DISQUS

louisgray.com: louisgray.com: All Dogs Go To Heaven. For Molly, It Took 18+ Years.

  • CyndyA · 1 year ago
    Louis, I am so sorry. I'm crying reading your post. She had a wonderful long life with owners who loved her, and that's so much more than many dogs get. It doesnt' get better; it just gets a little easier.
  • Louis Gray · 1 year ago
    Cyndy, appreciate your heartfelt comment. It will take time to get used to her not being here, but we have photos, we have our memories, and she'll always be special to us.
  • Elisa Camahort Page · 1 year ago
    6 months ago my 20 year old cat Samantha died. Like Molly she had a variety of health problems, and eventually rather than being serial, they stuck around creating many parallel ailments, whose treatments sometimes negatively affected one another. I know I just wrote something that's barely intelligible English, but your post really perfectly describes how our animals become part of our families and our lives...and leave a hole. I too still feel the silence when Samantha doesn't ask for breakfast in the morning, purr on my chest while watching TV at night. I'm sorry for your loss. It totally sucks.
  • Phil Glockner · 1 year ago
    My sister recently had to say goodbye to her family dog, a 14-year-old chocolate doberman named Winona. I know how you feel.. my thoughts are with you and your family.
  • Benjamin Golub · 1 year ago
    Megen began to tear up as I told her about Molly. Our condolences go out to you and your wife.
  • Louis Gray · 1 year ago
    Thanks Benjamin. Appreciate your thoughts and those from Megen as well.
  • Ken · 1 year ago
    Louis, that's a wonderful tribute and gives a vivid picture of Molly's life to those who didn't know her. I know how hard it is to make the decision that the time is right and sorry you and Kristine had to ensure that. We came close at one point and were grateful our 16 year old Lab let us off the hook by dying quietly in her sleep. Sounds like both dogs had very good lives...and long ones. Thinking we were far from such concerns with a 9 month old new Lab, we were shaken from our confidence just two days ago when a foolish gardener filled our lot with deadly snail pellets. 24 hours of emergency care later, we got lucky....
  • Oliver Ortega Chua · 1 year ago
    Louis, so sorry for your loss.

    I still cry when I think about when we had to put one of our dogs to sleep almost five years ago now. Einstein was over 15 years old and had a bunch of problems, like Molly. I still remember the day we put him to sleep like it was yesterday. The pain of his passing is still the same.

    Our remaining dog, Kala, turns 10 this month, too, and she's already starting to show her age. It's so hard because we love them so much! You and your wife, and Molly, are in our prayers!!
  • drewolanoff · 1 year ago
    Louis, on behalf of Adam, Thomas, and I we are very sad to hear about Molly and pass along our condolences.
  • StevenHodson · 1 year ago
    ah man I am so sorry to hear this. I know how I would feel if anything happened to our little "girl" so my heart goes out to you and your wife over the loss.
  • Corvida Raven · 1 year ago
    My condolences Louis. :( All my dogs ran away or we had to sell. I don't think I'd have had the heart to be as brave as you guys were. It was a good run though..18+ great years with the Grays! That's pretty amazing! You have good memories to look back at and share with the kids. Don't forget that :)
  • Jeff · 1 year ago
    Louis, I'm sorry to hear of this sad day finally came. Knowing how much I love Bosco I can only imagine what you and Kristine are feeling and my thoughts are with you.
  • Louis Gray · 1 year ago
    This morning, we knew what we had to do. Molly was a real trooper, and she was in it for the long haul. Kristine and I also love Bosco, and it's hard to imagine your life without him there. She was a big part of this family, and just because she's gone doesn't mean she'll be forgotten.
  • Dave Stanley · 1 year ago
    So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your wife. While we never met Molly, reading this brought tears to our eyes.
  • Laurie · 1 year ago
    Lost my dog in March @ 13...so hard. This was a beautiful thing to read. (Here via Elisa.)
  • Matt Shaulis · 1 year ago
    awww that sucks, i feel for you guys ... sorry about this dude. :(
  • mattdickman · 1 year ago
    So very sorry to hear about your loss. You obviously were loving parents to her and it sounds like you have a lot of memories to look back on with love and to cherish forever.
  • Eric Rice · 1 year ago
    The Rainbow Bridge

    "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "

    Author unknown
  • Edwin Khodabakchian · 1 year ago
    Very sorry to hear about your loss. This is hard.
  • puppydazzles · 1 year ago
    My Sincere condolences to you both for your loss. I do realize the difficulty a pet owner goes through at the loss of their beloved pet. My Mom lost her dog to a car hit and run, I know your home will be filled with noise and happiness once the twins come, but they will bring you the greatest joy of being their parents. But Molly will always be in your heart.
    God Bless
  • Jess Lee · 1 year ago
    I'm so sorry, Louis : ( I know what it's like to lose your dog, it feels terrible. But I'm glad Molly had a long happy life with people who loved her.
  • LAFD · 1 year ago
    Louis,

    It is clear that Molly could not have asked for a better life than the one she lived with you and Kristine. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your faithful companion.

