“She’s truly sent from heaven.”
When Molly arrived at her foster home, she’d already endured a lot — from being surrendered to the shelter while pregnant to caring for her eight puppies. Rescued by the Blount County Animal Welfare Society (BCAWS), Molly’s journey took a heartwarming turn when she found her foster family. But what no one expected was that Molly would become a beacon of comfort and love for them during their darkest hour.
A Time of Loss and Healing
Just three days after welcoming Molly, Samantha McGuire and her family experienced the heartbreaking loss of Sassy, their first foster “fail” dog. Sassy had been McGuire’s “soul dog,” providing unconditional love despite her difficult past.
Grieving and overwhelmed, McGuire laid on the couch in tears. That’s when Molly stepped in.
“Molly came right up and laid on top of me with her paws on my chest and wouldn’t move,” McGuire said. “She pressed into me and let me hold her, and I realized she was comforting me. She was doing what she could to help me feel better.”
Molly’s instinct to console resembled the work of a trained therapy dog, offering calming support precisely when it was needed most.
From Foster to Forever
That night, McGuire knew Sassy had somehow sent Molly to their family. Molly officially became a “foster fail,” just like Sassy before her.
“She was already a foster that I knew would be very hard for me to let go of — but when she comforted me all night after losing Sassy, I told my husband I don’t think I can give her to anyone else,” McGuire said.
Her husband agreed wholeheartedly: “I was never going to let you give her to anyone else!”
Molly’s New Life
Now a cherished family member, Molly has continued to bring joy and healing to her new home. She comforts the McGuire children, staying by their side until they fall asleep. Spoiled with sweatshirts, salmon oil, and endless love, Molly has fully embraced her new role as a beloved companion.
“She’s so special, it’s like the universe gifted her to our family when we would need her most,” McGuire said.
Molly’s story is a testament to the profound bond between humans and animals — and the healing power of love, no matter how unexpected its source.