Dear Molly,

You probably don’t know this, but I like to write letters to the boys on their birthday to reflect on the past year. You, kiddo, aren’t going to hit a year with us. So here is your letter, after only eight months, on the day you go to your forever home.

We sure are going to miss you.

Although, to be totally honest, you’ve been a bit of a pain in the ass, sister.

At first, you guarded everything from the boys. They couldn’t touch a toy, treat, or spot on the couch without you erupting. Thankfully, that waned and nearly disappeared over the past eight months. Clearly you needed to learn to share! Maybe you didn’t have enough resources before you came to us? But you and Cooper play tug ever-so-nicely these days. It warms my heart to see the progress you made!

It was tough those first few weeks. Our vet couldn’t figure out what the heck was wrong with your eye, so we had to keep you quarantined. Balancing work with shifting you around to different rooms of the house and your crate while keeping the boys separate, plus the daily flea baths, and lots of walks to help you figure out where to potty… it was exhausting! We had hoped that you’d find a home right away, but that clearly wasn’t your plan!

Once we got to put you with the boys, everything was much easier. Well, mostly. You and Newt have never gotten along. She really dislikes you, Molly, and you like to “poke the bear.” Which is fine, except Cooper defends Newt fiercely, so you and Coop have scuffled more than once over Newt…

But, all those things aside, you really are the sweetest, happiest puppy I’ve ever met. Your tail literally does not stop wagging. Ever. Everyone you meet comments on that wag, “It’s like she’s wagging her whole body!” You befriend strangers instantly – even though you don’t want them picking you up! But that’s ok with me and with your new family! Carrying you around is a trust that has to be earned.

When John picked you up off the bayou and brought you home, you had no clue. You had no hesitation about jumping up on the kitchen table or counters to get a better view out the window. You’d watch a tennis ball bounce past and wag, like, “Hey, that was cool!” But all those things came. You’ve learned very nice manners, and you love, love, love to chase toys. Love. Until my arm falls off. Going for a walk is the greatest thing in your world, and if I even glance at your leash, well, we better get going because you’ll bounce around like a ping-pong ball until we do!

And now, my dear, your family has found you. I think all those false starts, all those people who were interested in adopting you, then changed their minds – most without ever meeting you – led you to this moment, to this family. You’re going to have a sweet sister, Bella, who you play with beautifully. You’re getting a great big yard with lots of squirrels for you to chase.

Also, Molly, I’m sending you on your way with TONS of goodies! I’ve been saving lots of things that have come in the mail for you. You’re taking AvoDerm dog food and Nylabone toys and dental bones, ropes, stuffies, plus lots of chew toys and treats! I’ve been calling it “Molly’s Dowry,” and it’s taken up a huge corner of our closet. Tomorrow, seeing that space empty will make me very sad. But I’m thrilled to be able to provide you and Bella lots and lots of fun dog stuff to get you settled.

We’re going to miss you, kittycatpuppy (we call you that because you were so small!). We’re going to miss your energy, your playfulness, and your dear, sweet snuggles.

We’re going to miss taking you for walks and tucking you into bed at night, but we know that this is the perfect outcome for you. You deserve a forever family, and I’m thrilled we finally found them for you!

I’m honored, Molly, truly honored that I got to be your caretaker for the past eight months. It wasn’t always easy, but every single second that I got to take care of you was a blessing.

Tonight, when you go to bed in your new crate in your new home with your new – forever – family, know that we’re thinking of you and missing you, but we’re equally as happy for you to have found your place.

We love you, Molly, and we’ll be here for you if you ever need us!

Kisses, kittycatpuppy.

Love,

your grateful foster family

Do you guys remember, just before the start of the year, John found a little puppy wandering down the bayou? She was skinny, covered in fleas, and her right eye was sealed almost entirely shut from a combination of mange and infection.

We got her fixed up, and after a vet-mandated two-week quarantine, introduced her to the boys. Since January, they’ve played and tussled, while Molly learned how to live inside a home. She had NO clue in the beginning… “Might as well stand on the kitchen table to get a better look out the window!”

This sweet little girl loves to curl up your lap as much as she loves to chase a ball. She has an unending supply of energy, but she’s also a bottomless well of affection.

Molly has two quirks: She dislikes being handled by strangers and will growl a warning when someone she doesn’t know well tries to pick her up or restrain her – and if they push it, she’ll snap her teeth (though, having seen that happen twice, she doesn’t actually attempt to bite – just warn). That quirk actually cost her a home with a family in Louisiana because they were unwilling to give her the time she needed to feel comfortable with them picking her up. She has found a couple here in town who are accepting of that quirk (and I have that feeling that the woman will be picking Molly up for snuggles in no time at all… the two of them seem to have a good connection).

Her second quirk is that she resource-guards her food. This new family of Molly’s has a gorgeous dog, Bella, but they’re willing to feed them separately, which is what we’ve been doing here.

Because of those quirks, though, we want to set them up for success, so we’ve offered to waive the adoption fee in exchange for them taking a training class with a trainer we know here in town.

But, regardless, they are excited to bring Molly home! And Molly and her new sister get along famously! Here are two short cell phone videos her new lady sent after their trial day on Sunday:

Molly and Bella 1 from Maggie Marton on Vimeo.

Molly and Bella 2 from Maggie Marton on Vimeo.

Isn’t it funny how much alike they look?! In person, they’re practically twins, though Bella is nearly three times her size!

We’re still working out the final details, but Molly will go home with her new family this week. I will miss having the little sprite around here, of course, but I’m thrilled she’s found her family! (And I’ll make sure they send us pics and updates to pass along!!)