Molly was old when she came to us. We adopted her when our neighbor Eileen had to go into a nursing home. We were never sure of Molly's age -- she could have been fourteen, maybe older, when we said goodbye to her on Friday.
I blogged recently about her -- a cheerful old thing, in spite of deafness and arthritis. But for the past few weeks, she's been increasingly confused. When she became completely incontinent, the time had come.
Never easy -- but in this case we knew it was coming.
Someone asked a few days ago for an update on our dogs and cats. It's odd to find ourselves down to three dogs after many years of having six.
But I'll do a quick rundown of the dogs that have been part of our lives and this blog for the past three years.
Someone asked a few days ago for an update on our dogs and cats. It's odd to find ourselves down to three dogs after many years of having six.
But I'll do a quick rundown of the dogs that have been part of our lives and this blog for the past three years.
Sweet Bear ( the original of Ursa who lives on in the Goodweather books) and happy Jack have been gone about a year .
Dan, the Border Collie, Maggie, the Mountain Cur (original of Elizabeth Goodweather's Molly,) and William (Elizabeth's James) remain. Dan's the youngest -- maybe four. Maggie is twelve, William is older -- maybe fourteen.
The cats Eddie and Miss Susie Hutchins both seem ageless.
Often appearing in my pictures are Otis (in front) and Ali Ali. They live with Justin and Claui in another house on our farm.
So many happy memories . . .
42 comments:
So sorry to hear about Molly but knowing she is no longer in any pain must bring you relief.
The prictures of your pets are lovely.....:-) Hugs
What a lovely home Molly had in her last days.. always sad to say goodbye. lovely to meet 'Elizabeth's' dogs!
Molly looks such a lovely dog, she would have been so happy when you adopted her and gave her such lovely last years. I loved seeing all of your animals.
They are waiting on the other side to welcome you someday... Such loving eyes and faces. Thanksmfor sharing ... Now I have to go find my dogs and have them sleep by my bed tonight :)
This post, on top of just having read "Huck," (Janet Elder) . . . my dogs are going to have the stuffing squeezed out of them by daylight's arrival!
Always a painful time, but Molly and the others, enjoyed love and freedom with you, on the farm. Not a bad way to live.
Dearest Vicki and family,
so sorry to hear about you losing another much loved creature. I hope you find solace in the thought that you brought so much love and care into Molly's life.
With a warm embrace,
Merisi
Vicki,so sorry to hear of Molly's passing, it is never easy saying goodbye to a dear pet. there is always a space where they were. I think it is wonderful to celebrate those who were and are with you. Big hugs, Margie.
I must also add that I am sorry to hear about Molly. I do remember you writing about her and the pictures you shared.
I've always had multiple dogs, and each has had such a special place in my heart. Now I have one, Wally, a rescue, and it seems so strange with one, but at this point in time, one is good.
My heart goes out to you, Vicki. We, too, have had a sudden decline in our dog complement, going from six now to two and a half...I say "half" because our beloved Jessie has the canine equivalent of dementia now, and it's difficult for her to walk. It's sad to see. They're lovely animals and claim our hearts forever. May all RIP.
Elora
So sorry for you...I understand what you feel...
Beautiful set of photos which represent sweet remembrances for you.
They break your heart, don't they, when they have to go. So much joy, so much pleasure comes to an end.
I know it's all totally natural and normal and the way
things are, but I still find it very hard to accept.
Oh, grow up, Friko. Vicki has.
sorry...they are part of the family and never easy to see go...surrounded by such life...bet she enjoyed the time she had...
Oh Vicki, I had a bad feeling something had happened to Molly when I saw the title. She was a lovely girl.
My only children were four-legged ones and I mourned each their deaths for a very long time. Even though some of them have been gone for a very long time, we talk about them as if they were still with us. Their tags remain in my jewelry drawer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Sam
I'm sorry for your loss Vicki. You did the right thing. And now she is running through bright colored fields, chasing butterflies in perpetual sunshine. I believe this whole heartedly. Great pics. Animal lovers are special people.
I'm sorry, Vicki. It's hard to say good-bye to a friend. Sending hugs.
Thanks, folks, for the kind words. I was happy to be able to make the decision before Molly's quality of life diminished further. Life on a farm, as well as many, many years of multiple pets helps one to be realistic. But, oh my, it's odd only to be tripping over three dogs now...
