Fourteen years ago, Anne and I went to Pasadena Humane Society to see some of the construction our fundraising supported. While we were there, we chatted with Kevin, who was our adoption coordinator for our dog, Seamus.
Seamus had been part of our pack for about a year, and we were talking with Kevin about how much we loved him, what an incredible dog he was, and how happy and grateful we were to have met and adopted him.
I remember saying, “I don’t think I will ever have another dog who isn’t a pittie. He is so sweet, and affectionate, and so gentle, and …” I stopped because I saw a volunteer walking a puppy toward us. She was tiny and underweight, but she had the biggest smile. I knelt down to meet her, and she did a somersault into my lap, wagging her tail so fast I couldn’t see it.
“Well, they are just like this!” I concluded. Then I loved on that puppy until Anne gently told me it was time to let her walk into the shelter.
I was completely in love with her, that fast. She reached into my heart and never left. The next day, it was Anne’s birthday. We went down to the beach for a long walk, as is tradition. We were approaching the Manhattan Beach pier when I said, “I just need to confirm with you that we are not adding another dog to our pack, because I can’t stop thinking about that puppy.”
Anne told me that she didn’t pet her, because she knew that she’d fall in love, too, if she did. I don’t recall what we said to each other, but Anne called PHS and asked them to put us on a waiting list to adopt her.
A few days later, Marlowe came home with us, and she was my baby girl for over a decade. Even when she was an old lady, she was my little girl.
Just over a month ago, we found out Marlowe had lymphoma. It was so aggressive, it moved so quickly, we couldn’t stop it. We did everything we could for her, but we had to say goodbye to her last month.
I miss her so much, my heart hurts. It’s been a month, and I still look for her everywhere in the house. I’ll be okay, and then something will remind me of her and I am sobbing in a heap on the floor.
This is the first time in my life I have experienced this kind of grief, this kind of loss. When we lost Seamus, at least Marlowe was here for both of us while we grieved (and we were here for her, when she grieved). Now there’s just a big empty house and my broken heart.
I will miss her forever, my sweet little girl.
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I am sobbing! I feel this so, so much. 😭💔 Very sorry for your loss, Wil.
Our pittie, named Petey, is now 13 and he is definitely slower than he was when we got him in 2014 at 1 1/2. I know we will be completely heartbroken when his time comes. They definitely leave footprints in your heart, mind and soul. 💔
Run free Marlowe ❤
Big hugs to all of you. You never forget, the sobbing just gets less as you remember all the fun times and all the comforting hugs over the years. 9 Years since our Sam passed and I still miss him dearly but at least I can talk about him and think about him without been an emotional wreck now.
Take the time you need to greive – they are family too.
What a sweet, sweet girl. You gave each other many wonderful years.
I’m sure so many have said they know these words like they were written from their own hands. Add me to that list. It’s been 11 years, I still miss her every day and still miss her all the time. It’s gets easier, but she will be with you always. My heart is with you and your family.❤️
Hi Wil, This is probably too soon, but it just so happens we are fostering a pittie from East Valley Animal Shelter. His name is Whiskey and he was on the kill (for being shy and hiding) list so we just had to get him out of the noisy shelter and give him a chance. He is really blossoming now and maybe you would like to take him home? He is a very good boy on walks and is a cuddly couch potato at home. We live in Van Nuys. You can contact me at fosterdog818 @ gmail.com.
Mondays were the best days ever because of Marlowe. Thank you for sharing your adventures with her with us over the years. She was truly a beautiful soul and will never be forgotten. Her smile… her eyes… and her encouragement were everything. My deepest condolences to you on losing the bestest of friends.
Sorry Wil. I’ve been/am/will continue to be there man. It gets less bad, which is a kind of better.
I am so sorry for your loss. She will forever be in your heart, so she will always be with you. ❤️
Nothing leaves a hole in the heart quite like a beloved four footed family member…. Condolences 💔
I’m so very sorry for your & Anne’s loss, Wil! Our furry family membees leave pawprints on our souls.
