The Older Man in Molly's life....

Loper aged 15 and Molly 12 1/2 April 2004

Woofie, I hope that you and Loper are having a good time playing at the Rainbow Bridge. Isn't it great to be able to run with the wind and jump over the rainbows? Have lots of fun and dog biscuits!

Sleep gently with the stars at night in the cradle of the moon.

Sharon

Before we start....a bit about me and animals

Molly July 2004

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
- Anatole France

Before Molly came to live me me I had enjoyed the companionship of dogs for almost all of my life. It is my belief that all living things are deeply connected and as such, we humans bear the responsibility to respect, protect and provide loving care for our animal companions. It's the least that we can do.

I have always had a deep and loving attachment for all "fur coat" members of my family, but my love for Molly was special. Over the years, people would often comment about the extraordinary bond that had formed between us. It could be because she was a German Shepherd Dog and they are extremely loyal to their "people" or perhaps it could have been because she was on borrowed time for so long and I was wholeheartedly committed to her safety and comfort. Then again...it could be simply that I loved her regardless of the situation or the hurdles we had to clear. Borrowed time or not, she was and continues to be my heart song - sometimes a sad, but always a beautiful melody. Whatever the reason, we had a a"fairly good ride" through to the end of the road.

As I revisit my experiences with Molly, I see how our partnership cemented some life lessons for me that previous animal companions had started. As a teacher, and an animal lover, I hope that readers of our story may find some revelations and some resources that they can use on their journeys with beloved four-footed companions.

Molly - the song in my heart

Molly December 2003

Molly and I met in 1992 when both of us were in the springtime (meaning that neither of us had gray hair or wrinkles :-) ) of our lives. I was visiting a friend in Maine who was living with a family that had adopted Molly as a puppy. I thought that Molly was the most beautiful creature that I had ever seen and enjoyed spending the weekend with her. A year later my friend called to tell me that Molly had been returned to the kennel because her long hair (Molly was a long-haired/coated GSD) was just too messy around the house and the family wanted a smaller dog. Go figure that one out....I didn't hesitate for a minute. I offered Molly a home and thus began my 11 year love affair with "mo chuisle." It was not an easy love affair. Molly was plagued with multiple serious physical challenges over the years.

Nonetheless, she always rose time and time again like the phoenix out of the ashes until August 13, 2004 when I had to say "ta me chomh doirte sin duit." It was a sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing. Molly and I lay on a blanket on the new mown grass under the shade of the maple tree. I bid her adieu with a heavy heart as she was released from pain and left me gently to finally fly home to the angels. Yes, I did say angels...because if there are no dogs in heaven, then you won't find me there.

Adieu Molly...
We have come to a fork in the road
Where we must part and say adieu
But you are never alone
You are always in my heart

Molly, you are finally free -
To run with the wind
To soar with the eagles
To jump over a rainbow
To play hide and seek in the clouds

Molly you are finally free -
To wink at the sun
To dance with the stars
To laugh with the moon beams

...until we meet again
And so my Molly, dhá chroí le chéile, ar neamhchead do na achar.

Do Not Weep....
(was the author American or British)

Do not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there. I did not die.