Moses: In Memoriam

/ J. F. Riordan

Four years ago today was one of the worst days of my life. We were flying home from seeing our new granddaughter when Moses went over to our dogsitter, put his head on her arm, gave a deep sigh, and died. He was seven years old, and the canine love of my life.

In the photos I can see him grow from a tiny fierce-eyed puppy to a loyal, intelligent, and fearless companion. It’s also clear from the photos that Pete was the boss. I miss them both.

You can read the story of my love for Moses in my latest book, But Still They Sing.

30 thoughts on “Moses: In Memoriam”

  3. The loss of Moses and Pete were heartbreaking for many. I gave 3 people copies of your recent book, for Christmas, so they may share in your story.

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  4. Having followed you since the Pete, Auggie, and Eli years, I never met Moses. Your tributes and photos of him brought him to life for all of us. Your essay about him in “And They Still Sing” brought his spirit to life. It also showed your tremendous love and connection to him. Thank you for sharing Moses with us!

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  5. Moses was a noble guy, and the videos of him asking to splash in the lake still make me laugh when I think about them.

    I remember Moses and Auggie acting as wingmen to the oblivious half-blind, half-deaf Pete, who never knew that his safety from all creatures woodland lay with them. They were his sly guardians, as befits an aging monarch.

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  6. I remember that vividly. I saw Charlie’s tweet, and my husband and I were heartbroken, as we know the love of a GSD. Took months for me to connect you to Charlie, and realize it was your loss, too. Moses was your soul dog. ❤️

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  7. I started following you on Twitter maybe a short time after that. And I remember when Pete died.

    For most of my life, I have not been a dog person. That ship has sailed! My dog passed away a year ago August. I had no idea how grief stricken I would be. It will be a while before I adopt another pup.

    I’ve been off Twitter since Master Musk took over. I miss many people I connected with there.

    It’s lovely to get your emails.

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  8. I’m sorry for the pain you experience from the loss of Moses and Pete. Some animals, like people, leave a permanent paw print on your heart. I believe that it’s what makes us better humans. 💔

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  10. How I cried for you and Charley when this happened. I’d just lost my Dallas Dachshund two months earlier suddenly, also at a young age, and could unfortunately relate all too well to your pain. Moses was a magnificent GSD and clearly so smart and so very bonded to you. I remain so sorry, and still understand the pain you still feel.

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  13. I believe that any of us who love reading about your dogs and looking at their pictures understand your pain. I lost my last Siamese two years ago in January. I can’t get rid of any of the pictures. And now I have a stray who is camping out on my patio. I’ve named her Beverly.
    Peace-

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  14. Oh how I know that pain. Three years ago we lost two of ours just two months apart. So devastating and you swear you will never do that again. No more dogs but there is something inside that just makes you. You can’t control it. Just know you were so fortunate to have found that one in a million best friend. Not everyone can find that.

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  16. I love all your books and have been saving But Still They Sing for a time when I needed it and Christmas was that date. It was a hard few months with a lot of losses and after the chaos of Christmas Eve with 4 generations visiting I sat in the quiet yesterday and read half the book…the second half I am saving for New Year’s Eve. Thank you for sharing the dogs and your daily thoughts I love to read them.

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  18. Moses and Pete still break my heart!! I’m so sorry. Our love for these beautiful creatures remains such a forever part of our soul. Time does not really heal, it just gets us used to their physical absence.

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    Sent from my iPhone -Tracy Henry

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  20. Days that bring back painful memories are so difficult especially when they occur around a holiday when you are supposed to feel joy. Keep the good memories you made with Moses close. He certainly was a beautiful boy. Good to see a photo of Pete again. Such a special boy.

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  21. Moses was such a beautiful boy. I understand your grief. We lost our precious English Pointer Willow on September 23, 2022 to cancer. I miss her every minute of every day. Cherish your memories of your precious Moses. We cherish our memories of our precious Willow.

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  22. Memories like these can be sad, heartbreaking even, but I’m always glad I remember. So sorry he passed at such a young age. Your tributes to him are beautiful to read.

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  23. Thinking of you as you remember your beautiful soulmate, Moses. Anniversaries like this can feel so raw- it’s so hard when you have loved someone so.

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  24. When you & Charlie lost Moses, I felt as if I’d lost a member of my family, as well. He was such a gorgeous boy. My heart absolutely shattered for you. I still feel that way. It was much, much too soon.

    I lost my heart dog, Harry, on 3/14/22. Before I met him, I would have told you that I had loved all my dogs fiercely & equally…&, I did, but there was just something about Harry.

    Like you, new dogs have come into my life and I love them beyond measure, but there will never be another Harry…or Moses. I am thinking of you today & sending love.

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  25. I’ve read Moses’ story more times than I can count. It’s one of the most beautiful essays I’ve ever read. Your love for Moses is palpable. I cannot imagine your inestimable grief and loss. You and Moses shared a beautiful bond. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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