Heaven's a lot brighter now... McMurphy (2/24/2008)

[ParNone]

McMurphy passed away in the middle of the night, Feb 24th, 2008.

Oz woke me up to let me know there was a problem with MooBoo and I got there just in time to say Goodbye to him. Oz was there next to us in the last moments, nudging his best buddy in concern.

Gulliver stayed sleeping on the bed, until MooBoo took his last breath. At that exact moment though, he came to the edge of the bed and started barking in our direction. Knowing the Murph Dog's sense of humor towards Gull, I can only imagine what his parting shot was to Gull as he headed on up to Heaven.

I doubt I'll ever be blessed to have another dog, that loved life as much as Murpher. His tail was always in motion, bringing sunshine into our house everyday. I've no doubt, he spent an exorbitant amount of time laughing to himself, as he turned his quirky sense of humor towards me, Maddie, Oz and Gull.

After Maddie went blind, he'd do lil' things to rile her up, like wave his rear end in her face. Then when she'd get mad enough to go after him, with intent to yank out some of his Cairny hair, he'd hide behind a bush from her, with his tail wagging a mile a minute and big ole' grin on his face.

If I put down 3 toys for each dog, it wouldn't take long before he'd claim all 3 for himself. Apparently 2 Collies frantically barking at him, that "They were telling Mom", held no weight with him.

I always kept a towel down next to the bed, for the Collies to use to jump down off the bed, so that they wouldn't slide around on the wood floor. Mooie had a nice cushy bed, but invariably, he'd park himself down on that towel, preventing the Collies from getting off the bed. He again, would turn a deaf ear to their barking and whining for him to move, so they could get down. All the while, a twinkle in his eye and grin on his face.

If I called him for bedtime, he could be right outside the bedroom door, but he'd make a huge, unnecessary circle around the whole house, with me following close behind, hollerin' "MooBoo, I'm not gonna chase you around this house", before he'd make it back around to his original starting point and enter the bedroom. This same scenario occured outside too. I'm sure the neighbors got quite a chuckle at hearing me say everyday, "MooBoo, I'm not gonna chase you around this backyard".

When I called him to come inside the house, he wouldn't come in until I opened and closed the door 3 times. I'm still trying to figure out the logic behind that one.

If I asked him to Come, he Stayed. If I asked him to Stay, he Came. If I asked him to Sit, he remained Standing. If I asked him to catch a frisbee, he ducked. If I asked him to weave through some poles, he ran beside'em. He had a set of rules in his head, that were uniquely his and I'm gonna miss those things most about him.

A couple of weeks before he died, I put out a Flamingo stuffie that was fairly big. Murpher had slowed down a bunch at this age, but when Gull came whizzing by him with the toy, Mooie launched himself at Gull with all he had and managed to grab hold of an end as it flew past him. Gull kept running... MooBoo kept holding... being drug, sliding across the floor. When it was all said and done though, MooBoo had possession of the toy. I wish I'd gotten that on video. :( But I was able to put together a lil' tribute of what I did have as far as video and pictures. Hopefully, I captured what life was like living with the Murph Dog. I know for sure, Heaven got a whole lot brighter.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v80/ParNone/?action=view&current=MooBooTribute2.flv

Love you, MooBoo... I hope you remembered to wait to pee on the Pearly Gates, after God let you in. :)

[dukedogsmom]

What a wonderful tribute to your MooBoo. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. You were blessed to have him at home, where he was happy. Just look at that smile in the signature. The RB sure is getting a lot fuller :( I know you'll miss him dearly. It's all the little things they do that we miss the most. I'll have to watch your video at home as the work computer won't let me. Play long and hard at the RB, McMurphy and don't forget your family. Peek in once in a while to let them know you're still with them. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

[kittycats_delight]

What a character he seemed to have been. To say he kept life interesting is an understatement. I am glad you were with him at the end and he was surrounded by love and comfort.

Please accept my sincere condolences for you loss. I am sure you are right Heaven had to have gotten brighter and a lot more interesting too since your boy got there.

Rest Easy McMurphy. You are greatly missed and loved. Be you mommy's guardian angel and check in on your siblings from time to time to incase they need your silly antics ok.

(((HUGS)))
Michelle

[Ginger's Mom]

I am so sorry for your loss, Les. McMurphy was a very special boy, and I think he is going to find ways to continue to make you smile and let you know that he is still not far from you. Have fun at the bridge, Murph, you will be sorely missed.

[robinh]

I am so sorry to hear about this. What a wonderful tribute to your MooBoo. Rest easy McMurphy, play free at the bridge.

Robin

[cloverfdx]

Oh no not another PT pup :(. Rest easy little scruffer man, you will be sadly missed but remembered always.

[RobiLee]

What a wonderful tribute, Les.

I am so sorry for your loss and you have my deepest sympathies. I am so grateful that you shared your wonderful MooBoo with us. What a character! Thank you so much for sharing him with us and for allowing us to be a part of this lovely tribute.

