Getting settled...

We have all been settling in to a schedule the past few days, and I must say, it is as if Murph has been here all along.  Each new day bring new experiences and excitement to his life.  He is now walking on a retractable leash which allows him more space to explore and sniff and sniff and sniff.  He sleeps each night in a crate in our bedroom, but the door is open and he can come and go from the crate as he wishes.  Every time he leaves the crate, I sit straight up and wake up Kirby, convinced he's about to potty in the house.  This hasn't actually happened and Kirby has put a flashlight next to my bed so I can see what Murph is up to without turning all of the lights on.

Yesterday was exciting as we caught Murph and Stu chasing each other through the house as Stu has a squeaky toy in his mouth and Murph wanted to play too.  It is important to note that from Murph being in a cage his whole life he is very weak.  The fact he can jump onto the couch is a major accomplishment.  He can't jump as high as the bed yet.

I wake him each morning at 5:15am to go for a morning walk and hopefully a morning potty.  Housebreaking a almost 5 year old dog is tricky, but we have only had 2 accidents.  I'm happy with that.  Murph is NOT a morning dog.  I typically have to carry him down the stairs and to the first patch of grass we encounter and then he stands there sniffing the air for a few minutes before he moves.  I think he is probably 1) not awake 2) a little sore.  I keep thinking about when a person exercises muscles they haven't used in years, or ever, they are sore and need to stretch.  I would think Murph is no different.  It takes a lot of patience to walk these 2 in the AM, as Stu hears the alarm to wake up and is READY to go!  After our morning sniff and stretch, he naps.

Wylie and Cousin Kate take turn snuggling and walking the boys throughout the day and both are incredible about sending us fun photos and stories of things that happened throughout the day.

Once Kirby and I are home, we cook and eat supper and then walk the dogs.  Stu loves to search for squirrels and chase them up a tree and Murph watches and learns. We got Murph to run a bit yesterday and that is a sight!  Imagine Elaine from Seinfeld when she would dance...one leg goes one way and another goes quite opposite.  It is quite remarkable, really.  These spurts of energy are short lived and then he needs to nap for several hours.  He loves to curl up on the couch with anyone who will snuggle with him.  We have been told that as he gets stronger and more comfortable, he could revert to having the energy of a puppy.  Not sure I'm ready for that...

His appetite is great and he likes the same food as Stu.  I have not been successful in getting him to try any treats, but Wylie is diligently trying to teach him to sit.  He actually did it once AND took a treat from her.  She' s like a dog whisperer or something.

Basically, so far, Murph E has been a joyful addition to our home.  I have found myself looking at him a couple of times and thinking that, by all rights, he shouldn't be here right now and that so many more like him don't get a chance at a normal life after "retirement" from a laboratory environment.  It takes a little adjustment and a little patience, but the end result is so worthwhile.

Murph E and Stu E relaxing this afternoon