Guinness...It's not a sister - it's a brother!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm totally in shock right now.....but sooo happy. Guinness will be getting a new "baby brother" tomorrow. We're heading to Lynne's tomorrow morning to adopt our new "Irish bundle". He's 10 weeks old and absolutely adorable. Karen calls this "Irish magic", and she's so right. As you know, this has been an absolutely crazy week for us. First losing Izzy (and knowing she's probably back with the family that neglected her so badly), then the news about Guinness's lab results (although I firmly believe this will all be fine). I was at a low point yesterday, and then the magic all started to happen. Guinness's DRC "fairy godmothers" were busy, and last night we heard that there was a puppy for us....a little Irish Dood named Murphy! Can you even believe it? Life never ceases to amaze me. This DK family is beyond words...Jacquie, Lynne, Karen, Adrianne, everyone! We are so lucky to have you. Murphy is a small standard, so he will be quite a bit bigger than Guinness. It's going to be funny to watch, because Guinness will be the "big guy" for the first month or so, and then before he even knows what's happening he'll be looking up at his brother. We're taking Guinness with us on the "Welcome Murphy Road Trip". I'll give him his "carsick" meds (I really hope they work), pack the car, and off to NJ. My plan is to sit in the back seat with the Doods. It should be very interesting. I can only imagine how excited Guinness will be. My DH has been totally amazing about this whole thing...he's ready to do this "puppy thing" again, although he didn't sleep a wink last night. He is a keeper!
I do feel really bad for Murphy's first owner. She had a severe allergic reaction to her puppy, and had to give him up. I will keep her posted on his progress and send her pictures. I can't even imagine how heartbroken she must be.
I'm off to Petco today to get the car harnesses. Guinness had been crated in the past, but that won't work now that he has a brother. I also need to get a few "special surprises" for the new "baby". Then to the feed store to get the puppy food. He's too young to be fully on home cooking.
Wednesday is Guinness's first birthday. Can you imagine a better present? We're having a little party with the grandkids....a welcome home celebration for Murphy and a birthday bash for Guinness.
I will take lots of pictures tomorrow. I'm sure there will be many exciting things to report. It's supposed to be a beautiful week here in CT....great housebreaking weather. The baby gates are ready to go. Right now it feels like thousands of butterflies in my stomach. I'm so excited, and a little nervous. I want everything to be perfect. I can't wait to hold my new little guy. More to come.....

[Donna K & Quincy]

Congratulations guys. Have a great trip. Looking forward to lots of puppy stories and pictures. Happy birthday to Guinness. Murphy also looks a bit like Quincy as a pup. Here he is at 12 weeks.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Told you so!!!!!

[Karen & Lucy]

How wonderful, CONGRATULATIONS

[Patty]

Oh how I love a happy ending! Here's to another brought to us by DRC!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What is his history?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Well..... if you can't choose another ale, Murphy is perfect!

[Linda and Murphy]

Congrats Jane and Guinness. Murphy is a great name..and he is one good looking little dood!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you, Auntie Karen. I was actually at the feed store and Petco. Guinness and Murphy now have kelly green collars. Guinness's has little paw prints and Murphy's has little purple hearts. Guinness thought those hearts made him look like a geek so he wouldn't let me get that one for him. Murphy is just a baby so he can get away with not being quite as "macho" as Guinness. We've got the crate all cozy for "Murph" (my son insists that is his name), and we now have two of all the favorite toys. I went with the Orijen puppy food until he is old enough for home cooking. I hope Guinness doesn't tease him about how he has dog food and Guinness has "real people" food. I'll feed them at opposite ends of the kitchen and hope Murphy doesn't catch on....it might be tough because Guinness's food smells pretty awesome. So I think we're as ready as we can be. Aunt Lynne reports that Murphy had a great night and woke up with a dry crate. He's doing all is pees and poops outside...what a good boy. So that's it for now. I really hope we can sleep tonight....tomorrow is a big day - huge day!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since I'm sure jane is out exchanging pink for blue (or green?), here's Murph's photo again:

[shelly]

WOW,Jane!!! I am so happy for you! Life just never ceases to amaze me. I truly believe that things work out the way they are supposed to! It's like someone knew what was coming.... a "MURPHY" - just so unbelievably magical! Congratulations! Can't wait to see more pictures!!! You certainly have the "luck of the Irish" with you!