Molly was a Pinecoble setter and I chose her after spending quite a bit of time with the litter. I noticed a slightly larger pup that stayed on the outside preoccupied with carrying around a rope toy in her mouth. I'd pick her up which she was agreeable too but then watched as she went back to the rope toy. The other pups clamored around our feet as Warren and I talked. Since the folks with second pick of the litter wouldn't arrive until late the next day I stayed the evening in a local hotel and returned the next morning. Actually before my head hit the pillow that night I knew that pup a little more independent than the others was going home with me.
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| Molly pointing Quail at the farm shortly after arriving home. |
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| This is what natural ability means! |
The 1000 mile ride home was like no other I'd ever been on. I had placed Molly in a small kennel right between the seats in my van and soon after we exited Warrens driveway she started my orientation. Molly had a set of lungs you wouldn't believe. Howling at a pitch that was unbearable but I thought well give it a while and she'll settle down. I think I lasted just a few miles down the interstate before she was in my lap for the rest of the entire trip!
Little did she know her new home already had 2 room mates waiting also Pinecoble Setters. Mick was 10 months and Beau 6 months old at the time. The farm was surrounded by 200 acres of CRP which held a few wild pheasants and we kept both Homers as well as quail for all of their entertainment.
She was quite a pistol as a puppy but when I saw her pointing quail with incredible intensity a couple weeks after arriving all sins were forgiven. From there on out it was "Hail to the Queen" for the next decade as we traveled the western plains states.
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| Molly in the shadow of the Big Horn mountains Montana |
Molly grew into life with her pack quickly putting the males on notice of her standing. Always eager to please she was just a real pleasure to live and hunt with....As long as she got to go on every run! Out of the 3 setters she had the most prey drive by far and saved us from losing many many birds with some incredible long retrieves. After a while the males just got out of her way and let her do her job in that way.
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| Molly, Beau and Mick on a fall afternoon at the farm. It was a wonderful place for them to grow up. |
Beau and Molly worked exceptionally well together over the years. He could cover ground and she was fast as lightning never encroaching on another dog's point but stopping on a dime. I'd be walking in the field and if she saw me stop she'd back me until she saw me move again! Beau and Molly were very very close. He watched over her and always went outside whenever she did. Always. After she passed he walked around the house over and over during the night then would ask to go out only to come back in after a couple minutes. I'm sure checking to see where she was.
I knew the carefree days of sitting in the sun with her on the back porch were coming to an end but we really really had quite a life together as a pack. These dogs changed my life and took me on an incredible journey. A dog like Molly makes you want to just keep walking into the wind. Forever. I truly loved her for that and for everything she taught me. Love Creeks Molly. Sweet sweet Molly.
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| Sweet Sweet Molly |
