Losing Our Murph

Happy New Year friends! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season with your loved ones, got some rest and had lots of fun. I have to say the first post of the New Year is always tough for me. I have so many things in my heart and head that I want to express. You have always known me to have a grateful heart, so let me begin by saying thank you. When I look back at the year & the wonderful and amazing blessings, I realize I couldn’t have done it without all of your support and kindness. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you & the time you take out of your day to connect with me. With the New Year here I would like to open up more with you and share part of my personal journey with you. I have had the most incredible ride to get where I am today, both personally & professionally but like many worthwhile journey’s it hasn’t always been easy. I am a firm believer that hard times and struggle do make you better, kinder and more compassionate. So with that being said I would like to start sharing more with you today.

My heart has been heavy lately, so I just wanted to fill you in. We had to say goodbye to our 15 year old, Wheaten Terrier Murphy the day after Christmas. I know this may seem silly to grieve like this over a dog, but if you love animals and have pets of your own then you know, they are part of your family.  I welcomed Murphy into our home at a time in my life when I was terribly homesick, living in Colorado without any family. John & I came home from a family trip one summer & told him I wanted another dog, we had Sadie at the time, also a Wheatie. Little did he know what he was in for when he said OK. If you have seen the movie or read the book Marley & Me, then you know my Murph. He tested me in everyway possible but I loved him just the same. He got into mischief, a lot in fact but he heart was so big, it was hard to be mad at him for long. For a while it was myself, John, Sadie & Murphy, one big, happy family. Then Shane came along and made it 5, even happier:). Murphy was with me through the happiest and the saddest of times. I grew into a women & went through things that tested my courage and faith while he was with me(us), all the while leaning on him for companionship and love. And towards the end I repaid the favor, by being there for him. When he couldn’t walk, I carried him, when he couldn’t control his body any longer, I gave him my patience, kindness & understanding and when he had no spirit left & nothing more to give the world, I let him go.

I tell my boys, he is running in the warm sand, stealing eating lots of hoagies and playing ball with his buddies in heaven. It will take some time before my {our} heart heals, the house is quiet once again and I do miss my buddy more than you could know but I know my family & I gave him an incredible kind of love and for that reason alone, I need to smile.

beloved Murphy

Holiday Picture at Grandpas

Murphy Playing in the Snow

Murphy at the Beach

I will be back with more on the New Year and projects in the works.

Have a beautiful day,

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62 Comments

  1. Jen,
    I have followed your blog for quite some time. Your taste is exquisite. I am not one to post comments, but felt compelled to share a poem with you. This was passed on to my family by our veterinarian when our labby past away. Believe it or not, he was also named Murphy (and also incredibly naughty!). I hope it brings you as much comfort as it brought me.

    WE HAVE A SECRET

    We have a secret, you and I
    that no one else shall know,
    for who but I can see you lie
    each night in fire glow?

    And who but I can reach my hand
    before we go to bed
    and feel the living warmth of you
    and touch your silken head?

    And only I walk woodland paths
    and see ahead of me,
    your small form racing with the wind
    so young again, and free.

    And only I can see you swim
    in every brook I pass
    and when I call, no one but I
    can see the bending grass.

    ~Author Unknown

    1. That is BEAUTIFUL, thank you so much for sharing this with me Sarah. So sorry for your loss too, naughty must be in the name:). Hugs, Jen

  2. Jen, I am so sorry for the passing of your sweet Murph. I also have a 15 year old pup that stole my heart. It is difficult to watch their health decline as they age. I know Murph was loved very much and will be missed by you and your family. I will be lifting you up in prayers.

  3. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our miniature schnauzer Montana a yr and a half ago and just last night I thought of her and it felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach, I miss her so very much. Pups fill your life with so much love and happiness, there is a special bond with these amazing creatures. Even when they drive you crazy, Addison our cavalier sounds like your pup, lots of mischief. Remember you did your best for Murph. I too se my pups romping in the grass happy and healthy, it makes me smile to think they are together happy. Take care of yourself and know we are here for you.

