Guest neenieca Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 It breaks my heart to post that I put Murphy to sleep on Monday night, just a month and two days after he started showing signs of hind end failure. In the end, the muscles in his rear legs had deteriorated to nothing, and he couldn’t stand or walk on his own; he stopped using his front legs, too. We still don’t really even know what was wrong with him, but it was clear that the meds given to treat a possible diagnosis of meningitis weren’t working, and that it was time to let him go. I sent him off with all the love and cheesecake I could manage. Mr. Murphy Moo was extraordinary. He was exactly what I wanted: the biggest, blackest, mellowest male greyhound we could find. He ran with grace and elegance, though rarely at the top speed that I knew he could reach. He slept hard and long. He ate happily, slowly, and with more drool than I ever thought possible. He would lick his space clean after every meal, following my finger if I pointed out that he missed a spot. (That always made me laugh. So thorough!) He welcomed me home with joy – a happy tail wag and complete patience while I set my things down, and then he plastered himself to me, following me, loving me, rubbing his great big head against me like a cat. I can’t even tell you how much I’ll miss that. Few things have ever made me feel so appreciated. Murph wasn’t always big on playing with toys, mostly because he knew that all of them belonged to Penny first, but when he did play, it was usually with his giant bunny. He would shake it so fiercely I thought that bunny would fall apart. He loved the water, too, and his crazy zoomies, in the house and in the yard, included 95 lbs of crouching black silliness. Such joy…such joy. Murphy was quite a singer. We would usually play a video of a greyhound rooing to get him going, and he would croon along with such soul, such devotion! It was hilarious and awe-inspiring at the same time. He rarely barked, but I have to say, I bust my buttons when he did, because it was SO loud, SO fierce, SO impressive. That’s MY Murphy doing that! And of course, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was terrible at nesting and roaching alike, and he knew it, but that didn’t keep him from trying. He successfully roached for a long period of time only once, with the aid of the sofa back, and the look on his face when I moved to rub his belly was incredulous: “I didn’t know that you got BELLY RUBS when you roached!” Silly Moo; of COURSE there are belly rubs. Murphy’s favorite thing was food, but I’d say his second favorite was ear rubs. His eargasms were deep, throaty groans that always brought a smile to my face. Such a simple pleasure; so sweet the way he pressed his head into my hand as I rubbed each ear. His third favorite would be a tie between lying on my bed, or lying in the sun…both equally fine pastimes in which he indulged with great gusto. Digging, with his paws (front and back!) and with his nose, was another favorite hobby of Murph’s. Oh to wipe the dirt off of that nosie one more time… My Penny-girl loves me fiercely, but let’s say that she’s a little high-maintenance. Demanding, even. But Murphy? Murphy asked for nothing. Ever. But it was certainly my great joy to give to him, as much as I could. How do you summarize a dog that touched your heart so much, in just a few paragraphs? It’s insufficient, insulting even. I’ll never be able to express just how much he gave to me. How fulfilling it was to love him. How much joy I found in watching him settle into his retirement with wonder, grace, and contentment. But I didn’t get enough time with him: not even two years. I hate whatever it was that took him from us. But I’m so very honored that I got to spend even a little time with that beautiful boy. Alex, Penny and I miss you with all our hearts, Murphy Moo. Run free, sweet boy. You are so very, very loved. Murphy's Photo Gallery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Sounds like he was quite the guy...your tribute to Murphy was awesome. I am so sorry. Rest well big boy. Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I am so sorry. What a handsome boy. I can feel your loss in the words of the beautiful tribute to your boy. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 My heart goes out to you. I too can feel your loss, and your love, in your words. What wonderful company he was to you, and you to him. Godspeed, special boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing the wonders of this special pup. I love the expressions on his face, so warm and cheerful. I can see why he touched you so. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 What a beautiful tribute. I am so very sorry. Quote Pam with Sockem the GH, Birdie the JRT, Osorno the chocolate lab, and Shelby the shepherd mix. Missing Clarice (1991-2007) and Lily (2004-2012), always in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I'm so sorry you lost your best boy. What a heart warming tribute you wrote. He will live on forever in your heart, just a whisper away in spirit. Godspeed, sweet Murphy Moo... Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I'm so sorry Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 So sorry for your loss. What a handsome fellow he was. And your tribute was just wonderful -- he must have known great joy and love with you. What a lucky guy he was. So loved and so missed. Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I am heartbroken for you. Murphy left much much too soon. Your precious boy shared some characteristics with his Mom--my Piper--including those eargasms, but the biggest and best way they were alike is that they touched us so deeply. And neither stayed nearly long enough. Godspeed Murphy. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scouts_mom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Thank you for telling us about your Murphy. I feel like I knew him and he was a wonderful boy. I am so sorry he had to leave. Hugs to your family and Penny. Run fast and painfree, Murphy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zoolaine Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I'm sorry run free sweetie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Such a beautiful boy......I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fargosmom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I'm so very sorry about Mr. Moo. We really miss the weekend play-dates - Cosmo especially misses romping with your big guy. They're never with us long enough, no matter how much time we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fargosmom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I'm so very sorry about Mr. Moo. We really miss the weekend play-dates - Cosmo especially misses romping with your big guy. They're never with us long enough, no matter how much time we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 :f_red Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful boy. I too can feel the love in your tribute. There is something awe inspiring in those big, goofy, undemanding, loving, steady as a rock boys that soothes our souls. Run with the angels sweet Murphy Moo, you are with some of the very very best ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Murphy Moo you were so loved and are surley missed. I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Your tribute for your wonderful Mr. Murphy Moo was perfect. I feel like I have met him. I am so very sorry for your loss. He left you much too soon. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. God speed, Moo. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 we are very sorry for your loss. he was a beautiful boy. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I am so sorry that your precious Murphy Moo had to go. He was such a handsome hound with an awesome personality. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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