She came to us as a tiny little ball of black and white fur. Tossed over someone's front yard fence, barely 8 weeks old, she was the only stray brought into the police department that Steve was ever tempted to bring home. Kendra and I had been in a minor car accident the day before and, feeling slightly battered, this tiny little puppy was the perfect cure.Molly, as we named her grew quickly into a loving dog, protective of her family and a great explorer. Her favorite perch when she was young was a planter wheelbarrow, where she'd relax and survey "her" yard as she watched for invaders.
She got along with pretty much everybody, including the cat Murphy that was her best friend for years. Any cat that didn't run was her friend too, but if they ran, look out! The cattle dog instinct took over and when she was "inspired" she was fast!
Molly never really liked riding in a vehicle, but happily hopped in when a camping trip was at the other end. As soon as she saw us packing the rig she was ready to go.She attended every Duck training camp too, but was a bit too shy of strangers to make it to the tailgate parties at games.
We logged many miles on back trails, and the only time I ever saw her startled was when an owl swooped out, low and very large, as it crossed the trail in front of us. She slowed down a bit in her later years, but her heart was always ready to go.
Molly has been staying with our daughter and her husband while we're in California, and yesterday she suddenly became quite ill. Kendra took her to the vet yesterday and this morning we got the diagnosis - a fast growing liver tumor. No treatment was really possible, so the tough decision was made to put her to sleep.
We'll miss her so much - she hasn't missed a camping trip in 16 years! Molly has convinced me. . I truly believe, all dogs go to heaven.... I can't imagine it without them.
More photos in Molly's Album.
I remember, when Molly was a puppy, that she liked hiding under your sofa that was up on short legs. While Dawn and I were visiting, she crawled under and couldn't get out. She didn't realize that it'd get tougher as she grew. We had to lift up the sofa to get her out. I'm glad we had some walks together with her last month in Texas. She was certainly a member of your family. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteOh, Daphne and Steve, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it is to have to put your family companion to sleep. We had to do that for our dog Buddy. He too had cancerous tumors and we had to make the tough decision. But I believe that all dogs go to heaven and they are waiting for us.
ReplyDeleteI know you had many years with Molly and she was a very good watch dog.
She will be missed.
I hope you and Steve have a good and safe trip. Take care and may God bless you all.