The Third Dog

I already blogged about the other two dogs. I didn't want to leave out dog number 3.

This is Murphy. She is a Tibetan Terrier, a relatively rare breed that is not, in fact, a terrier. She's something around 12 years old now, and is now more gray than black.

Fig. 1: Murphalene Hydroxide. Use only as directed.

Her full name is "Murphy Brown", named for the television character of the same name played by Candice Bergen. Back in the day when we got her, Murphy Brown was on all the time. It is still a program that I enjoy watching. I love the dry humor! The two Murphys are so alike!

Murph has gotten sweet in her old age. She used to be a stand-offish little pain in the ass when she was younger. After her rival Sassie, the cocker spaniel, passed away, she sweetened up quite a bit. She gets along famously with Mr. Data, and intimidates the hell out of Gryffin.

Fig. 2: Murphy in the Yard

How we got her is an interesting story. There are very few breeders of Tibetan Terriers in the US. My mother's boss, SG, wanted one for his family. Well, his wife and three daughters wanted one, and he's a pushover and fully whipped. It is these four women that are to blame for his follicle difficulties. i.e., he's as bald as an eagle.

A breeder in California was contacted and stated that she had two female puppies available. One black and white, one white and black. Unsure of which color scheme would be more suitable, they opted for the black and white one. The black and white one arrived and they liked it alot.

He asked my mother if we would benefit from the additional canine companionship, and offered to purchase said functional opposite for us. This, to the tune of $500. Some bonus, that.

Fig. 3: Murphy vs. Gryffin.

The soon-to-be Murphy was shipped from California via Delta Airlines Cargo. On a flight that was delayed. Twice. We waited at the cargo counter for three hours past her scheduled arrival time. She finally arrived. A tiny ball of what we thought was lint was at the back of a huge dog crate. I said, "They sent us THAT?"

She is definitely a momma's girl. She follows mother around all over the house. Sometimes mother will sleep in the spare bedroom upstairs if father starts snoring badly, and this "little bed" is Murphy's preferred sleeping option. She will often sit in on the little bed and bark incessantly until either a) mother goes to bed in the "little bed", or b) mother tells her to shut the hell up.

Fig. 4: Murphy, the demon.

She really is a great little dog. It is really cute the way she plays with Mr. Data. I often will egg her on, "Bite Data, bite him! Bite that dog!" They don't bite hard, and it is really funny to watch them play.

Thankfully, the little princess doesn't shed. We'll occasionally find a long, black or white hair around the house, but there is absolutely no shedding. This is because Tibetan Terriers have a silky coat of hair rather than a fur topcoat/undercoat. She is quite soft and smooth, but like a typical dog, gets in to her share of muddy messes. Since she has hair, she gets matted quite easily so we have to keep her brushed and groomed all the time. Our groomer sees dollar signs when we walk in.

All in all, she really is a joy to have around.