Our Sweet Molly

It is with a heavy and broken heart that I can finally bring myself to write about the loss of our sweet Molly. After refusing to eat and some other complications, TK and I noticed that our girl was looking bloated and wasn't acting like herself. Sluggish and weary, we learned from the vet that she was bleeding into her abdomen, and he was fairly certain that it was caused by some kind of cancer. It was obvious that she was going fast and that she might not even last the rest of the day. We brought her home so that we could spend what little time we had left with her and she had some visitors. Sensing it was time, TK's strong arms embraced her body that had so quickly grown weak over the day's short hours. As Hauna, Taylor, TK and I said our last goodbyes and she breathed her last at the vet, we knew we were losing a part of our family. Just a few days ago, TK had taken her to play at the beach, where she ran and swam and didn't tire. And now, all of a sudden, she's not here.

I'm certain that I cannot write anything that would do justice to the love my family has for Molly. For eleven wonderful years she has been the truest friend and our constant companion. I was always so proud of her... she always listened, never barked, didn't bother people, and was always gentle. She lived to please and to love.

Over the past week it's been so strange to adjust to life without her. It feels lonely in the house without her keeping us company. Sometimes I think I hear her collar rattling, or her paws coming. I forget that I don't need to make sure her water bowl is filled or that I don't need to take her on a walk. Sometimes, without thinking, I almost start to talk to her...to tell her not to worry about that rolling thunder, or to ask her if she'd like a treat for being such a good girl. I can barely stand to sweep the floor, knowing that slowly, but surely, some day there won't be any more of her hair to sweep up.

I want to feel her soft ears. I want her to shake my hand like she used to with out me even asking. I miss hearing her and TK wrestling upstairs having the time of their lives. I need to come home after work to her wagging tail and her big smile. I wish I could once more see her circle a few times before she'd find a place to sit. I want her to make us laugh again by jumping into our old swimming pool and finding her way out by way of the pool ladder. I want to take her on a hike and see her run about three miles for every one of mine walked. I wish I could to see her legs running while she sleeps, chasing rabbits or finding dumpsters full of garbage in her dreams.

My furry sister was such a sweet, pretty, and smart girl and it was my honor and privilege to know her. I cherish every walk I took her on and every time I stopped what I was doing to play with her or just sit and be with her. I'm thankful for all the trips on which we took her along over the last year because we couldn't stand to leave her alone or be without her sweet spirit. I'm so glad her quality of life was so healthy until just the other day. I'm grateful that she loved and embraced TK and that he had the chance to be her owner. He showered her with his love and energy.

So many people have let us know how much they enjoyed her and have shared so many kind words with us on her passing. Even people who didn't like dogs loved being around her and I know she was truly a saint among dogs. I hope she knew how much we loved her and what a perfect and good girl she was. This deep wound will surely heal, but I believe it will be fresh for a while still.