Today was a very sad day for us as we had to say good-bye to our sweet Marley. A heart defect caused her heart to enlarge and eventually it compressed her lungs and she could no longer get enough air. I think we gave her a good and happy life and I hope she knows how much joy and fulfillment she brought to ours.

It was September of 1996 when we rescued Marley from the San Diego animal shelter. It was love at first sight. Adopting Marley was the first big thing Ken and I did as a couple. We were a family instantly and never looked back. Over the years Marley endured military moves and several different homes. She always took it like a trooper even though she never liked change very much. I think Marley was thrilled when we moved here. Even though we have stairs and mostly tile flooring downstairs, I think she loved her final home. She really enjoyed being able to take her time outside wondering our yard and sitting in the sun when she could. Marley was a very routine oriented girl. Every night at 11pm she'd stare us down telling us, "um, yeah, it's 11 and that means you let me out for "last chance" before bed. I don't really care that you're not going to bed. It's 11 and that means I go out, so get you butt off the couch and let me out". Another quirk of Marley's was drinking. Sometimes she'd drink water and drink and drink and drink until she'd have to throw up some because she overflowed. I remember many times catching her drinking too much and I'd have to say "Marley, take a break" Usually that saved us the throw up situation. Even though there were occasions when Marley wandered away from home, she'd never be far and always come home. Marley was very loyal and I think loved us very much.

In the past weeks, Marley was moving pretty slow but, she'd still sometimes play with a toy and was always getting up on the couch, wagging her tail and showing happiness. Last night that changed and we really began to worry. I took her to the vet this afternoon who told me the grave news about our sweet dog. Thankfully my Uncle Bruce went with me to the appointment so I had help with both Link, Marley and a shoulder to cry on when the Dr. told me the sad news of her condition. I called Ken but was too distraught to talk to him so the vet took the phone and explained to him the situation. There was a very expensive treatment option but at best it may have given her 2 more months but, they wouldn't have been pleasant ones at all. Marley's condition was making her feel like she was drowning and we couldn't ask her to suffer just to give us a little more time to prepare. I arranged to take her home and spend some last moments with her while waiting for Ken to come back up north from work. My Uncle Bruce drove me and Marley back to the vet where we met up with Ken and Billie. I was so thankful Billie met us there. She was key to helping us through the process at the vet which was one neither Ken or I had been through. Since she used to work there she was allowed to stay with Marley while they placed the catheter in her paw. Then Ken and I were allowed back into the room while the vet administered the injection. Marley went very peacefully. I held her head in my hands the whole time as Ken was petting her. Billie said that while they placed the catheter Marley didn't seem to mind at all. She never flinched or made a sound. The vet and Billie both explained how it really was the right choice and the same one they would have made if it had been their dog. Ken carried Marley out to the truck where I had her head on my lap as we drove to Billie and Alan's house to bury her. Ken dug her grave and placed her gently inside. We covered her with the soil and topped her grave with stones. She's laying right next to Sebastian and the rest of the family pets where we can visit her often. We are so thankful to Billie and Alan for offering a place for Marley there.

We love you Marley and will miss you every day for the rest of our lives.