Vicki, I remember reading your post about Molly and how you took her in -- a beautiful thing to do as old dogs are terribly difficult to place. Dogs are family and from your photos -- you certainly have a large family. I know you will miss her. -- barbara
So sorry to hear that Molly passed. It is never easy to make that decision for them, but I believe that a person knows 'when it's time'. I'll fight as long as they fight, but when that 'something' changes in their eyes then it's time. Bless you (and I'm sure you've been blessed) for taking in Molly when it was needed. I know that had to be a relief for her former caretaker. I can imagine how different it is around your place going from six to three in such a short time. It gets doubly hard when you have an 'elderly' crew. Take care.
Tammy
(p.s. I marveled to see Eddie & Mrs. Susie in the same picture! Do you have any idea their ages?)
Vicki, so sorry to hear about Molly. Even in her old age she was adored and loved. It's never easy to say good-bye to a beloved pet as they are a part of your family.
Again, thanks to all for the sweet words! Over on my Facebook page, someone who knew Molly's previous person said that she liked to think of Molly and Eileen together again, enjoying heavenly walks in green pastures. And so do I.
Tammy -- When Eddie and Miss SH are in the same picture you can be sure that in the next minute he jumped on her and bit her neck and she growled and ran away. Miss Susie is 8 and Eddie is 7.
I am sorry about Molly. What a wonderful life she was able to have. Your kindness gave her a new beginning and a graceful end.
Goodbye to Molly. I'm sorry for your loss, but glad that you had each other during her later years.
Sweet memories of Molly for you. Always. You clearly loved her dearly.
Hugs for you,
Kath
In sympathy... I share one of my favorite quotes...
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Yet, still we would live no other way."
- Irving Townsend
Thanks for being such a kind human to your wonderful animals.......bless you
hug...big hug
Thanks again, you all.
Darla's quote is just perfect.
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Yet, still we would live no other way."
- Irving Townsend
How sad that there are never enough years to love our dogs and cats. Wonderful that Molly could spend her last years with you and the others on the farm. I know you will miss her.
Molly was a beautiful dog! So sorry for your loss!
Vicki, I'm so sorry. I'm sure Molly had a wonderful life with you and, even though it's one of the hardest things to do, you did the right thing and didn't let her suffer.
Goodbye to Molly. I'm sure Jesus will find room for her in his house. It is soooooooooooo hard to lose a pet friend so my heart goes out to you and your family and the other dogs who will miss her too.
Blessings, Star
So sorry about Molly. Seems several of my friends have lost their beloved pets recently-it is amazing when you think of the ways they weave their way through our lives.
This is the hardest part to loving a pet. I'm so glad Molly found a loving home with you and that you enjoyed her company for as long as you were able. Only three dogs sounds like a lot to me, as I've never had more than two. My one is handful enough for me lately! Thanks for sharing the lovely photos of you pets.
I'm sad to hear about your Molly. Blessings and peace, dear friend. xx
Thinking about ya'll and Molly. As ever, she was a lucky pup to land with such a great family <3
Thank you Vicki for the update on the animal population but I'm so sorry it came with the sad news about Molly. People who don't have pets just don't understand the hole it leaves in our lives - one less body to trip over, one less warm lump on the bed, one less morning greeting. Small things, but nevertheless, treasured and missed.
I'm not really a doggy person but Molly looks adorable. Very sad that she has come to the end of life but I bet she had a happy one with you. Someone once told me I reminded them of a border collie...Was that good or bad?!
so sorry that you have lost a dear friend, but what a wonderful life miss molly must have had at your home and farm. my max is about 14 and every day i think about how short his future is...but what great joy we have brought each other!
You all are so sweet!
And I have to smile at your question, jennyfreckles. Is it good or bad to be like a Border collie?
Well, Border Collies are the smartest of all dogs, eager to please and good at learning. They are task oriented and NEED a job to do. Very high energy and sometimes so focused on the job at hand that they don't see anything else... all in all, terrific creatures -- if you can keep up with them. So, is that you?
It's going to take me a while to get around to visit. I had jury duty today (dismissed now) and am behind in everything.
So sorry Vicki! XO
Beautiful bunch of wonderful critters, Vicki...like you, I've loved all of mine. Can't imagine life with them.
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