Murphy

Yesterday, after 10 years of having Murphy, we said good bye.  He had turned 15 this past Christmas and was having issues with arthritis in his back which greatly affected his mobility and was causing him increased pain.  Otherwise, system wise he was still amazingly healthy.  He was diagnosed with lymphoma last October and with his age,  was treated with prednisone which quickly put him in remission.  In a matter of a couple of weeks the enlarged lymph node was back to normal size and stayed that way ever since.  

His reason for surrender to RAGOM was that he had issues with other dogs.  At first we took him to a couple of classes that specifically addressed that issue and he did well, but the reality was, in our lives, he really didn’t have a lot of occasion to be around other dogs so wouldn’t get any meaningful practice of what he had learned.  So we chose instead the route of mostly avoiding other dogs and that worked out just fine for us and Murphy. 

With Muphy, we had no need for a clock in the house.  He had an internal clock that rivaled an atomic clock. That was on display when 4pm (walk) and 9pm (bedtime) came around and he’d get up and come over and remind us it was time for his walk or for bed. 

Dave faithfully walked him twice a day every day.  They logged thousands of miles over these 10 years and kept it up well into his 14th year when the lengths of walks were gradually reduced to accommodate his arthritis and mobility. His back/arthritis issues were identified several years ago and the continued walking routine allowed him to be as amazingly mobile as he was for so long.  It was really only in the last few weeks where he took a serious decline. 

Hats off to Murphy’s previous owner when it came to training a perfect dog to have around the house.  He never showed any interest in any of our things.  A giant steak could be left at the side of the counter and he would not go after it.  He loved his toys which he kept under close supervision so really had a sense of what was his and what was ours.  Occasionally his toys would go missing when they needed to be mended and washed.  He knew that they were in the washing machine and you’d see him hanging out close by.  He’d grab them eagerly one by one as I’d drop them for him when they were ready to play again. It was so funny to see and imagine him thinking ” Oh boy, that’s my favorite!  Oh boy, that’s my favorite!  Oh boy, that’s my favorite!” as one by one they’d come back to him. So Murphy has us spoiled with not having to think about putting away shoes, remote controls or leaving things out on the counter. 

While having all of this snow this winter was a pain to deal with, we are so happy Murphy had it around to enjoy.  Most of his trips outside had the added benefit of eating snow from the piles along the driveway. He’d take bites from the top and eat and look around enjoying himself. When the piles were taller than he was, he’d stick his snout right into the pile to get a bite.  He loved the snow.  He’d go out on the deck and lay and eat snow all day long if we would let him. 

It is heartbreaking to have him gone, missing out on all of his mannerisms and habits that brought us such joy.  He was the perfect fit for us and we are so thankful to Kelly for fostering him and making the match.  I think he liked his life here with us and I know we couldn’t have loved him more.

Good bye sweet Murphy.  We will miss you more than we can say.  <3

August, 2022

December, 2022 - Murphy's 15th birthday

February 2023

Murphy was adopted by a wonderful family on February 23. This is the second RAGOM dog for the "O" Family. The night that they came to meet Murphy, they brought some peanut butter flavored treats and a new Nylabone. Murphy nicely shared the treats, but he knew the Nylabone was for him. Murphy turned on his charm for Juli and Dave and gave them both kisses and leaned into them for hugs and rubs. While we were visiting, Murphy rolled a ball towards Juli with his nose, and each time Juli rolled it back to him, he pushed it right back to her with his nose. I told them this was the first time I had seen Murphy do that trick. I think Murphy's charming personality won them over fairly quickly.

Murphy's new parents will shower him with lots of love and attention. His Dad has early morning walks with Murphy and also in the evening. And now Murphy does not have to worry about another dog in the house trying to take his toys. And from the reports I have gotten from his Mom, it sounds like Murphy will never have a shortage of toys, food, and love in his new home. His parents have even looked into some additional training courses for Murphy.

Murphy has some big paws to fill for his new parents. They lost their previous RAGOM dog, Max, very suddenly and far too soon last December. But they told me after looking at Murphy's picture and web updates that he possessed some of the same goofy mannerisms of Max. They remarked that they could not believe that he was still available when they began looking for a new family member. Foster Dad sure misses the morning wake-up routine from Murphy. He would slowly put his paws and head up on my chest. And as soon as he saw me start to open my eyes, he would plaster my face with big, wet kisses. Of course, his whole body was in a giant state of wiggleness too. The best way to start the day, Murphy style!