Thanks so much for giving her such a great life, and for sharing a bit of it with us.
Wil-
I am just gutted to hear of the news of the passing of your sweet girl. “Marlowe Monday” was always a highlight of my week. One of the saddest parts of you not posting regularly on Facebook was not seeing the Marlowe Monday posts.
In March of 2008, we lost our beloved Westie Joey to a nasal tumor at the age of 12. I was living with my mom and stepfather to help care for my grandpa. I helped raise Joey and was there for the first eight years of his life before I moved out and still saw him weekly. A few days after his diagnosis, I had a dream about Joey. He was in my lap, looked deep into my eyes and told me that it was time to let him go, that it was ok, and that he loved us. The next day I called Mom and told her about my dream. She said that at the same time I had my dream Joey in real life sat in front of her, looked deep into her eyes and told her the same thing. Two days later, we said goodbye to our precious angel.
For months afterwards, I had dreams about Joey. He’d climb into my lap and I’d hug him and tell him how much I loved and missed him. Then he’d look in my eyes and tell me that mom and my stepfather needed to get a new companion. He said they were the best mommy and daddy a dog could ever have and that somewhere another dog needed them and all the love they could give him. I told Mom they wouldn’t be replacing Joey, they’d just be getting a new friend. It’s like if your best friend passed away, you wouldn’t forego having anymore friends, right?
I had Mim talk to my dad, who lost three dogs and had a fourth at that time, to let her know that he understood her pain, but how important it was to get a new furry friend.
In the fall of 2010, we found our soul mate doggy when werescued Toby, a 5 year old Yorkie who’d owner had neglected him and kept him locked in a cage his whole life. He was missing some teeth because of lack of care and because the owner gave him kibble that were too big and hard for him to ear. He filled out rapidly after coming to us and grew to a whopping 4 1/2 pounds! He had the run of the house and adored his freedom. We never met a single person who didn’t fall in love with Toby, even my brother who is uncomfortable with all animals held hom a few times and let him sit next to him on the couch. The years he was with us were golden, but they want by so quickly.
Toby had a weak esophagus, which is common in small dogs. On January 2, 2019, after a severe attack of breathing difficulties we were told his windpipe was collapsing and nothing could be done. I had not been present for Joey’s passing and there was a few days after his diagnosis to accept and come to terms with the situation. This happened so suddenly and all three of us were there, so watching Toby take his last breath was devastating. I ended up missing two days of work because I just couldn’t function. All these years later to realize he’s really gone is soul-crushing. Toby was the love of my life. I can’t believe that 4 1/2 pounds of fur baby can leave such a gigantic hole in your heart.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown created a lot loneliness from missing your friends and family. In December we got the news that Mom and my stepfather had been chosen to be the new parents of a 3 year old Yorkie who’d been rescued in Texas. Little Georgie and his Poodle pal were left behind when their people (they don’t deserve to be called family) when they abandoned their home and left poor Georgie and his friend to fend for themselves in their yard. Eventually they were discovered and rescued. After they were rehabilitated, Georgie was driven all the way to Seattle and on December 19th, was placed in my mom’s living arms. Given the new name Mochi and a wonderful new home, his physical and emotional scars healed and he became our loving baby. The lockdown caused some problems with socialization, but he gets better all the time. I can’t imagine life without Mochi in it. Given what he has overcome, Mochi is a prime example of how wonderful rescue is. We saved him and he saved us.
Wil, I know how much you, Ann, your boys and Watson are hurting. I have the feeling that one day you’ll find another furry friend. For now, hold on tight to your memories of dear Marlowe and remember that she loved you more than anything, that her love will live forever in your heart and that she and Seamus are waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge. I wish I could give you the longest hug ever.
By the way, I saw “Stand By Me” for the first time at the theater on March 29th and you were brilliant in it. Sending you and your family love, hugs, support and postive, healing energy. Rest easy Marlowe- I loved you from afar. ❤️🖖🙏
I feel like losing a pet is the hardest thing to go through (my wife and I chose not to have children). They are completely dependent on you their whole life and they provide unconditional love. My wife and I lost our yellow lab Jasmine close to 10 years ago and there is never a day that goes by where we don’t mention her name. We always stated that our dog taught us how to love. She was our “soul dog”.