  4. I am so sorry for your loss. We have a 3 year old goldendoodle that brought so much joy to our family, she looks a little bit like your sweet Murphy. I never quite understood the bond between people and dogs until we got our Lily, they do truly become part of the family. May fond memories of Murphy bring peace and comfort to you and your family.

  5. That was beautiful. I totally understand. We have four dogs and they are part of our family. You gave him a great life and sure he knew it. One day at a time and your heart will heal.

  6. I am so sorry for your loss. I completely understand the love we have for our pets. I have a 4 year old golden retriever and I couldn’t imagine our home without her. Dogs become such important members of our families and it is just heart breaking when we have to say goodbye. So sorry…
    Take care, Shelley

  7. Oh Jen! I’m sorry for your loss. I’m in tears reading your post…there is NOTHING like the unconditional love of a dog! My heart hurts for you and your family. I’m so thankful that you and Murph found each other and got to share life’s journey together!

  8. Honey, please don’t ever apologize for loving anyone or any animal. My heart hurts for you and braces myself for the same pain. We rescued a yorkie the month he turned one year old. He was thin and matted SO badly, and had been neglected by his first owner. His outgoing spirit was larger than he was and we were so happy to have him. He is 13 1/2 years old now. That is the life expectancy of a male yorkie. He is almost completely deaf, eyesight isn’t perfect, but he is still healthy and happy. I treasure every moment with him. My heart and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve for your sweet Murph. He was a beautiful dog.

    1. Thank you so much Colleen. Awe, your little guy got lucky to have found you, enjoy every minute with him:). Jen

  9. I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is very hard as they truly are part of your family. prsters for peace and comfort for you and your family

  10. When my husband had chemo our cat always knew the day and when we came home she would always sit quietly on his lap. When my husband’s colon ruptured and I had him in a hospital almost 100 miles away from home our lab would lay by his chair every night and then when I left in the morning he would walk to the end of the driveway and sit until I came home. Don’t ever say “dumb animal”.

    1. No never Carol :). They are so smart and loving!! That is such a sweet story, thank you for sharing this with me. I hope your husband is ok now. Sending hugs your way, Jen

  11. Jen I am so sorry about your Murph. We have two rescued pit bulls and they are my heart. I truly believe that the best way to honor a pet that you have loved and have lost is getting another one. It is not a replacement but someone else you can share all that love with. I love when people tell me they are just a dog. I look them in the eye and tell them no, they are my family.

    1. So you get it Patty:). You love them like family, they depend on you and have your heart. I think eventually we will, I can understand that. Jen

  12. I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I can sympathize with your feelings. We too said goodbye to a fur baby during December, just 2 years after loosing another right after Christmas. I know they are waiting across the Rainbow Bridge with the others who went before them and I’m sure Murph is there too playing like a pup! Luckily, they leave us with fond and happy memories to keep us company until we’re reunited. 🙂

  13. I am so sorry for your loss. They are truly a member of our families. May all the fond and loving memories you have of Murph bring you comfort.

  14. So sorry for your loss. I also know the pain of losing a pet. I hope you find comfort in knowing you gave him a loving home and wonderful life. Thinking of you and your family.

  15. I lost my 15 year old pomeranian the week before Thanksgiving. I completely understand. It is heart-wrenching. I’m so, so sorry. Thinking of you during this time.

    1. Hi Kathryn, I am so sorry for your loss. It is heart wrenching, I hope that time heals your heart as well:). Jen

  16. So sorry for your loss. We lost our beloved yellow lab the week before Christmas and my heart is broken. He would have been 14 next month. We’ll eventually get a new puppy, but it’s too soon right now. Sending hugs your way.

    1. Hi Rebecca, I am so sorry for your loss as well:). I hear you, eventually but not ready now, it takes time. Thinking of you. Jen

  17. I’m so sad to hear when anyone has lost their beloved fur baby. Only those of us who have had pets really understand the grief we go through. Our Molly is 8 years old and I dread when that day will come. I still grieve for Dudley, Porsche, Emmy Lou, and Maggie. HUGS to you!

    1. Hi Carol, thank you. Its sounds like you have had many loves in your life, hugs to you as well:). Jen

  18. So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, so sad, they are definately part of the family. Our two dogs just make the home complete, not certain what I would do without their unconditional love.

