Miss Murphy, a beautiful blonde Golden Retriever, came into our lives via Golden Rescue as a youthful 11 year old. It was 2010, a year I would mostly like to forget. In January I broke my shoulder when a ridge of snow grabbed my ski and slammed me into the hill. Seven days after that Copper, my 9 year old Golden, suffered a massive stroke and had to be put down. In June, 14 year old Morgan crossed over the rainbow to join Copper. Home chores were staking more over my body so it was not possible to introduce a pup to the house. But I wasn’t ready to be without a dog just yet. It was a bit like retiring. Just because I didn’t want the restrictions of a job imposed on me didn’t mean I wasn’t interested in challenging my brain or utilizing the skills I had acquired over the years.
Murphy came to us from a home in the city. She was walked on leash then hurried back indoors. But she took to the country like most teenage boys take to cars. Our morning hike through the forest soon became a cause to prance proudly across the road to the gate. If I turned in the wrong direction she wasn’t interested in proceeding. A quick trip to take care of business and she was ready to head back inside. Reminds me of the way I explored new interests to challenge me. Despite my background in education and business I was painfully shy. I joined a writing group to slay that particular dragon and in the process of preparing my speeches discovered I enjoyed writing. To explore that interest I attended a one day workshop to test the waters before signing up for a creative writing course. I wasn’t willing to commit to an activity that I didn’t have an affinity for. After all, I was challenging myself enough with public speaking.
The first few months in her new home Murphy insisted on coming with us when we were heading out in the car. The times we had to leave her behind she parked herself at the door and remained there until we came back. It was like me hanging on to my notes and gripping the lectern for dear life when I gave a speech. Eventually I learned to let go, and so did she. We are both now confident and comfortable in our new environments.
I eventually convinced Murphy that a stroll down our country road before bed was quite acceptable. I still find comfort in old pursuits too. Golden Rescue benefits from my interest in bookkeeping and I have combined my teaching experience with my love of writing to facilitate writing groups.
Murphy reminds me that slow and steady wins the race. She never runs, never hurries, but she always manages to get far enough ahead of me to scoop up the horse poop before I catch her. I’m not looking for horse poop but I am preparing for a new chapter in my journey through life. Miss Murphy has shown me that whatever my ultimate goal I can get there by continuing to put one foot in front of the other. You can teach an old dog new tricks - and an old girl too.
J. H.
Ontario. Canada.
