Happy Birthday Big Murph!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My "big guy" turned four yesterday.  I kept thinking all day about the amazing journey he has taken us on....yes, quite a "ride".  I remember getting the "DRC call" telling us that he had been surrendered by his owners at 11 weeks. Karen and Jacquie knew that I had tried to adopt another "poodle mix" puppy from our local rescue but the dog was placed with a different family.  I was heartbroken...I had even bought a little pink puppy sweater.  It was a Friday night that the call came.  It was a "no brainer" except for the fact that he wasn't a mini...the Vet said he would be a medium.  Hmmmm.....a medium....don't think so.  We have some restrictions here at our condo complex, so even a medium was a bit of a stretch.  Well I asked DH and when he heard the puppy's name was Murphy, it was a definite YES....he belonged with us.

I fell so in love with this goofy puppy.  He had a few little issues, but I kept thinking he would just grow out of them.  On his first Vet visit he bit me, and she told me to get a really strong trainer, because he was going to need it.  I thought that was a total overreaction, but I did "enroll" him in a puppy class.  He did great in class and I thought he was going to be just fine....and he kept growing and growing. 

Here he is at this "baby stage".  Can you tell how in love I am????

He was absolutely adorable....he still is.   He started to show signs of being reactive, and so I really stepped up the training.  I went through three trainers and several "methods" during this stage.  He just kept getting worse.  There was the day when we were walking and he saw another dog that he didn't like and he dragged me on my stomach down the bike path.  My arms were all cut up.  Shortly after that he tried to attack a random jogger.  That's when I knew we needed a huge change and I talked to the Vet about trainers.  She recommended Ben, and he's worked with us ever since.  I've learned so much about myself through this training journey and Murph and I have developed a very special relationship.  He is totally bonded to me as I am to him.  I know when he's thinking before he does.  I can read his body language and know what he's feeling and how he will react.   He has made huge progress, but he still has issues and continues to need constant reinforcement.  When I'm not with him he reverts to old behaviors.  Last week with DH he jumped the fence of our condo dog park to chase a maintenance worker.   But just the weekend before that we had the grandkids here and he was amazing with them....calm and sweet and happy.  Just a year ago I would not have been able to trust him around the kids.  So there are ups and downs and there is still lots of work to do.  But he is SO worth it. 

So as I think of the past four years, I know that DH was right....he was meant for us (who else would have him..LOL).  Of course I do live in fear that at some point he will do something serious and we could lose him.  That incident with the condo worker could have been a disaster.  As it turns out he wanted to chase him and bark but he did not even try to bite him.  So I'm sticking with this guy....and we will keep training him and showing him that he's safe and loved.  Even Guinness has learned to love Murph which is amazing considering the way his big brother harasses him.  Happy Birthday  Murphy...I love you SO MUCH big guy!

[Ann ~Oliver & Rosie]

Happy Birthday Murphy!  Just like our kids, we love them unconditionally! He's found the best place on earth with you and Dave!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sue, Lily Grace is actually the ONLY dog that Murph has let into his home without a reaction....sure some of that was because Ben was here, but I think maybe he has a "crush" on her.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Carol...I'm so lucky that I've had so many DK friends to laugh and cry with me over these four years!

Aunt Karen, what would we do without you....and Murph says thank you SO much for bringing us together.  His coat does feel pretty awesome!

Nicky, Elizabeth and BG....thanks for the B-Day wishes.  BG, I was just thinking....Murph has been a major contributor to the Training Group. LOL

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday Murphy, you already got the best present ever, a family that loves you unconditionally.

[BG and Gavin]

Murphy has taught all of us so much. I think it was his destiny. So glad he found you Jane. Happy Birthday Murph. Be a good boy.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Happy Birthday big guy!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Happy Birthday dear Murphy, your escapades and trials and tribulations have me in awe of your Mom and Dad. I know that you are in the most wonderful home, have a great day and hey...no more chasing anyone even if it seems like fun.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Jane, he is in the very best place. I have seen this first hand, you and Dave are the very best. Ben too. He still is my favorite big - and I mean big - Doodle. Give him a hug from me and Lily Grace.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Happy Birthday, Murphy!  I miss you, "Mush"; I especially miss running my hands through that amazing coat of yours! I was so glad to hear that you were calm and sweet with your little niece and nephews, less pleased about the maintenance worker. One thing's for sure, you definitely keep life interesting! And there is not a doubt in my mind that you ended up with the best Mom in the universe!

Have a great day!

[Carol and Banjo]

Jane, Murphy hit the jackpot when he found you! We've laughed, cried and cheered for both of you. I remember this darling photo.....where has the time gone?! Happy birthday Big Murph!!!!!!