Our beloved yellow lab, Molly, is gone. She was 15, and had deteriorated quite a bit in recent weeks. She struggled every day. By last Friday she refused food and water, and could not go outside or even stand (she had to be carried). She had been our baby girl for so long, we just could not imagine a day without her! We made the decision for in-home euthanasia. Her last moments were peaceful, in her own bed, surrounded by people who loved her. She looked beautiful – young and sleek and golden.
We don’t have a lot of great pictures like Sally has of Thor, but here are a few.
Molly as a Baby – July 2000
Family Christmas 2000
Molly in her Prime
I already shared this picture on the blog, but it really does capture Molly perfectly, as she waits for that next bite of bagel!
Molly was the perfect companion, loving and gentle. One of a kind, never to be forgotten. My heart is broken, but I am grateful that she had a long and wonderful life, and that she chose us to be her family.
She was a very sweet dog.
Comment by surly — July 31, 2015 @ 10:53 am
I’m so sorry. We’ve been in your position, so I feel for you very much.
Comment by Cornflower — July 31, 2015 @ 11:06 am
So sorry about this Susan. I hope your memories of Molly and photos remind you of the many good years together.
Comment by nancy — July 31, 2015 @ 11:26 am
I’m so sorry, Susan, she was a beautiful dog, just a year younger than our beloved Spike to whom we had to bid adieu a month ago, like Molly, with all his family around him. You’re right, she had a wonderful life and a wonderful family, what more could a dog want? In return she gave you love, loyalty, friendship, and more than likely many laughs. You absolutely made the right decision to help her at the end. About a week after Spike died, someone reminded us of how he used to fly off the deck in pursuit of squirrels and birds, and how he used to race up and down the family room on a tear when we got home from the office – we had completely forgotten how active our dear, deaf, stiff, elderly gentleman had once been. It really helped us to think back to his youthful energy and enthusiasm. A big virtual hug from northern Virginia.
Comment by Pru — July 31, 2015 @ 11:42 am
So sorry for your loss. Their absence certainly leaves a hole in your lives. Wishing you comfort.
Comment by Amy — July 31, 2015 @ 12:06 pm
Sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Molly.
Comment by Susan Johnson — July 31, 2015 @ 12:17 pm
Losing an animal family member is so difficult, but you gave each other wonderful years of love and companionship. Keep those years of wonderful memories of Molly in your heart. Condolences on your sorrowful loss.
Comment by Wendy T — July 31, 2015 @ 12:20 pm
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Isn’t it amazing how suck a small body can leave such a vast impression on your life? They fill our lives with so much – love, joy, laughter, silliness, consternation and wonder. Fortunately, it’s the little moments of uniqueness that we remember best. Good memories and love are great gifts.
Comment by Beth — July 31, 2015 @ 12:20 pm
Aww, I am so sorry. Lots of hugs to you all. She was not just a dog but a member of the family. It was good that you could be with her in the end to hold her and comfort.
Comment by Penny — July 31, 2015 @ 1:58 pm
We had a yellow lab for 12 years. In my opinion there is not a more loving, loyal and gentle breed. Our Cody was a huge part of our family, she was a sibling to our children. May all the memories of Molly brighten your day.
Comment by Lourdes — July 31, 2015 @ 2:05 pm
Thinking of you, Susan. I’m so sorry . . . it’s so hard to lose a beloved companion like Molly. Here’s a quote I especially like — I hope it brings some comfort today:
“God turns clouds inside out to make fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven, and when they are tired from running and barking and eating ham-sandwich biscuits, the dogs find a cloud bed for sleeping. God watches over each one of them. And there are no bad dreams.” — Cynthia Rylant
XOXO
Comment by Kym — July 31, 2015 @ 2:11 pm
Sorry for you loss. It hurts to lose a beloved companion. These creatures find a corner in our hearts and settle there forever — thankfully!
Elizabeth
Comment by Elizabeth — July 31, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
So sorry for your loss. Our pets are such beloved members of our families. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Comment by Lee Cockrum — July 31, 2015 @ 5:56 pm
Oh, Susan, I know how it feels. My heart is with you.
Comment by Chloe — July 31, 2015 @ 6:09 pm
I am sorry for your loss…having had two labs – blonde/yellow and chocolate – I know how much personality and presence they have in your home. So sad when they pass and hard to adjust. Miss those incredibly expressive eyes!
Comment by Julia in KW — July 31, 2015 @ 7:36 pm
I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss of Molly. Those of us with four legged family members know that they just never live long enough. Molly looked like a lively lovely girl in the photos.
