This is the love story, as told to me by Lisa Marie Nicole, mama of Molly Malone, the Border Collie – Shepperd Mix from Florida.
Tell me about the first time you met Molly, when and where was it? How did you feel, and what made you feel that way?
I met her in New Jersey after my dog Mugsy, a white boxer, passed ways. I thought I would never get another dog. There was a Petco event not far from me. My mom and I wanted to take a ride over and see what was going on. I never told my husband I was doing this. I wanted to volunteer for this event, but, it was on my birthday, June 25, 2006. When I went in, I remember seeing a bunch of dogs and rescue people. Later, I wrote the poem and song for her about this day. I see this big pen and one little dog alone. She looked at me, and I saw that she was covered in urine. I knew I wanted her. I picked her up. Then suddenly, a woman came up and told me, "She's mine!" I said, "No way, you should have picked her up sooner!" I remember holding her and had this feeling that I had to take her. My mom also held her. We agreed that it was the right thing to do. And then I thought, "My husband is going to kill me." I ran home to get the money to pay for her. They called her Miss Prissy because she would shake her butt as she walked. She was a rescue from a kill shelter in the Carolinas. I went home only to meet my husband. He looked at me and said, "I thought we agreed for right now, no more dogs?" She kissed him as he held her. It was a done deal if I agreed to let him name her. "You named the last three. Let me name her." He is Irish, and he said, "I want to name her Molly Malone after a Shepperd I had as a kid." That's how I adopted this little 8-week-old who fell asleep in my arms.
Thinking back, how would you describe Molly's personality as a puppy? And as an adult?
She was very stubborn, just like her mother! She was very protective and thick-headed. She didn't want to listen; she was strong-willed, and that's how she was at solving problems. As an adult, she still had that stubborn side, but she became more protective of the whole family. She'd herd the family and occasionally nip, but so friendly and always kissing. Molly was perfect for her entire life.
And now, how would Molly describe your personality?
The same way that I described her! Even my husband said she is just like me, strong-willed, loving, and caring.
What did you learn from Molly?
With all the health problems she had, I learned about life and love. We both had spinal issues. Nothing would stop her, and that's how I dealt with my fibromyalgia. She taught me so much about life. So much so that people asked how a dog could teach you? We read each other's minds. Before I said it, Molly knew. Both my mom and husband experienced the connection we shared. She taught me about love, always love even if you do something wrong, push yourself to the limit, that's what I learned from her.
What are the top three things you always want to remember about your love?
1. Her love for me and life, she wanted to be with me.
2. How smart she was, she was a genius! I was always in awe of how smart she was.
3. Her willingness to fight for what she wanted.
When did Molly earn her wings?
February 26, 2019
When did you join Paws? Do you remember how you found Paws?
I think it was in March of 2019; someone recommended Paws to me.
What has or is helping you get to the other side of grief? What advice would you share with someone who recently started grieving?
You and your support, especially you, with all the talks we've had. Some people don't understand. I do a lot of writing, singing, my music, write music, God is number one in my life and I am blessed with Danny. Wow, it is coming up to two years. Danny has helped me a lot! There are a lot of people who ask, "Should I get another, or when should I get another? Won't my others get mad? The others don't want you to grieve. They want you to be happy." Molly led me to Danny. She's happy I am taking care of him. I've seen people in our group concerned that they would forget. You never forget the other! Adopt another dog or cat. What has also helped me is to talk and keep talking. That's how depression sets in when you don't talk.
Where are you now in your grief?
I'm a lot better because of Danny. He is the spitting image of Molly! He does the same things she did, every little thing he does, she did. He has helped me with grieving. I feel like she's there watching me.
Using your spiritual and intuitive mind, if I could get a message to Molly from you, what would you want to say? What would you want to let Molly know?
I talk to her every day. I'd tell her thank you for loving me, teaching me the meaning of life, and, thank you for sending me Danny, and I will spoil him just like I did you!
And if I could get a message from you to Molly, what would you like to know?
Is she with Oreo? I'd want to know how the rest of the Pack is doing. She knows them all! I'd like her to tell me she will wait for me. I'll see her eventually, not too soon! I'll meet her at the Bridge when I get there.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your Paws Pack about Molly?
She was incredible. I'm so glad that I had the chance to tell her story. I'm grateful to our group. I've made a lot of friends here. Molly was my purpose for starting my Facebook page, " PETS UNITED with Molly, Angel, Oreo, and Danny," a group for pet lovers, and it's open to the Pack if anyone would like to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/762356473925375/
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