March 9, 2007 - Not ever happy ending is a fairy tale ending. I accept that Marley and I were brought together by some force greater than we all understand. Me, because I was mourning the death of Tyler. And Marley because he needed someone to see him through his last days. In the end, I was chosen to do this for Marley. Marley was so distinguished and so proud, he was determined not to show his weakness on his last days of life. Marley left with dignity. He was surrounded by friends, and those who sent love in kisses. Marley is safely in heaven, where he will wait for me, the person who could take him on his final journey and love him, even for a short time. Rest in Peace, Marley Man. You deserved more from your loyalty -- and I am grateful for the time I did know you. ~Dale

This very handsome older man was found as a stray in New York City... But Marley was someone's dog. And that someone knew something about Marley that we have only just found out. Marley has cancer. Instead of standing by his loyal companion, and seeing him through what lies ahead, Marley was abandoned in a school yard in Manhattan, brought to a very high volume urban shelter, and finally transferred to rescue.

Marley found his way to central New Hampshire because his guardian angel Tyler said that he needed to come here. Tyler himself had just passed away from lymphoma at age 10. In foster care, Marley sleeps peacefully under the desk, bothers no one -- not even the cat, and takes his meals quietly. Because basic inflamatories did not reduce the pain Marley felt in his paw when he arrived, further diagnostics were performed.

As we suspected, Marley has cancer under his shoulder blade. As of 2/27, the pathology report has not arrived, but the suspicion is that it's bone cancer. Results of other tests will reveal whether the cancer has spread. While amputation is always an option, the vets all agree that the surgery will be traumatic on the dog, and that the cancer itself is quite aggressive. At this time, Marley's foster family is his final destination -- because "who's going to adopt a 7-9 year old dog with bone cancer?" besides his foster family.

Marley is only one of the many cast-aways that we rescue every day. While Marley's condition has progressed and he is no longer adoptable, there are many other dogs who deserve a chance. Your contributions to their care is greatly needed!