Dogs, I love them. They are amazing. DNA from wolves, yet they were the first domesticated animal. There are over 300 breeds. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but share similar qualities. They are the epitome of brave, loyal and loving.

There are rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, hunting dogs, therapy dogs and all the rest. Truly, “Man’s best friend.”

It has been proven that dogs benefit our health. They help to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart failure. Let’s face it, they are great companions.

I did not think my first dog story would be sparked by the recent passing of my boy, Marley. Maybe it is for a reason.

I don’t recall a time when I didn’t have a dog. They have always been a part of my life. Each dog is special in their own way. Their love for us surpasses all understanding. Unconditional, patient, kind. Everything the bible tells us about love, they exemplify. This was true of Marley.

It was the Fourth of July week, 2010. We were on our yearly vacation at Leech Lake. A seasonal resident at the resort found a German Shepherd puppy on a busy road. We had lost our German Shepherd “Victor,” in February, so we were excited to see this nine week old puppy. Needless to say, “Josie,” came home with us.

Later that July, we received a call from a local German Shepherd rescue group. They asked us if we could foster this Labrador Retriever. They estimated his age at one and a half to two years old. We said, “Sure.” This dog had been at a kennel for three weeks. He was good and gentle with Josie. We decided to keep him and named him Marley. 

Marley liked everyone but especially women. He soon became my dog and followed me everywhere.

It had been awhile since we had two dogs at once. We forgot what it was like having a young puppy in the house. Marley made it easier. He looked after Josie. They soon became best friends and took over the couch and our hearts.

Marley would stay close by – for the most part. He loved to walk around to the neighbors and say “hello.” He was friendly. He liked people and other dogs. Marley was easy-going, mellow. His gentle nature always shined through.

Like every dog, their bark is unique. Scott compared Marley’s to a seal. Marley would bark even though he could see us outside. He wanted to be close. 

In Marley’s younger years, he had athletic ability. He was fast and could jump. Marley would engage the neighbor dog Brandy in a game of chase. He would drop his backside down low to the ground and in a split second, he could turn on a dime, leaving Brandy running in the wrong direction. 

He had a great vertical. Scott was in the kitchen, when all of a sudden, Marley jumped from the floor straight up to the counter with ease. While it was a high five impressive move, we did not encourage it.

One evening, we were having a bonfire and heard a thump. Marley cleared our neighbor’s four foot fence with a muskrat in his mouth.

We contemplated training him to be one of those dogs who jump off docks. Marley did not take his jumping to the next level. He was content being the family dog.

What is a true friend? Someone that sees us at our best and our worst, but loves us the same. They never judge and forgive easily. They are attentive and sense when something is wrong. They are good listeners. They are loyal and will protect. They don’t care if you are rich or poor, they love you the same. They are happy just to be with you. It’s a dog’s mantra.

We could learn a few things from a dog.

It has been a little over a month since Marley passed away at home. I was by his side when he took his last breath. While my heart was breaking, I was glad I was there. He had always been there for me.

The house feels different, like something is missing. I expect to see him on the couch or waiting for me outside the door. The little things I took for granted. He will forever be imprinted on my heart.

See you some day at the rainbow bridge. I love you.