Life Lessons

For as much as we criticize and cringe at Molly, there's a lot to be said for the way she lives her life. Often I think I could learn a few things from her. I'm not sure if it's the age I am at, or just a point I have reached, but I find myself lately trying to figure out the kind of person I want to be. When it comes down to it, I want to be like Molly- but less hairy.

Molly is grateful for the little things. She treats each day like it's her last. She doesn't care when it rains for seven days straight, or that it's so frigid and cold outside it's almost unbearable. She starts, and ends, each and every day happy. She eats the same food at the same time every morning and every evening- and each time, she gobbles it up like it's the best thing she has ever eaten. She treats dog cookies, lettuce, Timbits, cheese, and anything that falls on the floor the same way. She's just happy. Happy to be alive, and happy to be eating.

She is incredibly affectionate. This is a trait I think I am certainly lacking. I don't know why, but I've never really been one to initiate a hug, or to rub someone's back or comfort them while they cry- and when I do attempt this, it's super awkward. I might not be cold, but I'm certainly not warm either. I don't try to be like that, it's just the way I am. Molly, on the other hand, will hug and kiss every person who will let her, and never passes up the opportunity to cuddle up. When you're not feeling well, she goes from crazy dog to real life heating pad. She will lay beside you and keep you warm until you're ready to face the world again. She'll watch nine episodes of your favourite TV show and never complain, even though she would rather be out for a walk, or playing. She'll give you kisses when you cry (I'm serious!), like she knows you just need someone to say it will be okay. She is the best comfort and the best companion, always reminding you that you're loved, no matter what.

Comforting Clinton when he wasn't feeling well

Molly knows that if you feel good about yourself, you'll be a better person. It's true- when I go out with my hair a mess, wearing sweats, and unshowered, I feel yucky, and therefore I scowl. I try to get through whatever it is I am doing without making eye contact with too many people and praying to God that I don't run into anyone I know. If I have put in a little effort, and feel good about the way I look, I tend to be more smiley, less self conscious, and generally more cheerful. I'm trying not to sound vain here, and am aware that I am failing, but this has to be said. Molly always has her eyeliner freshly applied, and never leaves home without it. While her hair might not be brushed, it is always neat and shiny, and she wears her black collar with pride. Molly always looks beautiful, and is ready for a photo op, should one present itself. You'll never see her untag a Facebook photo- she's ready.

Even as a puppy, she always had beautiful makeup

I think the most admirable trait of Molly's is her ability to forgive. She does not dwell on things, and no matter what you have done to her, she will love you just the same. For goodness sake, we used to lock her in a cage every time we left the house. On workdays, she would be in her crate for nine hours! I know she hated it, but every time we let her out, she showered us with love. "It's okay, really! I got a good nap in, and now you're here, so let's hang out!" We caged her like a shelter dog, and left her alone with the radio on (which is almost worse than the crate), but she never held it against us. Yesterday, when we were out for a walk, I accidentally kicked her in the head (I was in power walk mode, she was in sniff everything mode, and inevitably my foot and her face connected). I immediately knelt down and patted her, apologizing profusely, convinced she understood. She looked at me with her brown eyes (eyeliner and all) and licked my nose, as if to say "Don't sweat it." Molly is so happy to be near people, she forgets all the bad and just focuses on the good stuff- like the walk, the fresh air, the company, and all the smells in nature.

Molly is my idol- she's thankful, loving, patient, has a huge heart, and will hold nothing against anyone. She relishes in the simple pleasures in life, and wags her tail every time any one of us enters the room, reminding us that there is a creature on this Earth that loves us unconditionally. She appreciates the smallest things- from a treat to a simple pat on the head (or the belly, which is her true weakness), and never asks for more. Except when we're eating- then she asks for everything. But can you blame her?