    Respectfully,

    Brian Humphrey
    Firefighter/Specialist
    Public Service Officer
    Los Angeles Fire Department
  • Louis Gray · 1 year ago
    Brian, your comment is an amazing testament to the way the Web and blogging can make such personal connections with people we respect and may never know. I am awestruck that the LA Fire Dept. would be here sharing your condolences. With the many trials you face every day, our small, personal, loss must seem so small compared to the many things you've seen. Appreciate your taking the time and passing along your thoughts. Appreciate all you and your colleagues do.
  • schmutzie · 1 year ago
    You are being featured on Five Star Friday:
    http://www.fivestarfriday.com/2008/06/five-star...
  • BonnieB · 1 year ago
    You are right about those tears. Molly truly was an amazing dog and I am so sorry for you guys. :(

    The first time I went home last year after my Australian Shepherd passed away was so hard. I continued to hear him next to my bed at night and the bed felt too big without him next to me (taking up more than half the space, I might add).

    It won't be the same without Molly. We'll have to be sure to tell the twins all the stories about their Big Sister Molly.
  • Paulo Elias · 1 year ago
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss and my condolences go out to you and your wife. I know how hard it can be to lose a companion like that. A few of weeks ago I went through a similar situation with my step-father's dog who never left my side until I left home for college 10 years ago.
  • smbeebe · 1 year ago
    Louis my heart truly aches with *tears* when I read your beautiful and moving post about Molly, your 18 year old beagle that clearly was a wonderful family member that will be sorely missed. It is so hard to loose a dear family (pet) member like this. You’ve captured terrific pictures and memories here which are great! Remember she will never again have to suffer from cancer, sickness, pain, medical treatments, bleeding, stiffness, hearing/vision loss, old age and other ills that were obviously challenging for her amazing age. I am so impress that you and Kristine provided Molly with such a rich and long, happy life. What a precious gift to Molly! You guys really did pamper her. I love the ice cream pic the best!

    I truly wish you and Kristine the best as you give yourselves time and space to grieve and heal during this time of family loss. And then remember, you are about to be blessed with twins! Look up as things will be changing soon for the better in your lives. :-)
  • CarolinaDreamz · 1 year ago
    It takes special people to bring "someone" into their lives, knowing that their lifespan will not exceed our own. We offer our hearts to memories that forever mold us into who we become. I'm so thankful that you had the time that you've had with Molly. That you could give her as much as she has given to you. Great post. Thanks for the tweet-link. :)
  • sarahintampa · 1 year ago
    Oh, Louis, I'm so sorry. I have dogs of my own and dread the day I'll have to do this, too. What a wonderful post and tribute this was.
  • Duncan Riley · 1 year ago
    Bad news. 18 years for a dog though is an amazingly good run, but that doesn't make it any easier. Terrible business. No wish to ever revisit it personally in the future.
  • Klessblog · 1 year ago
    Louis, I'm sorry for you loss. I can tell how much Molly meant to you by this heartfelt tribute. It is like losing a family member and the loss hits hard and the mourning process is real. Especially when your companion is part of your life for such a long time. I'm sure it will take time to get used to her not being there but time will ease things and take comfort in the fact that she's out of pain and you loved here in life and helped her get to that big dog house in the sky.
  • Baxter Tocher · 1 year ago
    Ah, Louis. What a beautiful article. The death of a loved pet is a dreadful experience indeed.

