A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? -Marley & Me
My poor mom and brother had to take our Molly girl to be put to sleep today.
Molly came home to the Becker household when I was a horribly awkward eighth-grader. She was one of those puppies who would melt you heart in a commercial or on a Christmas card, and the kind you never expect to actually see in real life.
Proof:
*personal photo
She was definitely a character.
She bossed our older dog Jack around from the moment she set foot in the house, using him as a pillow and a chew toy and a general BFF.
She was the pick of her litter and a show dog, but she wasn't very keen on dog shows in general... too much primping and heat and oh my gosh, wasn't it time to go home already?
She was like that on walks around the neighborhood too; as soon as our house entered her line of sight, she would prance around and try to lead the way toward the front door. Passing the yard and heading out for another loop around the block made her quite visibly depressed.
Home was her very favorite place in the world.
I am the oldest of three with two younger brothers, but Molly became known in the family as my "seester." She went by other names as well - Princess Goof/Goofiona was a favorite. Adnoid Girl was another nickname, due to her very audible snores etc.
She paraded around every time we gave her a new toy, and the more "good girl"s you threw her way, the happier and prouder she became.
Goldfish and Red Hot Blue tortilla chips (with cayenne pepper) were her very favorite snacks, but she turned up her pert little nose at hotdogs or any vegetable, ever - my kind of girl.
The car commercial with the squeaky toy used to drive her absolutely bonkers, and she could gut any soft, adorable stuffed animal in about ten seconds flat (her niece Bailey is very similar to her in this regard).
Simply put, she was something.
In my mind, the only true downside of dog ownership is that this day comes to everyone who gives their heart to a puppy.
Not the least hard thing to bear
when they go from us, these quiet friends,
is that they carry away with them
so many years of our lives.
Yet, if they find warmth therein,
who would begrudge them those years
that they have so guarded?
And whatever they take,
be sure they have deserved."
John Galsworthy
So thanks to the best seester I could have asked for. Our family won't be the same without you. And may there be plenty of goldfish and squeaky toys for you up in that big backyard in the sky.
*personal photo - that is one happy dog