A Good Cry For Marley

So, I recently finished the book Marley & Me by John Grogan. I am sure you have heard of it because there is a movie out starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. I decided that I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie because the book is always better than the movie. It’s about the world’s worst dog and the love between the dog and his owner. I figured I would get a kick out of the book because I felt like I could possibly relate to the dogs antics since we do have Madison. Boy, could I relate. Almost everything Marley did in this book I checked off my list because it is something Andy and I have experienced with Madison. It was pretty funny and it was nice to know that someone else out there has dealt with a very intelligent dog that is also extremely naughty. I was warned by many people that the book is sad at the end and definitely a tear jerker. I am not an emotional person so I definitely don’t cry at movies, reading books, or just for the heck of it. It takes a lot for me to shed a tear so I thought I would be fine, especially if the dog died of old age then I knew there would be no tears here. I look at it as old age is a part of life and when it’s your time to go then it’s your time to go and say your goodbyes. Boy, was I wrong on this one. I got to the last ten pages of the book and I cried like a baby and I am not talking just a few tears, but it was an all out bawl. I went to the bathroom to wipe my face and tears so I could continue to finish up the book. Once I calmed down and reminded myself that the dog had to die because it was his turn I returned to the couch to finish the book. Two more sentences in and the waterworks came down faster and harder this time. It was crazy! Again, I went to the bathroom to wipe my tears away. I decided the ending was just too much for me and when I returned to the couch I had to skip a few pages to the very end of the book. I would recommend this book to any animal lovers out there, just don’t forget your box of Kleenex when you get down to the last ten pages or so. I am now ready to see the movie, but only on rental. I know I will bawl watching the movie and I only want to do that in my house. I really don’t feel like joining strangers in a movie theatre as we all sit there and have a moment together as we cry for Marley. I will wait for the movie to go to DVD.