Comment by Sue — July 31, 2015 @ 7:46 pm
My heart goes out to you and your family. I know how deeply the loss of a beloved pet can affect us. We are lucky, though, when we have wonderful pet companions. As a fellow lab-lover, I know how much your Molly is missed. Kathy
Comment by Kathy Griswold — July 31, 2015 @ 7:57 pm
I’ve been there, I know the grief of losing a part of your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Molly.
Comment by CC — July 31, 2015 @ 8:53 pm
I’m so very sorry for the loss of such a loved companion. I hope time eases the pain, but doesn’t dim the memories.
Comment by Lissa — July 31, 2015 @ 10:50 pm
I’m sorry. It’s never easy to lose a loved pet.
Comment by Pam — August 1, 2015 @ 2:07 am
I’m so sorry she’s gone. But how fabulous to have given her a loving home. Take care.
Comment by Naomi — August 1, 2015 @ 3:45 am
I’m so sorry about Molly – she looks like the best dog ever, and I’m sure she felt lucky to have you too.
Comment by Donna — August 1, 2015 @ 6:43 am
I have been in the same position many time and my heart breaks for you too..
Comment by Jenny — August 1, 2015 @ 8:35 am
Much heartfelt sympathy and empathy for the loss of your dear Molly.
Comment by Ann McCauley — August 1, 2015 @ 9:57 am
So so sorry…
Comment by Deb — August 1, 2015 @ 10:18 am
Rest now, Molly. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come, share your Master’s joy. Amen.”
Comment by Catherine S. — August 1, 2015 @ 11:46 am
Our pawsome family members who chose us to be their family are the best. Perhaps Molly will choose your next family member. Hugs….
Comment by Nancy — August 1, 2015 @ 2:09 pm
I am so sorry.
Comment by Kay — August 1, 2015 @ 9:32 pm
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Molly. Labs are pretty special dogs. Love the photos posted and the last one especially showed her personality! Thinking of you and your family…
Comment by Bonnie — August 1, 2015 @ 10:21 pm
I’m so sorry! Losing a pet is like losing a child. It’s a comfort when they tell you clearly that it’s time, as it seems Molly did, and so rare for a lab. (I swear my Willow-You-Idiot kept eating for a week after her death!) I’m glad that she was able to die at home with the family. Their lives are so short and we know that we’ll outlive them and grieve them. I just saw a meme on Facebook of a human chest x-ray with a paw print in place of the heart. So true!
Comment by Suzan — August 2, 2015 @ 8:01 am
I am so sorry for the loss of Molly, she is just beautiful.
Comment by Barbara — August 3, 2015 @ 6:43 am
what a beautiful girl! She will always be with you in your heart and in your memories.
Comment by Barb R. — August 3, 2015 @ 9:17 am
I love the Christmas 2000 picture – it’s adorable to see that she was focal point of the picture! So sorry for your loss. We’ve had many pets over the years & it never gets any easier when one passes. It looks like she had a long, happy & loving life, & that’s what matters the most.
Comment by Samina — August 3, 2015 @ 11:55 am
I am so sorry for your loss.
Godspeed, sweet Molly girl.
Comment by Kath — August 3, 2015 @ 6:11 pm
Sorry for your loss of your sweet Molly. Our dogs really do become part of our family, and so are greatly missed. Cheer for all the joy she brought.
Comment by Joan — August 3, 2015 @ 11:39 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost out cat companion of nearly 18 years this winter, its always hard. But our pets count on us to keep them from suffering and to know when its time. You did the loving thing.
Comment by Ellen — August 4, 2015 @ 4:34 pm
So sorry – we’ve been there too, but those words are cold comfort. What a loving thing to do, in home, so she felt safe and loved right to the very end.
Comment by Pippa Jones — August 5, 2015 @ 11:56 am
Susan and Family, I’m sorry for my belated condolences on the loss of your beloved Molly (I spent the weekend in Little Falls at my 50th h.s class reunion). We, being long-standing yellow lab owners, know the wonderful pets these labs can be and we know the hole that is left in your hearts. While you WON’T miss all of Molly’s hair entwined in your darker colored knitting projects, you will miss her resting at your feet as your needles click away. There’s no-doubt a part of Molly in every stitch that you knit! Our deepest sympathy to all of your family and your remaining pooch! Love and Hugs! Cathy Rootness
Comment by Cathy Rootness — August 5, 2015 @ 3:26 pm