Murphy

Repwters: Tess & Rufus 

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 
Originally a Romanian rescue-dog, I came to the UK after my mum and dad learnt about me through Wendy’s Woofers and applied to adopt me.  But rescue-dog or not, I am a proper pedigree pooch: a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, no less. 

Do you work? If so where/what do you do? 
Despite my posh pedigree, I have never done any retrieving.  But I do like a good sniff at every scent on my walk!  And I am a bit of a local celebrity, as everyone knows me as the relaxed and friendly dog who likes to toddle. 

If you could choose your name, what would it be? 
I was given the name Murphy when I was in the dog-rescue centre in Romania.  I don’t think Murphy is a typically Romanian name!  Who knows what name I may have had previously: Vlad, Bogdan or Alexandru, perhaps?  I think that I’ll stick with Murphy! 

What is your favourite food? 
I am very fond of ham, cheese and chicken.  But my all-time favourite is liver-cake, as made by my culinary pals “In the Kitchen with Tess and Rufus”. 

Where is your favourite place to be? 
I love my home.  If I am not in my bed or on the sofa, you will probably find me under the kitchen table. 

Have you taught your humans any tricks? 
Although I like to scavenge when outside, I am a surprisingly fussy eater at home.  I’ll turn my nose up at the most expensive dog-biscuits and treats!  Mum has learnt to conceal things in slices of ham and trick me into eating them. 

What is your favourite way to entertain yourself (annoy your humans)? 
I like rolling around on the grass and scavenging for food dropped on the pavement, especially by the school kids.  Also, I like to drink from muddy puddles or the watering-can. 

What is your greatest accomplishment? 
The best thing that I ever did was jumping in that van from Romania and being adopted by Mum and Dad. 

If you could be/do anything for a day, what would it be? 
I would go on another long walk with my dad through the woods.  I used to love my country outings with Dad, but my dad died unexpectedly in late July.  Mum and I really miss him. 

What is your next goal in life? 
While out on a walk with me in early September, Mum fell and broke her hip.  Both Mum and I are determined to get her fully fit and taking me on walks again very soon. 

Finally and most importantly...What was your humans’ most embarrassing moment? 
On my very first day with Mum and Dad, I slipped my lead and ran away.  A large search-party was mustered and people were using social-media to report sightings of me. 

I was finally tracked late at night to an enclosed spot in the next town, which was 5 miles away and across several busy roads and a railway.  Rather than risk me bolting again, Mum and Dad sat in their car all night keeping an eye on me.  Finally, Mum was able to entice me with a bit of ham in the morning and made a successful grab. 

Looking back, you wouldn’t believe it now, as I am such a relaxed (some might say lazy) boy. 

I toddle along quite happily on my walks either on or off lead, and I lie down on the ground at every opportunity.  Also, I am totally content to lie on the driveway while Mum potters about in the front-garden.  I think that makes my one-off great escape even more unbelievable and embarrassing!