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Meet Molly
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I had a cocker spaniel name Daffy for 15 years. She was atypical in every way in that she
developed almost every know canine affliction known to man. Her medical chart was so
extensive that my "primary" vet (not her neurologist) had to archive older parts so it would
fit in their system.
She passed in 2007 at which time I was heartbroken, as was my
girlfriend.
We try to give to ASPCA as much as possible and receive their
quarterly newsletter here in NJ. One of the shelters is special in that they specialize
in abused, neglected or unwanted zoo animals who have special needs. A horse with 3 legs,
tigers with missing teeth, giraffe with a broken neck....all are welcome at the Popcorn Park
Zoo. They also have a high rate of dogs and cats with disabilities since they strive to
accept animals no one else wants.
Last February we were reading their newsletter when we noticed a
dog named Molly that looked eerily like Daffy. Molly too was female, black with white
markings and had the same face as Daffy. While reading her story it stated that Molly was
found wandering the streets of Barnegat on a bitter cold night banging her head against a
garage door. She was emaciated, dehydrated, full of fleas and ticks and in general poor
health. When the patrol officers tried to get her in to their car she snapped at them and
they labelled her "dangerous".
Once at Popcorn Park Zoo they immediately began administering
medical care and attention to Molly. They soon discovered one more problem: She was
blind. Due to years of neglect her one eye had developed a severe cataract that had
displaced her lens. The other was competely opaque from dryness.
While we were moved Courtney and I decided it was best to wait
upon adopting a dog due to our work schedules. About 3 months later Courtney asked if we
could go to Popcorn Park Zoo and see the animals. After visiting the "Zoo" portion we
went in to see the cats and dogs. Immediately upon entering we saw Molly sitting on a
caretakers lap. She was still unadopted! We inquired why there was no interest in
her. They said
that over 100 people had looked at her but everyone said NO the minute they heard she was
blind. Courtney and I took the adoption papers home and
returned 2 weeks later to pick Molly up. I wish I could say that we certain this
was the right move. The truth was we were scared but in our hearts knew we had to
do this....we soon found out why.
Molly was given an exam by the house vet that told us she had
some oozing from one of her breasts. Long story short this was MRSA. Our personal
vet, Andrea Cermele, who is one in a million, took great care in examining Molly. Her
first exam lasted over an hour. We discovered the breast was pre-cancerous and obviously
infected. Dr. Cermele decided it was best to remove her breast. 11 visits later
she's in great health!
Molly is everything one could ask for from a dog who is blind.
She learned where and how many steps in 5 minutes. (We live on the second floor) Figured
out where the comfy spots are on the couch and has been a trip since day one. Not one
person who meets Molly Pickles even knows she's blind and most think I'm kidding when I tell
them! She has been a blessing in our lives and I ask God to bless all of you who love and
care for animals that many people purposefully avoid.
Thanks for reading and God Bless!
Sincerely,
Todd &
Courtney
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