another but find her to be irreplaceable. Miche was my chocolate lab who I had for 12 years. She left in Oct.2008.She could sniff out an empty beer can a mile away.I just finished watching Marley and Me for the second time. Much harder this time. Too many memories.
A story from Lynda DiMatteo about John Grogan's generous and sage advice! posted 12/03/2011
December 3, 2011
Dear John,
How does one pen a letter to a virtual stranger to express how much of an impact they had on their creative life? And how does one possess the audacity to seek, once again, their sage advice? You just put your courageous fingers to the keyboard I suppose!
So here is the very belated but heartfelt âthank youâ to you, John Grogan, from me, Lynda DiMatteo, the former Mrs. Lynda Altmann, former Editor of Parenting Plus, former reporter for Channel 57 Good Morning Florida show, the former Editor of The Observer newspaper and former upper middle class white chick. (I was never fired, there was an economically based layoff of all non-family personnel at PPlus, Channel 57 ultimately could not secure its cable rights and, after decades in existence, The Observer sadly printed its final edition in 2009 when hit hard with the economic downturn). I am officially the Black Widow of small businesses!
Long ago I subscribed to the Sun Sentinel for virtually one purpose: John Groganâs column. I related to each one as though talking to a friend over a coffee about lifeâs idiosyncrasies from the mundane to the comical and the tragic. Being a former Boca housewife/mother (so NOT a Bocahontas, thank you)! I felt we were living and breathing parallel lives raising our children in those white (pink) suburban walls. (That was an obscure reference to a haunting Marianne Faithful circa 1980 song: The Ballad of Lucy Jordan). I am the self proclaimed Rainman of musical references. Give me 60 seconds and I can cite a lyric or song title to match any situation. Itâs a kick at gatherings but not a marketable job skill but at least They Canât Take That Away From Me! (Best song on Rainman soundtrack barring After Midnight)!
Although my degree (FAU Alumnus) is in Human Resource Management, the only true passion and success Iâve enjoyed is in creating something that touches people through their emotions. Long ago, I penned a commentary published by the Sentinel regarding Americaâs missing and exploited children and the animals who perpetrate these crimes. I knew the Sentinel was to publish it but didnât know when until one morning my phone rang at 6 a.m. In my alarmed stupor, I answered. On the other end was a man reciting my editorial. Since that morningâs issue was still sitting in my driveway, I quickly realized it had been published and this was my first âfanâ call. Turns out, he was a fanatic, a sick mind who looked up my listed phone number and knew my address and that I had two young children. It was then I realized how a writer exposes themselves in far reaching ways. But as I was still reeling from his frightening diatribe, another call came in a few weeks later. It was Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, thanking me for my article for he had just published a heartbreaking song, Daddy, in which the proceeds would go to an organization founded in the aftermath of a murdered precious little girl in New Jersey. We spoke professionally and it was all I could do not to tell him how surreal it was for me to have him on the other end of my phone as I had owned every album he ever made and probably wore out six vinyl versions of Lucky Man. It was then that I realized thereâs good and bad to every action we take and a writer was born.
The next thing I knew I had composed a collection of quirky articles but did not know what to do with them and I called my local, literary hero to ask his advice. You took my call from your desk at the Sentinel. I recall you were generous with your advice, fabulously dry and wickedly hysterically. As my work was predominantly centered on parenthood I began selling articles across the country to regional parenting publications, eventually landing a position with Parenting Plus of the Palm Beaches and ultimately became Editor. I quite liked being a big fish in a small subtropical pond and quickly learned the power of a silly title and morphed into a reviewer of toys, educational products and, sheer geniusâŠfamily friendly resorts! All rooted in the sage advice from a kind columnist.
I remember how sad I was when you penned your last goodbye to South Florida but I silently wished you well. It was a kick when I saw your name pop up years later on Marley & Me and then the movie. I read and watched with a feeling of pride and a âgood for you, John Groganâ attitude. Of course you perfectly touched the hearts of all blessed with a Marley in their lives. Mine was Bruno, the naughtiest, obese beagle who terrorized my Christmas tree every year but protected my children and the âfridgeâ from anyone who dared to venture near either. Congratulations on all your success and your newest book!
I escaped Boca in â02 and built a home in the (then) countrified western communities of Palm Beach County. When we broke ground there was not one Starbucks in Dodge, but, by the time we moved in, there were six within a five mile radius. At least the kids had a little more wide open spaces to play on, and, to this day, virtually no one beeps at you, even if you hesitate to gas it when a light turns green. Small favors!
What the blissfully, clueless Mrs. Lynda Altmann did not foresee was the divorce of the century that began in â03 and was finalized in â05. Honest Abe the tax accountant left this mother with massive debts and two shell shocked children. You might enjoy the mix CD I made of that era: Titled it Baker Act⊠included such tracks as Like a Rolling Stone, Refugee, Freefalling, Comfortably Numb, Everybody Hurts, Closer to Home (Iâm Your Captain), Whiter Shade of Pale, Canât Find My Way Home, Wild WorldâŠthe list was long and very apropos. It was the first time Iâd worked outside of the home and took a reporting job for The Observer and eventually became its editor. I thought my penance was to forever cover ribbon cuttings, charity galas and taking shots of pompous people with those giant prop checks, some savvy enough never to position themselves at the end of the shot for they risked being cropped. But, then The Observerâs doors eventually closed. It felt as though South Florida was the canary in a mine of economic predictors. For the last three years, this mother has done what she had to do, and worked the most brain numbing, mundane job without an iota of creativity involved. My kids each graduated high school, both with two years of college completed before they graduated due to dual enrollment and each earned full academic scholarships. My proudest accomplishment, considering they had all odds stacked against them.
But for three years of feeling like a âliferâ I have added on to a story I began over a decade ago. The soundtrack, of course, is chock full of stellar tunes from the late 70âs right up to the present dayâs lovely Adele. It is a quirky romantic/human connection piece: envision Bridges of Madison County mixed with Youâve Got Mail with a bit of Almost Famous thrown in. It all happened in real life, in real time and I have priceless emails from three people from my past who were part of that piece I began 10+ years ago. Each has tracked the others down through avenues such as LinkedIn, Facebook etc...but ironically all within a few short weeks on each other. It spawned a priceless banter of witty, side-splitting, heart wrenching, brutal truths of who we were then and who each is nowâŠMy âghostsâ gave me the ending to my story and they say âRun with it!â
Technically, the working title, is Dear, Dan Hill (of Sometimes When We Touch fame). I have a bizarre link to Manny Pacquiao, who ironically, just covered and revived Sometimes When We Touch. And what child of the late 70âs didnât have a slow dance to that gem?
