Thursday, September 25, 2014

Goodbye Sweet Boy

Murphy



Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our sweet boy Murphy this week. Murphy was a twelve-year-old Australian Shepherd who was loved by everyone who knew him and who he loved in return.  It’s hard to say goodbye to a best friend but it was the kindest thing we could do for him.  Murphy had problems with his legs and hips as many older dogs do.  We tried to help him with acupuncture and laser treatments but even with his treatments supplemented with anti-inflammatories and pain pills he was still suffering.

Murphy used to love to run and play and chase deer and turkeys but he couldn’t get up by himself anymore and walking was painful.  We used a harness that he wore all day so we could lift him up and down the steps to go out and just help him to stand.  He had to eat his food lying down and you could just tell he was unhappy with his situation and wasn’t enjoying his life anymore.  It’s very hard but there comes a time when we had to do what was right for him no matter how hard the decision was to make. We miss him terribly. 

There are so many good memories of Murphy over the years. We will never forget this wonderful dog.  He would meet us all with a shoe whenever we came home and present it with a lot of pride and butt wiggles. But if I had to pick a favorite goofy antic, it would be how he would hide his dry food all over the house when he was younger and no one was home. Murphy’s hiding places took a lot of forethought and planning.  He would lift the cushion of a chair or couch and place the food under the cushion and then put it back down so you wouldn’t know it was there.  I thought this was a pretty clever way to hide his food from his little sister Maggie, who was a bit of a food stealer.  Another favorite place was in a riding or paddock boot. Murphy was a unique character.

I’ve put together a little slideshow with music of  “The Murph” as a tribute to my sweet boy:




48 comments:

  1. Oh A - I'm sorry to here this news. What a lovely tribute to your boy - I especially like the snack stashing story - so much personality. I know he will be missed.

    Doing the right thing is so hard sometimes... I hope your happy memories will be a comfort to you. (((hugs)))

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  2. Thanks C. He was special and he is missed. But we couldn't have him suffer anymore, it was time to do the right thing by him. He did have steak for dinner Saturday and Sunday and even got to bark at and sort of run-hop after some deer who were invading his front yard. So he was pretty pleased with himself before he had to leave us.

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  3. Aussies are such smart, loving do friends! So sorry for your loss.

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    1. Thank you Even Song. Aussies are very smart. I still have his sister Maggie and they are just amazing with how much they know.

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  4. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. He sounds much beloved, and like you made the absolute best decision by him.

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    1. Everyone loved the big guy. Even the mailmen and ups guys used to bring him biscuits.

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  5. I am so sorry. Even knowing you are doing the right thing, I know it was hard. Glad he had a great meal and run at the end. Love the pictures.

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    1. Thanks Nicole. It was hard but I'm glad he got to chase some deer too.

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss - but so glad that you and he had each other!

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  7. What a beautiful and sweet boy. I am very certain that he had a good life with you. Loved the video tribute...he will be missed.

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    1. Thanks Lori. He did have a good life and was such a sweetheart.

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  8. I'm so sorry. I had to put my twelve year old Siberian Husky to sleep in February. It hurts and I miss her so much, but time does make it a little easier. Murphy was an adorable puppy and so handsome all grown up. *hugs*

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    1. I know time will help. Glad you're doing okay now.

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  9. I'm so sorry!!! *hugs*

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  10. I'm sorry it was time for Murphy to go. It's really hard making that decision and being sure you've got the timing right. Sounds like you nailed it. He'll greet you with a shoe at the pearly gates, and then take you off to show you where he's hidden all his kibble :D

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  11. Thanks Martine your comment made me smile.

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  12. So sorry you had to say good-bye to your sweet Murphy...always heartbreaking. Hope you find solace in his memory.

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  13. sorry for your loss - what a sweet, nice dog and very touching tribute

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  14. So sorry for your loss. :(

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  15. *HUGS* GHM, I'm so sorry you had to say 'bye to your beautiful boy. It's so hard to have to make those decisions, even when you know it's the right thing to do; takes courage to make that sort of decision. But what a wonderful life he's had, and such wonderful memories of him. Thank you for sharing some of them, what a character, and for the slideshow. xxx

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    1. Thanks Joy. He was a goofy guy sometimes. We really miss him around here.

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  16. Rest peacefully, Murphy.

    I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

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  17. I'm so sorry :( Sending hugs your way

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  18. I lost my 14 1/2 yr old Aussie 3 months ago, for pretty much the same reason. He was so smart and such a good boy. I still cry almost every day. The story about him hiding food is funny. That was a beautiful tribute.

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    1. Sorry to hear of your loss too. I agree, Aussies are the smartest sweetest dogs.

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  19. Thanks Story. He was a big part of the family and is missed.

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  20. I'm so sorry to hear this. It's always hard to lose a good dog. Sending hugs to you.

    Monty and Harlow

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  21. I'm just now seeing this and so very sorry for the loss of Murphy. I know he will live in your hearts forever. Big hugs to all of you.

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  22. Oh, I'm so very sorry! It's so difficult to have to make that decision to let them go, but sometimes it is the kindest thing we can do for them. Sure will leave a hole in your heart though...they become such an important part of our daily lives that we can't help but feel forever changed, and somehow less. :( He sure did bless you for a long time though, didn't he? Such a handsome fellow!! What would we ever do without our beloved dogs? I'm so glad you had him as part of your family Arlene...may he rest in peace now. Big hugs from one who understands your loss...

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    1. Thanks so much. He was a big part of our lives and much loved. He will always be remembered with smiles for just being him.

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  23. What a beautiful boy he was and how lucky you were to have each other. It looks as if he had a wonderful life with you. That is the greatest gift you can ever give an animal, and the greatest gift God can give you--to be able to share your love. Run free, Murphy and hide your food from the other angels just for fun.

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  24. Thank you Jean. He was the best.

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  25. I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your sweet dog, Murphy!!! What a precious boy he was--and your best friend, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you through what I know from experience is a very hard time.

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  26. SO sorry for your loss of Murphy. The video is beautiful. He was loved.

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    1. Thanks Tammy. He was a sweet heart and much loved.

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  27. Oh, I'm so sorry. He was gorgeous. You loved him very much and it made me chuckle about him hiding the food. Dogs are somethin'. I know you will miss him but you did the right thing. Hard for you. Right for him. That is true love.

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I miss him he was such a sweetheart.

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