Molly 10-001 [1]

 In memory of my Best Buddy - Casey

 I have allergies too! Wags your way! Love, Ilse

 From Chris J. Olson

This sweet gal is Molly. She is an adorable 5 year-old Golden Retriever. She is 94 pounds, and is overweight (we affectionately call her "Molly Moo Cow"). Her vet stated we would know once she gets down around the 80's what her ideal weight would be. Molly was surrendered due to her allergy issues, and not having enough time for sufficient exercise.

Molly has been scratching, licking and nibbling at all parts of her body. In the past, she has seen an allergist and is currently on medication for her allergies (pills and injections). I took her to another allergist Monday for a second opinion, and it was discovered she has a bacterial skin infection (dogs with allergies are more susceptible to getting secondary infections). She has received meds for that also, and until we clear that up, we won't be changing her meds. Hopefully, she will start to feel better soon. We will also change her diet. She is used to eating Chicken and rice, so we will be moving her to a different protein and starch to see if that helps anything. During the Fall/Winter months, she isn't affected as much as she is during the Spring/Summer months. She has been tested, and is allergic to grass, certain trees, dust, cats, etc. So you can imagine how she is during the Spring when all the grass and trees start to bloom! She gets yeast infections in between the pads of her paws. We'll go back in to the allergist in a month to evaluate her itchiness and determine what the next step is.

With all the itchiness that she endures, it does not diminish the sweetness that is Molly. She loves all kids, dogs and even our cats. She is a very good girl. Most times I think we have a 10 year old dog, because all she does is sleep all day. Hopefully, once she sheds her extra weight, she'll get more energy. The vet did say that the meds she is on might contribute to her lethargy. She does love to fetch a ball every once in a while. She also LOVES to wrestle and play tug-of-war. My daughter will take her outside when the kids are all playing in the snow, and she romps around with them. She knows sit, down, stay, shake and turn around (in the tub). She's just going to have to learn that she only gets affection when doing tricks, because the treats are a thing of the past! We did try getting her up on the treadmill, and we were only half successful, as she would only walk with her front paws on the tread. We need to exercise ALL of her, not just half! She does walk very nicely on the leash, and trots down the road proudly during her walks.

Tune in for more updates on Miss Molly Moo Cow!