Marley: The Dog Who Taught Me About Unconditional Love
There’s no love or companionship quite like what a dog brings into our lives. It’s simple and often unspoken, but it’s always there—quietly felt in the most mundane and peaceful moments. Whether it’s the jingle of their name tag, the tippy taps of their paws on the floor, or the kisses and cuddles they so generously give, dogs have this incredible ability to fill our hearts in ways no one else can.
Simply put, dogs are the best. They offer an unconditional love that we crave and a comfort that grounds us. They don’t care about our bad days, messy homes, or unspoken worries. To them, we’re just their favorite person in the whole world, and they’ll remind us of that every single day.
I’ve been lucky enough to have three amazing dogs accompany me through different chapters of my life. Each one brought its own personality, quirks, and a whole lot of love to the table.
Baby Diz and Barney the Beagle, my first dog who lived 18 years
Teen Diz with Snowball, my first Westie who lived 14 years
My most recent companion was Marley, a West Highland White Terrier—hands down, my favorite breed.
There was something so special about Marley. Westies, as they’re affectionately known, are a unique blend of spunky and sweet. They’re loyal without being clingy, fiercely independent yet always by your side when you need them most. Marley had this way of knowing exactly when I needed a cuddle or a playful distraction. He wasn’t just my dog; he was my little shadow, my confidant, and my constant source of joy.
I rescued Marley when I was 19 years old. My previous Westie, Snowball, had recently passed away, and everything else in my life felt like it was unraveling (I’ll spare you the messy details). In the midst of all that chaos, I was determined to find another little companion to bring some light back into my world. My mom joined me for the trip, MapQuest directions in hand, like two pirates on a mission to claim their treasure.
Our destination? A house tucked away in the woods of Missouri. With spotty cell phone service and a growing sense of adventure (and maybe a little unease), we drove on, our minds focused on picking up the tiny puppy waiting for us—a rescue named Weeble.
The rescue had found him abandoned at a puppy mill, likely the runt of his litter. One of his ears flopped down, and his little frame spoke of resilience despite the rough start he’d had. I’ll never forget pulling up that long driveway. We were greeted by dogs the size of miniature ponies, bounding around the car like an enthusiastic welcoming committee.
Inside the house, chaos reigned in the best possible way. Birds chirped loudly, a cacophony of sound that somehow blended into the hum of life in this animal-filled haven. At the end of a hallway, in the corner of the family room, sat a giant black cage—clearly meant for one of the larger dogs. And in that cage was the tiniest white fluff ball I’d ever seen: Weeble.
I melted the moment they handed him to me. He was so small, so fragile, but his eyes radiated this spark of life. As I held him, I knew right then and there that I had a new little friend to take care of, someone who would bring joy and purpose into my life.
Diz and puppy Weeble aka Marley, the day he came home
As we finalized the adoption and started the trek back to Chicago, my mom and I began brainstorming names for our newest family member. Then it struck me. My mind went back to the walls of the rescue house, covered with photos of Bob Marley. It felt fitting. That adventure in the woods, surrounded by animals and music and love, was where our journey began—and “Marley” seemed like the perfect name to honor it.
The first night home, Marley slept in my room. A quiet whimper broke the silence, soft but persistent. I snuck out of bed and into the spare room, rummaging through a bag of old stuffed animals. After some digging, I found what I was looking for—a stuffed dog. I hurried back and placed the toy next to Marley. Slowly, he shifted, nuzzling into the plush, and finally settled down. He slept soundly like that for months, curled up with his stuffed companion, until he earned his spot in my bed. After that, he never looked back.
Marley, 2 years old
Over the years, I watched Marley blossom into his own little character. He wasn’t just my dog—he became my best friend. He loved lazy mornings and would sit with me for hours watching TV. Shows with horses or prairie dogs were his favorites, and he was a devoted fan of Bluey (honestly, same). Marley wasn’t much for toys, but he had one exception: his Lambies. Those were his prized possessions.
Marley and his Lambie
I’ll never forget when a sitter came over to help during my late shifts. She decided Marley needed new toys and tried offering him everything under the sun, insisting his Lambie had seen better days. But Marley wasn’t having it. He flat-out ignored every single new toy and clung to his Lambie like it was irreplaceable—which, to him, it was.
Marley was my partner in everything. He’d lounge in the sun while I photographed at the park, patiently taking in the sights and smells as I snapped away. For the past 15 years, he was by my side through every triumph, every failure, and all the in-between moments that make up a life. His love never wavered.
About a month ago, Marley was diagnosed with adrenal and bladder cancer. Despite everything, his spirit stayed strong. He fought with a resilience that amazed me every single day. On his last day, he was still the same Marley—brave, loving, and full of the quiet strength that defined him.
The joy he brought into my life is impossible to explain or measure. It can only be felt now in the grief left behind. The house feels different without him—quieter. His Lambies sit untouched on the shelf. The timers I once set for his medications now ring into an empty room. I still catch myself thinking it’s time to feed him dinner or take him on one of our hourly strolls down the driveway.
The sadness is heavy, but it’s a reflection of the love he gave me, the joy he brought, and the memories we shared. Marley wasn’t just a dog; he was family. And though he’s gone, his spirit will always be with me, in every quiet moment and every happy memory.
Dogs have an extraordinary way of weaving themselves into the fabric of our lives, leaving a lasting mark on our hearts. Marley was no exception. From the moment I met him to his final day, he was so much more than a pet—he was my confidant, my partner, and my constant source of unconditional love.
Though the house feels quieter now, I know that Marley’s presence will never truly leave me. He’s there in the stillness of the mornings, in the warmth of the memories we created, and in the love that continues to linger in every corner of my life.
Marley’s journey reminds me of the profound bond we share with our dogs. They teach us to find joy in the little things, to embrace life with an open heart, and to love without limits. For 15 years, Marley showed me what it meant to be loved unconditionally, and that’s a gift I’ll carry with me forever.
While I miss him every single day, I’m grateful for the incredible adventure we shared. Marley’s spirit will always inspire me to see the beauty in the world, to embrace life’s simple joys, and to hold onto the love that makes it all worthwhile.
Thank you, Marley, for everything.