You and these âghostsâ from my very happy past are part of what Iâve coined The Human Connection Chaos Theory. Every action we make ripples down to unknown places, in unfathomable ways at times. I have been blessed to rekindle these past connections and carry on a rich dialogue of how each has touched the other even though we hadnât communicated from 25-33 years. We are spread now all over the globe but all rooted to South Florida. Many tell me it is âmy timeâ to revive the writer who went into a âcomaâ a few years back and has just been on auto-pilot, survival mode to do whatever it takes to provide for my kids. But, now this mom, this former beach girl, has a beautiful, quirky, relatable story, partly written, partly in her brain and too many people telling me Iâve got something here.
So here it goes again, one of you earliest, most sincere fans is a checker player in your world of chess players. How does one go about presenting her âbabyâ the safe, sound way to see if it might be a valuable, viable project to move forward with? I am not dreaming of J.K. Rowling-like success. Iâm perfectly content to move a little higher up Masloweâs Hierarchy of Needs and you are the one soul I hope might still be generous with his advice. Song Iâm feeling after all Iâve survivedâŠSteve Winwoodâs Back in the High Life! Iâm telling you, the soundtrack is killer!
Iâm told my unique divorce would make a story/screenplayâŠfinal tabâŠ.approximately $400,000 and I was left penniless and in bankruptcy. Theme song: The End of the Innocence. I am the only American who says God Bless the IRS, because although lawyers charge obscene amounts to present the truth, the IRS embraces it and charges nothing! Beginning to smell like J.K.âs story? Mine doesnât have wizards, or vampiresâŠjust ghosts from a beautiful life interrupted.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to your response. If nothing else, thank you for Marley and great Sentinel memories. Your success couldnât have happened to a better man.
Sincerely, Lynda
A story from Jessica about My Dog Bozz posted 12/04/2011
Dear John, I got a dog for my birthday.I spend time to think of his name.My dad thoughtof Boss and changed the s's to z's.we didn't do much reserch about his family.We wondered why he was growing so repidly.We found out he's inbred...but we still love him.My brother the most he went crazy and looked up things inbred dogs could have.My mother told him to calm down.Its past his first birthday and he's not showing any signs of being sick.Now he's has what my mother says is a hematoma.It looks better now.He has not yet had his first chrismas and i wonder what has in store. Love, Jessica and Bozz
A story from Bert DiDonato about Loved "Marley and MeE" posted 12/12/2011
A story from Bert DiDonato about Loved "Marley and Me" posted 12/12/2011
Loved you book..."Marley and Me"...but very interested in where you have been.. We are originally from Bethlehem, Pa, a few miles from Emmaus, and had dear friends who worked at Rodale... In fact, I wrote one those people (Grace Paulnack)who worked there and told her to be sure to read your book... I also am a "die hard" Penn State fan (so sorry to hear about the mess they are in... but the situation is their own doing.. and so, so sad that are in that mess, worse than Ohio State!!, your alma mater...another school I follow who are doing pretty well in basketball.. I'm just not convinced that a great football program (like Ohio State) is more important than a great learning experience. I also root for all the Philadelphia sports teams (college and pro)..but I am reluctant to wear my Eagle jerseys this year!!! THEY HAVE NOT HAD A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM SINCE 1960!!!!! I read the Phila. Inquirer almost daily on the internet and l lived and worked in South Phila. (9th and McKean) in my teens many years ago. I do plan to read your other books...but it takes me a long time to do so, since I am enjoying my Florida friends...We live on the west coast of Florida, just off the Gulf of Mexico...but do visit Florida's east coast from time to time. My best to you and your family...and continued success... Sincerely, Bert DiDonato bertdido@earthlink.net
A story from Jennie Jenkins about Thank you John! posted 12/18/2011
I just want to thank John Grogan for writing marley and me! I live in a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence and the book marley and me made me escape the pain i'm running from. The book made me laugh out loud and at the end when marley passed away i sobbed and sobbed. No book has ever been able to make me cry and i've read a lot of books in my life. The movie was nothing compared to the book. Thanks again John for writing that book. It was the BEST book i've ever read!!!
A story from bailey about me and my dog posted 12/20/2011
the ending of marley and me was almost EXACTLY how my first dog died
A story from 456456456 about DOGS posted 12/21/2011
you will always love them
A story from Shirley Puckett about Max My Black Lab. posted 12/21/2011
MAX OUR WONDERFUL DOG. Choosing our puppy. It was the summer of June 2007. Max was born May 6th, 2007. My mom,my daughter Haley that was six at the time, and my son Kelly that was just about to turn four. We drove to Murfreesboro Tennessee to check out the lab puppies. I believe there were 3 black and 1 yellow which had a deposit on so he was not available. I wanted the runt. He was so small and so cute. He did not seem to be interested in the kids at all. Now Max he was a clown. He chased the kids around the back yard and played in his water bowl and splashed the water and dumped it all over. He barked and grabbed at my pants. I remember mom saying I think this little guy has chosen you and the kids. That day we did not pick out or puppy. Max picked us. He was seven weeks old when we got him. Got him right before 4th of July which the fireworks never bothered him. He was smart and was house trained in a matter of days. He was perfect and we loved him so much and he loved us. The following March which was 2008 my husband went to Washington to work and Max missed him so. Let me tell you I was just starting to trust him without the crate so I would leave him for 15 min at a time. He destroyed all the books in the book shelf on the bottom row. He destroyed the couch, love seat, stereo, remote, speakers and I caught him on the bed in the basement tearing it all up. Looked like a square donut. He was a Marley all the way. When Marley And Me came out Christmas day I took the kids to see it. Great movie and we felt like we were watching our Max, We laughed and we cried. Now of course we have the movie and several of your books and I still cry every time I see the movie. We were starting our life with our first dog and the kids. What an experienced it has been. Max is now four. He will be five in May of 2012. A few years back we found out my son had allergies and so we started dealing with the shots. Max was here to stay. He is our son to. We blocked him off from my sons room with a pet gate. I was down stairs washing and drying clothes. Max was barking and acting all crazy. He leaped over the pet gate and upstairs he ran barking his head off. I followed only to find my son very sick and Max knew and he saved his life. That night the pet gate went out to the trash and Max had no limits. He saved our son and to that Max deserves the best. He is very spoiled and silly and just to make us all laugh. My mom passed away when Max was two and I had a hard time with that but my Max was there to dry my tears and kiss me. I look at him today and I think how in the world will I let this dog go someday. I think of Marley and I think of Gracie and you and your family. I just WANT TO SAY i AM SO PROUD TO HAVE A LAB AND SOMEDAY WHEN Max IS NO LONGER WITH US, i WILL ADOPT A LAB FROM THE SHELTER. We bought Max but since then I have been involved in animal rescue and my goal is to rescue a lab or two maybe three or four. These are future plans and I plan to name them Marley, Max, Gracie, and whatever comes next. I feel the love for our Max that you felt for your Marley and your Gracie. I always say a house is just a house until you bring home the dog, then the house becomes a home. Pets complete our families. They make it all worth it. I admire you and am grateful I was able to read your books and see your movie about Marley. I believe labs are the only breed. lol Hope to hear from you sometime. God Bless you and your family. May your precious angels RIP. Will there be another dog in your family? Thank you Mr. Grogan. Your forever animal friend,Shirley Ann Puckett
A story from Ja about Marley posted 12/27/2011
Hello John, Marley & Me just came on the TV, made me smile. 2 years ago, my partner & I were expecting our first little girl and were stuck for a name. We agreed on nothing, and thought we'd have to draw straws at one point. Then the commercial for Marley & Me came on the TV one night, and I looked at him and said 'What about Marley?'@ he we both stopped and smiled, we knew it was perfect. 2 years later, we get so many compliments on her name, everyone telling us how much it suits our shy, grey eyed babba x Ta u Marley, if it wasn't for you my partner and I probably still be arguing over what to call her :)
A story from Ana Cristina Feola Pereira about The Longest Trip Home posted 12/30/2011
John, I've just finished reading The Longest Trip Home. It has touched me a lot. I am Brazilian and I was raised in a Catholic family very much like yours. More than once in the book I was surprised by your words, your sentences ... they were my words, my sentences!!! You made me cry a lot when you told your Dad it had been an honor to be his son. Today as a mother I believe that was the most valuable gift you could have given to your father. I like your writing style very much. Congratulations!
