Dear Molly

Dear Molly,

You probably don’t know this, but I like to write letters to the boys on their birthday to reflect on the past year. You, kiddo, aren’t going to hit a year with us. So here is your letter, after only eight months, on the day you go to your forever home.

We sure are going to miss you.

Although, to be totally honest, you’ve been a bit of a pain in the ass, sister.

At first, you guarded everything from the boys. They couldn’t touch a toy, treat, or spot on the couch without you erupting. Thankfully, that waned and nearly disappeared over the past eight months. Clearly you needed to learn to share! Maybe you didn’t have enough resources before you came to us? But you and Cooper play tug ever-so-nicely these days. It warms my heart to see the progress you made!

It was tough those first few weeks. Our vet couldn’t figure out what the heck was wrong with your eye, so we had to keep you quarantined. Balancing work with shifting you around to different rooms of the house and your crate while keeping the boys separate, plus the daily flea baths, and lots of walks to help you figure out where to potty… it was exhausting! We had hoped that you’d find a home right away, but that clearly wasn’t your plan!

Once we got to put you with the boys, everything was much easier. Well, mostly. You and Newt have never gotten along. She really dislikes you, Molly, and you like to “poke the bear.” Which is fine, except Cooper defends Newt fiercely, so you and Coop have scuffled more than once over Newt…

But, all those things aside, you really are the sweetest, happiest puppy I’ve ever met. Your tail literally does not stop wagging. Ever. Everyone you meet comments on that wag, “It’s like she’s wagging her whole body!” You befriend strangers instantly – even though you don’t want them picking you up! But that’s ok with me and with your new family! Carrying you around is a trust that has to be earned.

When John picked you up off the bayou and brought you home, you had no clue. You had no hesitation about jumping up on the kitchen table or counters to get a better view out the window. You’d watch a tennis ball bounce past and wag, like, “Hey, that was cool!” But all those things came. You’ve learned very nice manners, and you love, love, love to chase toys. Love. Until my arm falls off. Going for a walk is the greatest thing in your world, and if I even glance at your leash, well, we better get going because you’ll bounce around like a ping-pong ball until we do!

And now, my dear, your family has found you. I think all those false starts, all those people who were interested in adopting you, then changed their minds – most without ever meeting you – led you to this moment, to this family. You’re going to have a sweet sister, Bella, who you play with beautifully. You’re getting a great big yard with lots of squirrels for you to chase.

Also, Molly, I’m sending you on your way with TONS of goodies! I’ve been saving lots of things that have come in the mail for you. You’re taking AvoDerm dog food and Nylabone toys and dental bones, ropes, stuffies, plus lots of chew toys and treats! I’ve been calling it “Molly’s Dowry,” and it’s taken up a huge corner of our closet. Tomorrow, seeing that space empty will make me very sad. But I’m thrilled to be able to provide you and Bella lots and lots of fun dog stuff to get you settled.

We’re going to miss you, kittycatpuppy (we call you that because you were so small!). We’re going to miss your energy, your playfulness, and your dear, sweet snuggles.

We’re going to miss taking you for walks and tucking you into bed at night, but we know that this is the perfect outcome for you. You deserve a forever family, and I’m thrilled we finally found them for you!

I’m honored, Molly, truly honored that I got to be your caretaker for the past eight months. It wasn’t always easy, but every single second that I got to take care of you was a blessing.

Tonight, when you go to bed in your new crate in your new home with your new – forever – family, know that we’re thinking of you and missing you, but we’re equally as happy for you to have found your place.

We love you, Molly, and we’ll be here for you if you ever need us!

Kisses, kittycatpuppy.

Love,

your grateful foster family