Blemie - Dogs of the NPS

Blemie, Eugene O'Neill's beloved Dalmatian, sits on his lawn chair.

Courtesy of Eugene O'Neill NHS

Eugene O’Neill, the 1936 Nobel Prize in Literature-winning playwright, was an avid dog lover. Perhaps his most precious canine companion was a purebred Dalmatian named Silverdene Emblem, aka “Blemie”.

Blemie lived a pampered life at Tao House, O’Neill's home in California. Blemie was incredibly well-loved by his family and all who met him. He slept in a custom bed made by Gump's Home Decor Store in San Francisco, had a specially designed raincoat, and even a diamond-studded collar.

When Blemie passed away on December 17, 1940, O’Neill penned a tribute written in Blemie’s voice. “The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill” holds many themes of grief and healing and one line seems to resonate quite strongly with many dog owners.

"One last request I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say, 'When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one.' Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again.”

Blemie bequeathed his collar, leash, overcoat, and raincoat to the O’Neills’ future dog and closed the last will and testament with this statement:

“One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: “Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved.” No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.”

The rest of the tribute can be read in its entirety online or by visiting Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site and taking to the path to Blemie’s gravesite.