A story from Rob B. from Atlanta, GA about Audio Version of The Longest Trip Home posted 12/30/2011
Although I had seen the movie "Marley and Me", I had not read the book, but I picked up the audio version of "The Longest Trip Home" to listen to during a long road trip over Christmas. My wife and I loved the book, and it was especially nice having it read by the author. I still marvel at how in the world you were able to read some of the more emotional passages without breaking up. I certainly shed more than a few tears listening to them!
A story from Anna Ilze about Thank you, Mr, Grogan! posted 01/05/2012
Hello, my name is Anna, I'm from Latvia. I just want to tell how excited I am about Marley and Me, especially about the book.Now, in my winter holidays, I'm reading it 2nd time,"I'm all in it".That's unbelievable, how great You describe all your life.I'd love to have as much colorful life as You have had.That's amazing - living that way and finally describe it in a fantastic book.Big thank you for giving such a wonderful impression.
In this picture You can see my golden retriever Feja - she is my life's miracle.:)
A story from Nadine about My Dog, Caffrey posted 01/07/2012
Hello,
July 27,2011 I adopted the most amazing German Shepherd/Boxer mix puppy. He was 9 weeks old. After a little debate I named him Caffrey. For the first few days he slept with me because I didn't have a kennel for him to sleep in. Well he was such a sweetie and he learned to sit and lay down in no time. Well Caffrey has grown quite a bit since then and he now knows how to shake (mom taught him that) and is just grasping the concept of stay. However, I can NOT leave him alone in the house. I put him in my room a few times while we went to town and came back to a disaster. Caffrey had torn up everything even a few CD's that were in there cases on the shelf when I left. Caffrey is a super hyper boy and can be very hard to manage sometimes but I LOVE him. The picture above is of him when he was 5 months old in the car after his visit to the vets office. Just thought I'd share my little boy with you all.
A story from Michelle about Marley and Me posted 01/14/2012
During the summer of 2009, my sister's standard poodle, Frodo, had become increasingly more sick with Lymphoma.
Frodo was the quintessential well-behaved dog. My sister, Cindy, had worked with him from day one, so he always went outside to pee, never begged for human food and was generally mild mannered. It was always fun to watch him slide across the wooden floor and crash into the wall when he knew he was going outside. He would sometimes have OCD about certain things - like the guinea pigs my sister bought for her stepchildren. He would hover over their cage and watch them incessantly.
It finally became time for Cindy to put her dog down. He was so ill and just not the same. I had not been working at the time, so I was able to spend time with my sister as she grieved. The following day, we decided to rent a couple of movies to try and cheer her up. We had heard the Marley and Me was really funny, so we picked it up. Unfortunately, we did not know how the story of Marley ended, so when that part of the movie came around, i was fraught with indecision about what to do. Internally, I was unsure about whether to turn off the movie or let it play. I ended up choosing the later. My sister sat on my couch and bawled and bawled. I think now that it was probably cathartic for my sister to be able to grieve as she did. We chuckle now about our inappropriately timed movie choice, but I am sure glad we were able to laugh at Marley's antics... and also remember some of the goofiness of my sister's dog, Frodo... may he rest in peace.
A story from Leah about Finding My Dog posted 01/16/2012
I am a 13 year old girl and have always had a love for animals, I have had a lot of different animals but I never had a dog. This is the story of how I got one. A year ago, in one week we found my dog. It was a Saturday morning and my mom, sister and I where getting ready to go to the farm where we keep our horse. My mom got an email saying that the owners of the farm found a beagle in their barn. I was existed to to see her. But I was not at all prepared to see what bad condition she was in. When we got to the farm I saw the little beagle laying down and I was about ready to cry. She was staving to death covered in mud and was freezing. All I wanted to do was hold her, but I was afraid I would break her. The entire week before we found her there had been at least a foot of snow on the ground making it impossible for the poor dog to find anything to eat. My mom called my dad to ask if we could take her home until we found her owner and she got healthier. My dad agreed that that would be better than sending her to a animal shelter. When we brought her home the first thing we did was buy dog food this was the first time we had a dog so we went to the vet to see what we should feed her. They gave us a high protein food and said to give it to her in small amounts several times a day. That didn't happen, that dog could eat mountains of food and still can. From being out in the woods the dog did not smell anything close to good, we tried giving her a bath but it really ended up with me getting a bath. She was only 15 pounds but she was strong enough that I needed to stand in the bathtub with her and hold her down. While I was doing the dirty work my older sister was thinking of names for the dog. She came up with the name Allana. although she was not officially our dog we could not just call her dog. About a week later when Allana put on a few pounds and was much more active we brought her to the vet. There we looked to see if anyone was missing a beagle. It did not seem that anyone was. Allana got her shots and the vet made sure she was okay. Weeks went by and no one was looking for a beagle. By then Allana had become attached to our family and we became attached to her she was the sweetest dog I have ever met. Allana never grew to trust other people she was always scared of them but she loved my family. By then we decided Allana was officially a part of our family. And by the late spring Allana was back to her full health as a very energetic beagle. I am glad Allana is with my family, and I think she is too.
