For those familiar with the heartwarming tales of John Grogan, particularly Marley & Me, the story of a special dog named Woodson might resonate deeply. Of all the dogs John Grogan and his family have welcomed into their lives, Woodson stood out as undeniably the most beautiful. This wasn’t by chance; Woodson was specifically bred for his captivating looks, a trait that landed him a role in the very movie that captured hearts worldwide, Marley & Me.
Woodson’s journey began on the movie set, where he was one of several adorable puppies chosen to portray young Marley. In a memorable scene, Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, embodying Jenny and John Grogan, visit a dog breeder to select Marley. Among the pen filled with newborn Labrador puppies was Woodson, a tiny actor in the making. His cinematic debut also included a classic puppy moment – upon arriving at his fictional new home, Woodson, with perfect comedic timing, promptly relieved himself on the grass. This performance, as John Grogan humorously notes, rivaled even the nuanced acting of Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia.
The connection between the Grogan family and Woodson deepened during filming. Their evident affection for the playful puppies didn’t go unnoticed. As filming wrapped up, director David Frankel and producer Gil Netter offered Woodson to John Grogan and his family as a gift. It was an offer they gratefully accepted, having already expressed their desire to provide a loving home for one of these special pups.
At just three months old, Woodson’s brief but bright acting career concluded, and he happily embraced retirement in the Pennsylvania countryside with the Grogans. There, his days were filled with the simple joys of digging in the earth and chasing butterflies, a far cry from the movie set. While Woodson inherited striking beauty, his genetic lottery wasn’t entirely kind when it came to health. Early in life, he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips, a painful condition he faced with remarkable stoicism throughout his years.
As Woodson grew older, he faced further challenges. He gradually lost his sight, spending his last years navigating the world in darkness. Yet, his stoicism remained unwavering. He would confidently explore the property, undeterred by his blindness. If he bumped into an obstacle – a couch, a wall, or a shrub – he would simply adjust his course and continue his exploration. Eventually, his hearing also began to fade. Despite these infirmities, Woodson lived a long and full life, almost reaching his expected lifespan for his breed.
In August 2020, it became clear that Woodson’s body was finally weary. Unable to rise without assistance and barely able to hobble outside, he communicated, in his own way, that it was time. On a beautiful summer day, the John Grogan family bid farewell to their beloved Woodson, with kisses and hugs, one last time. He was laid to rest on the edge of their meadow, joining Marley and Gracie, a peaceful trio in their final resting place. Woodson’s story, a testament to his resilience and the deep bond he shared with John Grogan and his family, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring love and companionship dogs bring into our lives.
