Our new Molly

Molly ponders the perks of being in a one-dog family.

Ever since we lost our sweet Stanley last August, we have been amazed at the changes in Molly. Apparently she was so competitive for our attention while Stanley was around that we never knew her true personality. She seems so mellow now in comparison. So much less jumping and hyperactivity, although she still doesn't understand our need for personal space and wants to be sidled right up agin' us if we're anywhere near the floor. She also has reduced her barking at every little thing, so we guess that also was a competitive thing with Stanley. She is a terrific watchdog now, and it's so comforting to know no one in their right mind would ever thinking about coming into our yard or house with that huge, growly and vicious-sounding bark.

She has trouble with other Alpha dogs. I've tried the dog park, and she is so nervous she never can loosen up to have any fun. The second trip she got aggressive with a much smaller dog. It was embarrassing, considering everyone was already watching her closely just because of her size and Rottweiler looks. I'm not sure that she'll ever enjoy it, but I'm going to get a book on trying to get her used to being around other dogs and see where that takes us.

The neatest thing about Molly is her temperament with Gabriel. I knew that it was risky to bring her home from the streets, not knowing her background at all. But who would have thought that she would end up being the perfect kid dog? He crawls all over her, tries to ride her like a horse, pulls her ears and her tail. She never minds any of it, in fact she loves the attention. The best thing is when he hugs and pets her with his head down on her back. They have become best buddies. God was watching out for me when he brought her into my life.