The Bunny Slayer

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Well, almost. The other day I caught Murphy with a baby bunny in his mouth (through his muzzle, nonetheless) after I had just let him outside for a potty break. I just happened to walk back out at that very moment. I immediately screamed "drop it" and well, being the well trained Greyhound that he is, he did exactly that. They bunny scurried off to the nearest tree and as far as I can tell, he survived. Whew, close call!

Honestly, if you were a bunny couple looking to set up house somewhere, why would you choose the backyard belonging to many Greyhounds? Exactly my point.

In true Greyhound fashion, Murphy hasn't forgotten the bunny incident and every time I let him out, he faithfully goes back to the stack of tree branches to see if it may magically produce more baby bunnies so that he can course them in the backyard. Ha! Ha! He is so funny.

Improving Every Day

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Murphy is making remarkable strides in his recovery from the spinal infection. We are weaning him from the Prednisone, little by little. He seems to be tolerating that well and is making improvements every day. It's a slow process but he'll be fine when it's all said and done.

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He did get to go on a little field trip recently, well, actually two! No, three! Yes, he's the man about town with a schedule to adhere to and a chauffeur to get him around (that would be me).

The first little field trip was his first meet and greet appearance at Woofstock the first of May. Wow, and what a good time he had and what a crowd pleaser he is. It was humid and warm that day, hence why his tongue is falling out of his mouth. But, he absolutely loved meeting and greeting the folks and they loved him. I will even venture to say when he is 100% recovered and in his adoptive home, he would likely be a very good pet therapy Greyhound. He LOVES people!!

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So, the second field trip was a road trip to the prison to see his friends there, especially Ms. Lane who took such good care of him getting him back and forth from the vet's office when he was there. Everyone loved seeing him! He is really such a lovable guy and is always happy! There is not a mean bone in his body. Oh, while he was visiting the prison that day, he enjoyed a spa day getting a much needed bath, ear cleaning, and nail trim! It was like going to Oz!!

On the way back, we stopped at Culver's for lunch and, of course, a few pup cups for the pups!! Murphy loved his and I must admit, it was his first. I have yet to find anything he won't eat!

His third field trip? Why, to see his neurosurgeon. It was his last visit as he discharged him! YES! So happy about that. Now, as I said before, it's just a matter of weaning him off the Prednisone in a slow but deliberate method and getting him back into shape.

We're in the home stretch!!

Murphy the Wonder Dog

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Is that not a face to love on? This is dear, sweet Murphy. Murphy was recently in our prison program, graduating with his fellow classmates on April 5th. He knows all his commands except sit and I suspect can be taught that one in a pinch. He is really smart.

Unfortunately though, while there, he began having issues with mobility. He was seen by a vet in the area and prescribed Tramadol for pain and Prednisone. He held his own for a few weeks but then began declining after the Prednisone was gone. Back to the vet for another round, until we could get him back to Atlanta to be seen by a specialist.

He was seen by Dr. Ronald Johnson at BluePearl Veterinary Partners the Monday after his return to Atlanta. An MRI and a spinal tap was conducted. The findings were consistent with Meningomyelitis refers to the more serious condition where the protective meninges and the nerves themselves are inflamed. The root cause is unknown.

Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/meningomyelitis

Murphy was prescribed a two week course of two antibiotics, along with Gabapentin, and a high dosage of Prednisone. He has finished the antibiotics and the Gapapentin and the Prednisone has been decreased to just 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening.

We have a follow-up appointment Wednesday with Dr. Johnson. I'm hoping he'll decrease the Prednisone a bit further and eventually Murphy will be off it entirely.

But he is doing so much better! He is starting to play with toys and this morning was on his back in the Slumberball with all four legs in the air, wriggling around rubbing his back (I think) on the bed. Just a happy boy who loves his people, his Greyhounds, and life.

Murphy will be making his first Meet and Greet appearance on Saturday at Woofstock in Suwanee. Come and meet him in person! Hope to see you there!

One Snout Massage, Please!

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Murphy's trainer has been taking very good care of him this past week and says that he is such a great dog and is probably the sweetest, most outgoing Greyhound that has come through the Second Chance doors. He has not only won over his trainer's heart, but he has won over the hearts of the other guys in the dorm and the staff members as well. Whenever Murphy and his trainer are walking out for potty breaks, the officers always tell Murphy hello and ask how he's doing. 

One of Murphy's favorite pastimes is getting his face rubbed. He'll just lay there with his eyes closed  while his trainer rubs on his snout and the top of his head. Murphy will win over his new family just like he's won over all of the guys at the program. Time for a snout massage! 

Extraordinary Hound

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Murphy’s inmate trainer writes:  When you think of the term “best friend” who comes to mind?  Is it a person you’ve known your whole life?  A co-worker?  A wife or husband?  Maybe, just maybe, you’re lucky enough to have a long list of people you consider your best friend.  Well, my best friend is a remarkable greyhound named Murphy.  When I first met Murphy he was the star of the show.  He never met a stranger and was quick to give everyone the chance to love on him as he pranced around making his rounds.  If you’re lucky enough to be one of his chosen favorites he would grace you with a kiss!

Recently things have changed for sweet Murphy.  He may have a pinched nerve or a dislocated disc and may benefit from chiropractic care.  He'll be seeing a neurologist very soon so hopefully a diagnosis will be made and treatment will commence.  He will soon be all better!

Is there a family out there who is willing to help Murphy?  He’s a wonderful boy who deserves a second chance.  A chance to know that he’s loved and someone cares enough to give him the help he needs.  Can you open your heart to this amazing boy? 

