Molly Thompson
How can one capture the essence of Molly? She's a bundle of affection, radiating enthusiasm and a deep fondness for food. Her patience with the younger generation when she was younger was remarkable, and she wholeheartedly embraces those satisfying tummy rubs. Interacting with humans is her domain, but strictly on her own whims. Brimming with eagerness and sporting a robust heart, she effortlessly endears herself to all she encounters. And let's not forget her absolute passion for food—did I mention that a couple of times?
My journey with Molly began in 2007, back when she was just a pup in South Canterbury. The privilege of being in her company from those early days is a cherished memory.
Through the initiative of the lovely Anna Carr (formerly Thompson) in wanting a cairn terrier, both Jo and I have been showered with countless blessings that Molly brings along. Her presence has enriched our lives in ways beyond measure. Molly still holds a dear spot for Anna.
Opps ... Molly?
Both Jessica and Rebecca were brought up with Molly and Basil.
Molly needed a haircut!
Molly and I loved to sing together. She was quite the soprano howler!
Fortune smiled upon me when I crossed paths with the enthusiastic canine aficionado, Jo Thompson. In Jo's company was Patch, a delightful furry companion with whom I instantly forged a strong connection. Over the course of time, both Jo and I have taken on the responsibility of looking after Molly. Jo's dedication shone through as she imparted a medley of new tricks to Molly. Despite Molly's mature age, she embraced the learning with remarkable finesse, proving that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.
Molly had "sit" all figured out—child's play for her. But then she kicked it up a notch, acing the art of lounging in style, giving high-fives (or rather, high-paws), and spinning around like a canine whirlwind. Of course, her stellar performances were powered by her undying love for food, the ultimate motivator in her world!
The cone of shame - Basil
Molly's furry companions, Basil and Patch, were her partners in crime. They had a dynamic that was crystal clear—boys were the sidekicks while Molly reigned as the chief. She held the crown with dignity, even if she occasionally rolled her eyes at the boys' antics. But in the end, she embraced their quirky camaraderie with a love that only a queen could muster.
Post a professional grooming session, Molly's feelings were as clear as her freshly fluffed fur—she wasn't a fan. Yet, she returned looking suave and remarkably cooler without that hefty coat of fluff.
Strolling through the charming streets of Kotupai, Port Chalmers, Molly had a reputation for turning heads. Her excitement was palpable, often bursting into a sprint to greet fellow humans. One unforgettable day, much to our shock, she dashed into someone's living room right off the street. Racing around like a whirlwind, she met the startled resident head-on. With an air of triumph, she bolted out, thoroughly pleased with her audacious introduction. Another human impressed, and Molly's legacy of surprise visits lived on!
Molly Thompson
On our typical stroll along Back Beach in Kotupai, Port Chalmers, a charming scene unfolded. In the distance, three women leisurely approached during their morning walk. Among them, one sported pristine white pants that seemed to radiate an aura of undeniable elegance. But before we could even utter a word of caution, our beloved Molly transformed into a whirlwind of excitement, dashing towards them with unbridled enthusiasm.
Jo, in a futile attempt to play the role of a frantic canine coach, desperately attempted to reel Molly back in, but destiny had already been sealed. You see, Molly had a peculiar fondness for indulging in impromptu mud baths, emerging from the muddiest puddles as if she were a delectable chocolate bar with a top-notch coating. This time was no exception, and much to Jo's dismay, Molly's fervor was aimed squarely at the lady in those pristine white pants.
With a heartfelt "Hello, I love you," Molly greeted the lady in a way that only Molly could. Paw prints and mud bestowed a wild and unique texture upon those once immaculate pants. Molly, triumphant and exuberantly wagging her tail, made her victorious return, leaving Jo in a state of heartfelt apology. Love, it seems, can sometimes get a little messy.
Patch Thompson - (He changed his last name when Jo and I got married)
Patch embodied the spirit of coziness! With a swift leap, he'd find his place on the bed, swiftly maneuvering himself beneath layers of blankets, sometimes even squeezing himself between us with impressive speed. Yet, beneath this affectionate exterior lay a fierce opossum hunter, showcasing how his inviting and warm demeanor concealed a sharp killer instinct.
Basil Thompson
Basil's passion for carrots was unwavering, and he possessed an uncanny knack for seizing any chance at a culinary delight. It wasn't an infrequent sight to witness shopping bags inadvertently left unattended, only to find Basil moments later delving into them in pursuit of his beloved carrots. One memorable day, I observed him contorting his body from the comfort of his lounge chair, nearly teetering off, all in his quest for a morsel from the dining room table. And lest you have concerns, rest assured, his appetite was amply satisfied in our care!
Basil Thompson - The Opportunist!
The saga of welcoming Basil into our lives kicked off with a bang! Adopted from a family embarking on an overseas adventure, our first encounter was nothing short of a whirlwind. Amidst our conversation, Basil made a daring escape out back, leaving all of us utterly astonished. Cue the frantic joint expedition of two families combing the neighborhood in search of the runaway Basil. That was our memorable introduction.
Fortunately, the second rendezvous unfolded in brighter hues. A picturesque stroll along the beach showcased a well-behaved Basil, happily trailing alongside us. And oh, his snuggle prowess was legendary, sealing the deal on his status as a top-tier cuddle aficionado.
When Basil met Patch they took a while to warm to each other. However, finally the friendship became close and they would often share cushions in front of the fire.
And of course what wedding proposal is incomplete without a Patch doing a photo bomb!
