Murphy was a good dog and probably had one of the sweetest dispositions. He was my mom's dog and we're going to leave his ashes at her grave. She would have wanted that. He was really one of the last tangible things I had that was hers and he gave her a lot of happiness even when she was so sick. I miss him. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
I went home this weekend and saw Murphy for the first time in two months. I would not have imagined that such a short amount of time could produce such startlingly drastic changes. Murphy is much thinner and just quietly wanders around the house. He doesn't run to the door and bark anymore (which was one of his favorite activities). I remember all of the times that I yelled at him to shut up and now I just wish he would show some of his old spark. Getting old and sick is so sad. I just cried and cried after I picked him up and snuggled him. I don't think he will be around for the next time I am home (which is for my brother's wedding in four weeks). I'm going to take some pictures and post them online. He's not just a dog to me.
Several months ago I posted about my Dad's dog, Murphy and his diagnosis of cancer. At first, it was easy to put it out of my mind and pretend that nothing was wrong with him. Unfortunately, my brother called on Saturday and told me that Murphy is blind. The vet says that the cancer has spread enough that it is compromising his optic nerve. It is undeniable proof that the cancer is moving rapidly. This poor, sweet, dog has lost his vision and I can't imagine how distressing it must be to him. No one can explain what is going on to him and I just want to hug him and carry him around the house so he doesn't have to be afraid. Dad says he stays really close to him in the bed - probably because he is unsure about where the edges are. He has also been bumping around the house trying to find his way. I am heading home this weekend and I know it will be quite upsetting. I don't think I am really ready to let go of the last tangible connection to my mom.
I talked to my brother tonight and he informed me that our family dog, Murphy has doggy cancer. It is a form of melanoma and they don't really know how it will affect his quality of life or how long he will be with us. I got really upset. He was my first dog and I housetrained him and cared for him during his first formative months. He may not be the smartest or best trained dog, but he is one of the sweetest. He was also my mother's dog. He gave her happiness and comfort when she was sick and couldn't really go anywhere. He was with her when she died and he stayed with her until someone found her. He meant a great deal to her and if he dies then it means I will lose one more thing that was connected to her. I have faith that he will be okay for a long time. I'm just not ready.
