Murphy the Mighty
Rescue Ends Owner’s 30-Year Doggie Drought
By Camp Bow Wow
She’s got a new man in her life. A furry family member, that is. Murphy, a 14-pound, rescue dachshund/terrier mix now brings laughter and companionship to a recent widow. The cutie’s a dead ringer for the pup on the cover of vintage Little Golden Book, Mister Dog - all he needs is a straw hat and a bow tie!
Twinkle had been missing out on puppy love for the past 30 years, as her husband was not a dog lover. But in the space of five weeks this spring, Twinkle’s household dropped from three to one, as she lost both her husband of 55 years and his 90-year-old brother who lived with them. The sudden change left her home much quieter than it had been.
Twinkle’s three children and seven grands were all in alliance in her quest to fill the house with the patter of doggie feet. In fact, they began texting and emailing Twinkle with potential selections from shelters just two weeks after the funeral. They received an alert from the Humane Society even before Murphy’s picture was posted on the website. Although the shelter’s opening hour was listed as noon, Twinkle’s daughter called to inquire, and when they found out Murphy was available, a delegation drove down immediately to claim him.
Because he was in such demand, the Humane Society deemed him an “Ambassador Dog” and raised his adoption fee from $50 to $150, which included neutering, microchipping and Murphy’s first round of shots. Twinkle said, “at that point, I didn’t care about the cost! He was so cute in the playroom, and I could tell he had a great personality.” The family knew he had not been on the streets long, because he was well mannered and accustomed to people.
Not only did Murphy win over Twinkle’s heart in the cuteness department, he fit her other criteria of being small, snuggly, non-shedding, potty trained and a younger dog. She’s found he loves car rides and sparks many conversations when he joins her at HEB and Home Depot. Twinkle’s discovered how to use the baby seat straps in a shopping cart to secure his harness while she unloads her purchases.
It took Murphy three weeks after making his home with Twinkle to find his bark, she reported, but now he even growls when the doorbell rings on TV. He loves to pad quietly around his new digs, hop up in Twinkle’s lap or curl on the floor at her feet. His favorite treat is to share her white cheddar popcorn. Twinkle says he entertains her and gets her moving, as she takes him on walks in the neighborhood. He even rode in the basket of her new three-wheel tricycle. The only thing that scares him is the garden hose. He hides behind a tree when Twinkle waters her plants.
When asked what she enjoys most about having a canine companion again, Twinkle replied that she loves the peace and comfort she feels when Murphy snuggles up next to her - similar to the sweetness of holding a sleeping baby.
After decades of relocating during her husband’s naval career (17 moves in 31 years) Twinkle’s looking forward to spending her retirement years in one place with her furry family member by her side.
