Along Came Molly

Pitch: Usually an active person, lockdown left Amanda feeling lonely… Until along came Molly…

Amanda, 36, explains:

Summer 2019, you’d have found me swimming, cycling and running every day. I competed in triathlons and did a half-Ironman last September. Exercise was a big part of my life and made me feel strong, happy and good. 

Then, I woke up one day with the most horrific spasms. Doctors thought I might have a bulging disc in my back and I was advised to strip back to gentle physiotherapy and Pilates.

I spent months in pain, only able to go to work, but unable to do all the things I love. I’m used to seeing lots of people every day so when lockdown started, I felt lonely. I got in touch with the pet charity Blue Cross and offered to foster. With the world in chaos it felt like a positive contribution during a strange time, as I was now working from home.

Sometimes the best things come along when you least expect them. Molly was 15 years old, with a ripped ear, damaged eye, knotted fur and stained yellow paws. A tatty stray, I was warned Molly would be nervous, so I provided her with her own bedroom which I called Molly’s Room, a place where she could feel safe when she arrived. I left her exploring under the bed but minutes later she surprised me by coming out of the room wanting strokes and cuddles.

When I was dosed up on painkillers, Molly would sit on top of me. When I did Pilates and physio, she’d climb over me playfully, rolling around under me as I did press ups or chasing my toes as I stretched.

Molly offered me love and companionship. When my grandfather died during lockdown and I couldn’t attend his funeral, Molly was my comfort. I needed her as much as she needed me. 

Molly met my family and boyfriend over Zoom and my sister observed that we were similar. Molly is loving and playful, a little needy, a little feisty. Just like me!

As the months went on my strength improved and I was able to cycle and swim, but I still can’t run. Instead, I do Pilates at home, with Molly by my side. 

She's so fluffy now. I’ve brushed out her knotted fur and gradually her grubby, stained yellow paws are turning back to white. She loves the sunshine, curling up and rolling around in whichever is the warmest spot. 

I could see how happy she was to have a home of her own, so when Blue Cross called to ask whether I would like to keep her, it was a no brainer. Coincidentally they called on my birthday, so when I explained that I wanted to adopt Molly, it was the best birthday present I could have hoped for. I don’t know anything about her past, but her future is here with me.