Marley and Me

I was hesitant about reading this book initially. I'd read that it was about the author's dog and how this dog had affected him and his life. Ah well, nothing new, right..
Then Mag gave the book to me on my birthday and I had no choice but to read it.
It was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable read. I found myself sometimes laughing out loud in the bus, like when Marley pooped in the water of Dog Beach, or when Marley and John (the author) rode a toboggan together!! I was sure I gasped out loud!

...and then I was down to the last few chapters of the book. You know what happens at the end of the book - Marley grows old.. I was down to the last pages of the book and I found that I could not go more than 1 page without tears welling up in my eyes.

I had to close the book last night in the bus going home, this morning in the bus going to work and this evening at the restaurant while waiting for Mag. You know how painful it can be when you're trying to STOP the tears? It's bloody uncomfortable!

Then tonight, in the privacy of my room (well, not so private since Mag was with me and laughing at me, while Chewie was oblivious to what I was feeling and just intent on humping Mag's arm), I just sat down and finished last few pages of the book, just bawling my heart out, letting the tears run freely and making a pile of wet tissue on my table. I was also amused at how the simple words affected me and I was laughing through my tears at my own 'silliness'. All dog owners and animal lovers should read this book.

I empathise with John and what he feels for Marley because I remember the pain I had felt when my first dog Tom passed away. And worse still, anticipate the pain I would feel with Chewie. It makes my eyes well up now just thinking about it. How much we love our dogs! Only a dog owner can really understand.

Mag snapped this picture of me, eyes still red-rimmed from crying. LOL..

There was a line in the book where the author wrote about how he treasured a special moment with Marley as if it was their last time. I feel such regret that I keep making Chewie wait for me at home while I'm out at work or out geocaching. My poor latch-key dog... I'm going to hug her now. She's curled up in a ball on the pillow next to mine now, sleeping and waiting for me to come to bed.

Check out the photos on Marley and Me's blog