MEMORIES OF MURPHY AND HER STORY

1992 was a special year for me, having just met Murphy at a pet store in Sydney.

It was love at first sight when I saw this little ball of fluff, with the longest tongue I had ever seen. The moment she jumped up at me, she was mine. I remember she came with a free vet check at our unit a few days later (photo below).  I still remember this vet telling me I should take her back and get a new puppy, because Murphy had a heart murmur, which might have meant a short life span. Was she kidding….it was way past being just another dog. My Husband who had never had a pet, also fell madly for this little gem. She was our first born baby, and made our home very happy. She had a beautiful nature, and was the most loving dog one could imagine!

Murphy slept under my arm, in my bed from day one...where she remained until the night before I lost her.

In 1994, my beautiful son Christopher was born. We even took Murphy to the hospital to meet him (outside of course). From day one Murphy laid under Chris’ cot, and would run out and find us when he woke. They grew up beautifully together. Murphy could be pulled and tugged at by this little kid and was never concerned. They grew up together, travelled in the car together, went to the beach etc. You will see from these photos, all my Christmas cards were photos of Christopher and Murphy together.

When Murphy was on heat, I didn’t know how to let her stay in the house, while not destroying the furniture. You will see in one of my photos, we eventually bought her a pair of baby pilchers, and just cut a whole out for her tail. We did not want to get her desexed, in case she didn’t survive the operation as a result of this heart murmur, which vets could still hear when they examined her.

In January 2002, I remember noticing a tiny lump on Murf’s belly, so off to the vet I went. I went to a local vet on the northern beaches, and remember vividly some young vet saying “ she has breast cancer, you may as well just get rid of her and go get another puppy now. Clearly its your fault for not getting her desexed. Everyone knows not getting a dog desexed increases the likelihood of them developing breast cancer.” To say I was stunned was an understatement. I grabbed my dog and came home, but was too distressed to tell my family what was wrong. How rude and uncaring could a vet be. Clearly I didn’t know that breast cancer could be a consequence of not having her desexed. The only reason I didn’t get her desexed wasI considered the risk unecessary given her heart condition. No one ever told us that not having a female dog desexed, increases the chances of her developing any form of cancer, or it would have been done in a heart beat. Vets, like many doctors, have a lot to learn about dealing with people, and I have been amazed at the number of vets, over the years, who seem to lack a love of animals. You would think it should go hand in hand. It goes to show, that choosing the right vet is so important. This vet made me believe right there that the dog should be put down. Interestingly, we had the same experience with our cat Bandit….another vet on the northern beaches told me to put him down that day, but he lived for around 2 years after that. Hope you like the last photo below of Murphy and Bandit together !

Anyway...when I calmed down, I started to ask around, and was referred to a brilliant vet at Baulkham Hills, Dr Lindsay Hay. Immediately after I spoke to him, Lindsay faxed me through numerous information sheets on breast cancer in dogs, and assured me it was possible for her to survive. Which she did! They operated and she was fine after that. Our new vet was now a 40 minute drive away, and well worth the drive.Lindsay took great care of Murphy and we were, and always will be, eternally greatful for the care he gave her. Murphy, and all my pets, were constantly checked by Lindsay after that.

It was at this stage that we decided Murf would perhaps like a companion, so I went back to the very same pet shop where he had got Murphy and met Eddie. The Eddie Murphy partnership was born, and from day one, Eddie never left Murphy’s side. We hope you like the photo's of them together.

In 2005 Murphy was diagnosed with liver cancer and we knew our time with her was drawing to a close. I was, and still remain heartbroken. I spent ever minute I could with her before she seccumbed to the disease. I would say I was fortunate in that I never had to make the decision to put her down. Murphy was never in pain and she chose when it was time to leave. Suffice to say our bond was so close I knew when it was time. I shut my bedroom door, she jumped into my arms, kissed my face and then passed away in my arms.

I lost Bandit in 2005 also. It was a tough year!

When I realised I was going to lose Murf, I went in search of a casket worthy of her final resting place. The lack of anything that I thought was suitable is the reason this site now exists.

Only my family and those close to me who knew the relationship I had with this dog could ever understand how shattered I was and how sadder my life is for not having Murphy with me. I miss her daily , but hope this site will help keep her memory alive.

This site is dedicated to my Murphy. Until we meet again at Rainbow Bridge!!!!     

I miss you Murf

“If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk up there to heaven and bring you home again"

 I hope you enjoy this slideshow of my memories of Murphy !!

Debbie

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