A story from MOHANDAS MENON about TANGO OUR LOVE posted 01/17/2012
Tango is now 3 and a half years old the last week I took him for a walk in the park early n the morning on a retractable leash he saw 2 hoopoe birds that I did not without warning he took off and in true marley style and I was yanked off my feet into a horizontal position and bang I was on the ground he saw me fall and charged back to me licked my face almost asking me "what happened to you old man" I instatly got up and kissed him for his concern when will human beings realize this kind of concern
A story from Pat from West Palm about Dogs posted 01/24/2012
I lost my wild dog recently after putting down moth balls on fence line to keep him from digging under. He (being a little loopy like Marley) ate some and died before I could get him to emergency clinic. I have since read Marley & Me and was touched. I had no idea there was a West Palm connection before I opened the book. I have a friend in the 200 block of Churchill and had no idea of the violence in the area, much of it over chump change. We like to think we are the superior beings but like you said in the last few pages of Marley & Me, dogs love and live joyously in the moment and can teach us A LOT if we pay attention. I have another dog (not as wild) who thankfully I still have and I am able to spend lots of time with. Please consider giving time and $ if available to local animal care and control facilities. I walk dogs at ours a couple of hrs a wk and these dogs are so thankful to get out of cages and need socialization to make adoption easier.
A story from Doris about Bad Dogs Have More Fun posted 01/31/2012
Pip came into my life a few months after I lost my last dog Lexie. He was a little stray in need of a home and seemed such a gentle, friendly pup. However he soon revealed his "shredding" habits. I had been given "Bad Dogs Have More Fun" for christmas and had been reading a few stories every day so it was sitting on my coffee table. One day I came home and found it in several pieces. Thankfully Pip was less interested in the reading matter then the thorough destruction of the hard cover. I guess he wanted to see if the title of the book was correct. Since then I have left some magazines on the table that met a similar fate.
A story from Amy Fehlberg about Jacey posted 02/03/2012
Dear John, While I was pregnant with my third baby, my parents, two kids and I loaded up the car and picked out two puppies. One for each of us. My dad picked one out and on the way home decided we better switch because ours was too roudy for two small children. HA! He ended up with Kizzy who to till day destroys his lawn. She is almost 13 yrs old and still digs up the farm! I find it hilarious! The dog I ended up with we named Jacey. Jacey grew up with my three kids and was one of them. They harnessed her up to the sleds, they rode her like a horse, but must of all she loved to farm! When fall time came, she loved it most when the John Deeres were out and harvesting the corn and beans. Jacey loved to ride in the tractors and run around the freshly picked fields sniffing for critters. In the fall of 2007, Jacey was running in the field as I was in the tractor bringing wagons to my dad to fill. Horrifically, I ran her over. My heart sunk. She ran back to the house and layed there looking perfectly fine. As I tried to get her into the van to take her to the vet, she started to bleed. Jacey died on the way to the vet. My heart aches for her. Jacey is buried below the lilac bushes I look out and see everyday. We now have another black lab named Ellie. She has taken a long time to get into the grove of our family and is certainly different from Jacey. In fact she just gave us the experience of our first litter of pups! Now we have four dogs! I have read your book twice, have the movie and am humbled with each reading and viewing. I miss Jacey terribly. With the circumstances of her death, I have the guilt too. Thanks for writing this book. We all shared your happiness and sorrows. Amy
A story from kellen Daiane Schmitz about N ina and me posted 02/06/2012
kellen d schmitz PaĂs: Brasil Estado: rio grande do sul cidade:Dois irmĂŁos dia:06/02/12 hora:12:52 a.m
A story from Emma about Linsey posted 03/02/2012
I loved your Marley and Me book! That reminds me of my golden retriver lab named Linsey. Of course she is not dead yet but your book taught me the time you spend with the pets is very important. Becuase later in life they will be gone and you just remember all those times they wanted to play and you were too busy.
A story from Kelly about Marley and Me - 20 readings later posted 03/02/2012
Mr. Grogan, I am listening to your audio recording of Marley and Me and I just wanted to tell you that, even after my twentieth time reading this book, I am enjoying it every bit as much as the first. You are truly a gifted writer and I thank you for sharing your story with the world. I look forward to reading your book yet again, as I know I will laugh and cry just as much as I have this time! Special thanks to Jenny for allowing you to be so candid about your marriage, her post-partum depression, and hills and valleys of your lives together.
A story from girl about my dogs posted 03/04/2012
i have a yellow lab named hurley..when my mother and i read marley and me,we compared our dogs exact! when hurley was a puppy, he tore up everything!!! but he is now four and he melowed down a bit! im very grateful you made that book and how much of an understatement it is that you have been in our shoes!! the details in your book was great and i think a book is always beter than a movie and that you really made happen. im very sorry of the loss of marley and i hope a new member of the familly has came!! i had to put down my chocolate lab because of a torn leg bone. he was only a couple months old! :( but we have a english mastiff now..moose and he is a delight!! (we still have hurley). but anyway i love your books. i have read both the kid and adult book atleast 3 times!! thanks john!! tell jenny hi for me!!
A story from Debra about Our Best Friend posted 03/09/2012
Yesterday we lost our 7 year old Havanese Hudson in a tragic accident when my wife was crossing the street in our Chicago neighborhood and a driver, not paying attention to the road, hit both of them at a four way stop sign. Other than some bruises and soreness, my wife is fine but Hudson passed away on the spot. Though I had a dog until the age of seven, I was never really a dog owner as I have been for the past seven. And trajically at the age of 35, my heart is broken for the first time in my life. We have three small children ages 4, 3, and 1 so life must go on, but the pain we're feeling right now is undescribeable.
A story from Nicholas about Scooter posted 03/17/2012
On January 14,2012 me and my family brought home scooter.He is a yellow lab too just like Marley! Scooter loves people so very much.I just read your book. Best book i've ever read!
