Saying Goodbye to Miss Molly

Molly has been so much fun and such a blessing to us for the past few years.  We were given her a few years back.  She was our first dog.  It's been so much fun.  But she was already about 12 years old (the vet's best guess) when we got her.  She had grey around her muzzle, but still plenty of life.  She's been active and loved living out here in the country with us.  We've never had her tied up on a chain or leash.  She's always lived free out here.  All of our neighbors know and love Molly.  In the morning she goes up and down the road and visits her dog friends.  No one minds that she's lose.  Even the mail lady brings Molly treats.  She's mild mannered and gentle with the kids.  Never once has she nipped at them.
Best. Dog. Ever.
We had originally hoped she would be a kind of guard dog, but quickly realized that wasn't in her personality.  She was just as soon lick someone to death than bark- much less bite anyone.  I found that out one night when Jared was out of town working on a dental office a few years ago and I had brought Molly in to sleep next to me.  Then I woke up to Molly banging her big tail against the floor.  She was excited.  Even without knowing who it was.  Jared had come home to surprise me and she couldn't have known who it was, but rather than bark to alert me, she started wagging her tail.  So, forget about being a guard dog. 
We just enjoyed her.  She's been so much fun. 
The past year Molly's health has really been declining.  The vet saw her and said she was just getting old.  We had every hope of her dying of old age.  We've tried to make her comfortable.  This past winter, I brought her inside.  She's always enjoyed sleeping inside, but not being stuck inside all day.  This winter she's stayed inside all day without even wanting to go out.  She rarely got up off her bed.  She even lost her ability to go to the bathroom.  It made me sad to see her in such sad shape. 
We finally made the decision that it was time to help her go.  It was a hard decision.  She has been a beloved member of our family.  We said good-bye to her this morning.  Jared took her to the vet and he gave her a sleeping pill first.  Jared said he held her while she closed her eyes and went to sleep.  It was so sad!  When he brought her back home, we dug a hole by a tree in the back yard and laid her inside.  Then we each said a few things we loved about Molly.  We will miss her so much.  I hope there will be a place for the really good dogs in heaven.

We love you Miss Molly.