This is Molly Bloom -- named for the character in James Joyce's "Ulysses."Molly came to us in August 2003 as a puppy from a horse farm in County Kildare, just outside of Dublin. She had quite a big first day, at 10 weeks old. My work colleague brought her on the train from her home in County Kildare to Dublin City Centre, then took her by taxi to our office near Merrion Square. We picked her up there -- she was just a little handful of puppy, sleeping soundly (little did we know, she was just gathering her strength . . .). We carried her to the DART station in her little box and took the train to our home in Shankill village, south County Dublin. Once we got home, she had a wonderful time playing in the back garden and exploring her new home.
Then we got a bright idea -- why not take little Molly in for her puppy shots? Right away - today? Back she went into her little box, we walked to the bus stop and took the bus to the next town, Bray, to a wonderful vet we'd seen on the TV3 Good Morning Ireland show. Got the shots - didn't even squeak - then back home again on the bus. Whew -- big day for Molly.
The next day little Molly had ANOTHER big day -- she's an adventurous little squirt. She somehow managed to get all the up to the top of the very steep stairs in our house -- then tumbled all the way down! Then she picked herself up, dusted herself off and headed for the back garden. Those nice pink flowers on the big fushia bush looked interesting -- especially with all of those bees buzzing around -- OWWWW! Yup -- on Molly's second day with us she fell down the stairs, and was stung by a bee.
Molly enjoyed living in Shankill and we took long walks with her through the fields, through the forests, and down to the beach near our house.
The Irish Sea is COOOLLLLLLDDD -- but Molly didn't care! She ran right into the waves every time - just for fun. She always wanted to play with the other (MUCH larger) doggies that came down to the beach. What she really needed was a playmate at home.
Molly always enjoyed walking past the big Clontra estate where they kept a few horses. One particular horse liked to come over and have a chat with Molly whenever we went by. Somehow Molly has a real affinity for horses -- probably from her puppy days in Kildare on the horse farm. I'd hold her up, and her little nose fit right into the horse's big nostril -- somehow they enjoyed communicating that way. 
Molly's obsession is her tennis ball -- and she can catch ANYTHING! [We'll loan her out to the Padres as an outfielder if they don't shape up soon.]
In February 2006 Molly had a BIG adventure -- she moved from Ireland to California with me. We flew from Dublin to Atlanta, then from Atlanta to Ontario, California where my husband met us at the airport. I was exhausted after the 15+ hour trip - but little Molly was well rested. She couldn't stop jumping for joy when she saw my husband.
We had a very big surprise waiting for her at home in Desert Hot Springs -- another doggy who looked a lot like her! Actually, they were both a little surprised. Joey came to us from some friends in Murietta who couldn't keep him. So finally Molly got her wish -- someone her size to fight with and play with! Joey is a nice little guy who spends all of his time as a security guard, protecting us. He's very patient with Molly because she likes to boss him around.
Molly and Joey lived happily ever after - THE END!
