Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Just Murphy and Me

Yesterday morning Mr. Pop took Murphy the Dog to the groomer. Murphy no longer gets all the fancy trims and everything, he’s decided he’s too old to look all prissy. About noon Murphy came home all clean and smelling sweet. While he was away I washed his cushion cover so it was just as clean as he was and waiting for him to return.

Murphy took a little nap. Being shampooed and blown dry can be tiring for an old guy. After his nap I tuned out the electric world and he and I went for a little stroll around the yard. Me in my usual around the house clothes and Murphy in his new Halloween bandana the groomer had given him.

During our walk we saw a black racer (harmless snake) slithering through the decorative grasses looking for yummy lizards to serve as his snack. We saw a peacock butterfly that lit on the mud in the ditch and was drawing water from the mud. We saw a mockingbird and an ibis too.

By now my old dog was looking rather bored with nature and once again a bit tired. We came inside and he headed for this clean cushion with a look on his face that said he had some plans for another serious nap.

This morning as he naps once again, I thought I would tell you about our trip, and I just did. Because of Murphy’s age, I don’t know how many more strolls we might have together but I do know we had one very nice one yesterday, just Murphy and me.

24 Comments:

Blogger WeezieLou said...

sounds like a great walk. one of life's injustices is how short a time our animal companions have with us.

October 17, 2007 3:04 AM  
Blogger FreakyNick said...

Now that's what life is all about. Nap, take a hike, then take another nap.

October 17, 2007 4:05 AM  
Blogger fallenmonk said...

Enjoy the small moments when you can. They are the best of times.

October 17, 2007 4:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's hard to know when it's happening, but it's good to have an awareness of when we should grab hold of every moment like you have in this post.

Sounds like a wonderful stroll with an old friend.

October 17, 2007 4:30 AM  
Blogger Blue said...

Stella says enjoy every little stroll you can...her romps are a lot shorter than they used to be, too, but she enjoys every second as much as she did as a puppy...

Come to think of it, the same can be said for me. ;)

October 17, 2007 4:35 AM  
Blogger Fran said...

This is a lovely and evocative post. I felt like I was there with you and Murphy.

What a wise way to spend your time, with an old friend. We never know what each day will bring so we must make sure we take care of what is important to our hearts.

Clearly you did that.

Glad you liked what I had sent, I was hoping you would.

October 17, 2007 5:14 AM  
Blogger XUP said...

A lovely autumnal story.

October 17, 2007 5:17 AM  
Blogger Sherry Pasquarello said...

just so wonderful. thanks.

October 17, 2007 6:18 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

Aw... and, sigh...

I guess it's wrong of me to long for the days when Zenzi will be a mature dog who doesn't need to be walked carrying a regulation-size football the entire way, just to keep her from chomping and tugging on the leash.

Scritchy-scratches for Murphy. And if nobody's looking or within earshot, tell him I said, "Oooh, such a good dawgy, such a good handsome-handsome puppy-boy!" (But only if nobody's around; I don't officially "do" baby-talk :-))

October 17, 2007 6:48 AM  
Blogger Sparky Duck said...

heck getting a haircut tuckers me out, so Murphy has no worries

October 17, 2007 7:05 AM  
Blogger Frederick said...

This to shall pass...and all that.

October 17, 2007 7:53 AM  
Blogger Jazz said...

Naps. Damn I love naps. I want to be a happy pet in a next life.

October 17, 2007 8:09 AM  
Blogger Anne said...

if only all dog owners were as conscientious as you, p0p. obviously, murphy is exceptionally well-trained and looked-after. so many people think they NEED a dog, and the dog soon becomes everyone's problem, literally. i always notice good doggies, because they're rare these days. just like raising kids, you get what you give.

October 17, 2007 8:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Angus and I used to take long walks in the woods by the Rio Grande, until he just got too old and the coyotes started getting too brave. Great time for both of us. I'm missing him acutely now, but it shall pass. I think it might be time to find a new friend to take walks with.

October 17, 2007 8:33 AM  
Blogger robin andrea said...

Good dogs make the best companions. I'll always remember a comment that FC left on our blog two years ago, "Every puppy is a future heartbreak, but oh the inbetween." Give Murphy a hug from me.

October 17, 2007 8:38 AM  
Blogger dguzman said...

*sniffle* what a nice post! I hope the old man hangs around for quite a few more of these nice walks.

October 17, 2007 9:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any dog can tell you the number one tenet for living this life well: Love is never wasted.

People just have to be reminded sometimes.

October 17, 2007 12:00 PM  
Blogger Larry said...

Special times with Murphy will prove to be memories worth making.

October 17, 2007 12:07 PM  
Blogger Sam said...

Its nice to appreciate and be greatful for the days like this, not everyone can.

You'll have to post a pic of Murphy all clean and relaxed :o)

October 17, 2007 4:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Naps, those I have tried but blow drying will be included in my near future regime of trying to reawaken this old carcase of mine. Does it matter what color bandana is?

October 17, 2007 5:22 PM  
Blogger Distributorcap said...

there is nothing like a walk with your best pal.....

treasure them all...as many as there are ---

and you know that murphy SO appreciates your love and companionship as well

October 17, 2007 6:08 PM  
Blogger mommanator said...

AHH how sweet! you and the puppy must have been one with each other.
Don't be in a funk! I love reading your blogs and all the fanciful things you garner.

October 17, 2007 7:09 PM  
Blogger Forty Paws said...

See, your values are just fine and your priorities are straight.

Luf, Us

October 18, 2007 8:10 PM  
Blogger sumo said...

Sweet, I loved it.

October 19, 2007 12:10 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home