Have fun playing at the bridge with your sister, Murph!

Rest In Peace, McMurphy. You will be missed.

[pitc9]

Oh no not another PT pup :(.
My first thought also.

:(

Par, The picture in your siggy... I remember when you first posted it (before it was your siggy) you wanted us to see what you look at while trying to take a bath! :)

Oh here comes the tears again.... you were in deed blessed to have him in your life, he sure made sure you life was not dull!
I was laughing through the tears reading your post about the silly ways he kept the collies in line!

Rest easy now McMurphy, I'm sure you'll keep all the RB PT pets on their toes up there!
You will be missed.
:(

[Pam]

Major LES going on here. The video was an awesome tribute to Murph. I remember Maddie too and can just imagine their reunion. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your little friend. If I did the math correctly he was 18. What a wonderful long happy life he had.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Farewell, McMurphy :( ~ your antics will be long remembered and never forgotten.

Sure hope God can handle another one - You and my Bowser will make a good Pair to
drive Him **crazy** with the "reverse commands" - "Come" and you guys GO;
"Sit" and you both STAND; 3 Door Slams before it starts to sink in ... "Wonder if that's for ME?"
:)

Fond, very Fond, memories ... You're going to be *missed*, McMurphy! :(

Hang on, God - Bowser and McMurph will surely *grow* on Ya!

:D

[4 Dog Mother]

What an absolutely wonderful tribute to McMurphy. I wish I would have thought to have taken more videos of Snoopy especially doing his tricks. McMurphy was obviously a one of all time great dog and we all will miss him. Having just lost Snoopy, my heart goes out to you and all my tears are shed for both our special boys and Ashley's Shadow.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Wow....this was wonderful. I loved that you remembers all his little quirks and even though I was teary eyed and sadden by his passing for you I also had a few little smiles as I pictured his funny little antics in my mind. What a wonderful personality he had, comical! I am sure he will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to you. I am truly sorry for your loss. ((hugs))

[Freedom]

Such a loving memorial for McMurphy, both the written word and the video. You certainly were blessed to have McMurphy in your life! I suspect he is one of a kind, he hee. Can't help but smile reading of all his antics, adventures and successes in stealing ALL the toys!

Keep them all on their toes while you are waiting for all your humans at the bridge, McMurphy!

[anna_66]

I'm sure going to miss those pictures and videos you were so great at getting.

I've done my crying the last few days, so today...I will watch your video again and smile. Smile at what a great dog God has met:)

(((HUGS)))
Anna

[Taz_Zoee]

I'm not very familiar with with McMurphy. But that video really let me know how he was. I was giggling and smiling through tears.
He was a lucky dog to live so many wonderful years with you.
RIP McMurphy - I am sure you welcomed the other PT dogs that recently joined you at the bridge. You can show them the ropes.

[ParNone]

Thanks for all the kind words everybody. I sure miss seeing his happy lil' tail wag everyday. I keep expecting to see him come trotting into the kitchen, tail awaggin' and nose firmly planted to the tile, searching for crumbs. I've had to catch myself a couple of times from leaning out the back door calling for him.

I was finally able to get his video uploaded to youtube. They were down for maintenance last night. The youtube version seems to play better on my computer for some reason then the photobucket one. So here's that link for those who prefer youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGMSGOpDwDk

[AdoreMyDogs]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of your MooBoo. What a special boy he was. He was also absolutely adorable and that smile....oh my is that ever a smiling dog. Heaven did just get brighter, and God's surely giggeling at this new angel.

I know it's so hard to witness, but what a blessing that McMurphy got to take his last breaths in the home that he loved, in the company of his favorite people and pups. I only wish all pups had such a peaceful passing.

Hugs to you and your family and your collies.

[cyber-sibes]

:( It's just been too busy at the RB with our PT pups this week.... I'm sorry to hear about McMurphy's passing, but he sounds like he will liven things up at the RB. Such a cute little guy! (((hugs))) to you & the collies.

[buttercup132]

Oh Murph what a hoot you were, I never realised how old he was.
R.I.P old boy have fun with Maddie up there

[gemini9961]

I am so sorry to hear about McMurphy. He sure was a character. This has been such a sad month for PT pups. I know I can rest easy knowing they are all up there together watching over us.

Rest well MooBoo. :(

[Cataholic]

Par,
So sorry for the loss of your MooBoo. Such a pint sized one, compared to the others, but, full of spunk and personality. He will be missed. May the memories always make you smile.

Johanna

[K9soul]

Oh Les.. I felt so saddened to see your post that the Murph man has passed on. But watching the video soon had the 'waterworks' going. :( But I certainly smiled through the tears. He was such a special spunky boy and your video was just absolutely perfect. What a most fitting tribute.

Run young and free up at that Rainbow Bridge little Murph. And I just know when you hear your mom's laugh from up there, that little tail will be wagging furiously. You are so very missed.

