The Grogans plan for a Christmas holiday in Florida, their first winter away from the snow since moving to Pennsylvania. They make plans to board Marley at a kennel during their trip. The family enjoys a movie night together before taking Marley to the kennel, and John narrates that he would later recognize that night as his family’s farewell party for Marley (267).

The kennel calls to inform John that Marley is acting lethargic and his hips are dropping more than usual. Jenny picks up Marley the next day, and he looks “out of sorts but not visibly ill” (268). Hopes for another comeback are dashed when Marley doesn’t react to John’s greeting: “He did not try to gum my wrist, did not want to play, did not even lift his head. His eyes were far away, and his tail lay limp on the floor” (268). Marley’s stomach is bloated and hard to the touch, and John and Jenny silently agree that “the moment had arrived” (269).

John takes Marley to the vet’s office, where another attempt is made to treat Marley’s stomach without surgery. The process doesn’t work this time, leaving John to decide between surgery and putting Marley to sleep.