Happy Birthday Murph

Dear Murphy,

From the day I saw your picture, I knew that you had to be with me. I probably should of asked questions about your background your life, but you didn't ask about mine, so it didn't matter. You needed a home, I needed you. 

Driving to pick you up I was nervous. Would you like me? Would you want to be my friend? What kind of shelter was I going to anyway? We're you still sick?

Pulling up to the home-shelter, I knew that I was leaving with a dog. There was no way that my heart could walk away without one. Too many dogs with one sweet lady doing everything she could to help a struggling community deal with mistreatment. I still don't know how she did it all, but I'm eternally grateful because she saved my Murph.  She didn't have to pour all that money into your treatment, but she must have seen me, needing you.

I knew that you had Parvo, recently well, but life had been traumatic for you already...You were so little, but it had been rough on your little paws. That was just fine with me, my life had been rough on me too. I figured that we could just travel this rough, crazy world together...A weird, scared, dysfunctional, silly, but awesome team. 

I might have picked you online, but you picked me on that day in that yard. In theory, I don't believe in "love at first sight," but in my life, well, you are the epitome of that. Love, pure and simple...and needy. :) but we both had a hole to fill. My heart had a big one, but your paws were the perfect filler. 

When life was rough and I struggled to go into the world, you were eager and determined to get me out in it. When I felt like sobbing, you just snuggled in and let me. But thankfully, you always found a way to get me out of my sadness. It must have been that goofy face. Or crazy antics. Or boundless energy. Or...it was just you.

It is said that everything happens for a reason. I'm not sure what all of the reasons are or if everything is really needed...But if I had to endure all of it to get a best friend like you Murph, then I'd do it again. You're it. And so worth it. 

So thank you Murphy for letting me be your human.  People may call you my dog, but we both know the truth. You're the healer of my heart and you made me sparkle again. 
Thanks buddy...I needed that.

Happy 4th Birthday! 

All my heart, 

Your Girl 

"Ring! Ring!" It's for you Murphy!

Woof! Woof! or Bark! Bark!

Every dog has his day,
and today was that day for my sweet Murphy.

I wasn't sure if it was actually going to come this month

since I signed up late on the 10th of June.

But today when the mailman came to the door,

he knew that this delivery wasn't from Amazon...

and the contents were definitely not for me.

No, it's not his birthday.

But every furry companion should be treated special

and this is a fun way to make that happen.

Before the box was even opened there was a

wiggly-waggly nose sniffing the edges like a crazy dog.

Since Murphy isn't a "food driven" dog,

I knew there must be something extra tasty in there.

That was definitely the case.

Beer Murphy?  Really?! Fine...you can have a sip since it was made just for you.

So what is this fabulous box with Bowser Beer, you ask?

None other than the "BarkBox" of fun!

I had seen advertisements for this company,

but I really didn't know if it would be worth it.

Then, I learned that there was a Groupon for a 3-month trial membership

and figured that it was worth a shot!

At least from the first box, I can tell that it's going to be totally worth it.

And from the excitement and eager anticipation from Murphy...I think that I was correct.

What was in his box besides the doggy beer?

Wonderful things!

1. Heartland Premium Bone: Murphy has been chewing on this bone since the box was opened!
2. Bowser Beer:  They suggested putting it with crushed ice for a pup slushy and that's exactly what I plan to do.  He'll love it on a hot and steamy day.
3. Puppy Cake: Paptato Chips made from dried sweet potatoes...Murphy adores sweet potatoes!
4. Whole Life Burger Treats:  Oh man, we cracked this bag open right away and even a Murphy who isn't that into food, loved 'em.
5. Dale Edger's Calm K9:  I know that these are going to be good because they were made right her in Portland, Oregon.  It says that it will help to soothe frighteded nerves and help pups with anxiety...I can't wait to see if it will help my sweet but fearful Murphy.  Good thing it arrived right in time for the 4th of July!

So how does it work and how can your pup get fun treats too?

From BarkBox website:
"When you sign up for BarkBox, every month you will receive a box in the mail with four or more carefully selected products and presents for your dog – anything from toys, bones and all-natural treats to hygiene products and innovative new gadgets!
If your dog is begging for more or you want to gift a favorite item to a friend, we’ll give you exclusive opportunities to order more products at a great rate.
A portion of proceeds from each box will go to help doggies-in-need. To learn more about our causes, read about our giving program.
Whether you’ve known your furry friend for years or have a new special canine in your life, BarkBox is the monthly necessity for keeping your pup entertained and feeling well loved.
To get a better idea of what's in the box (and to see some cute and happy dogs), visit our Facebook Page."

Pretty easy, huh?!

I can't help but spoil my best

furry friend every once in a while.

He saved my heart initially,

and continues to make my life

complete each day.

Happy Un-Birthday Murphy!

From me and BarkBox

Woof! Woof!

 

Gingerbread Treats for Murphy

Every dog needs some sweet treats. 

Especially for a special event or occasion.

Something really extra special for the healer of my heart.

 

Guess who?!

Gosh, I just love this adorable face...

...and he deserves an extra special treat for his 3rd birthday.

Though Murphy may look like he would eat just anything,

he is really picky.

In fact, each time I give him something new

...he has to look at it for awhile before he will even taste it.

Now, I'm talking about steak, sausage, and even bacon...

Most dogs would gobble it down before even thinking about it,

but not my Murph.

Sniff...sniff...sniff..

Therefore, I was a little worried about making him a birthday treat.

My worry was unnecessary. 

He LOVED these treats!

 

Gingerbread Dog Treats
Recipe directly from Pretty Fluffy
(Which is just one of my favorite sites to get fabulous doggy ideas!)






Ingredients
1 and 1/4 Cups Water
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Molasses
2 Tablespoons Honey
3 Cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Fresh Ginger




Directions:
1. Get two large bowls. In one bowl combine the water, olive oil, molasses and honey. In the second bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves and finely chopped ginger.
2. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until all are combined.
3. Divide the dough into two, wrap and refrigerate.  Though the recipe stated that it should be for at least 3.5 hours...I only chilled it for 1.5 hours because I didn't have time.  It seemed to work just fine.
4. Once chilled, remove dough from fridge and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness
5. Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
6. Use your cookie cutters to cut out the biscuits. I chose to use my favorite doggy shapes to make these treats.

7. Place on baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes.







Murphy was really curious about this tray of cookies before I put them into the oven. He almost took one of the uncooked treats straight from tray!

 

 

Of course, the cooked treats were even more tempting...

...especially when I pulled out some Brown Cow plain yogurt. 

Dipping treats into yogurt seemed like the perfect idea for Murphy's special day.

The only challenge was making the yogurt hard enough to not get on random things around the house. So I put them into the freezer for a little bit and that seemed to do the trick. 
Enjoy my sweet, sweet Murphy!

**Please go to Pretty Fluffy for other fabulous hints and tricks for making these.**