[lizbud]

I am so sorry to hear of Murphy's passing. :( I always loved seeing him
and Maddie on PT. They looked like a great pair. :) Murphy will be missed.

[ChrisH]

Such a wonderful and beautiful tribute to your McMurphy, Par, he was such a character. I am so sorry to hear his time had come. :(

Rest in peace, McMurphy boy.

[kallisto4529]

I am so very sorry for your loss. That tribute was just beautiful, I laughed and cried at the same time. It sure seems lately God has a big order for our furbabies, I know they are at peace and happy and healthy but we also miss them very much. RIP McMurphy you were a very bright star here on earth and will be an even brighter angel with God.

[shais_mom]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
**hugs**

[ramanth]

Oh Par, I'm so sorry. :( That was a gorgeous tribute for McMurphy. *HUGS*

[finn's mom]

Your story brought a smile to my face. Thank you for being strong enough to share Murphy's sense of life with us, even in such a difficult time. It speaks volumes for what Murphy taught you while he was here, that you are able to laugh at memories of him. I'm truly sorry your beautiful silly little boy is gone.

[bckrazy]

RIP McMurphy.

You were such an incredibly comical, fun little dog... it came through in all of your pictures and stories. You obviously brought so much joy to your Mom's life and all of our lives, and you will be missed.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Les. I could tell how much your Murph-man meant to you, when ever you talked about him. He was a once-in-a-lifetime dog. *hugs*

[wolflady]

I'm usually very teary-eyed when I read memorial tributes, but this one made me smile. I loved your descriptions of McMurphy and your celebration of his life. He certainly seemed like a fun and silly guy, and I guarantee that heaven is a little brighter now that he's entered. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(
Much love,
Karen

[Alysser]

What a character he was. Murph is definitley a memorable dog. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Murphy. Keep heaven interesting.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I can't believe we've lost another beloved PT friend. :(

Rest in Peace MooBoo :( Be the best program director the bridge has ever had :( Play hard.

[ParNone]

Thanks again everybody for your words about Murpher.

It's very rare that I share any of my unedited footage without slapping some music on them. It's just waaaayyyy too embarassing to listen to myself in the clips. But with the talk of the laughter and smiles Murph brought to me, and at the risk of embarassing myself, I'm gonna share this clip.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/ParNone/th_MooieBoots.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v80/ParNone/?action=view&current=MooieBoots.flv)

Les...

[ramanth]

AWWW! You have a pretty laugh. And I had a good laugh through the tears. Thanks for sharing that clip Par. *HUGS*

[beeniesmom]

I'm so sorry. :(

[Cinder & Smoke]

:)

OK ... WHY was the Poor Kid wearing front BOOTIES in the House?

Was that Wearing of the Boots ever tried again?
Was it ever *successful*?? :p

Wonder if he packed his Booties for the Trip to the Bridge?

[ParNone]

Hey Phred,

That was a one shot dealie. He was being a very good sport, while Mom got footage for her "These Boots Are Made for Walking" music video. :)

Les...

[Cinder & Smoke]

He was being a very good sport,
while Mom got footage for her "These Boots Are Made for Walking" music video. :)

OMG!
A Star is Born!

Hope he got Union Scale for the day.

R.I.P. lil Buddy!!
;)

[petslover]

I am so sorry for your loss. :(

hugs

[wolf_Q]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :( McMurphy was truly a one of a kind dog, posts about him always made me smile. I loved your tribute video, I'm sure he has marked those pearly gates already. :) We miss you Murph!

[finn's mom]

That video is so sweet. That high step is adorable. :)

[Vermontcat]

I'm so sorry to hear that your little McMurphy has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. :(
It sounds like he was quite the character, always keeping you entertained.

[ParNone]

Thanks everybody...

I planted a Nectarine tree over Murph's grave as a memorial to him. Oz goes out and christens it most mornings. MooBoo would be so proud. I was looking today and its actually got 10 nectatrine's on it. I was surprised it produced fruit already being such a young tree. Murpher must know it's his and is working some magic on it up there. Here's a couple of shots of the tree with Oz and Gull next to it:

http://nothinbuttdogs.com/MurphersTree1.JPG

http://nothinbuttdogs.com/MurphersTree2.JPG

http://nothinbuttdogs.com/MurphersTree3.JPG

http://nothinbuttdogs.com/MurphersTree4.JPG

Par...

[caseysmom]

So sorry about Murphy, the tree is a great idea, I did the same thing for my kitty when she passed.

[dukedogsmom]

That is so sweet. That's a good way to remember him.

[captain]

Par,
I have been travelling abit for work, and only saw this today.
What a beautifully written tribute, it had me laughing out loud - I could just see the images in my head of him.

The videos will have to be watched at home - work blocked YouTube.

My love and hugs to out to you and Oz and Gull.

LES
Michelle