Marlowe got to spend the life she deserved with her pack and feel love everyday. We are sorry for your loss!
I’m sorry for your and Anne’s loss. Having the bestest girl like Marlowe is the greatest gift in the world, I hope all the love you got from her and the love you get from those around you comfort you at this time
Wil-
I am just gutted to hear of the news of the passing of your sweet girl. “Marlowe Monday” was always a highlight of my week. One of the saddest parts of you not posting regularly on Facebook was not seeing the Marlowe Monday posts.
In March of 2008, we lost our beloved Westie Joey to a nasal tumor at the age of 12. I was living with my mom and stepfather to help care for my grandpa. I helped raise Joey and was there for the first eight years of his life before I moved out and still saw him weekly. A few days after his diagnosis, I had a dream about Joey. He was in my lap, looked deep into my eyes and told me that it was time to let him go, that it was ok, and that he loved us. The next day I called Mom and told her about my dream. She said that at the same time I had my dream Joey in real life sat in front of her, looked deep into her eyes and told her the same thing. Two days later, we said goodbye to our precious angel.
For months afterwards, I had dreams about Joey. He’d climb into my lap and I’d hug him and tell him how much I loved and missed him. Then he’d look in my eyes and tell me that mom and my stepfather needed to get a new companion. He said they were the best mommy and daddy a dog could ever have and that somewhere another dog needed them and all the love they could give him. I told Mom they wouldn’t be replacing Joey, they’d just be getting a new friend. It’s like if your best friend passed away, you wouldn’t forego having anymore friends, right?
I had Mim talk to my dad, who lost three dogs and had a fourth at that time, to let her know that he understood her pain, but how important it was to get a new furry friend.
In the fall of 2010, we found our soul mate doggy when werescued Toby, a 5 year old Yorkie who’d owner had neglected him and kept him locked in a cage his whole life. He was missing some teeth because of lack of care and because the owner gave him kibble that were too big and hard for him to ear. He filled out rapidly after coming to us and grew to a whopping 4 1/2 pounds! He had the run of the house and adored his freedom. We never met a single person who didn’t fall in love with Toby, even my brother who is uncomfortable with all animals held hom a few times and let him sit next to him on the couch. The years he was with us were golden, but they want by so quickly.
Toby had a weak esophagus, which is common in small dogs. On January 2, 2019, after a severe attack of breathing difficulties we were told his windpipe was collapsing and nothing could be done. I had not been present for Joey’s passing and there was a few days after his diagnosis to accept and come to terms with the situation. This happened so suddenly and all three of us were there, so watching Toby take his last breath was devastating. I ended up missing two days of work because I just couldn’t function. All these years later to realize he’s really gone is soul-crushing. Toby was the love of my life. I can’t believe that 4 1/2 pounds of fur baby can leave such a gigantic hole in your heart.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown created a lot loneliness from missing your friends and family. In December we got the news that Mom and my stepfather had been chosen to be the new parents of a 3 year old Yorkie who’d been rescued in Texas. Little Georgie and his Poodle pal were left behind when their people (they don’t deserve to be called family) when they abandoned their home and left poor Georgie and his friend to fend for themselves in their yard. Eventually they were discovered and rescued. After they were rehabilitated, Georgie was driven all the way to Seattle and on December 19th, was placed in my mom’s living arms. Given the new name Mochi and a wonderful new home, his physical and emotional scars healed and he became our loving baby. The lockdown caused some problems with socialization, but he gets better all the time. I can’t imagine life without Mochi in it. Given what he has overcome, Mochi is a prime example of how wonderful rescue is. We saved him and he saved us.
Wil, I know how much you, Ann, your boys and Watson are hurting. I have the feeling that one day you’ll find another furry friend. For now, hold on tight to your memories of dear Marlowe and remember that she loved you more than anything, that her love will live forever in your heart and that she and Seamus are waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge. I wish I could give you the longest hug ever.
