I met Molly about a week before Thanksgiving in 2010. At the time, I was still grieving the loss of my dog, Annie, and I had vowed that it would just be me and Bruno, my other dog, at least for a while. But a rescue group had set up a pet adoption area just outside of Gold’s gym in Venice, where I exercised. I got friendly with the owner of the rescue group, and he asked me if I would consider fostering a dog for two weeks through Thanksgiving.
He told me that he was full up with dogs that he had recently rescued from certain death at various kill shelters.I told him that the only problem was whether Bruno would get along with another dog. He asked me to bring over Bruno so that Bruno could walk with one of the rescue dogs to see how they got along. The rescue dog chosen for this task was named “Billie Jean.” She was a Corgi-Golden Retriever mix.
The rescue guy told me that no one had adopted Billie for the past three weeks that he had put her up for adoption. She was very sweet, and I could see that her temperament was also as sweet as can be. She got along find with Bruno, so I agreed to foster her for the agreed two weeks. Little did I know. This dog was nothing short of angelic. She seemed to crave love and affection from the start.Unfortunately, she got sick (an intestinal infection) just 3 days after I got her, and I wound up spending the small fortune that Veterinarians charge to treat her. But at that point, I didn’t care. I was in love with this sweetheart of a dog. I told the rescue guy that I’d like to keep her, even though I wasn’t actively seeking a dog at that time.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I renamed her “Molly,” and no dog I’ve ever had was more loving, gentle, and affectionate. She would sit next to me and gently nudge my hand with her head, wanting to be petted. She would constantly gaze at me with those big, brown eyes of love. Even when I showered, she would wait patiently right outside the door. I was told that Molly was age 3 when I adopted her, but I believe she was much older, possibly 8 or 9 at the time of her passing.
I did everything that I could to make her happy, gave her only the highest quality food, several walks, and lots of loving attention. When we walked down the street, Molly would stop for every person who walked past us, gazing up at them as if to say,”Please pet me.” She loved everyone, and most also loved her. She was healthy most of the time that I had her, but took a turn for the worst suddenly. I rushed her to the vet ER, but whatever it was that afflicted her (one theory was rupture of the spleen due to cancer) led her to go into shock, and die. I wasn’t prepared for this, since she showed no signs of serious illness even earlier that same day.Strange as it may sound, I almost wish that Molly wasn’t so loving and gentle. Then perhaps I would not feel so hurt and pained as I do now. I had her only a short time, a year and 10 months, but I loved her beyond what words could express.I am grateful for the brief presence of Molly in my life,and she will remain alive in my mind and in my heart. I love you, Molly.
Rest in peace my sweet little girl,
| Molly |
| 11, Sep 2012 |
| Jerry Brainum |