01/10/2025
From the first moment I saw Molly, I knew I would not leave without her. Left in an abandoned house, no food or water, no electricity in over 100 degree temps, she was the picture of tragedy.
She could barely stand, had little to no hair, sores and lumps covering her body, infected draining ears, and her collar was embedded in her neck. She stood motionless at the weathered wooden door when I approached and I am not sure she even saw me. I told her we were leaving together, picked her up, carried her to my car and drove away from her hell.
I never felt Molly would be with us for long, her condition was so deplorable. But despite my grim forecast, Molly surprised all of us. She ate well, loved her special bed and knew exactly where to walk on the property and not get lost. Of course, she was never left unattended and slowly we removed her leash and let her roam freely (as we watched from afar) When she was ready to go out and do her business , she barked if we did not let her out fast enough. Teetering on trembling legs, she followed her routine religiously.
Molly received vitamin B12 shots regularly, antibiotics and endured frequent trips to the vet during her 2 + years here. Her progress was miniscule, but even the slightest improvement was met with applause. She gained weight,, her neck healed and her hair came back soft and golden. We loved her.
I cannot blame the recent blizzard for her loss as she wore a coat and was rarely away from a heated room and warm bed, but her brief interludes in the snow confused her. We had all been noticing small differences in her routine. Once she had totally torn up her favorite bed, none that I offered her met her approval. She seemed restless. Then one morning a few days ago I found her tangled in her new bed and momentarily unresponsive. Alarmed, I picked her up, carried her outside and she righted herself and seemed to perk up. But I knew something was amiss and realized she was not going to be the same.
The next day she could not get up to eat nor did she venture outside. She refused to lie down, spurning the new and unwanted bed, circling it in confusion.
She was done.
Looking back on her life here, I felt it was somewhat uneventful. Her days consisted of eating, venturing outside, sniffing everything and heading back for her nap. It may not have been the most exciting life, but it suited her after years of neglect. She was safe and warm…always.
That was our gift to her. But her gift to us was far greater. She taught us all that one can embrace love even after severe deprivation, and enjoy the small things in life. She showed us tenacity and courage and unwavering strength of character.
Molly was a warrior.
SCARS is a unique, nationally recognized, open range, no-kill, dog only, 501 c 3 shelter.