A story from Michele about Ozzie & Cass posted 03/25/2012
In October 1996, we brought home a fur ball that we named Gus. We don't have children, so he was our baby from the first. We learned all about crazy border collies from Gus and he added so much to our lives. In October of 2009 we had to say goodbye-it still makes us cry when we think of that last day with him. When my husband read Marley and Me the part with John and Marley up on the hill and John asking Marley if he would tell him when it was time really hit him. I was a mess after we lost Gus, but my husband saved the day by bringing home Ozzie-the "free-spirited" border collie. He was a mess! He ate and still does eat everything he finds within his reach, runs around the house like a crazed puppy and loves to cuddle. About a year ago, the breeder called to tell us that she was retiring Ozzie's mother and asked if we would like to adopt her-we did and now we have both of them. Cass helps calm Ozzie down, she watches to make sure he is doing the right thing. Both Ozzie and Cass are a big part of our lives and we LOVE them.
A story from carolyn marie about read your book posted 03/26/2012
dear mr. grogan, just a note to thank you for your book, marley and me. my boyfriend really enjoyed my reading the book, as i layed in bed laughing over and over and saying "oh, marley !!". also, 3 nights of happy doggie dreams. your book was pure pleasure and a wonderful diversion from the tediousness of life. iv'e never owned a dog.... but believe there surley must be a doggie heaven.
A story from kaylee about marly and me posted 03/26/2012
i love it even know i'm only nine
A story from Debbie Farrell about what marley means to me posted 03/28/2012
Dear John and Jenny,
I tried to find an address to write this letter, but couldn't; so I am using the computer at the library. I have no computer of my own. I am reading Marley and me and have seen the movie over and over and I wanted to write you what it means to me. First of all, Marley was also blessed to have your family. Unfortunately too many animals are put down because owners do not want to deal with behavorial issues or they get sick or are too expensive. This is sad but true. When you said Marley loved you unconditionally, you also did. You never gave up on him! You can tell there was a special bond there. Having a pet in your life is a gift from heaven and I also believe when you love a pet and you lose them - you find another dog that is just like them - reincarnated. I know that when you go on that "long journey home", you will be reunited with them. I am 1/2 irish and half french and catholc. I believe pets have souls also; because they are god's creatures too and that they will be there waiting when it is your time. I had my first dog that belonged to me. He was a llaso apso and his name was "Fluffy". I had him for 9 1/2 years and lost him in 2001. He was so loyal and he was so special. He loved me unconditionally as I did him. I took in a couple and they mistreated us. One day I came back and he was gone (Fluffy). Later I found out that this couple took him to the highway and tied him and dragged him to his death. I live with that vision every day; so when you both said you miss him so much it aches - I know! I feel for your grief and mine. What helps me is when you are saying goodbye to Marley - I feel your pain but not to diminish yours - I feel like I am saying goodbye to Fluffy. I never got to and I always wanted to be there for him to the end. I always protected him and he also protected me. We had alot of good memories. I also told Fluffy and Shaq let me know when it your time and help me make that choice. When they are too tired to go on and they can be at peace till you see them again. I got a new dog 7 years ago and feel like he is reincarnated from Fluffy. He was born on Fluffy's birthday (2/28). His name is "Shaq" named after my favorite basketball player at the time. He is so much like "fluffy" so its almost like a second chance. I just read about "Gracie" and I am so sorry about that. I did not find out about the dog you were thinking about getting "Lucky". So you have touched many other lives also. I really enjoy your book and the movie. Thankyou! Take care and God Bless.
Debbie Farrell 5652 Maple Run Lane Henrico,VA 23228
Also, I read your article in the Parade about bringing Marley home. That was awesome!
A story from Loretta Bailey about "the longest trip home" posted 03/30/2012
thank you so much for writing a book that touched me in so many ways. growing up in a SE MI catholic family like you did & going to parochial school a few years before you(yob1950) I really identified w/ your school days . then the finding your own path in life & finally dealing w/ you're dad's passing. It's impossible for me to express the emotion I experienced when you wrote about whispering in your dad's ear what an honor it was to have been his son. I lost my dad at a much younger age (he-67, me-33). He died 9 days after my birthday but managed to get out of his hospital bed and dance w/me (his middle daughter) on my birthday in his room. I will treasure that and so many other memories of him for as long as I live. I wish you and all your family the very best in life.
A story from Loretta Bailey about Your Mom's sense of humor posted 04/01/2012
I'm on my second reading of "The Longest Trip Home" and I think it's appropriate to tell you I'm thinking of your mom & her sense of humor on this April Fool's Day ( which happens to be my mom's birthday , she passed away in '99). Your mom had such a positive effect on everyone she met ( I never met her, but I can tell from your book). Her sense of humor was wonderful. Hope you have a wonderful April Fool's Day, & are able to escape any jokes or pranks. Almost impossible in an Irish family! :) SE MI weather has returned to more March-like conditions-- one day we were wearing t-shirts ; now it's back to winter coats. Just an update for you. :)Good ole MI weather. :-)
A story from sarah about marley and me posted 04/03/2012
Mr. Grogan Sir your book made me cry, laugh, and smile all at the same time and may your loveable Marley rest in peace knowing that his story is making pepole laugh and smile all across the world
A story from nataie duncan about lillie rosie and copper posted 04/03/2012
the cool story about natalie and her dogs well it all started when i got my frist dog lillie now i have to tell you smoething she is a humper :) she is a super werid dog and she is my first dog and my coolest dog I LOVE YOU LILLIE
A story from nataie duncan about lillie rosie and copper posted 04/03/2012
the cool story about natalie and her dogs well it all started when i got my frist dog lillie now i have to tell you smoething she is a humper :) she is a super werid dog and she is my first dog and my coolest dog I LOVE YOU LILLIE My dog copper came next he like's to hump lillie and i thank he is wried :) :) :) :)but i love him as much as lillie love ya copper Rosie the sweet dog like's to snug with you and she can be mean but sweet LOVE YA ROSIE and that"S my story xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxxxxooo:) :)
A story from Joanna about Matley and Me posted 04/03/2012
Dear Mr. Grogan, I just want to thank you for sharing your story. My Haley is only 2 but she's already taught me the importance of unconditional love and devotion. She lives ever day to the fullest and I do too, with her by my side.
A story from Joanna about Marley and Me posted 04/03/2012
Sorry, Marley and Me.
A story from Loretta Bailey about "TLTH" posted 04/05/2012
Happy belated birthday! Only missed by 16 days!:) I'm enjoying my very OWN copy of "TLTH" which I bought for myself a few days ago. After reading the library's copy , I knew I needed to add this book to my personal library Please keep on writing for adults, too. Best wishes to you & your loved ones.:)
A story from Jason about Coffee posted 04/07/2012
I just wanted to say Marley and me reminded me of how Coffee in her youth probably would have gave Marley a run for his money on the destruction side. I rescued her for a pound that was going to put her down because no one wanted her. She destroyed a long list of my stuff, but grew into an awesome dog and is still going strong. It is great to see her get the look in her eyes and revert back to her youtth. She has her own way.
