Starving Mama Dog Nearly Gives Up Until A Miracle Happens
When I walk into a shelter, I don’t look for the loudest bark or the waggiest tail—I look for the dog who’s trying to tell me something without making a sound. That’s exactly what happened when I spotted Molly. Even from across the kennel, her eyes met mine, then darted away. Her body language was all caution—nervous glances, hair raised, retreating to the corner—but there was something else. A flicker of curiosity. A whisper of hope.
Molly is a 7-year-old German Shepherd mix—possibly with Ridgeback, given that mohawk of fur running down her spine. She’s got the body of a Shepherd, the size of a smaller mixed breed, and the eyes of a soul who’s seen too much and is still trying to make sense of it all.
The Harsh Reality Behind Her Gentle Nature
Molly didn’t end up at the Maui Humane Society by accident. She was rescued from a suspected hoarding situation where over 20 dogs were crammed onto a single property—some in crates, others tied to trees. It’s suspected that the dogs were bred or used for boar hunting, a common but dangerous practice in Hawaii. When animal control stepped in, they found emaciated dogs living without proper shelter, food, or medical care.
Molly had one of the hardest times bouncing back physically. Even after weeks in the shelter, she was still underweight. It’s taken time—and a lot of patience—for the staff to help her start gaining that weight back, both physically and emotionally.
Home Is Where the Heart Heals
This episode of Sitting With Dogs is personal for me. I’m from Hawaii. I was born here. And any time I get the chance to give back to the island that shaped me, I take it. The Maui Humane Society does an incredible job, but with the housing crisis still reeling from the wildfires, adoptions are tough. It’s hard enough to find housing for people—add a dog to the mix, and it becomes near impossible.
Adoptable Dogs Near You
That’s why I made a commitment: I’ll cover Molly’s adoption fee if you live on Maui. I’ll also pay for her inter-island or even mainland transport, anywhere in North America. I just want her to find her person. Someone who understands that healing takes time, and that trust isn’t given—it’s earned.
This Isn’t a Fixer-Upper—This Is a Soul You Invest In
Let me be clear: Molly is not an “easy” dog. She won’t come home and flop on the couch like she’s always lived there. She’s going to need patience, consistency, and probably a few months before she fully comes out of her shell. But if you’re someone who’s fostered before, or volunteered at a shelter, or just has the kind of empathy that runs deep—you might be Molly’s person.
What you’ll get in return? A bond that’s unbreakable. Because dogs like Molly don’t take love for granted. Once they trust you, it’s a forever kind of thing.
Training Tip: Let Her Set the Pace
In the kennel, Molly wouldn’t take treats from my hand at first. She’d lick her lips nervously, turn her head, or lean just out of reach. But I never force it. That’s the whole philosophy behind Sitting With Dogs—these dogs get to move at their own pace. Sometimes that means leaving the treat on the ground and walking away. Sometimes it means sitting quietly, waiting for them to come to you.
Eventually, Molly did take treats. And when she did, she leaned into my touch. It was small. But small steps lead to big breakthroughs.
Pro tip: For dogs like Molly, use long treat sticks so they can take it from a distance. And always, always pair treats with calm energy and body language that says, “I’m safe. You’re safe.”
The Scoop on Molly’s Progress
Molly’s been paired with a kennel mate named Violet, and being with another dog has helped her gain confidence. Out in the play yard, away from the kennel walls, she started to show a different side—tail wagging, exploring the grass, sneaking peeks at the humans nearby. If you didn’t know her story, you might think she was just a shy pup who needed a little encouragement. And maybe that’s all she ever was—just a sweet girl waiting for someone to believe in her.
Next Steps: Let’s Find Molly Her Ohana
Molly’s story is one of resilience, quiet courage, and the power of gentle kindness. If you think you might be the person to give her that soft landing she’s never had, reach out to the Maui Humane Society. They’ll walk you through the process, whether you’re on Maui or the mainland.
And if you can’t adopt? Share her story. Because every time you hit that share button, you increase her chances of finding the one person who’ll look into her eyes and say, “Come home, Molly.”
