Meet Murphy

Murphy! Stylish. Fancy. However . . . although he may look like a very fancy dude — he's just a regular guy with a good haircut!

Murphy knew nothing about being fancy — or loved — for the first year of his life. He had been picked on, passed over, and given away just weeks before his first birthday. He was skinny and scruffy. His face was tear-stained and sad. He had seen more than his share of lonely days confined to a crate, with an empty belly and an empty heart.

His Foster Mom slowly opened the world to Murphy and nourished his body and his broken spirit. She gave him his first taste of what love felt like, whispering “I love you, Murphy” as she led him to me, the person who would love him forever.

Looking into the eyes of that timid poodle, I saw a heart full of hope. He came to me with nothing — no leash, no blanket of his own, no toys. He did not wag, he did not bark, he did not know how to play. The only thing that he knew for sure, and the only thing that was his and his alone, was his name. He was Murphy when I met him and Murphy he will always be!

In his new home, Murphy's reaction to a spacious crate with a snuggly blanket was, "thanks, but no thanks". He settled in. He took over! He found his voice and became very happy to greet visitors with exuberance (sometimes very LOUD exuberance!). And now, his tail wags with delight at the smallest of pleasures, he will play until he drops, and he adores his best friend Georgia.

To the person who surrendered Murphy, thank you. Thank you for giving a great dog the opportunity for a great life. Murphy knows he is home, forever and ever. And, he knows there is no place like home!

Fun facts about Murphy

Loves naps and chasing squirrels (but never catches them)
Has a signature head tilt when he’s listening
Thinks every visitor is there just to see him
Is fabulous at friendship
Has really great hair
Loves his Georgia

Murphy is the dog who arrived first — soft‑eyed, filled with hope. He’s the pup who teaches kids that kindness is a superpower, that love can be brave, and that being gentle doesn’t mean being small.

He’s gentle, goofy, and full of wisdom, which he shares generously with Georgia and with everyone who shares his book or joins in the fun of a Mystery Road Trip. He’s the steady heartbeat of the team — the dog who says, “We’ve got this,” even when the going gets rough (like when he forgets where he hides Geoffrey the Giraffe!).

Murphy is the dog who knows things — important things — like where the treats are stored, and how to cheer up a friend. He’s Georgia’s anchor, her teacher, her best friend — he’s the reason she learned the world could be safe again.