Molly
I had wanted a dog for as long as I could remember. One day early in 2005 when I was still unemployed after a year, I was sitting at the computer searching craigslist for jobs. I was so frustrated with the process, just for relief, I moved over and clicked on Pets. There were two ads for free dogs. One was for a mixed breed, but I thought it looked too big. The other ad was for two basset hounds — a younger male and an older female. (My friend had encouraged me to act on my dream of getting a dog — “Get an older dog,” she said, “they sleep all day!”) I went to see the two bassets and got excited, but my rental agreement said No Pets, and I had yet to approach my landlady. I phoned back just 24 hours later and the dogs had already been turned over to rescue! The people gave me a phone number, and the next thing I knew I was talking to Gloria! She listened to me and said she thought it sounded like I needed a “starter dog,” then told me about Molly. When I went to see Molly at her foster home in Davis, she walked into the formal living room to meet me, leaned her body against my leg, then flopped over and showed me her beautiful polka-dotted tummy. That was it - I was hooked! Several weeks later, when I realized the scope and significance of Molly’s severe separation anxiety, I knew the wisest decision would be to give her back. Because I was totally in love with her (I had never known how much a person could love a dog!), I cried for three days straight. In the end I couldn’t give her up; instead, I adapted. Molly made people happy. When we took walks, cars would slow and people would yell, “Gorgeous dog!” (women), “Cool dog!” (boys), “Great dog!” (men). Pedestrians would break into a smile, then stop and pet her (Molly expected it from everyone!). Over the years I have thought about my own obituary and what I would want to say about my life. Now I know that if my life “touches” even half the lives Molly’s touched, I’ll be proud. If I bring joy to half the people Molly brought joy to, I’ll be very proud. My incredible Molly — my “starter dog” — how will I ever learn to live without you?!!! - Carol Schalla