This week we were very sad to lose our beloved Molly. At almost 13 Molly had enjoyed a long life and we were both extremely proud of her.
Molly was Andy's dog long before I came along. I have known her since she was 5. I will never forget the moment I first met Moll. Andy and I had been out for drinks with a group of friends and a few of us went back to Andy's place for a few more. We were greeted at the door by this beautiful brown bear. Andy hadn't even mentioned to me that he had a dog and suddenly this enormous Newfoundland was in front of me. I had never even seen a Newfoundland before and I immediately fell in love with Molly.
Molly was Andy's companion in the years when he was single and always there for him. She was the most chilled dog I have ever met, with the most gentle temperament I have ever come across in a dog. Literally unflappable, Molly would never, ever retaliate if another dog barked at her or tried to bite her. She was rock solid and completely trustworthy in any situation. She had an amazing calming influence on every one who met her - human or canine. She did like to chase cats and sheep though in her younger days and if you turned your back would jump the fence to get into the field after the sheep.
Very well known in the village of Esholt, Molly would quite often take herself off for a walk round if Andy left her outside too long. We always said she though she owned the village!
Lots of people who knew Molly have very fond memories of her - stealing burgers from children at our annual BBQ (well they hold them at just the right height), barking at me incessesantly until I finally gave her a pigs ear, her amazing "talking" trick, and her love of fireworks. Molly was the only dog I ever met who absolutely loved fireworks. Whenever she heard them she would charge about barking and we would often take her outside so she could watch them and bark her head off at them in delight. If we ever let fireworks off whilst Molly was in the vicinity, it would take two people to hold her back - she loved to chase them if she had the chance. It really was something to see her.
She could be quite a monkey at times, particularly where food was concerned. Andy and I once invited friends round for a bonfire with a pie and peas supper. We went out bought all the pies and left them on the centre island whilst we went outside to light the fire. When we came back in Molly was laid on the floor totally full of 20 odd pies!!! She knew she was in trouble but she was so pogged she couldn't even get up.
Jess joined our little family three years ago and at first Molly was not impressed. She always had an aversion to puppies, I always thought it was more that she was aware of her size and din't want to hurt them, rather than a genuine dislike.
Jess adored Molly from the moment they first met and they very soon became great friends.......
Whether Molly liked it or not!!
Actually when Jess joined the family, it was at a time in Molly's life when we were starting to see the first signs of her ageing. Stiffness in her back legs and a general slowing down. Jess's arrival on the scene worked wonders for Molly and really gave her a boost, we really do attribute the new arrival to giving Molly a new lease of life - despite Jess driving her mad wanting to play all the time, it was really good for Molly having Jess around.
Another of Molly's great friends in life was Puppy, Andy's daughter's Lhasa Apso. Puppy came to stay with Andy and Molly when they were living at the barn and Molly really adopted her. As a result Puppy is a small dog with a big dog attitude, she actually thinks she is a Newfie. She is the most laid back small dog you could ever wish to meet - trained by Molly.
This is the last photograph I ever took of Molly - just a couple of weeks ago in the back garden here at the barn, chilling with her little mate, Puppy.
Nemo adored his Aunty Moll. He was really sweet with her. He has a real gentle nature, despite his size and he never tormented Molly - I suppose he has his Mum to play with to vent all his playfullness on. Molly would occassionally get carried away with Jess and Nemo's high spirits and try to join in with their play, Nemo would just lie down, roll over and let Molly get him. When Molly was ill in the night, I got up to get her a drink and sat with her for an hour or so, Nemo came to join us and curled up at the side of Molly, licking her every now and again. When I went to bed he stayed with her and when I got up in the morning he was still laid with her,just like he did when he was much smaller
(He is s bit bigger than this now)
Andy and I have been touched by all the lovely cards, flowers and messages we have received since Molly passed away. You always think that your own dogs are special, but to have had it confirmed by so many people has meant a great deal to both of us. Molly really was the best dog in the world.
And these lovely words from my Aunty Kath & Uncle Adrian
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear"
I love to think that Molly is still here watching over us.
We love you Molly and will never forget you xx
