P.E.T.S. Pets of New England

Molly's Story

~Molly our Mascot~

- Told by Larna Grossi, President & Founder

Molly's owner, moved out and left her and two cats alone. The landlord, who was living in another state had not gone to the house to inspect it after she moved out, for 7 days. Molly was alone for a week, to fend for herself with the two cats...one now dead, and one still alive, found sleeping with her.

The Animal Control Officer took Molly and the orange tabby to the shelter.

Pumpkin the cat, who we named for his beautiful orange coat was adopted just 3 days after they had been taken out of the abandoned apartment. He was now safe and in a loving home where he would live happy and healthy.

But Molly, was weak and under weight. So she stayed a month....and she stayed for 6 months, and then 9 months. She grew to be 120 lbs. of beautiful dog.

And we loved her. We all loved her. We sang her praises to everyone who entered the shelter. And she proved to everyone what a sweetheart she was and how gentle she was with everyone, including small children and other large dogs. She greeted people with the same love and enthusiasm everyday. Enjoying and wallowing in the excitement of having company each day, she thrived.

But Molly had lingering affects for what she had endured when she was left in that apartment all alone, without any food or water....she felt as though, cats or anything small was hers. She didn't know the difference between a domestic cat or a raccoon or squirrel. It was all food to her...and she could not be around small animals, ever. This was Molly's ONLY fault....and although other dogs, a lot of dogs had this fault also, Molly was in the shelter, and she was looking for a home. This was the one thing we were all frightened about if she did get a home. How could they walk her without ever coming across a small dog, or a cat, or a squirrel? We couldn't guarantee that wouldn't happen, or take that chance. She would end up in another shelter, and not be so lucky next time.

So....Molly became our Mascot. ACO 3's girl. My girl. We all grew attached to her. All of the Animal Control Officer's would tend to her needs, and spoil her...but none more then ACO 3. He taught her to sit, to stay, to drop the ball and he spent hours with her....just sitting with her at night while on duty, and loving her. The volunteer's adored her. Bringing her special treats and special toys saying, "These are Molly's toys only, okay?"

Molly was with us for over a year, and at that time we at the shelter fell into some "political cracks" and in that process.....we lost control and Molly got lost in it. "Why was she still here?" "Why wasnt she adopted?" "What is wrong with her?" "We cant have a liability like this in here"....and that was it. That was the final word. And as the political ball rolled on.....Molly lost.

We all stayed with Molly the last day of her life. All of us except ACO 3, who had now moved to another state. I promised him I would protect her, and I couldnt. I couldnt, and now here I was comforting her while she died. I will never, ever forget the fear in her eyes. I will never, ever forget that I promised to keep her safe and that I failed.

Molly is with me now. Her ashes sit on my desk and her memory burns in my heart each time I think of her. When I think of Molly, I think of how unfair and unjust her death was. I will always remember her face, and as the tears fell down my face that day and as her life slipped away in front of me, I held her one last time....for ACO 3.

Molly, our beloved Mascot

RIP

~12-9-04~

12-09-04 - 12-09-06

Remembering our beloved mascot, Molly on her second anniversary....We all think of you. We all know the hell you went through and still came out without any prejudice to humans. We all remember how you loved us. We will always cherish the time we were given with you, and mourn the day you were taken from us. This wound will never heal, for the injustice done to you will always be fresh in our hearts and our minds.

Love you and miss you Molly,

Larna, Billy, Richard and Ernie