When we as Foster parents find a home like this, it makes our hearts sing for Murphy and the other RAGOM dogs. I could not have asked for a more caring home for Murphy. And his parents left me with a generous gift card to a pet store that will more than provide for necessities for additional foster dogs. Thank You, "O" family, for picking Murphy and choosing another rescue dog from RAGOM!

XOXO
Foster Dad Kelly

Mr. Murphy has a family coming today to finalize his adoption. Foster Dad will send in more details later about this wonderful family.

Murphy sends big kisses to Nikki F. for sending him a Valentine's Web token!

XOXO Murphy

Murphy sends a big Thank You to Karen P. and Ben 11-071 for the Mitten Holiday Icon!

I have to tell you about a few of Murphy's more endearing traits. The feeding schedule is the same in the morning and night. Of course when you have a total of 4 dogs (3 residents) it is a bit of a process. Each dog has their spot for their own food dish. I bring all of the dishes into the kitchen and then start filling each bowl. By the time I fill the last bowl, Murphy is jumping up and down with total excitement (he is super food and treat motivated). I calmly instruct Murphy to sit and he does very quickly. I used to hold one hand in front of him while the other hand placed his bowl on the floor. This has gone on for months. Finally, I added the stay command along with the sit, and now, Murphy will wait quite nicely until I either tell him it is okay or motion for him to start eating. I am hoping Murphy will show my resident dogs just how nice he really can wait for food or treats.

Murphy's other favorite morning ritual is to wait for FD to finish with his shower. As soon as I open the shower door, Murphy springs into action and proceeds to lick my legs until he thinks they are dry or FD asks him where his toy is. Usually, I have to ask him to go get his toy and he will come back with it. He then stands by the tub and looks like he wants to jump in and lick up the water on the shower walls. He won't jump in the tub, though, even when he has dropped his toy in there. He gives me the big-sad-brown-eye look until I retrieve his toy for him.

Even though Murphy does not meet new dogs very well, his other endearing traits more than make up for his social skills. He simply needs time to get used to new dogs and in a comfortable setting. That being said, he is not a dog that would do well at a dog park. Murphy would do best in a low-key household without young children and no cats.

Because Murphy gets stressed at events with new dogs, he will not be attending any RAGOM Meet and Greet events. FD will be at this Saturday's PetCo event and will gladly answer any questions about Murphy. If you would like to know more about Murphy please contact your placement advisor.

XOXO
Murphy

Murphy hopes his fans are enjoying the new year as much as he is. He traveled well for the Holidays and was a perfect gentleman around Foster Dad's family. Plus he scored a nice amount of new toys and treats for Christmas. Some of his new toys didn't last too long. Murphy can be a bit rough with the soft toys. He has good skills in the destuffing and desqueaking department. Oh well it's fun to see him throw his toys around and swing his head in delight.

Murphy has to send a big Thank You out to Joan D. and her RAGOM boy, Riley 07-646, for buying him a new Kong toy while she was at last weekend's PetCo event. Even though Murphy was not there he still got a new toy. It's his favorite toy right now. Can you see the big smile on his face in the new picture? Thank You Joan and Riley!

Foster Dad would love to be able to bring Murphy to the meet and greet events. However Murphy does not enjoy these events. He gets very anxious and nervous in meeting new dogs. Because he gets so anxious he does not make good first impressions with new dogs. So a quieter and gentler introduction would work better for Murphy.

Murphy's ideal home would have:

• a home with a physical fence
• no small children as he can be a bit obsessive with his toys and he can play hard
• either a home with another laid back dog or no dog at all
• and a cat free home according to the notes from his surrendering owner

Murphy says it's time to go play with his new toy from Joan and Riley! Catch you later.

XOXO
Murphy

Happy 5th Birthday to Murphy today, December 23! In honor of Murphy's 5th birthday we bought him a bell to adorn his web page. Of course there is more than just this in store for this lovable guy. He has a couple of new toys (a new Kong Wubba) and a few tasty treats too! We'll wait to go on our walk this afternoon in hopes that it will warm up a few more degrees.

