After two years in care, Border Collie Molly will celebrate Christmas in her ‘happy place’

Diane with her beloved girl Molly!

A former stray dog who spent more than 700 days at Dogs Trust Ballymena is set to enjoy her first Christmas in a loving home after forming an unbreakable bond with her new owner.

Ten-year-old Border Collie Molly arrived at Dogs Trust in June 2023 after being found wandering alone, with no clues to her previous life. Despite her uncertain past, staff quickly discovered a bright, affectionate dog who simply needed time, patience and trust to reveal her true personality.

Her online rehoming profile described her as “an amazing girl with an incredible personality that will bring a burst of love and life to her new owner’s life. Once Molly has built that special bond with you, she will be the only best friend you need in life.”

‘It melted my heart’

For Diane from Newtownabbey, that prediction could not have been more accurate.

After spotting Molly’s video online, she said:

“Seeing how affectionate she was with her carers melted my heart.” Following an application, Diane was warned Molly would require considerable time to build trust — something that only strengthened her resolve.”

She explained:

“I started joining the team on walks. Molly completely ignored me to begin with, but I was able to throw her a few treats. It was the start of our journey together. The meets progressed to home visits and then sleepovers. We met 28 times before she came home.”

The Dogs Trust team worked closely with Diane to make the transition as smooth as possible. Their efforts paid off.

“It was lovely to see her feeling confident enough to explore the house and gardens. As a result, she settled in very quickly and has come on amazingly well since adoption day,” she said.

Now, Molly loves nothing more than relaxing on the sofa after her walks or quietly watching the world go by from the garden.

“She’s so affectionate with me now, just like I saw in her video. Molly feels safe and loved, because she is. I feel so honoured that she put her faith in me.”

A Christmas to remember

This Christmas will be Molly’s first in a real forever home — and Diane intends to make it special.

“Her stocking is hanging on the fireplace, and it will be lovely watching her open her presents before tucking into a doggy Christmas dinner with all the trimmings,” she said. The pair also plan festive walks and a New Year trip to Donegal — one of Molly’s favourite places.

A message for future adopters

To anyone considering adopting a long-term rescue dog, Diane’s advice is clear:

“Keep an open mind, be patient and prepared to put in the effort and listen to the advice and guidance of the Dogs Trust team… Don’t be disheartened if a visit doesn’t go well, the dog will decide the pace.”

She also urged potential adopters not to overlook senior dogs:

“Often, they have been let down one way or another… yet they have so much love to give to the right person.”

‘The best Christmas present we could ever wish for’

Conor O’Kane, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said the team is overjoyed for Molly:

“After spending two years in our care, we are thrilled that Molly has found her happy place and forever home with Diane… To hear how inseparable they are now is fantastic, and it’s the best Christmas present we could ever wish for.”

Molly was classed as a Dogs Trust Underdog — a term used for dogs waiting more than six months for a home.

While not all dogs will be adopted in time for Christmas, Dogs Trust says every dog will still enjoy festive comfort and care thanks to dedicated staff who “go above and beyond” at this time of year.

The Dogs Trust Ballymena team

Those wishing to meet the dogs currently awaiting adoption at Dogs Trust Ballymena can do so via their website. Supporters can also send a gift directly to the centre through their Amazon wishlist.