Molly the ‘Escape Artist’ Finds Her Forever Home

A Journey of Trust and Love

Molly wasn’t the kind of dog who would sit when instructed. In fact, if the gate was open, she’d be gone in a flash.

“At first, she was very aggressive – not in a biting way, but she just wouldn’t listen to us,” said Deanna Jeyaratnam, 22, recalling the early days of adopting her third dog.

But over time, something changed. And it all started with walks in the neighbourhood.

A Walk in the Right Direction

Molly wasn’t a stray in the traditional sense. She was brought to a nearby vet, where Deanna’s father found her. The vet was the one who convinced the family to take her in, and so, in 2016, Molly became part of their home.

“She was already full-sized when we adopted her. We assumed she was between one and three years old,” Deanna, a psychological science and business degree student, remembered.

At first, Molly’s instinct was to escape. Being a former stray, the freedom of the outdoors was all she knew.

“She would try to run out all the time,” Deanna recalled.

Walking her was no easy feat either. “She’s strong! She’d pull the leash and insist we walk in her direction instead of the other way around.”

A Change of Heart

But as the family made daily walks a routine, something softened in Molly. “It really helped her realise that we loved her. She got more attached to us and stopped running away.” These days, even if the gate is left open, Molly stays put. She’s found her place. She listens. She trusts.

“It didn’t happen overnight. It took years,” Deanna said. And not just with Deanna – Molly has warmed up to the whole family, including someone she never expected: Deanna’s grandfather.

Winning Over the Unlikely

“My grandpa doesn’t like dogs,” Deanna said matter-of-factly. It was a long-standing rule in the family – no dogs in the house.

Yet, years after Molly’s arrival, something surprising happened. “I dared my grandpa to take her for a walk,” Deanna recalled with a grin.

“At first, Molly was trying to pull him in all directions. Seeing my grandpa, in workout clothes, being dragged around – it was hilarious!”

A Papaya Fiesta

Molly, it seems, has a way of winning people over. She’s also got a knack for teamwork – especially when food is involved.

One infamous incident involved a papaya, two cats, and three dogs in a collaborative effort that Deanna now finds amusing (but didn’t at the time).

“The cats knocked the papaya off the counter, and all the pets joined in for a feast,” she said, laughing. “We only found out later – by the red stains on their mouths. That’s how we knew who the greediest ones were!”

Conclusion

Molly, the once restless stray, now waits eagerly for Deanna’s return every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Molly’s original personality like?
A: At first, Molly was very aggressive and wouldn’t listen to her owners.

Q: How did the family change Molly’s behavior?
A: By taking her on daily walks, the family helped Molly realise they loved her and she became more attached to them.

Q: How did Deanna’s grandfather, who doesn’t like dogs, react to Molly?
A: Deanna dared her grandfather to take Molly for a walk, and he eventually warmed up to her.

Q: What is Molly’s favorite activity?
A: Molly loves going for walks and eating with her family.