Kate and Molly

Got to Vermont today, for the first time in about 6 months. Naturally Kate had forgotten all about Molly, and her experience with dogs is limited, so when she saw her, she was afraid. She clung to us and wailed fearfully if Molly approached, or if we got too close to her.

That went on for about an hour or two. Kate would play happily in the living room, Molly would wander in, or Kate would suddenly encounter Molly near the kitchen, and she'd cry and run for us.

Shortly after dinner, Kate decided she wasn't going to be afraid any more. So she stood in the kitchen, a few feet away from Molly, and said, "Hi!" And then, "Hi, Molly. Molly! I'm Hi-ing you! Molly! Hi!" Turns to look at us. "I hi-ed Molly! I hi-ed her! Molly! Hi, Molly!"

Molly, befuddled by this change of events, tried to hide under the table. Kate knelt down near her. "Hi!" she yelled toward her. "Hi, Molly!"

Turns to look at us again. "I'm Hi-ing her!"

Jack, who realizes fully that Molly is essentially a lumpy rug, sits next to her and pets her. He encouraged Kate to come over and pet her. She wasn't ready to actually touch her, but she did kneel very close to her. "Hi, Molly!" she said.

Jack brought out plastic bones and other toys that Molly has no interest in. Kate did the same. Molly left the room. "Bye, Molly!" says Kate.