Shared by: Denise
Trabuco Canyon, California, USA
June 19, 2010 was one of the best days ever. I hadn't planned on getting a dog at the Irvine event, but was going to just take a look. I was walking around talking to people and petting the pups. I saw the German Shepherd Rescue and had to take a look. As a child growing up, both my aunt and uncle had shepherds and I loved them.
I started speaking with one of the volunteers, and out of the corner of my eye saw this white dog with the cutest ears and pink nose. I asked if I could pet him and of course she said yes. As I bent down he put his paws on my shoulder and gave me a kiss. He was definitely working me! I asked what his story was. She told me he had been picked up in Lancanster at a high kill shelter. He had been roaming around Lancaster for a while. She went on to tell me he had been adopted by a couple who had him for 3 months but then returned him to GSR. Their excuse was “we realized we weren’t dog people.” I’m not sure how you have an animal for 3 months and then return them. But I am thankful that there was clause in the adoption paperwork that you would return the dog back to them if it didn’t work out.
I asked if I could walk “Ajax” (his previous name) around the area. As we walked around he would try and say hello to everyone. He was so friendly. We stopped on a grassy hill and he just sat next to me with his head on my lap. Definitely still working it. He then rolled over for a belly rub - his favorite thing in the world, as I’d come to find out later. As I went to stand up, he kissed me again! If I wasn’t already in love with him, I certainly was then. We immediately went back and I said I wanted to adopt him. 30 minutes later we were on our way home.
I had nothing at home and he only came with his leash and few other items. So we trekked into Petsmart and bought a few things! I took him home and we got to know each other. We had to get him a new name. Ajax? I mean, I know he’s white, but really? So, being Irish, I had to come up with a good Irish name. After several suggestions from friends and family I decided on Murphy. He caught onto his name almost immediately and never looked back.
Murphy was 18 months old when I adopted him. He is my best friend, my son, my confidant, my love. He is accepting of everyone and still remains the friendliest pup around. When I met my husband, one of my first questions was, “How do you feel about dogs on the furniture?” Thankfully, he didn’t mind, and Murphy and Eric have become best buds.
This past week has been difficult. Murphy started acting different. He was trying to hide, crawling under the bed, panting, and trembling. This happened on and off for a few days. We have ruled out everything except a neurological problem. We are now trying to figure out if it is a dementia issue, or something more serious like seizures or a brain tumor. It’s hard to think of my sweet boy being afraid and not knowing what is going on. He’s been such an independent boy and to see him look at me with confusion is so hard.
As we enter this new phase, my hope is that he remains as happy as he’s been. He’s always had a twinkle in his eye, and I pray he has that until the very end. We never know how long we have with our furry kids, but no matter what, he will always be my love.
