After raising seven children, Corky and Dolores Nightlinger should be ready to settle down in a quiet house.

Instead, they come home every day to two rough-and-tumble youngsters — 2-year-old Miss Molly and 5-month-old Pooky.

Molly is a papichon — that is, a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Papillion. Pooky is a miniature Pomeranian.

“They are spoiled like no other animals I have ever seen, but as long as they add sunshine to their lives that is all that matters,” said Michele Rice, who was raised by the couple.

The couple has always had dogs throughout their 52 years of marriage. Corky brought his chow-mix, Duffy, to the marriage, and then Dolores brought home a beagle-mix right after they were married.

With five daughters in the house, and later, Michele and her brother, the family had an array of dogs and cats. Among them was Holly, a Lhasa Apso-Pekingese mix, who was around for 17 years. She died about five years ago.

All was quiet in the Nightlinger household until a couple of years ago. Rice had been looking at puppies at a pet store, and had one picked out. Then a little head with its cowlick-hair popped up — and she had to have that one.

Molly was all decked out in her blue fur coat on the day Rice gave her to the Nightlingers.

Molly has an extensive wardrobe, and won’t go outside in the rain unless she’s wearing her pink raincoat. Her wardrobe is complete with accessories, too, including a polka-dot bag with her name on it.

Molly also has a “job” visiting residents at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, along with Corky. She likes people, and doesn’t bother anyone, Corky said.

She goes there with bows in her ears, and the residents love her.

A few months ago, Michele’s friend’s Pomeranian had puppies and she gave one to the Nightlingers. The pup was later named Pooky.

As the second “child,” however, Pooky has to wear Molly’s hand-me-downs. He also has to sleep in a crate at night — just until he’s completely housebroken, that is — while Molly sleeps in bed with her owners.

“I have never seen a dog that was more loved then Molly, but in return the dog really loves them, too,” Rice said.

The two dogs play well together, and chase each other in a circle around the big house. They love snow, and Molly likes asparagus, raw cauliflower and carrots.

They have a box full of toys, which Dolores is constantly picking up — like having kids in the house again.

“When I come home from work, this living room looks like a tornado (hit it),” Dolores said. “I put the toys in a box and they drag them out again.”

Dolores works part-time in the office at IGA in Westville, while Corky is retired, having been a printer for years. He’s also a member of the Vermilion County Board.

The dogs are not only good company for the couple, but they’re also good watchdogs. Plus, they serve as the couple’s “ears.”

Molly especially is good at alerting them when the phone is ringing, the stove timer goes off or someone knocks at the door.

“I have seen Molly go get my mom and let her know something is wrong or the phone is ringing,” Rice said.

The two dogs also like to play with the cat, Silvy, who escapes to her hiding spots upstairs. Silvy, who’s 7 or 8 years, was left behind a granddaughter moved our.

Although some people believe animals belong outdoors, the Nightlingers disagree — and share their furniture and food with the pets. In fact, Dolores said she hates to see a dog tied up outdoors.

On holidays, all the grown children visit with their own pets. Kelly, especially, is a big cat lover. The Nightlingers also have seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Having had dogs for years, Corky is now saying: No more dogs.

But, Dolores said with a smile, nodding at the two dogs, “Guess whose lap they sit on every night?”

The Nightlingers have had a lot of experience raising children over the years, and now they’re doing a good job with the pups. It’s obvious both children and pets thrive in a loving home.

If you would like to have your pet featured, contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.