As many of you know, Marley was our dog, but in November we had to say good-bye to him. Marley had a heart murmur that had gradually gotten worse. About 5 years ago, Marley would at times sneeze, we thought it was strange, but it was nothing major, it was just what he did. Later, at one of his check ups, the vet explained that he had a heart murmur and the symptoms would be more apparent and worsen over time. For example, the sneezing was because of the murmur.
As the years passed, the sneezing became more frequent. He began throwing up, it was not food and it was just stuff. Ultimately, the sneezing became somewhat of a cough, which then began to occur throughout the night. There was one night that I don't believe he even slept. Once that began to occur I started the conversation with Mark about his health. We knew the only way to make his life better was for heart surgery. You dog owners out there know that means big bucks. Not only the surgery, but the medication and follow up visits. Mark asked to give him one week to find a place for him. We knew it would not be another home because no one would want to take on that type of financial responsibility. It was either a rescue/shelter for cockers or for him to be put down at the vet's.
Mark called around and the rescues would not accept a dog from a private owner, so we were left with only one choice. It was a Saturday morning and Mark decided to give Marley something special for breakfast. He made him eggs and bacon. Marley was an expert when it came to climbing the dining room table and getting to plates when no one was in the room. Mark made him his plate, placed it on the table and pulled out the chair. That's how he'd get on top of the table, by climbing the chair.
Marley finally found the plate and enjoyed it. Mark did not want to take part in going to the vet's office, so I did it. I held it together pretty well until I had to say good-bye to him. I pet him fondly, told him thank-you and slowly began to cry. I finished up at the front desk, they brought back his collar, I went to my car, drove home and seriously began to cry. By the time I arrived home, I was composed.
As the days followed, I missed Marley's presence and routine actions that would occur throughout the day. He was almost 10 years old and had been with us for most of our marriage. We got him about 2 months after we were married and he was 6 weeks old. He was named after Bob Marley and was our first kiddo....RIP Marley!
