Molly

On April 6 we had to say goodbye to our beloved Molly.  She was the best dog, and after fourteen years it was really hard to say goodbye.  A photo recollection:

Molly was always so good with the kids and babies.  She could tell when the kids were old enough to "know better" and if they bothered her then, she would let them know they were out of line.  But she was super patient with babies and didn't care if they pulled her fur or ears.  

When we lived in town, I could walk to the store and leave Molly outside with the stroller.  She'd guard it patiently while we shopped.  

Molly knew she shouldn't steal the ball from Nora; but oh! It must have been tempting!  

Molly was such a good farm dog.  She never bothered our chickens (except occasionally to run into their midst and get them in a flap for fun).  When we had the little pullets in this pen, one flew out right at her.  Molly caught it in her mouth and gently handed it over when we asked.  

Fetching was always her favorite thing to do.  

She liked to meet the new additions in the barn. 

Molly missed her calling in some ways.  She would have been a good sled dog.  Her feet didn't trap snow; she was strong and fast.   

She would have been a good bird dog, as far as retrieving goes. We trained her in a few minutes to retrieve a friend's ruffed grouse that he shot on a hunting trip.  She retrieved several birds for him and that was the extent of her birding.

She taught herself to fetch duck eggs when we had free-range ducks.  It was very handy to have her bring some in from the woods and deposit them near the porch steps.  

Such a good dog.