More: The unsinkable Molly Brown was a rescue from a Virginia shelter, nursed back to health, and became my best friend in college. She has been with me through life’s many stages: joys, hardships, moves, marriage. She has been a loyal companion, farm dog, adventure seeker, and “back 40” supervisor for my entire adult life. At 16 years old, every single day is a cherished gift with this perfect old dog.