An Update on Murphy

Poor Murphy!  He doesn't show up much here at all anymore on this blog.  He is our neglected furry child.  Before Landon, he was the center of our universe and now that Landon is here, Murph has taken 2nd wheel, but he has taken it really well.  It is just natural for the furry child to get less attention when a human baby comes.  

I decided I would dedicate a post to Murph and give you an update on how he is doing.  A few years ago I wrote THIS post explaining Murphy's elbow dysplasia.  Murphy gets a shot each month to help him manage pain and discomfort.  We can tell when he is due for a shot because his little - or rather big - front paws shake when he applies pressure to them.  We have noticed that his back legs shake a little now, too, and we think it is the arthritis that he has.  Murph doesn't let this slow him down one bit though.  He is as crazy and full of energy as ever!

Landon is IN LOVE with Murphy and Murphy is growing more fond of Landon as he gets older.  Murphy doesn't really tolerate too much petting from Landon.  He always walks away.  I think in a few years that they will be the best of friends.

Murphy is in need of new toys.  He has ruined all of his old toys.  We don't give Murphy a lot of extra treats anymore because we have to be extra careful with his weight.  He cannot get overweight as that would make the elbow dysplasia worse.

Other than that, Murphy has been spending a lot of time indoors because of the heat.  Unfortunately not upstairs, but in his little room in the basement.  Murphy very much enjoys being petted, walks, fresh drinks from the faucet, and standing in Landon's little pool.

We are so lucky to have such a great dog.  He is the best!  Even though he has to share our attention with the little man, we still love him to pieces and can't imagine our family without him in it.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.  ~Roger Caras