Tomorrow morning he will help load up our sleigh and hit the road for Christmas at Grandma's house.

Murphy wishes all his fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sorry for the long overdue delay in getting an update on Mr. Murphy. Murphy spent a couple of days in boarding while Foster Dad was away on a mission. I have to say Murphy was so excited to see his Foster Dad on Friday night. He has barely let me out of his sight since then. Right now he is lying on the floor beside my feet.

We had Murphy step on the scale at ACH Richfield and he weighs 64 pounds. I didn't think he was 70 pounds as previously stated. The staff told me Murphy was great with them. However, the other dogs was a different story. Murphy continues to need slow introductions to new dogs. This is something Foster Dad will continue to work on, but it is more difficult to do as my neighbors do not tend to be out walking at 5 AM like we do. He did meet a family over a week ago and he was reactive to having a new visiting dog in his home. So, we will try to make slow introductions in neutral territories in the future.

The picture is Lauren on the left, Murphy in the middle, and Indy on the right. I think they were trying to show me their "I-am-good-dog look" in hopes of plenty of toys and treats for good girls and boys.

Murphy wishes all his RAGOM fans a Happy Holiday!

XOXO,
Murphy

Murphy wants to wish all his RAGOM fans and fellow RAGOM dogs and Foster Parents a Happy Thanksgiving! Murphy has so much to tell you as his last update is getting very old. Since coming into foster care Mr. Murphy has had free reign with the resident dogs while Foster Dad is away at work. We are thrilled to report that he has not had one single accident in the house.

Murphy just loves to have his toys near him. He is not too picky about his toys either. He loves tennis balls, nyla bones, rope twist toys, kongs, etc. He is very much like a young child. Where Murphy is to be found so is a large pile of toys. No sense in putting the toys back in the toybox as he just keeps pulling them out. And when you pick one up he just has to have the one in your hand. Some times he can be very grabby at trying to get the toys.

Murphy loves going for his daily walks with his foster sisters. He dances at the door when he sees me grabbing the Gentle Leaders and Leashes off of the shelf. He walks very well until we see rabbits or squirrels. Then he tends to pull until I call his name and redirect his attention to our walk path. He redirects with the offer of a tasty treat too, as he is very food motivated.

The longer Murphy has been here the more relaxed he has become. He enjoys a good game of wrestling with his foster sisters. His favorite is Indy as she is the biggest marshmallow in the house. The giveaway that the dogs have been wrestling while I am getting ready for work is when I find the comforter half on the bed and the other half on the floor. The dogs tend to do this while I am in the shower. But as soon as I an done Mr. Murphy is right there to lick my legs. He sure does like to give you lots of kisses each and every day.

A few weeks ago my entire family was in town for the weekend. My brother brought along their bichon/beagle mix male dog, Coco. At first Murphy was very protective with Coco in the house. He didn't understand that Coco loves to play with Indy. On Sunday morning Coco was playing chase with Murphy in the kitchen. Coco likes to be vocal when he plays and poor Murphy was hiding under the kitchen table. It was funny to see a 70 pound dog afraid of a 18 pound dog. At least Murphy was under the kitchen table rather than on top of it.

Murphy has a lot of energy like a puppy. The daily walks and play time with his foster sisters help to channel that energy. The old saying a tired dog is a good dog works well in this household. We are working with Murphy to take his treats and toys more gentle. When he does it nicely he gets lots of praise and more treats. When he is too grabby then we put things away. Murphy does listen well and he has quickly learned he must sit nicely before we put his food dish on the floor. What we are still working on is trying to get him to slowly eat his food. He tends to just gobble his food down.

I still think it would be best for Murphy to go to a home without young children. He is so focused on his toys and likely would think a child's toys were his as well. A physical fence would be best for Murphy too. He seems to have a prey drive and might take off in hot pursuit if given the opportunity. Slow introductions to other dogs are a must for Murphy. Murphy attended a Chuck and Don's event in Saint Paul. While the other dogs wanted to meet Murphy, Murphy did not feel the same. My feeling is that Murphy is more protective when he is anxious about being in new surroundings. Once he settles in he shows a much different side.

Enjoy the pictures of Murphy! The pictures were taken at the Chuck and Don's event by Devon TT and Jen E.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

XOXO
Murphy