Every time I think of my Murphy, my heart aches at losing him, but rejoices when thinking of the joy and love he brought into my life during our 6 1/2 years together.

It took Murphy awhile to warm up to his new life, his two 'brothers' and me, but when he did, it was a beautiful thing. He spent time romping in the back yard but mostly he was a mama's dog who followed me everywhere helping with things such as cleaning, cooking, sleeping, and licking the beaters when I made cookies.

His favorite place to sleep was by my recliner in front of the wood stove or by the computer when I was working on a new book. In both places, he would raise that great head of his and look at me with gentle, liquid brown eyes, give a nudge, and I would drop my hand and pet him, sometimes for hours.

Murphy's illness came on quite suddenly. Right up until his final hours, he was playful and in good spirits, then came the devastating realization that my beautiful boy was leaving me.

Over the course of the years, Murphy won the hearts of my closest friends, so I made the call, and they raced over to be with him and me, and when we were all gathered, the vet drove here for an in-house transition.

I was holding his great shaggy head when he took his last breath. He is now resting peacefully behind the house nose to nose with a brother he lost in May with flowers planted between the rock covered graves. But he lives in my heart now and he will forever.

A week after he died, we held a true Irish Wake for Murphy with the same group of friends gathering together to swap stories of this beautiful creature. It was the beginning of the healing process.

Rest in peace, Murphy, you were my best friend. I love you!

Carole