The scene unfolded on Hereweka, Ōtepoti, Dunedin, as I successfully roused Jo before dawn at 0430 for a mesmerizing sunrise (which wasn't too difficult, truth be told). And, of course, only once I had received the nod of approval from Patch! It took me a span of two years to finally arrive at the perfect juncture to pop the question.
All three dogs on a trip into the Silver Peaks Jubilee hut. We met some American Exchange students there and their hearts were won by the doggie trio.
In 2018, we said goodbye to Patch, and merely a year later in 2019, Basil also left our side. The profound impact of losing these cherished furry companions profoundly rattled our world. Dogs, with their swift lives coursing through our veins, teach us a poignant lesson. Their innate understanding of life's true treasures is remarkable. We could all glean invaluable insights from our canine companions: to seize each day without squandering moments and to embrace the presence of those we hold dear.
Enduring the loss of both Patch and Basil was undeniably difficult, compounded by the awareness that Molly might feel the absence of her accustomed companions. Nevertheless, Molly's resilience is a marvel to behold. She appeared to relish the newfound domain of all the food bowls, transforming the house into a luxurious kennel. Moreover, she now basks in the unwavering attention of two devoted humans who shower her with love every single day.
As the years advanced, Molly's pace gradually embraced a leisurely rhythm, a testament to the passage of time. Our adventure led us to Aotea, Great Barrier Island, with an initial plan of immersing ourselves for 5 to 6 years. This decision ushered us into a realm of captivating challenges, where Molly frequently joined us in spirited escapades along the coast for work or gallivanted over hills to evade encroaching tides. The island's balmy climate seemed to lend her limbs an extra spring, as evidenced by her vibrant mobility during the initial span of 8 months. However, the relentless march of age began to cast its shadow, eventually catching up to her.
We decided to put our own unique spin on giving Molly a haircut, as seen in the far-right image. It may not have been as professional, but living on an isolated island left us with no other choice.
During the earlier part of the year, Molly showed her true trooper spirit by conquering incredibly steep hills, as showcased in the left image. Most days, our commutes to work involved navigating the coastline, where the tides held sway over our lives. Sometimes, instead of hiking over the hill, we'd wade into the water. On one memorable occasion, Jo was carrying Molly (who wasn't much of a swimmer although she had the skills). It was at that precise moment, with my camera ready, that Jo unexpectedly collided with an unseen rock. Molly went soaring into the water, followed by Jo taking an unintentional dive headfirst. The central image captures this legendary moment. Lesson learned: always keep a camera at the ready!
By the time the holiday season rolled around, Molly's journey took a serious turn. Blood test results hinted at the possibility of a brain tumor, a development that followed a severe stroke. Our Christmas sojourn to Dunedin bore the weight of uncertainty, as we contemplated the possibility that it might be her farewell excursion. Against all odds, Molly staged an inspiring revival, defying expectations and emerging with renewed vigor.
From that point onward, the landscape of time morphed into a roller coaster ride. Oscillating between grappling with health concerns and embracing the mantle of the mightiest in the pack, Molly navigated the unpredictable terrain of well-being.
While our stay on Barrier Island met an unforeseen truncation, our journey continued to Ngamotu in New Plymouth, an outcome helped by Grover Worsford at TOPEC.
Molly embodied the spirit of a genuine beach enthusiast. The shore was her ultimate playground, where she could dash about, explore with an inquisitive nose, and engage in playful antics. The thrill of heading to the beach was an integral part of the adventure. While swimming might not have been her forte, the alluring scents of the sand and the delightful encounters with fellow humans and furry companions held an irresistible charm for her.
Indulging in a delectable pig's ear treat is a true delight – savoring each chewy bite, then playfully concealing it, only to rediscover and relish its gradual tenderness. Deliciousness at its finest! Molly passed away on 3 September 2023. Now our navigation through life has changed dramatically, we must find our own compass without the direction of our dear companion. Our grief will become tolerable, but our hearts will still ache.
Losing a long-standing family member, friend, and loyal companion is the hardest part of life. She touched the hearts of so many she met. We miss her every day!
Vet Tribute
Absolutely no doubt about it, the healthcare professionals we've crossed paths with over the years have played an enormous role in keeping our beloved Whānau in tip-top shape. I've often remarked that we receive superior care at the veterinary clinics compared to the human healthcare industry.
Two standout veterinary practices come to mind:
Ōtepoti Dunedin Pet Doctors were nothing short of amazing, displaying an unparalleled level of care, authenticity, and invaluable information.
Vet Group New Plymouth deserves not just five, but a solid ten stars! Their entire team shines brightly, showcasing exceptional care, authenticity, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a wealth of knowledge.
We cannot express our gratitude enough for their compassionate guidance and support along our journey. In our book, each of them merits a perfect ten-star rating.
Basil Thompson
Patch Thompson
Molly Thompson
We pay tribute to our three Musketeers: Molly, Basil, and Patch. These three shall forever reside in the chambers of our hearts, casting a lingering presence that we shall hold forever. Their embodiment of unconditional affection has illuminated the path of cherishing each day, embracing companionship, upholding loyalty, and nurturing friendship without prejudice. In times of adversity, they have been our beacons, and their absence leaves a poignant ache within us. Although their passage is a formidable short chapter, it stands as an inevitable reality, a facet of existence we all must confront eventually. I would not have it any other way, for their presence in our lives has enriched us beyond measure. To have experienced their love surpasses a life untouched by such bonds. In this lies the essence of existence and true living.