A story from Aletta Vandenberg about Our Dog Jarman posted 04/12/2012
MEMORIES OF OUR DOG JARMAN 10-8-98 â 17-3-12
We got Jarman as a puppy from the Guide Dog Association back in October 1998. He was such a cute little puppy, one of six in the litter. We puppy-walked him for the Guide dogs but he failed due to cat distraction and also the sounds of the trains. We werenât sure what to do, like when they asked us if we wanted to buy him from them or let him go to another family. We thought about it for a little while then in the end decided to keep him and weâre glad that we did. He has been the most delightful dog. He knew where he wanted to be. He wanted to stay with us of course.
On some early occasions like when he was a wee little puppy he used to skateboard on the paving in our backyard, two legs off and two legs on and down heâd go. Then we would bring it back up and heâd go again. He was so funny, we wished we had it on video. We had hens too and youâd see him carrying them in his mouth without harming them and then let them go again. We also had pet budgies and Princess Parrots at different times, and Jarman would let them land on him and talk to him. He even took them for a ride.
Heâs been on trains, buses and trams. Heâs also been in shopping centres and weâve even taken him to church. We were involved in the Pets as Therapy programme run by the Guide Dog Association, then later with Lort Smith Animal Hospital. We went to the Royal Womens Hospital and nursing homes such as Lionsbrae, Amaroo, Gracedale and Olivet. He loved to go into Gracedale because a lot of the people would give him nice treats to eat. Often when walking past there heâd stick his nose in and want to go in, but I would say, âNot today, Jarmie!â When we went to Lionsbrae I would play the piano in the main room upstairs and Jarman would just lie down at my feet; sometimes he would go and do the rounds by saying hello to the people there. He also loved to visit the horses in the field not far from our home. He also had some other dog friends: Bucca and Sebastian (who are no longer with us either) and liked to have a play with them. Heâd also say hello to Patch (a little terrier), who when he was around Jarman always wanted to jump on top of him.
Everybody loved Jarman and thought that he was the best dog around. So gentle, loyal, loving and he had a really beautiful nature. He would sit out the front on the lawn, basking in the sun, and would rarely leave the property on his own, and would say hello to the dogs and people that walked past. He would always be at the front door to greet any visitors that came inside, and usually picked something up in his mouth to offer as a present. This happened a lot outside too: heâd always pick up a leaf or piece of stick and offer it to you.
Well, he really loved Tuesday nights when we did the bread delivery. He would race outside and greet the people who came to collect the bread, and sometimes score some as well. Probably not the best food for him but who could resist such a lovely looking face. I would shake out the crumbs on the lawn and Jarman would have a bit of a feast.
He was also a regular visitor at North Ringwood Primary School. Sometimes he would take himself there â then I would get a phone call from the principal saying, âI think we have your dog here, can you please come and pick him up.â
When he was about 7 months old Simonâs class was doing an experiment on growth and development. Jarman was used in the exercise, where he was measured and weighed every two weeks. It was so much fun. All the children loved him, saying âThereâs Jarman our friend.â He became to be a bit of a class mascot.
I used to do a paper round and heâd always be there with me, attached to the trolley with his lead. Heâd always stay with the trolley while I did that side of the street or across the road. Heâd never stray away from there. One time I was collecting the Pedigree pal labels from the dog tins, for the Guide Dogs, I had them all draped around the top of the trolley and Jarman still had his puppy coat at that time, and I thought that would have made a really great advertisement for the Guide Dogs. Often he wasnât even on the lead while I did the rounds, and would just stay with the trolley and not cross the roads. He was such a well behaved dog. I could leave him there and he wouldnât move. I could do the papers on the other side of the road and heâd still be waiting at the trolley. I could even cross over the main road, Warrandyte Road, and he would just stay there when I said, âStay!â
There was a time though when I put meat up on the bench to defrost and I had gone out â when I got back it was gone. Uh Oh! Oh No! He ate it all. There was dinner gone for one day. Then another time he ate chicken fillets from the bench as well. My husband John wasnât impressed and said, âIf that ever happens again you are going straight back to the Guide Dogs!â Well fortunately it never happened again so we got to keep him. Well actually I was reminded by my son Robert that he did steal some chicken drumsticks that I had been defrosting in the sink. Heâd got them all!
He didnât mind going to the vets either. He knew that he would get some treats. Well, he really liked going to Thrifty Vet, Dr Harry Corbett, because heâd always get treats there - liver from a doggy container on the counter. Often he wouldnât move until he got one. He was probably a bit stubborn too at times. Heâd tell me when he did and didnât want to go out for a walk. I would say âCome on Jarman, letâs go for a walk!â Heâd just stop in his tracks and just not want to go at all. Heâd yank back on the lead, âNo! I donât want to go, I just want to stay! Iâve had enough walking for one day.â Weâd often go visiting people as well and he was always good.
He was always wagging his tail even to the last day, especially when we had group Bible study or people around, heâd be there and was nearly knocking over the coffee cups on the coffee table. His tail was a good fan too, especially in the warmer weather heâd wag it in front of you. Heâd often dock himself in front of you and sit right on your feet.
He was also a regular visitor to our neighbours Ray & Sally, who arenât there anymore either. But heâd go and visit Ray a lot and keep him company. Heâd also get treats from him. Ray would always give him an apple or the end of it. He loved his food, fruit, broccoli, any vegetables really. I am going to miss you, my special vacuum cleaner. He also loved his little cocker spaniel friends Molly & Misty who lived two doors up the road. Diane their owner would always give him treats there. He wouldnât leave until he had received something.
He was a real comforter too. When Kevin came around telling me about his dadâs death, Jarman was giving him lots of attention and comfort. Also when I was going through cancer myself Jarman never left my side. He was always looking out for me. He was always there for me. Thank you, Jarman! He knew what I was going through. He was loved by all.
We had him put down at 9.15am on Saturday 17 March 2012; we were all there with him when he was put to sleep. Cuddling and patting his dear body. My sons Robert and Simon dug a hole in our backyard and John helped as well. When the hole was deep enough we lowered Jarman carefully down to his final resting place.
Melody threw some dirt on Jarman and so did we all. We all said our goodbyes. We placed his collar and lead on top of him. Then Simon filled in the rest of the grave.
We love you so much Jarman, you will be greatly missed. You have been the most special best friend and member of the family. Rest in peace dear boy and no more suffering for you.
(PS I just started reading part of the book and it's bringing tears to my eyes - but glad for you you have another pooch to love and care for).. I am thinking of taking another Guide Dog Puppy in August or so this year.) I really miss him...
