Even in a sound sleep, Murphy hears all. Mary Beth got out the carrot peeler.
We will be losing Murphy’s companionship at some point in the too near future. We were told that he has cancer in early October and that the prognosis was for a few weeks or months. We are treasuring every day with him. Some days, mostly late afternoon and evening, are not so good for him, but others are typical happy beagle time. We worry when he doesn’t feel like eating…who with a beagle would not?…but so far a good night’s sleep has seen a rebound. He sleeps in the bed with me and rests his head on the pillow next to mine.
I will probably share a picture of him now and then, but the blog will not get maudlin. We are just enjoying every day with Murphy. He’s already outlived two bins full of kibble. 🙂
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I’m so sorry Steve. That is indeed very difficult. My best to Murphy, you and your family.
James
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Thank you, James.
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I had a dog named Murphy when I was a little kid, and I know well the feelings that come with old dogs. I’m glad you’re still having some happy beagle time. There’s nothing quite like a dog for sorrow, but there’s also nothing like a dog for joy.
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Thanks, Jackson. We are on bonus time and very thankful for having these days.
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Such a lovely expression. Must be a kind dog.
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Thanks, Bente. He has a feisty side, but has mellowed.
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Steve, so sorry to hear about Murphy. Dogs are such wonderful members of the family. It’s hard say goodbye.
We still miss CJ our Wheaton after several years. We enjoy remembering CJ stories together.
Enjoy the time you have left with him.
Rod
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It is very hard indeed, Rod. We had dogs while my brother and I grew up and my parents had a couple as empty nesters. I remember them all as you do CJ. Thank you.
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I’m sorry to learn of Murphy’s ill health and prognosis. I know it won’t help, and may even offend, but I always tell Joanna that if you’re going to have animals, you’re going to lose them from time-time. It’s one of those realities that we all must face when we chose to live with animals, whether pets or livestock. We lost our patriarchal Anatolian, Argus, just before we left for the Switzerland trip. It was time, and he and we knew it. There’s a look they get in their eyes that tells you that they are ready. In the photo Murphy still looks as though he’s got some life and fight in him yet – here’s to many good days still. He looks to be quite elderly … how old is he? Several year ago we lost our hardest-working Anatolian, Sophie, to osteosarcoma. She had just turned seven. We still miss her. Hang in there and be strong for both Murphy and Mary Beth when the time comes. Joanna and I will be thinking of you all.
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No offense or misunderstanding at all, David. It’s something that we accept with full knowledge. Murphy is our third since Mary Beth and I are together and each time is different with joys and sorrows. I think Mary Beth may end up the stronger.
I read a collection of E.B. White essays several years back and one in particular stayed with me. He was at an age where previously he always expected to outlive his dogs but the one he had at the time of writing would reverse the trend. I think we should all be assigned a dog at birth to accompany us through life.
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They are, in more ways than I like to admit, like our children. I know. And, it’s always something (as it is with kids). We never have worried about the ‘working’ dogs as they are out 24/7 … today’s concern is with Darcy, Joanna’s Keeshond, who is very much an indoor creature. We have to be away and it’s only 5F out at the moment. He wouldn’t be comfortable in the house for the day … and he wouldn’t be comfortable on pasture either. So, we leave him in the barn … and will worry all day long. This is what makes us old. Hang in there … and please give Murphy a pat, special from me.
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Quite true, David. We never had children, so our dogs have been as our kids. Losing them is a pain almost unbearable and I cannot imagine what the loss of a child must be like for the unfortunate people who must experience that.
Our dogs have always been most comfortable in the house. Murphy has been alone for anywhere from 8-10 hours with no problem. His control has always been a wonder.
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He is the picture of nobility, Steve, a dog to whom we should all look up. A deserving cause for another bin of kibble.
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I am looking forward to another bin for him, Andrew. Of course, we have no idea what he is feeling or thinking, but he is dealing with this in a most noble way.
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Sweet,sweet Murphy. He’s a treasure for sure. That’s a perfect picture of him. I hope he keeps on keeping on for as long as he is alert, earting, and not in pain. The photo is the epitome of a gentle dog. There is no dog like a beagle.
Thanks for posting a picture of little Murphy.
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He is such a sweet little guy for sure, Yvonne. He is quite devoted to us, following from room to room, hating to be alone.
He does have his moments of discomfort, but for now they are in the minority.
We do treasure him very much. I am sure that I will post a few more.
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Good. I’d like to see more.
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Give Murphy a pat and rub around those ears. We had a beagle when I was a kid. Her name was Peggy.
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I will, Jim. If it’s possible, he is getting even more attention than before and he has always received a lot.
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What a fine-looking fellow Murphy is. I’m glad you’ve had some extra time with him, and I hope there’s much more. He’s lucky to have people who care for him as you do. I know you’ll do the best thing for him, just as you have over these many years.
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He is a handsome guy, isn’t he? We are most thankful for the extra days beyond what his vet expected. We have done our best to give him the home he deserves. Thanks, Linda.
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Steve, this is very, very sad news. I am so sorry. This is the hardest part about loving animals and keeping pets, the saying goodbye. Your beautiful Murphy has led a charmed and happy life with you and Mary Beth and he knows how much you love and care for him and how much he shall be missed. The Great Kennel in the Sky may be beckoning, but you will always have your happy memories and the comfort of knowing that you gave him the best life possible. Big Hugs to you all xx
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Thank you, Lottie. It is the hardest part and inevitable. We always know it waits in the future. We have been through this twice before and those experiences don’t make it any easier. They do tell us we’ll survive the loss although they do always remain with us. We buried Cassie’s ashes in the backyard, but kept Dixie’s to be mixed and spread with ours when that time comes. Of course, Murphy’s will sit on the shelf next to Dixie’s until that day.
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Oh, this hurts, doesn’t it? I’m glad you have a little more time with Murphy, and touched that you would share this with us. Hugs!
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I am not sure how these things evolve, but it sure does seem to get worse each time. I have always been very close to my doggies. They sleep by my side….even when I fall asleep in my chair, Murphy has been there snoring with me.
It feels natural to share this here, Melissa. I feel a comfortable friendship with you and everyone who shares their time and comments. Thanks.
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