Molly Milkshakes

Updated 7/12/11

Molly Milkshakes, age 5

The skinny little blondie was disoriented in her kennel at the pound, but cautiously friendly… and then, once she realized her visitor was a friend, one hundred percent sweet. “Please, can you take me home with you?” The only possible answer to that, of course, was “Sure thing! You’re just the kind of girl for us.”

Molly was surrendered to a local shelter by her overwhelmed owners—along with several other dogs and a dozen cats. We were worried about heartworms,  but to our delight the test came out negative. That just left a few other issues to deal with: a bum tooth (her dental appointment is already scheduled), a bad respiratory infection (she’s on the mend), and about 5 pounds of underweight (her appetite is excellent).

We tacked “Milkshake” onto her name to avoid confusion at the clinic with previous GRR dogs named “Molly,” but her foster mom comments:

She should REALLY be called Molly Marshmallow. She is a sweet, sweet, girlie with a soft demeanor.  She is so light that any pulling on lead is not really a problem.   She’s great with other dogs, perfectly social from the start with our well-behaved polite girl Goldens and appropriately stern with Becker, our loudmouth young male—she endured his pain-in-the-neck behavior for a while, then told him in no uncertain terms to lay off!

The muscles in her hips and hind legs are a bit wasted, but now that she’s  got lots of freedom to move and take walks, she’ll get stronger quickly. In the meantime, though she does need a boost into the car, she’s got plenty enough “bounce” to levitate noiselessly onto any sofa or chair within range! I turn around and there she is, all curled up with a “butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth” look on her little face.

Not one accident, not even at first – she’s a lady.

Now, as far as needing to gain a little weight… Molly is definitely on board with that project! We found out the first day that she enjoys pizza crusts. A week later:

Evidence Exhibit A : Empty pizza box, which only moments before held half a pizza.

Evidence Exhibit  B: Totally unrepentant dog,  with typical “Who, me?” feigned innocent expression.

We have decided not to press charges, but she’s baby-gated out of the kitchen for the duration of her foster time here. I’d advise her new family to be watchful, too—something tells me that as she feels better & better, we may see a few more of these mischievous escapades. Still, any jury in the land would vote to acquit on the grounds of cuteness alone!