Endless Unconditional Love

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Once in a blue moon a dog will come along that has the spectacular ability to enrich your life with their endless unconditional love.  Murphy is that dog.  From his expressive eyebrows that allow you to read his face like a book; to his wagging tongue that seems to be made especially for giving you heart felt kisses.  Murphy is all that and more...

Murphy's training is going great!  He has taken a shine to the treat bag and when his trainer breaks it out, he is all about going to work. He knows all of his commands well and most of them with verbal cues and hand signals.   If you really want to see him light up, break out the toys.  His love for all things that squeak has grown so much, that his trainer is thinking about enrolling him into some type of 12 step treatment program for those addicted to squeaky toys.  His trainer enjoys watching him play with them so much, that he can't help but feed Murphy's addiction.  Ok...  So maybe Murphy and his trainer need to go get help together.  LOL  It's all about teamwork and supporting one another at the SCG Center for higher learning.  Till next week.  

#SqueakersAnonymous

Retirement Life Is Sweet!

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Hi ya'll!  This is Murphy coming to you live from the S.C.G. Center for higher learning's top secret "forever home" training center.  At first I wasn't sure about life past racing track star, but I have to say life here is pretty darn sweet!  The people here are way cool  They all seem to have this intense inner desire to pet and love on me... Form a line people!  I'm thinking it's my self-assured aura that draws them in or maybe it's my handsome face.  Either way, who am I to deny these people the opportunity to touch greatness?

I have a couple of new best friends/trainers who are nice enough to show me the ropes around here.  Right now I am learning to jump up onto things.  I jumped up on my trainer's bed.  He said something about jumping, so I did.  I guess that wasn't what he had in mind for me.  I did make up for it, by giving him a lick to his face.  He has a nice bed, by the way.

So to sum it up, I'm having the time of my life and look forward to the day I meet my "forever family"...  I hope they have nice beds as well and love licks to the face.    Murphy out...until next week.

Feature Length Long Boy!

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Even though Valentine's Day is behind us, the budding bromance between Murphy and his trainer continues to blossom, and in fact is in full bloom. His goofy, natural loving personality has his trainer questioning if he has ever really experienced true love. Sorry Mom! And character? Don't even get us started! Murphy has so much character that his trainer is expecting Steven Spielberg to call any day now demanding Murphy star in his next big hit. We picture the title simply being "Murphy." It's a hilarious and entertaining tale of one special dog's magical journey through life. Call me, Mr. Spielberg - we'll do lunch. 

Training is still going well. He is improving every day.  He knows hurry, let's go, kennel, release, wait, and heel well, but needs improvement on here, sit, down, stay, bed and jump.  No worries.  He'll have them all figured out in no time.  Murphy lives for playtime, which only comes after going through his commands.  After all, one must work before one can play. His new favorite pastime is the jolly ball. The jolly ball is about the size of a soccer ball and Murphy loves it! David Beckham, eat your heart out! He'll push it then paw it, moving it all around and just when you think he's done, he will attack it with a pounce so fierce would approve. Hands down, he is the coolest dog of all time. Period!

Turkey, Turkey

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Murphy has become quite the shining star of the program.  His days are spent meeting and greeting anyone and everyone as if he's a car salesman and it's his life's mission to make you happy and put you behind the wheel of your dream car today!  You know the kind of guy I'm talking about!  Murphy is just a giver like that.  What a guy!  It's that genuine loving personality and handsome face that has led his trainer to believe Murphy is redefining what it means to be "man's best friend".  His trainer absolutely loves him!

Murphy's training is going great now that they have found his favorite reward which is.... a stuffed turkey with rope legs.  Go figure!  He goes nuts over it, launching it in the air over and over again.  He will do anything for a turkey, which in turn makes for quality training.  He's doing good in that department.   Till next week.....     #TurkeyMurphy.

Love is in the Air!

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Well people, it's official! Cupid's arrow has hit its mark, and Murphy's trainer is head over heels for this lovable, lengthy boy. Here's how it happened - while playing earlier this week, Murphy suddenly stopped what he was doing and laid his head in his trainer's lap. He proceeded to nuzzle him until his trainer rubbed his face, and then Murphy let out a sigh of such complete contentment that at that moment, his trainer fell in love. It was as if he had been granted a sneak peek of what heaven must feel like! To describe it any more would just cheapen the moment. 

Training is going great! Murphy has improved so much on his leash walking skills and is starting to learn to "down" and be calm before getting something he wants, such as food or a toy. Hey, life has boundaries for everyone! Even if he is a rebel at heart, that does not mean he can't act like a proper gentleman.

Murphy pulled for the Eagles during the superbowl because he said he thought they looked tasty. He also thinks that a greyhound would make a far better mascot than an eagle or a patriot - after all, greyhounds are the fastest, most handsome dogs on earth! To be honest, we find ourselves agreeing with this little charmer. 

Saying Hello, With A Kiss

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Murphy’s inmate trainer says that when he first saw Murphy he was drawn to his seriously adorable face!  He looks like a cowboy from a western with a 5 o’clock shadow and confident swagger.  It may be that he will be the first Greyhound to take the cover of GQ Magazine.  Perhaps there should be a new hashtag… #GQMurphy.  

For the first official meeting Murphy’s trainer knelt down to greet Murphy and was rewarded with a gentle hello kiss on the cheek.  He says that Murphy is the kind of guy you can’t help but like.  

Training wise, Murphy is catching on quickly!  He’s already catching on to Let’s Go, Kennel, Wait, Heel and Bed!  It should be mentioned that he has true appreciation for a nice comfy bed and treats!  Murphy’s trainer says that he has no doubt that Murphy will master all his commands.