  19. My deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Murphy. Our pets are with us for such a short time, but in those years they give us love and memories to last our lifetime. May your sadness be lifted by those memories and all the happiness you shared.

  20. Jen, my heart goes out to you and your family. When we lost our dog a few years ago, it was heart-breaking. They do become like a true member of the family. Somehow, it does get better with time and the fond memories supersede the heartache. Sending you hugs, Shauna

  21. We mourn the loss of our pets just like we do people. They love us unconditionally, and we love them. They fill every hole we have in our lives. Don’t rush the grieving process, don’t feel guilty about it and never apologize for feeling like you do. I still cry over my Daisy who I had to put down a year ago! I am terribly sorry for your loss.

  22. Nous nous attachons tellement à nos animaux de compagnie. Dès qu’ll nous quitte, toute la famille ressent beaucoup de peine. Lorsque j’ai perdu mon chien, j’ai pleuré comme une petite fille et j’ai mis du temps à supporter son absence. Je vous souhaite du courage car je sais qu’il est difficile de trouver des mots qui réconfortent dans des moments si tristes.

  23. I am so sorry about Murph, I understand.
    Our lab, Mica, was the same, he was 15 and had been just as naughty when young, but devoted and delightful. It was time to let him go, but just as your Murph will, he lives on in our hearts….even now, 10 years later, and with two labs to take his place.
    Soon, I imagine it will be these labs turn….it will never be easy….
    Bless you….for when we give our hearts to a pup…we show our humanity….
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    1. Thank you Nancy for sharing your story, your words are so sweet and resonate with me. I can just picture him:). Happy weekend! Jen

    1. Jen, thanks so much for sharing your lost of Murph. I just found your blog today and am so excited and looking forward to your emails. We had two poodles that lived to be 28 yrs. old and we had to have them put down. That is one of the hardest things to do, because they are just part of your family. As my granddaddy use to say, “people that don’t love animals don’t love humans.” I hope you can get another one to take his place. I am looking for another one. It has been 9 yrs. and 6 yrs. for our last cat. Both of my sisters have passed away with cancer and I know I am ready for another one in my life. Looking for your next email and am passing yours on to a dear .
      Betty Whatley

  24. The loss of a pet is just one of the most difficult things. So sorry for you. One day your souls will reunite and he will give your face a big lick!

  25. My heart hurts for you – our dogs are our family, too. They love you with an unconditional love. I lost one of our chihuahuas last year to cancer and now his sister has cancer. I know the days are not long before I have to say goodbye to this sweet girl and I cherish each moment with her. Murphy was precious. Thank you for sharing him with us.

    1. Thank you for your sweet words:). So sorry for your loss and what you are going through now with your little pup. Be thinking of you. Jen

  26. Oh, Jen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have tears streaming down my face. Seeing the photos of you and the boys with Murphy. Aw. Dogs become so much of our lives and that poem in the comments made me cry even more. xx

  27. My heart goes out to you, as I too lost my 14 year old beardie the first week of December. Tucker was my companion, and shadow. Everywhere I went he was right behind me. Our Pets are a huge part of our family and it is incredibly sad to say goodbye. Hugs to you.

    1. Thank you Tracey. I am so sorry for your loss as well, Tucker sounded like a wonderful friend:).

  28. My heart breaks for your loss and your sadness. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that you gave Murphy the best life.

  29. Who could or would ever say that it’s silly to grieve over a dog? Our pets are integral parts of our family, and their loss can be felt just as strongly as losing any loved one. We lost our beloved Bulldog Riley two years ago, and I still can’t think of him without tearing up. I am very sorry for your loss.

  30. I am so very sad to hear of you losing a precious friend…that is what my pup was to me, a precious friend indeed…remember all the fun times and love on again…hugs to YOU…from me. Jayne (Canada)

  31. I have tears streaming down my face Jen at this sad news you shared with us. Pets are such a part of our family and I know someday which will be much too soon we will have to say goodbye to our little yorkie. Your and Murphy’s story touched my heart and I hope you are comforted by the wonderful memories you have of him and know he loved you as much as you loved him.

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