A story from Lorraine Mara about Thank you for your story! posted 04/25/2012
On a whim I took your book on CD out of the library. I'd never heard of it, but have been listening to it in my car since. There have been numerous times I've just sat in the car upon reaching my destination, not wanting to turn it off. I was born in 1957 and I think my early years mirrored yours in many ways... 12 years of parochial schools and a devote, Catholic mother. I laughed out loud so many times, especially Jenny's reaction to the voodoo aspect - guess I'd never really thought about how it looked to an outsider. I was the youngest of four children, and got away with way more than the first three did. More LOLs as I read about your escapades and how similar some were to mind. Thank you for writing such an endearing, meaningful and funny book about your life.
A story from Nick Konarowski about My Wonderful Retriever: May 12, 1997-April 21, 2012 posted 04/27/2012
Hello Mr. Grogan, my name is Nick Konarowski from Oshawa, Ontario. Sadly, my family had to say goodbye to our beloved yellow lab Phoenix this past Saturday, shortly after 5pm. She was only a few weeks away from her 15th birthday.
It seems like only yesterday when I first met her. I was 5 years old and it was the Sunday of the Canada Day weekend. I came home from the cottage with my dad to see this sweet, little pudge-ball of a yellow lab sitting in the kitchen. She looked just like the retriever on the Marley DVD sitting there. I remember taking her into the backyard and playing for hours until my mom came home, who told me she didn't go to the cottage to as she needed to pickup the lab who's name is Phoenix.
I honestly can't believe that was almost 15 years ago. Letting her go was the hardest thing i've ever had to do. Part of me wanted her to stay, but I knew that would be the selfish thing to do, as her quality of life was not worth living. She began vomiting violently the night before, had a seizure, and could no longer support her own weight. I am so glad though that I was there with her right to the end, she went in peace, and the last two people she saw were my mom and I right by her side. I honestly thought she would live forever after an incident with chocolate eggs on Easter. She somehow managed to knock my chocolate eggs off the living room table and ate them all! Though she had a slightly upset stomach and pooped out gold and purple foil, it really didnât phase her, I thought she was invincible.
The last few days have been rough emotionally, but on Monday night, I went to spend the night at my moms house. We started by looking at many old photos, and there were so many pictures of me and my best pal that brought a smile to my face. We then compiled a list of all the great memories we had with her that never seems to end, its page after page of amazing times. Some of the memories were funny, dopey retriever things similar to Marley, like the time on Centre Island where she was eating a frozen pile of horse poo to times of playing in the snow and throwing snowballs to her, she would catch them, they would explode, and she would be so confused as to where they went. I also loved when she tried to eat an orange once, but when she bit into it, the citrus scared her and she would not eat it. I could go on and on with great memories, but I don't think is enough room for me to do so. We also watched Marley and Me, as Marley and Phoenix had so many similarities. I thought the end would bring tears, but it didn't. They both had peaceful ends to their lives, and what made me smile was when the boy playing your son was watching the video of Marley eating the diaper. Though it's painful to let them go, I will always have those funny memories of my silly lab for the rest of my life.
What I'm going to miss the most though is the little things. When I would come home from school, she was always there either at the top of the steps waiting with love and a big, dopey smile or asleep on her couch (yes she had her own futon), upside-down in total relaxation. If I was sick or feeling blue, she would always be there by my side to cheer me up, she just loved back no matter what. When eating, she was always there looking sad to get the last bite, and I would fall for that face every time. She also brought joy to so many people who didnât even know her. Both children and adults would ask to pet her and my mom would always say, âBe careful, she might kill you with kisses.â Little kids would love when Phoenix would kiss them; she was such a gentile girl. Didnât have a mean bone in her, well except for maybe with bugs. She would see them, get this really confused look on her face (with the ears up and head tilted sideways), get down really low, sniff a bit, and then slurp up the bug and carry on with whatever she was doing.
Though she may have looked sad to gain that last bite, this dog was the complete opposite of sad, oh was she ever spoiled. She was truly the most beloved dog on the planet. It's a shame that something that was so loving, so funny, wonderful, gentile, happy, and kind could only live for close to 15 years. I know I should be very thankful she had such a long life for a retriever. I miss her so much, and as I type this, the tears have begun to flow again. RIP Phoenix, I will always love you <3
A story from Nicole from Germany about Momo posted 04/29/2012
Dear Mr. Grogan! Thanx for "Marley & Me"! I love this book! I was laughing and crying, sometimes both at the same time. The chapter, when Marley died, I always look to our dog, a "black Lab - german shepherd dog"-Mix called Momo and I know, the time is runnig. Momo is ten years old now. She is a faithfull mind and loves all children. She is really not a watchdog,oh no, she would a housebreaker lick to the death or bring her toys for playing. Sometimes sheÂŽs the poorest dog in the whole world - when weÂŽre sitting at the dinner. But we love her so much! Greetings from Germany!
A story from Rebecca Aguilar about Roy Boy posted 05/05/2012
It was a couple day after my Roy Boy died. I was in a book store and I happened on Marley and Me. I had heard about it but never read it. So I took it home and started reading it right away. It made me laugh, it made me cry, but most of all, it helped me to get through the death of my dog Roy. In one year, I had put down not 1 but 2 of my dogs. King was a German Shepard Great Dane mix from the pound. His previous owners abused him, and when he first came home he was afraid of the sunlight. As time went on he realized he was safe with us and became the most beloved dog ever. Although he still had nightmares once in a while, and would wake up scared and shaken, then calm down after he found one of us and realized he was safe. Roy was a Black Lab and Chow Chow mix. We got him as a puppy and him and King became best friends. We were a military family so they moved around with us a lot. But we always took them where ever we moved to. They were good dogs and never behaved like Marley. But Roy did have an issue with cat poop. If he found any when out for a walk he would roll in it! The only problem we had with either dog were cats. They hated them and thought all cats were evil and must die. Once we heard a death scream from the backyard and found Roy trying to swallow a cat whole while it was still alive. The cat screamed and we had to tackel Roy and get it out. We had King for 16years! Thh vet said he should not have lived that long. It was a miracle that he did. In the end, we had to put him down cause his mind and body were going. His hips were bad and he started being absentminded. After a while his body got real bad and we had to let him go. Not long after Roy started going downhill. We had him for 13years. His buddy was gone and Roy's hips and back legs started drooping. After a year he was so bad when we took him in, we had to carry him into the vet. Me, my brothers and my parents loved these guys. I keep a picture of them up and still think about them every day. Dogs like that never leave your heart.
