Rest in Peace, Murphy Dog

Our sweet Murphy died very peacefully on Friday morning. We found out on Wednesday that his bladder cancer had spread up into his chest and lungs so we knew the end was near. Olivia and McIver both told him that they loved him before leaving for school on Friday. They have taken the news pretty matter-of-factly, and still talk about him a lot. When I told Olivia that he had died, she said that she "bet there were dummies raining in Heaven." I bet she's right.

We had an engagement party at our house Friday night for Rhett and Julie. Rhett was in Will's class at Sewanee and was in our wedding. His dog Bandit is Murphy's brother. One of the other hosts of the party owns Murphy's sister. Tupp also hosted the party and was the one who gave Murphy to us as a wedding gift more than 11 years ago. We were all a wreck at the start of the party, but did manage to have a good time. I think the distraction of preparing for the party helped ease the sadness a little on Friday.

Saturday was another busy day - 2 soccer games and McIver's bowling birthday party. Now that we're home and the house is quiet, it's even more noticeable that Murphy is gone. I already miss the piles of dog hair and the sound of his tail thumping on the floor.

Here are a some pictures of Murphy from the last few months.

At McIver's soccer game with Mac & Amelia. He was able to go to most of the children's soccer games this season and he loved it. Any time he heard the clink of his collar and leash, he came running as best he could.

I took this picture July 4th weekend when we first moved back to Columbia. We're so glad that he made it back and was able to see so many friends who have loved him right along with us.

In Jay's pool in Myrtle Beach this summer. He was definitely a Water Dog!