Some of our readers will recall Miss Molly as the poster dog for last August’s special Kitu’s Fund campaign. Rajiv and Marianne Hotek opened up their hearts and home to the special needs senior St Bernard one year ago in March. She’s been in their loving care ever since.
From Nature’s Kitchen to dog fosters
Rajiv and Marianne are natural caregivers who have spent their lives making their corner of the world a better place. They married young, traveled extensively, and adopted two beautiful children. Along the way, Rajiv’s curiousity and spiritual quest took him to India, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
After experiencing life in a commune and an ashram, the couple eventually settled down in Yreka, California. There, they opened Nature’s Kitchen in 1979, which a 2020 article describes as “the first organic whole grain, honey-sweetened, bakery on the west coast.” Like the Hoteks, the restaurant was unconventional for the times: non-smoking, organic, vegetarian.
Now retired from the restaurant business, Rajiv and Marianne remain community-minded and engaged. Luckily for Rescue Ranch, while they weren’t inclined to adopt a puppy or an active young dog at this stage, they were eager to help. Enter Miss Molly.
A senior foster St Bernard at home
When I arrived, Miss Molly was fast asleep, resting up after her regular morning walk. We were in the living room where a fountain fed a small goldfish pond under the watchful eye of a laughing Buddha. At 11 years old, the diminutive St Bernard is no spring chicken, and requires extra time to recharge. She’s still going strong, though. When I encountered her on a walk with Rajiv a few weeks earlier, she had a spring in her step and engaged cheefully with her surroundings.
It took a minute for Miss Molly to shake the cobwebs, but she was intrigued by the unexpected visitor in her home. Rajiv led us out through the kitchen onto a wide deck overlooking the back yard and an outdoor pond populated with colorful koi. I remarked that they looked to be at least one and a half feet long. Rajiv replied that they had been only 2 inches when he introduced them 35 years ago!
The stairs to the yard are too steep for Miss Molly, so Rajiv has put in a ramp to give her access to the yard. He commented on her exceptionally fuzzy paws and characteristic gait as she walked down the incline, saying that they always remind him of slippers.
Miss Molly strolled through the yard to a comfortable spot in the shade. She enjoyed ear scritches and a belly rub as Rajiv described life with the St Bernard.
“She is the sweetest girl. We are so blessed to be able to have her. And vis versa, she loves us. We have such a good time together. She gives us as much, if not more, than we give her.”
Last year, Miss Molly underwent surgery that completely sealed off one of her ears. Chronic infections were causing serious damage, and the vet felt that surgery was the only option. She still has some hearing in her other ear. Unfortunately, that one is also subject to infection, but in this case the vet is hoping they can avoid surgery and manage the condition with medication.
All in all, Miss Molly appears very happy and leads a normal life. She’s pampered and loved, has the run of the house and yard, goes on daily walks, enjoys car rides, and takes field trips with her family. At night she sleeps in the bedroom on her own bed. As Rajiv and I chatted, she came up and nudged my leg; she’s such a cutie.
When we headed back to the house, our senior girl wasn’t in any hurry to go back inside, now that she was fully awake. But we enticed her up the ramp with a tiny treat, a kibble.
Back indoors, Rajiv gave me the grand tour. He showed me photos of his sons and his guru, as well as his found object creations. He’s an accomplished artist, and his work is featured throughout the house. The pieces reflect the many facets of his inner and outer world journeys. They’re rich in symbolism and assembled with a storyteller’s sensibility.
Fostering is a gift
The connection between Rajiv and Miss Molly is palpable. He obviously loves her, and the feeling is mutual. I asked if he would recommend fostering.
He replied in the affirmative for dogs of any age: “It’s a gift to be a foster parent. Every dog needs to have a family.” With respect to fostering a senior dog, Rajiv noted that it was extra special because, even if they only have a year or so left, “you can make it the best year of their lives!”
Learn more about becoming a Rescue Ranch foster.
