This is Our Molly (Part 2)

I am almost done wrapping up the life of a dog who held all our hearts in her sweet paws. 

Continued from yesterday.

Mama & Me

Molly warmed up to me as time went on. Especially after moving in with Lisa and Millie, we saw a change in her. She was calmer, more relaxed, and, most importantly, she began tolerating, then accepting, and finally, seeking us out for attention. 

She loved to put her head in my hand and just rest it there.

These are some of my favorite photos of her - the shy, scared girl who wanted my love and gave me hers.

When she was at our home, she liked to stay close. A far cry from running away as she used to do.

"You taking a nap, Grammy?"

"Are you writing, Grammy? Oh, and sorry that my tail knocked over your horses. I just HAVE to wag it whenever I see you, you know."

"Hey, Grammy! Need any help today in the sewing room?"

"Just checking on you. You've sure been in here a long time and I've missed you."

"As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, I do need both Pepper's and my beds to get comfy. Thanks for understanding."

"I've been lying here all morning waiting for you to finish cooking whatever is making those lovely smells of beeswax and cinnamon, and you tell me now that I can't eat them??"

"Surprise! We thought you'd never come out of the little room, so we decided to wait for you in the bedroom."

"Sleepovers at Grammy and Boompa's are just the best. Lights out, Grammy! We are all ready!"

Molly & Lisa

Four happy faces, all on their way to a sleepover at Lisa's.

Lisa always claimed that she "lost another dog" when she groomed Mama.

Millie and Molly visit Trouble, Diablo, Abby, Sultanna, and Hokey.

Mama's "circus dog" pose as we called it. She would rear up on her hind legs, sit back on her haunches, and then reach out to Lisa. Look at the love in those eyes!

No, she isn't falling over backwards. Mama was pretty "bottom heavy," if you know what I mean. LOL

As Molly got older, her circus dog pose became too difficult and she stopped doing it. I'm so glad I got photos of it.

Just Our Mama

"Singing the old Carpenters' song, Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft is NOT funny!"

"Thank you. I feel much better with the cone of shame off. After all, it was just an ear biopsy. No need for that silly thing."

"Speaking of no need for something, are you serious, Lisa??"

"If you are going to lie on the couch and read, Lisa, I will stay by your side."

"My bed is so comfy."

"I hope you always remember how much I loved you all."

We will, sweet girl. We will. And how much we loved YOU.

This is Our Molly (Part 1)

Second Post of the Day

This post is full of pictures, all about Mama. I've sorted them into sections about her life and those whom she loved and who loved her. Dearly and deeply.

Enjoy the look back at a life well lived and a dog who overcame a terrible beginning in life to find, and give, love unmeasurable. 

This is our Molly.

Mama & Pepper

The "girl dogs" as we called them sharing a nap on Molly's mat by our kitchen table. When Molly was at her own home, Pepper used it solo, but it was put there originally for Mama. It is in a corner where she felt safe and Lisa would sit next to her during meals.

Molly's backside made a good pillow and Pep knew how to use it.

Comfort in just being together for a snooze.

Mama with Kids

When Mama came to live with us, she was Ian and Mila's first exposure to a dog. Mila was hesitant, but since Molly was pretty scared, too, Mila (with her caring nature) warmed up quickly.

They got out every toy in her toy basket and invited her to play. She was rather bewildered at all that doggy loot! Mama rarely played. Ever. We think it was because she was treated as simply a breeder and never had the chance to play until she was rescued and by then she didn't know what to do.

Face to face. She was staying put instead of running away so I knew she was liking their attention.

Several months later things had progressed to where Molly would let Mila cuddle up on her doggy bed with her.

Years later, the two were fast friends and still cuddling up together when they were together.

For the life of me, I cannot find the pics I KNOW I have of Molly with the other grands. I'll continue searching.

Mama & Craig

Petrified of men when she joined our family, that changed with time and Craig's gentleness.

She loved to go through the doggy drive thru and get scritches. 

She spent a lot of time in that doggy drive thru, and would sometimes fall asleep under Craig's ministrations.

Craig loved to cook the dogs scrambled eggs. Can you see who is supervising him in the kitchen? Molly was a Lab through and through!

She came to fully trust him, a far cry from the dog who would freeze with terror in her eyes and then run if he walked into the room she was in.

Mama with Nash

Lisa's first dog, Millie, made Molly feel secure and safe. And when Millie died, Lisa knew she needed another dog that would be Molly's companion and continue to make her feel safe.

Nash was the perfect choice. They bonded quickly and in a few hours were cuddled up on the carpet and napping together.

Using the "More, sir!" tactic together on Craig. (It almost always worked.)

"Auntie Nan" lives next door to us and loves to bring the dogs treats. Nash, Tammo, and Pepper are all in for her visits, but not Molly. It took her a long time to not be afraid of Auntie Nan.

When she finally, finally, FINALLY hesitantly crept close and took a treat out of Nan's hand (above), I thought Nan would cry. She was that excited.

Nan texted when she learned that Mama had passed, "I am so sorry, Lynn. I was thrilled that she let me give her treats. She was a special girl. I'm glad that she found the love that she deserved."

With Nash and Tammo (who sleeps over occasionally at Nash's "request") and hoping they can get their dinner early by asking nicely.

Enjoying a beautiful summer day together in their backyard.

I'm going to stop for now and will continue this post about Molly's life tomorrow.

Stay 'tooned.

Hokey is Gone

Second Post of the Day

Hokey was euthanized yesterday morning just before a major snowstorm and an Arctic front blew in. It was time. He never was quite the same after that lightning strike that took Abby and Two Socks. He hung out most of the time in the barn, he'd lost the sight in one eye, and was beginning to lose it in the other.

Belle on Sultanna, her son on Hokey, and Tim on Eazy this fall.

Very recently, he was walking slowly and painfully. With the storm coming in, and most especially the Arctic front, Tim did the merciful thing and had him put down.

We all knew it was coming. Tim had told me last summer that he was concerned about putting Hokey through another winter. 

He had had a good long life. Tim got Hokey when he was a 3 year old and they were together 27 years - Hokey was 30! His registered name is Hokkaido - Tim and Loni's son was living in Japan at the time and they liked how it sounded. Eventually the name got shortened to Hoki and finally Hokey. 

Hokey will be laid to rest next to Abby and Two Socks. I feel really, really good about that.

Here's a little walk down memory lane.

Hokey and Abby, just after I'd rescued her.

Lisa was very fond of Hokey. She joins Tim, Belle, and me as we grieve his loss.

A photo of Tim with Hokey and Sultanna taken last summer.

Hokey gave my family a lot of rides around the paddock. Lisa leading Curt,

and helping Kate during a Christmas visit with Cole spotting.

Trinity giving him a hug during a grooming session. Hokey didn't need to be tied - he'd just stand there and let the brushing begin!

With Sultanna at the gate, hoping for carrots.

Who knows what he was doing here! Big goof.

Holed up in the barn where he felt safe and secure just a few days after the lightning strike.

Sweet boy.

I received this poem shortly after Abby's death and shared it with Tim and Belle yesterday. It expresses the feelings I had then and that I still do. I thought it might help them find some solace.

We are all feeling the loss. Hokey was a connection to my Abby, and now he's not there anymore. It's like one of the last bits and pieces of Abby's life is now gone. But we all know that this was the kindest thing to do for him.

Rest easy, Hokey, and thank you for all the wonderful memories. You were a great horse.