By the way, I saw “Stand By Me” for the first time at the theater on March 29th and you were brilliant in it. Sending you and your family love, hugs, support and postive, healing energy. Rest easy Marlowe- I loved you from afar. ❤️🖖🙏
I am so sorry for your loss, Wil.
I am sorry you lost your girl. I went through the same thing with my little Homer. I made the heartbreaking decision to have him euthanized on 12/31/2025. I’m still deep in the grieving process. I cry at least once every day and I miss the grumpy old fart. He was 15.75 years old and I had the honor of caring for him since 06/09/2010, 15.50 years. He was born on 04/01/2010. He had a full circle life born on a holiday and crossing over on another. Just know you and Anne have followers who are in it with you. Be gentle with yourself as you go through this process, it hurts, I know I am crying as I type this out.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a member of your family, and I understand your grief. I have experienced something similiar when I had to say goodbye to a cherished cat. It was one of the most painful periods of mourning I ever went through.
My heart hurts for you and Anne. Please accept my deepest condolences.
💔
I’m so sorry. It’s a wide, deep ocean of grief when you lose a connection like that. She lived a beautiful life with you, surrounded by love and joy… is there any better way to live?
I’m so sorry. Lovely Marlowe. A big loss for you and your pack. It will take time. Give yourself that time.
My deepest sympathy. Thank you for sharing her with us for all these years. I hope your heart heals in time. Hoping love and light surrounds your family. Take care 🫶
I’m so sorry. I know that your hearts are breaking. There aren’t words to describe the grief you feel when you lose your sweet babies, and they are always babies. We lost our two girls within a few months of each other in 2023, and I still cry over them sometimes. We still have their brother, but he’s an old man at 12. I know I will miss him, too.
I will miss Marlowe. I looked forward to your wonderful pictures and enjoyed every Marlowe Monday. May her memory be a blessing. I’m sure it will be to all who knew her and all of us who got to enjoy your posts about her.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is a special kind of grief. I cried every day for a year after I lost my first kitty. It’s something you don’t ever get over, but I hope with time there are less tears and more smiles.
I’m s
Wil, Anne and boys, I am so beyond sorry to read that beautiful sweet Marlowe went to the Bridge last month! She knew that she was loved so much by her parents and brothers!
I’m so sorry, Wil. 🙁
I’d much rather lose a human loved one, than a sweet doggy, but know also that the day is coming for us. 🙁
Much love.
I’m so sorry, Wil, and I feel what you’re going through. We adopted Chewie, a golden retriever, in 2013 and Wicket, a Yorkshire terrier, in 2016. Both of them did so well with each other and would stick up for each other when other dogs were around that would try to pick fights. But Chewie left us in the summer of 2024 from a stomach tumor that had ruptured. I felt so bad for Wicket who missed his adopted brother, but we both gave each other comfort after the loss. Lately, though, Wicket’s appetite had been varied and we found he had progressive kidney failure. After enjoying a trip to the in-laws on March 29th, he suddenly passed away in the car as we got back into town, surrounded by his whole family. I’m still having a really hard time dealing with his passing. He was my little buddy, and I miss him so much as our home is a lot emptier without his presence.
The love between our dogs and us is so pure, so strong, so uncomplicated, so filled with delightful. The pain of losing them is awful, as I know from experience. I hope, with time, that the grief abates and the memories of your shared love with Marlowe bring smiles to your faces.
I’m so sorry for the pain and sadness in the Wheaton household these past weeks. Making that decision after diagnosis is gut-wrenching. It takes a while to resolve. Marlowe was an exceptionally lovely lady, well-mannered, and loved by everyone, whether she met them or not. We will miss Marlowe Mondays, her commentary on life, that smile. But we know she was loved and cared for every minute of her Wheaton life. Best girl ever.
I know this grief. My heart goes out to you and Anne. Remember the good times.
I’m so sorry Wil. Losing a pet is always terrible.
