About Molly

Molly is a Golden Retriever and her full name is ”Taylor’s Longfellow Pond Molly.” She was born in Old Lyme, Connecticut and is the niece of Wendy (“Taylor’s Binney Park Wendy”), the author’s first Golden Retriever.

The puppy years were difficult for Molly. Before her first birthday, two of her ankles had to be operated on to correct a bone condition. Also, she came down with steroid responsive meningitis. But she recovered just fine. The medical care and attention she received then was so wonderful, that now she loves going to both the vet and the kennel. In fact, after we returned from spending a year living in Virginia, Molly was most happy to see her vet. She actually ran into the examining room and jumped onto the table! How many vets get a reception like that!

Molly is what we call a dog’s dog. She chases her tail. Chews rocks. Eats dirt. Brings you her leash when she wants to go for a walk. Stands in the doorway of her doghouse and barks until you bring her a biscuit. Loves to perform the “stay” command. And when she was younger, without any encouragement, would climb onto the roof of her doghouse and stand there to be admired. Also when she was younger, she excelled at biting chunks out of rolls of toilet paper. Her all time favorite activity, however, is chasing bunny rabbits, even if they are on TV.

During the year that we spent in Virginia, Molly had the opportunity to attend a canine fair. To our surprise, she won a first place trophy in agility, having never had any training. She won third prize for best trick: her rollover.

In Osterville, Massachusetts, where Molly spends time during the summer, she won the “Most Popular Dog in Osterville” crown in the local dog ”pawrade.”

She has appeared on a local (Wellesley, MA) cable TV channel in a segment about protecting your dog against summer heat.

Her photo has appeared in the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable Patriot, the Wellesley Townsman and the Ellsworth American.

Her photo was featured as a "Miss December" in a fundraising calendar for a pets-in-need organization and in its newsletter.

But nicest of all, Molly is a very loving dog who enjoys being with you, wherever you go and whatever you are doing-as long as it doesn’t require her to fetch a ball. She refuses to fetch!