    Thinking of you.
  • newmediaMike · 1 year ago
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss and my condolences go out to you and your family. I know how hard it can be to lose a companion like that. Two years ago we lost our first Greyhound, Georgia to cancer. But what we learned from her opened our hearts to the idea that our journey in life would be to give rescued retired racing Greyhounds a life after the track.
  • Markham · 1 year ago
    Ahhh man, that really bites. Even I a "non dog lover" liked Molly when I was at your house. Have you looked into turtles?
  • Dave Barak · 1 year ago
    Hi Louis,

    Molly will help you and your wife when the time is right, trust me. : )

    My wife and I lost a cat in December. We came home and he had died in his sleep (we had two other cats, also). Exactly one week later, at the same hour of us finding Macaroni (Mackie) passed away, a little girl cat showed up on our doorstep and wouldn't leave. After checking the neighborhood for her keepers and having her checked for an ID chip, she became part of our family. She even has some of the same mannerisms and preferences that Mackie did. It's hard to not believe he had something to do with her choosing us.

    Always remember that as much as it hurts now for you, you were provided Molly with the best home she could ask for.
  • micah · 1 year ago
    Louis, As I have chronicled on my blog, about two years ago or so, I went through a process of getting sober. My dogs Billie and Taylor really saved my life. I cant say how sorry I am for your loss, and how important our pets can become in our lives.

    You made the right decision, both for Molly and for your family. I wish you guys all the best.
  • WCT · 1 year ago
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Molly was so lucky to have such a wonderful life! Thx for sharing her story. These wonderful creatures really do make our lives so much richer.

    Big hugs & purrs,
    Whippy Curly Tails
    =^..^=
  • Daryl Tay · 1 year ago
    Hi Louis,

    Very sorry to hear about Molly. I just got a dog myself about three years ago and I can certainly imagine the pain of losing such a loyal friend and companion. It's especially rough when she's been suffering. I'm glad she had such loving owners
  • Judy and DR · 1 year ago
    Louis and Kristine,
    We were so sad to hear about Molly... she was such a pampered pooch! I miss trading Beagle stories in the hallways at church. Our Jessie is now 6 and since we moved to Fort Collins CO we have adopted another Beagle Abby.... want her???? ;) Abby is 3 and a wild one but fun none the less. You have many wonderful memories of Molly and I'm sure we will be reunited with our beloved pets on the otherside... how could it be otherwise?
    DR and I were so excited to hear about your twins... Congrats!!! I keep track of your family through your website. I'll look forward to the pictures once they kiddies are born. Give your Mom my best too.
    Best Wishes,
    Judy and DR Johnson
  • Erik Mazzone · 1 year ago
    Louis, so sorry to read about Molly. My wife and I have an 8 year old beagle who sounds a lot like Molly. It's hard to express just how much these beags become a part of our lives, homes and families, but you expressed it perfectly in your post. It sounds like Molly was as lucky to have you guys as you were to have her.
  • jc · 1 year ago
    Louis,

    My heart and tears go out to you. My family lost our beloved boston terrier, Lumpia, in an accident, its been one year and we are still grief strickened. God created the dog to advance the human race, to not only have a job as a worker to help man, but to live side by side as a loyal friend and a furry family member. God surely loves all of mankind and his creatures he created, God will surely keep Molly by his side so you can both reunite oneday.

    Thank you for this tribute page. May her soul visit you in your dreams. Blessings!
    -jc
  • Bobbi · 1 year ago
    Thank you for your blog. I just put my dog Danny to sleep tonight and I found your article very comforting at a time so heartbreaking. Maybe Molly and Danny are playing in heaven as we speak, free of all of the ailments that were restricting their quality of life. Thanks again
  • John Cochran · 11 months ago
    We lost Walker, a Boxer mix (99% Boxer) last week. Ten ytears (boy that was a Froidian typo) Ten years of pure unconditional love that is rare to find on this planet from my friend Walker. He left behind a Jack Russell named Cooper that has never left his side. It's so sad to see him morn over the loss of his best friend Walker. We are just loving and spoiling him more to get him through this. I never cried so hard in my life. I'll never forget him and I'll see him again someday, I'm sure. I'm a better person for having a love like his in my life. He was the best dog a man could ask for. I can't remember a thing he did wrong in his life. Oh, yeh, he ate a few rolls of toilet paper every now and then. But, haven't we all ate something we shouldn't have. I miss him so much! Thank you for this op to share.
  • Brian Humphrey · 5 months ago
    Louis and Kristine,

    I wanted to acknowledge the anniversary of a deep heartache (I'm so sorry this note is late), and tender my appreciation for the inspiration you both offer via this blog and in the raising of your twins. Yes, Molly would be proud for what you continue to offer - a warm and inviting place among friends, with thought provoking conversation, and unparalleled hope and vision for the future.

    With warmest wishes.

    Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

    Brian Humphrey
    Firefighter/Specialist
    Public Service Officer
    Los Angeles Fire Department