One of Newton County's most highly specialized rescue workers is now in need of heart surgery. Molly is a five year old chocolate lab who is one of three certified dogs on the Newton County Search and Rescue Team. Molly is described as a happy go lucky dog who loves everyone she meets, and more importantly loves to work. One problem though, she now needs a pacemaker to control the rhythm of her heart. Just days before the May 10th tornadoes, Molly's owners Alecia and Allen Brown say they noticed their dog was having back problems. When they took her to the doctor, the Brown's found out Molly needs a pacemaker to control her heartbeat, which has been pumping about half as often as a normal dog her age. Molly is now in Columbia, Missouri, and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Friends and family say Molly is an important part of the community. Friends have set up a fund for Molly at the Southwest Missouri Bank. The pacemaker was donated, but the Browns will have to pay for the surgery which is about 25 hundred dollars. Doctors say if the surgery goes as planned, Molly will be able to work rescue missions again, she just will not be able to work in rubble.
