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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 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 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 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 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 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 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. Paul Mellerowicz West Bloomfield, MIpaulmellerowicz@yahoo.com
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 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 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 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 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... Sue sgrossardt@new.rr.com
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 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 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 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 bachelor’s 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 Kyzer’s 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 “who else makes you feel so rare, pure, and extraordinary” always helps me get through the day. Because even though I am taking Kyzer’s 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 Kyzer’s 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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