Ever since I can remember, there has been a dog in our house.

I’ve never paid more than $10 for a dog. My Mom always said mutts make the best pets.

Nine years ago on Canada Day, we brought home a little German shepherd, golden retriever puppy named Murphy. Our house has been filled with love ever since.

Murphy was free until he ate a pair of the kids’ underwear which required surgery. Our free dog ended up costing us $780.

Murphy has been one of the most lovable affectionate dogs I’ve ever owned. He’ll actually get up on the couch or approach you when you’re sitting down and nuzzle his head into your shoulder and lap and just snuggle with you. I call him my gentle giant.

I fear Murphy’s days are numbered. He has that disease that affects a dog’s spine where their back legs start giving out.

For the past two weeks, each morning he struggles to his feet, then stumbles towards the front door and down our porch steps, walking sideways and looking back at us with mournful eyes.

We decided to stop taking him on our nightly walks. Yet each night when he sees us grab the leashes, he totters to his feet and approaches the door with a little wag of the tail. This picture was from yesterday when Clare and I took him for a walk on the K&P Trail. Even though we struggled to get him into the car, he was game.

He is still a puppy at heart.

I remember Dave’s dad telling me once that even though he was in his 80’s, in his mind he was still a teenager.

This week’s #HappyAct is to always be a puppy at heart. We love you, Murph.

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