08/26/2026
Sorry for getting behind on the posts again, but this time, I had a pretty good reason.
As most of you know, Teresa’s Closet was created in memory of my friend, Teresa Brown. Teresa passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism at just 43 years old. August 15th marked five years since we lost her.
For the anniversary, I flew out to Newfoundland to spend some time with the people who meant the most to Teresa — her family. Her mom and stepdad, Sue and Jim, welcomed me like family. I spent time with her sister and nephew, and we had a small celebration of Teresa’s life at the beautiful spot where her ashes were scattered in the ocean. It was emotional, but also incredibly special to be there with the people who loved her most.
Teresa got her love of animals from her parents. She was unfortunately allergic to cats, but she absolutely loved her parents’ little dogs. Sadly, in the five years since Teresa passed, all three of their dogs have passed away as well. I have no doubt Teresa was there waiting for each one of them when they crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
After losing their dogs, Sue and Jim eventually decided they were ready to open their home to another one. They knew they wanted a rescue. They also wanted an older or senior dog who was small and might otherwise have a harder time finding a home.
That’s when they found Molly.
Molly is an eight-year-old Yorkie whose previous person was going into assisted living and could no longer care for her. She was shy when she first arrived, but it didn’t take long for her to settle in and make herself at home.
And honestly, she couldn’t have found a better home.
Molly and Jim have developed that classic relationship between the “grumpy” guy who insists he doesn’t want a dog and the tiny dog who decides he is absolutely going to love her anyway. The dog he “didn’t want” is now treated like a princess. What makes it even sweeter is that Molly was initially afraid of Jim and seemed nervous around men in general. Now she absolutely adores him. But when bedtime comes around, she’s Sue’s cuddle buddy.
She really is the perfect little dog for them.
Unfortunately, Molly’s first vet visit brought an unexpected surprise. Sue and Jim discovered that Molly had never been spayed.
They had put some money aside for the normal expenses that come with adopting a dog, but they weren’t prepared for the approximately $1,000 it will cost to have Molly spayed. Veterinary costs in Newfoundland are considerably higher than what we’re used to here in Ontario, and as retirees living on a pension, that unexpected expense is a significant one.
They will make sure Molly gets the care she needs, but after meeting this sweet little dog and hearing all of this, I knew without a doubt who Teresa’s Closet’s next featured rescue animal had to be.
Meet Molly — our featured rescue for September.
Normally, the money raised through Teresa’s Closet stays right here in our local community. But I think we can make an exception for Teresa’s parents — and for the little rescue dog who has brought so much happiness back into their home.
For the month of September, all proceeds from Teresa’s Closet will go toward the cost of Molly’s spay.
Will we raise the entire $1,000? Maybe not.
But then again, maybe we’ll have a record-breaking month. Stranger things have happened!
Either way, every dollar we raise will help lessen the financial burden for Sue and Jim while making sure Molly gets the veterinary care she needs.
So come by, find yourself a great deal on some fantastic new and vintage clothing, and help Molly at the same time.
Right now, our summer clothing has been marked down to make room for our Halloween costumes. That’s right — it’s almost that time again!
We hope to see you soon.
Teresa’s Closet
Inside Sanford & Son Vintage Market
272 Innisfil St., Barrie
Second floor, Booth 129
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10–5
Shop for a bargain. Help a rescue animal. And this September, help us do something special for Teresa’s family and a little dog named Molly. ❤️