😩 breaks my heart! 💔 We lost our Moose a year ago and it still hurts. I know how you feel. I’m so sorry Wil. May her memory be for a blessing.
I’m so very sorry for your devastating loss. I lost my sweet baby cat, Joy, on March 30, so I know the hole in your heart and the pain you’re suffering. I am not religious, but I have hopes now for crossing that rainbow bridge one day and finding all of the sweet creatures I loved so much, including Joy, who I had such a short time with (cancer is cruel).
May your memories of the good times soften the hurt, and may you know you gave a wonderful animal the best life anyone could hope for.
I am so sorry for you loss. The pain of losing a pet is unique, and some people do not understand it. I think of my dogs who have passed on a regular basis, and with time you do remember the love more than the pain.
It always sucks. Every damn time. They never live long enough. But you gave her an amazing life!!
I’m so sorry Wil, losing pets is the worst. My bird Pookey was 26+ years old when he died, my soul still hurts from missing him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was following you and Anne back when you first met Marlowe and remember how excited you all were to bring her home. Thank you for sharing a bit of her with us – I always looked forward to Marlowe Mondays.
I work at the local humane society and one of the best parts of my job is watching an animal and a person meet and instantly form that incredibly special bond. Another is seeing dogs being walked into the lobby once the paperwork is done and watching those tails go from a happy ‘Oh, play yard time again?’ to that delirious flail of ‘OMG IT’S YOU YOU’RE STILL HERE OMG OMG CAN WE BE BESTIES???? WAIT THAT’S MY LEASH THEY’RE HANDING TO YOU!! WE’RE LEAVING?? BEST!!! DAY!!! EVER!!! BEST HUMAN EVER!!!’ (As you know, pitties love in all caps all the time.) <3
We both know the hole they leave in our hearts never goes away, but hopefully, eventually, it heals and becomes a place ready for more love. May you find that space when you’re ready for it. Peace to you and your family. Marlowe was beyond special.
She was your baby. It’s understandable to feel sorrow with the loss of her. I’ve had 3 such pets in my time on this earth. Deepest condolences to you and Anne.
I want to thank you for sharing your feelings— and damn you for reviving mine! Losing a beloved animal companion is just so gut-wrenching. They love us unconditionally and we love them equally, if not more so.
When time, nature and other circumstances erode their wellbeing, we are left with the dark responsibility of determining when it’s time to say goodbye. For as many times that I have had to make that decision, I have always felt pangs of guilt and betrayal, despite only wanting to alleviate their suffering. I have to trust that I have done the right thing.
You will always miss Marlowe. We will
miss her too— and we are better people as a result of your sharing her with us. Lock in the happy memories, and allow the good times you had together to fuel your future sentiments. You have the condolences of many thousands of fans. That alone is an awesome legacy for what once was a scrawny shelter pup.
It’s sad that she’s gone… but I’m glad that she had a happy home to live in, with humans who loved her and took good care of her. Thank you for that!
(((Hug))) so hard to say goodbye
I know its cliche, but… she’s never gonna be really gone, because of you will always remember. Love is one of those immutable things in the universe, Wil, like energy, matter and intelligence. It can never be destroyed, once it touches you, it is forever. Remember those good times. Remember the funny moments, the sharing, the caring. But always remember her the way she would want. Not with sadness or loss, but with the love you shared, they joy you shared each time you did something together. Remember the love, and never ever let it go.
So sorry for your loss
Very sorry for your loss. It’s heart wrenching when they have to pass on
She was a good girl who was loved. She lived a great life with you and Anne. No dog could ask for more. I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sorry. Being a pet parent is the hardest thing when it’s time to say goodbye. I always look at it as the last, best gift we give them for loving us with such unselfish intensity. Sending gentle virtual hugs and peace to you and Anne. When you’re ready, there is a beautiful poem called ‘Look For Me In Rainbows’ that has always given me some peace any time I have had to say goodbye to one of my beloved retired racing greyhounds.
I’m crying – this was so wonderfully written. I am so sorry, Wil. They are family. I love how Marlowe chose you, not exactly the other way around.