When Ned Met Molly (for Burpee) by kjer_99
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Description
When Ned met Molly, it was not a good experience for either of them. Ned was thirty-one in 1947 and a bachelor. A veteran of the European Theater in WWII, he managed to return home to Kansas whole of body but disturbed of mind. It left Ned ashamed and aloof from most relationships. Ned stayed on his parents' farm and did the farming for his widowed mother, who lived in town. One June day, Ned was driving to town to take some milk to the produce store. In a bit of a funk, his mind was more focused upon an incident during the war, than on his driving.
Molly was a two-year-old Golden Retriever mix, who had been dumped alongside a highway by her owner several weeks earlier. Molly was deeply distressed, not having a clue as to what she had done to have him do such a thing. She was certain, though, that her present predicament had to be her fault. She was a city dog, but had been on several hunts, so she knew how to hunt. She managed to survive on an occasional catch or the rotting remains of other creatures' kills. Despite her efforts to fend for herself, she was slowly starving to death. Some nasty run-ins with a couple of coyotes left her shaken and fearful.
Molly, focused upon chasing a cottontail, was not even aware of the road she was crossing, let alone Ned's pickup. She let out a surprised yelp as the left front fender caught her, tossing her into the air. Molly was unconscious before she hit the ground.
Ned never even saw the dog until he felt the pickup shudder. He slammed on the brakes just as a golden blur sailed off to his left. The pickup slid to a stop. Ned bolted out the door and raced back down the road to the prone figure lying by the road's edge.
Damn! A dog. Dropping to his knees, he gently checked the unconscious victim. He let out a low breath. Still alive and a stray. He wouldn't have to do any explaining to a neighbor.
Her left leg was broken just below the shoulder. Whether she had internal injuries or other broken bones, he could not tell. Ned hated to move her, but he couldn't leave her here, either. As gently as he could, Ned lifted Molly and carried her back to his truck. Several of the milk cans had been knocked over and the lid had popped off one. Milk covered the bed and trickled onto the road. Spilt milk wasn't important; the dog was. He put her in the cab. It would be more crowded, but she didn't need to be covered with milk or battered by the cans. Ned put her on the seat then hurried around the truck. Easing himself into the cab, he raised the dog's head and placed it in his lap.
The vet's place was on the edge of town. Ten minutes later, he turned into Doc Crawford's driveway. Doc Crawford saw Ned and hurried out to meet him.
"Got you a patient, Doc," Ned told him, as they eased the dog out of the cab. "She's got a broken leg and who knows what else might be wrong with her."
X-rays and an examination revealed no other broken bones or internal injuries. Doc Crawford cleaned the dog up, stitched up a couple of bad cuts and set the leg. "A stray?" he asked.
Ned nodded.
"Well, she was somebody's pet. She has a collar and a name--'Molly.'" He studied Ned's face. "You gonna take her home with you? Or do I need to try and find her a home?"
"Home with me." Ned stroked the semi-conscious dog's head. He looked down at Molly and smiled. "I have a feeling about her. Think we'll be good for each other."
Comments (20)
kjer_99
This one's for Burpee. I could ask for no more loyal visitor on consistent encourager. Thanks, Nancy! And thanks to all of you for dropping by and taking a look. Comments are appreciated. CREDITS: Vehicle and milk cans: "1941 AM Pickup Truck" by Donald Sielke (DAZ). It's actually a '41 Chevy. Figure: Michael 3 by DAZ; His clothing is "M3 Real Jeans Set" by Billy-T (DAZ); Hat and boots from "Rocky Mountain Legends Clothing Pack for M3" (RDNA). Dog: Poser 4 Dog with mat by Lyne Masamitsu (Vista Internet). Sumac: modeled by Modualz and textured by Judith Ward at RDNA. Same for weeds and flowers. Barbed Wire Fence: modeled and textured by THE DUDE. Terrains: modeled by me in Bryce 5.5; textures for far hills by Brian Smith. Ditch: Created by me in Bryce 6 Terrain Editor, texture by Jonathan Allen. Road: Same as above but texture by JTrout. Background: Cloud picture Net freebie. Don't remember who took it.
HADCANCER
very nice. I like it a lot
LudyMelltSekher
Hello my dear friend, Wonderful artwork. Excellent!! Congratulations!!
Syrup
A impressive image! and a wonderful little tail too! :B eaver !
Daramski
Fantastic image, I really like the barbed wire! excellent details and render.
frogdot
Outstanding illustration for a very touching story. Most excellent work, Jeremy
Burpee
Oh my hon, this is a tear jerker if there ever was one. Thank goodness for good endings though....I just love it!!! I'm also so honored that you made this for me. It's so beautiful and touching. A gorgeous scene...I may be biased but it's my favorite :) Hugs!!
DAVARON
The Story and the Image are Excellent, things back then were a bit different than today werent they?, indeed a very Superb Idea!!!
sirmacman
Wow! You have truly outdone yourself. An excellent image and wonderful story!
shadownet
I love your art work just for the story alone. You are so gifted. A great storyteller and artist in your own right, and able to breath a bit of visual life in to what you write. Not a bad combination.
skiwillgee
Oh my! Art is art when it evokes emotion. You scored 100% on the image and story.
RETIRED
upsetting ... I couldn't read the entire story past the first couple paragraphs. reality is stressful enough.
wawadave
awesome picture!! sad story.
kjer_99
I'm very sorry that the story has proven so stressful for some of you. I try to keep my stories "honest." Yes, the reality is that many pets get dumped out in the wild and very few survive that experience. Yes, many animals get hit by vehicles and suffer. But it is also true that sometimes, there is someone who cares, or someone who has harmed but is determined to make restitution for that harm, and sometimes a beautiful, glorious thing happens and human and animal connect in a deep, emotional, healing way for both of them. That's what this story is about; and I see that as a happy story. I certainly could have portrayed the picture in a much more vivid and horrifying way. I chose not to, because it is not the violence that the picture is about; it is about Ned's responding to Molly's immediate need.
Django
Touching story, and a fine attention to detail
CrimsonDesire
sniffle This one had my crying, I'm so glad little Molly finally found a good home and a sweet owner who will care for her. It's a beautifull story and image, just darling ^^
FCLittle
This is another of one of your very best! Everything about it is perfect, from the textures to the sky to the positions of the man and the dog...that's a really great sky...makes me wonder if it's a Bryce sky or if it's a photo...Awesome job!
fochs
I liked both the image and story. both are touching. bravo
ISSE
Beautiful story and image.I lived this scene 2 summer before
Digimon
Gulp Wow, what a story!! Sniff