Molly

A couple of weeks ago, the day our motorcycle got stolen, CSI:Mozambique, Molly threw up. In the moment I thought nothing of it, but after the bike got stolen, I wondered if someone had poisoned her (sadly this isn’t all that uncommon) to aid in the theft of the bike.

Overall she seemed fine. But a few days later she began walking weird, as if she was drunk. She would look right at me and start to walk and even though she was looking at me she would walk about 45 degrees to the right. It was odd. I thought maybe she had an ear infection and sent Nunu off in search of a vet with no luck. She would have good days and I would think she was getting better. Then it started getting worse and I noticed that her hind legs weren’t really working.

A neighbor dog came over and Molly usually liked to show her dominance by standing over this dog and sort of chewing on her. It’s sort of a thing these two do. Well one day I saw Molly doing this except she was completely leaning on the other dog. Within a few days she was having problems standing up, her front legs would move but her hind legs would not. That night I held her by the belly so she could go to the bathroom and then I laid her in front of our door for the night.

The next morning, I heard her whining and ran out. She needed to go to the bathroom and as soon as I stood her up and helped her to the grass, she went. I knew it was over.

Nunu went out again in search of a vet and finally found him at the shop.

I hate losing animals, and I’m sure my neighbors find it odd that I cried for a dog and maybe the guard and vet found it odd that I insisted I carry Molly to her grave. But as I sit back and try to process all of this… I just keep thinking how easy animals are to love.

No one ever taught me to love an animal. As long as I can remember when I see four legs and fur I just want to befriend, touch, pet and cuddle that animal. I don’t understand how some people don’t love animals that love unconditionally and listen without offering clichés like people so often do, they are just there for you.

It got me thinking, why isn’t it as easy to love other humans? Don’t get me wrong I like people, but let’s be honest… some people are difficult to love. As a Christian, I know that God has called me to love others and so I continue working to see people through God’s eyes: to see the good, to see the specific purpose and gifts He gave to them, to see people as God sees them.