A story from ryan about ZZZZZZZB posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about ZZZZZZZB posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about ZZZZZZZB posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about ZZZZZZZB posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about ZZZZZZZB posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about Bad Dog posted 05/09/2012
A story from ryan about Bad Dog posted 05/09/2012
A story from Ryan about Bad Dog, Marley posted 05/09/2012
I like this book because it is funny. my favorite part is when he got into the garbage.
A story from kaitlyn about my dog posted 05/11/2012
Hi john, I'm 9 years old, and I love your books. I have a dog that is almost 15 years old. You inspire me in my writing. Thank you so much!
A story from Loretta Bailey about Kaferah & Zoey posted 05/15/2012
Zoey is the newest addition to Jim and Abby's life. (Jim's my son) Kaferah would have nothing to do with Zoey at first. After all she was there 1st.!! Now they have reached a tentative truce - where they just eye each other warily but allow each other her own space in the sun and food and water. It's interesting to see it play out. Kaferah has been a pampered (I say that with love) indoor cat for 3 years, while Zoey has been fighting for her life on the mean streets of Detroit. She was abandoned & became feral; you wouldn't know it now. She loves people. Cats have complex personalities! They've only known each other 2 weeks & they're adjusting & gradually accepting each other. I guess they could teach us humans a thing or two. Just like dogs can. PEACE & BE WELL :)
A story from Loretta about Herc, a wonderful dog! posted 05/16/2012
Everyone thinks their dog is special, right? Well, Herc is a member of my brother & sister-in-laws' family; not mine! But I love him! He's gentle but he's a good watchdog. He's big but he doesn't jump on people & he's handsome. Also he sympathizes with me when my knees stiffen up if I've been sitting too long & walks slowly--but the other day it looked like his joints were getting a little achy,too. I got a lump in my throat; but I'm sure he still has years left in him. He enjoys his naps in the sun or under a table; and he has a huge yard to play & run in. And of course he gets lots of love, and gives so much in return.:)
A story from 12/29/2008
about posted
A story from Shaylee about My Dog Rocco posted
A few years ago I found this website after the first time i read Marley and Me. I wrote about my dog Rocco. Who lets just saying isn't the best dog in the world. Some would call him the demon dog or the spawn of Satan. Well that is because he tries to bite everyone he sees. You think when you see him that he is just a little angle but once you try to pet him it is a whole other story. I first got my demon dog when i was 7 years old. I never seen a dog so cute in my life i just had to have him. Well it was a tough decision for my parents. Me and my brother were still very young
A story from Jake Hays about Sage posted
Last Christmas I got a dog. When my Dad went downstairs he couldn't find her
A story from Penny A Blaser-Silva about The Love of Animals posted
I have had animals my whole life, when I was three my grandfathers dog "Smokey" a syberian husky bit me in the face and they figure he ate the piece about one inch long and 1/2 in wide. I still was not afraid of dogs or cats. I have had two pekingese dogs that I loved very much. I had Bubanese for 13 years and she was put down only due to Cancer that was eating up her whole body, My other pek, was Chaco Abdul Peking at the age of three on May 10, 2002 he was hit by a car. I seen it happen and the person just looked at me and left. You could hear my cries for two blocks I was told by my kids. I now have Sasha Ming the Stafford Shire Terrer in the picture. With all my animals who ran out the door just as it was opened, that scratched and barked and nipped others when they did not want to be disturbed, I say Sasha is the best dog ever. Hear is my story of Sasha. My Son Colvin wanted a puppy, I just lost Chaco two years prior to him asking, I said "No" animals scare your heart worse when you loose them, even worse I feel humans due" I loved my Grandfather but when Buba had to be put down and when chaco died just out of the blue I would cry. To help me cope with the passing of the dogs I some how just thought they went to a camp or hospital and they would come home soon and be all better. But I was wrong and it took me along time to see that. Hear I was 36 years old and still can not get over them. Colvin brought home this puppy a tiny red haired puppy not weined off its mom yet, bringing it over and showing my Fiance and I, three different times this puppy that was born down the street, the third time he said they will give me her for free if I help build a dog run for the all the puppies and the parents to be outside in. Well for one thing Tony my fiance thought dogs are to be outside not in the house and he hates dog hair on his clothes and bedding. He does not beleive that animals are to get on your beds or near your food ect. Well the last time Colvin brought the puppy home Tony and I seen in her eyes how much she showed the love a animal can give you unconditonally and their love is through and through. Tony was over the road driving and his exact words when he called up to talk to me was " I am getting all misty float over that puppy" I told Colvin your dad says "yes" and if she has not sold the puppy go get her, Oh by the way find out when she was born and how old she is being she is so tiny still". Colvin called the lady and for one whole day she did not call us back we thought we lost her. Finally Linda called around 5:30 the next night. Colvin came home and said "Mom your not going to beleive this she is only four weeks old and she was born at 11:30 p.m on May 10, 2004". I dropped to my knees and just cryed that Chaco gave me back or maybe God sent a spirit back to us when we could handle a dog again the same date he took Chaco to a better place. She has been the best dog to train, sit,lay hold or stay. When she accidently playfully bit you she runs to her room until you tell her your ok and she is sorry you can see it in her face and her actions. My son Colvin when he was 11 years old was bittin in his face too and had 37 stiches from the top of his nose clear under his chin a torn part on his throut from his friends kicking a lab mix dog to get her off of him. I never blamed the dog for the behavior and what she did, I feel it was the people who teased her when she ate dinner or food. and Now he wanted a bread of pit bull they called her and he was not afraid. Well today is chaco anniversary of his death and It is Sashas celebration of her birth (the Grand Yayee Birthday" my nic name for her she is 6 years old. She loves the dog parks and trys to run as fast and the younger dogs do, she loves to go for bye bye in the car and go for walks. I will always love Buba and Chaco and Sasha as long as I can remember and feel. I listoned to the Story of Marley and Me, I yet to see the movie, I feel the Actors could not give as much feeling as yoru books can but I have the movie to be on hold for me to see soon. I have agrand baby well her name is Jade sahe is a lab and pit bull mix. she is very loving to me her Nanna but unpredicatable around strangers she may nip at their face. You see me son kept her in a cage when she was little when they were at work and I feel the incosed areas she has grown up in caused her to be so hyper and outwardly excited when she does get out. I have no problem with her when she comes to visit me at our house, Sasha gets tired after a couple days playing with her but I thinks its all the love and attention I can give that makes her settle down over here. God bless you and your family and all your pets. Love Penny
A story from ROSEEN GRACE R. TORIO about My sharing..
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