Welcome Home Murph-E!!

The last 24 hours or so have been quite the adventure...for all of us.  Kirby had to work, so Sky and Wylie and I left on the noon ferry yesterday to meet Jean and Larry, Murph's foster family.  We basically agreed to drive until we found each other, which happened in Oconto, WI.  We pulled into the McDonald's and the second most adorable beagle face I've ever seen was looking at us from the back of a Honda Element (the first most adorable beagle face belongs to our Stu-E).

Jean gave us lots of instructions and pointers.  I signed the adoption papers and he was ours.  She said he hadn't been outside since morning so we thought we'd walk him in the open field across the street. She warned us that Murph was better at going potty in dirt than he was on grass, but it all scared him, so good luck!  She also explained that Murph was involved in Drug Testing at the research facility and that the patches of fur missing from 3 of his legs would grow back.  We learned that Murph is 4 years old and his birthday is October 28, just a week after Stu-E and a week before mine.  She also explained that he has a tattoo on the inside of his ear which was how he was recognized in the lab.  They have since tattooed over the original number tattoo to make him untraceable, and made it all 8's, but they also added a happy face :).  First time she has ever seen that and she has fostered 7 beagles from the facility.

Wylie and her new brother Murph E

Murph's Tattoo...Neighborhood dogs better beware!!

The trip home was uneventful and Great Lakes Air brought us back to Mackinac around 10pm were met at the airport by Kirby and Stu-E.  I'd love to say that the two dogs sniffed each other and galloped off into the sunset as best of friends, but that was not the case.  Stu was not impressed and Murph was totally overwhelmed.  We walked home and gave each dog their space and Murph successfully pottied outside.  I was thrilled.  Waiting at home was Uncle Thad and Grandma and Grandpa King.  Stu E thought the best way to welcome Murph was to hump him repeatedly.  This did not impress Murph at all.  I immediately panicked and imagined the worst, things like they will never get along etc.  Stu has always gotten along well with other dogs, so this was a surprise to me.  He reacted the similarly with my Parents dog, but one snap from her and he would stop and go about his business.  Murph expressed his displeasure, but Stu didn't seem to care.

It was bed time and I was concerned as to how this was going to work.  Both dogs have a crate, but typically Stu sleeps with us and I had planned to have Murph sleep in his crate until we are confident we have him totally housebroken.  Remember, until July 3, he had never been outside before.  Stu wanted nothing to do with sleeping, the bed, or us.   He was sitting in the corner pouting.  This broke my heart.  He looked so dejected.

Murph was in his crate, but when we shut the door, he was a bit agitated.  We decided, in the interest of sleep, we would leave the crate door open and see what happened.  Eventually, I fell asleep and when I awoke, both dogs were in separate crates,  sleeping like angels....until 5:50am.

The boys...Murph E on the left and Stub E on the right

Kirby and I took the boys for a walk and our day began.  Stu was slightly aggressive throughout the morning, but I corrected his behavior repeatedly and we all took several walks together.  This seemed to calm him down a lot and they have coexisted wonderfully all afternoon.  Stu regresses now and again, but they actually played together this afternoon for a couple of minutes.  It was great to see.

This has been the most amazing day of firsts for Murph.  He mastered going up and down the stairs, discovered the toy bin, explored the area around our house, saw his first horses (not impressed), ate regular dog food, watched Stu tree a squirrel or 3 (hopefully he was taking notes), and most importantly, learned how to snuggle on the couch with Wylie, Katelin and Grandma King.  I also think he is learning his name.  He seems smart and he is certainly a sweetheart.  I couldn't be happier with him.

It really is so hard to believe that these dogs are considered disposable and just gotten rid of when the facility is done with them.  They deserve a shot at having a family to love them.

Long day at work for me tomorrow, but the boys will get to spend the whole day with their Dad and I am sure they will have even more adventures and firsts for Murph-E and Stu-E, like Murph's first NASCAR race.  :)

Murph and Cousin Kate...she's teaching him to cuddle

TOYS!!!  He figured out what they were for pretty quickly