Murphy

Murphy Haehnel was born 6/30/05 and adopted 10/6/05, on Mike’s birthday. He died on Wednesday July 24, 2013.

Murphy, my little big dog.

This is the first morning after my little buddy Murphy went to the rainbow bridge. What a strange feeling with no four legged friends around, after 30 years of having at least one and most of the time two or three friends. Less than three months ago I lost my friend Mort. He was a great companion, always there for me and Murphy’s mentor. When Mort left, Murphy was lost but the bond between Murphy and me grew. I was with him most of the time. He loved to ride in the truck to get the mail, go to the bank or just go with me to do some work. Although he had been very sick with diabetes for the last year, he was a little trooper. He would let us check his blood sugars, put meds in his eyes, and get his shots, all with great cooperation on his part. The whole time his body started to fail him, he never showed anger or fear or pain. He cooperated until his final day. He was always there for me to talk to. A lesson to be learned from him is to accept the things I can’t change, change the things I can and accept the outcome. This is very hard sometimes.

I am sitting here, in Mort’s chair, (really mine as a gift) where he was always laying. To no avail, I would say “Mort get out of my chair” and of course then Murphy would jump up. After Mort’s passing, it became Murphy’s chair. So here I sit this morning, thanking God for the wonderful times I did have with my friend. Yet there is a quiet loneliness about the room. No more dog dishes, no blankets on the furniture. Nobody needing to go out, come in, get a drink or just be a pest. It makes a person think about how loving an animal can be. They gave me unconditional love, and were always there.

Murphy became my little helper, even though he never did much but supervise. Somehow there is a connection that makes us have these feelings for our little friends. The hardest part of having this bond is when we have to make that decision to break it. I had the power of life and death over Murphy. Did I make the right decision? I know I did, it hurts though to see them suffer, and it hurts to see them go.

There are memories of Murph and his interactions with some of the people who loved him: my Dad asked about Murphy every time I spoke with him, “how’s Murphy? How are his blood sugars?” Grandpa even shared his old insulin with Murphy. Murphy loved walking the trails, and he loved the people that walked with him including his friend Jenny and my wife, Joan. He also loved his friend and dog sitter, Kim.

When we first got Murphy, he would crawl in Joan’s purse or bag that she had, and go to work with her at the antique store. As time went on, of course he got bigger, but that never stopped him from trying to get a free ride. Even toward the end when walking, he would just stop and “had enough” so was asking us to “give him a ride. ” Joan would put him in a purse/ bag and carry him- or I would carry him too; He would always have a happy smile on his face, sit up and take it all in. I bet he was thinking “I have got it made.”

Hopefully the memories of this little fellow will live on with the grandkids who he loved dearly.

The quietness of this house is eerie. I expect something to start barking or need something, but no, it is all gone. Now only the memories of a little guy who never wanted anything but always gave his affection. I hope I can learn from him. Just give what I have to give and then accept what I get back as a bonus. I miss Mort and now Murphy. I feel sad; I know I will always have fond memories of my two buddies. While this chair rocks, the sound reminds me of their lives with us and what they brought to us. At the time, I didn’t possibly realize the things I learned from them. I hope I too can give as much love to others as they did to me. Rest in peace little buddy, I miss you. Dad. (Mike his Dad)

Murphy will be greatly missed by his dog parents, Trolley and Dolly, his remaining known dog siblings, Abby, Posey and Jack, and his human adoptive parents, Mike and Joan. He was also loved by his “kids and grandkids” and the other extended family dogs, including Mauer, Mazy and Miaya , his walking partner Jenny, and his dog sitter and special friend, Kim, as well as countless other relatives and friends.