A little while back I promised an update. Although he had a rough morning, Murphy is still hanging in there. He surprised his vet last week with how well he is doing and we are thankful for each additional day he shares with us. Murph still eats well, although he has lost his taste for peanut butter and Cheerios. Chicken and rice still is favored.
He loves sitting on the bow window sill or the window next to our bed and howling at every walker, jogger and passing pooch. We are known for beagles arooing from our windows. No UPS truck, trash hauler or ice cream truck can make it by without a serenade.
He does not like the camera and is a bit grumpy here. But it also may have been something he ate which we are hoping was the cause of his bad morning.
I did go out this morning. Teens and 20mph wind. I might share one of the images, but I am not sure they were worth being out in the cold. I think my dislike for the cold is overtaking my desire to make frozen water images. I may opt for Edward Weston’s advice that any image more than 50 yards or thereabouts from the car isn’t photogenic…only change it to any image below 50°. 🙂
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Good dog, Murph. Scritches to you. Tell Steve to take good care of you. Chicken is a good choice, btw.
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He is very well cared for and just a little spoiled too. 🙂
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I’m sure glad that Murphy is looking good. And, I hope that he continues for a long time to surprise his vet. The photo of him shows that he still is a handsome dog. Too funny about him howling at all passersby. I think it’s downright cute, Steve.
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Murphy has never liked strangers in the house or the neighborhood. When we walk him we need to keep distance between him and other dogs or people. It’s too bad because everyone who sees him loves him and thinks what you said…handsome. He’
s missed out on a lot of treats and scratches over the years.
All three of our beagles had the same behavior…the description of their howl as “Aroo” is quite apt.
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A quick correction…they all howled. Cassie and Dixie were much friendlier. 🙂
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Good news, and glad to hear!
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Thanks, Mark. Each day he is with us brings that much more joy.
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I’ve been thinking of him, and I’m glad he’s holding his own. He is a handsome dog, even with that grumpy expression. It’s entirely possible he’s as tired of winter as you are. I hope the weather straightens out soon, so he can get out and enjoy the spring himself.
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I think it is very true that he has just about had it with the cold and snow, Linda. Murphy does not like his feet getting wet and hates the wind. Combine that with winter’s cold and snow and you’ll most often find him curled up on the sofa dreaming of chasing squirrels and rabbits and chipmunks and the occasional bird in the backyard…or barking at the UPS guy.
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I didn’t know that Edward Weston was so reluctant to put himself out for the sake of a photograph. His works don’t give me that impression, and I imagine him—perhaps falsely— trekking all over parts of the California coast. On the other hand, if you’re on the California coast, you don’t need to go too far to find something photogenic.
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He supposedly did say that in a letter to AA although there is some debate as to the distance stated.
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I’m with you on the 50 degree rule! When I have enough money, I’m so outta here!!!
I’m so glad to see Murph is still with you.
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The 50° rule only applies at the end of winter. I have to admit that, despite my oft-stated dislike of the extreme cold, I look forward to the magic that the deep freeze brings to moving and falling water. It does get old quickly, though. 🙂
As nice as it would be to have year-round warmer temperatures, I can’t picture myself moving somewhere without the four seasons.
Thanks…we are thrilled to still have him here.
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Like a goose, I imprinted on mild weather that remains unchanging all year. I adore the spongy feel of a great, green drippy forest in fog. Also we didn’t have ticks. 🙂 I keep assuring my daughter that she’ll still see snow when she looks out at Mt. Rainier.
Rub his ears for me.
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I know a few folks who live near Rainier. Good choice. 🙂
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Do you? The are has changed so much from my college days, but I’m thinking a home on one of the islands would be quiet and removed enough.
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Bless him, what a wonderful hound. It’s SO good to hear that he’s still enjoying life and howling at the passers-by. There’s life in the old dog yet and that’s worth celebrating. Hope the weather cheers up soon – I bet you can’t wait for spring now 🙂
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Thanks, Lottie. Yes, we are all anticipating the return of spring.Murphy misses sitting in the sun on our deck in the back and chasing his nemeses from the woods out back. And he still runs from window to window in the bedroom and living room to keep a watch on the passers-by. It’s amazing how agile he remains and can still hop up onto the bed with ease.
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Murph surely looks like the quiet type in his photo. I’m glad he has been doing well. I’m sure he will welcome spring just as much as the rest of us. D
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95% of the time he is a quiet guy and a real affection hound. The other 5% he’s a howler. Absolutely…he will be thrilled with spring’s return.
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My continued best wishes for not just hanging in there but also for steady improvement go out to Murph. Beagles are very special, as are their songs. We are delighted when our patients surprise us by surpassing expectations. I’m in the midst of a crisis with our current foster dog, an English bulldog, and I hope to bring a report of favorable outcome within the next few days.
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Thank you for Murphy and for us as well, Gary. He has certainly delighted us. Hoping for a good outcome for your foster bullie. Looking forward to a favorable report.
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