Thanks for all the advice!! According to my sister, Murphy is doing a little bit better. I have forwarded to her all the advice, and hopefully she and my brother-in-law will take it to heart. They were a little bit spoiled by their last shelter dog, who was well trained but had been dumped because she was pregnant (I know, awful, isn't it?!?) I know it will just take lots of time and patience to get Murphy properly trained, after who-knows-what type of abuse he's suffered until recently. I'm sure that the combination of past abuse, stress from new surroundings and being sick is what has caused his bad habit of messing himself.

Today is the big "Snip-snip" day for him also. Please wish him luck!! I sure wish I had a photo of him to share, but my sister lives 400 miles away, so I haven't even seen him yet. Also, she is taking her time getting film developed. Hopefully soon!!