Once upon a time I had a very fulfilling life. I lived in a wonderful community; I had a very nice house with lots of property; I had a job I really enjoyed; I always had food on my table and all the clothes anyone really needs. And I had the best company and love anyone could ever wish for. That company and love was my Murphy.

I still have my house and my job and food on my table and clothes, but I don’t have my Murphy. I lost him eight months ago and life has not been the same without him.

When my husband Dennis died, of course I felt a great loss. After that, Murphy and I were together for over seven years, and we had a bond that could never be replaced. To say that he got me through these difficult years is not enough. Murphy gave me reasons to exist and to go on with life. He was my support on my bad days (and there were many) – and no matter how bad I felt he always brought a smile to my face, and he always made me laugh. He was my constant companion and he didn’t leave my side.

We had our daily routines, and I was lucky to work only 10 minutes from where I live, so he was never left alone for more than two hours at a time. Our lives revolved around each other.

Murphy always met me at the door – often with his favorite purple ball. He loved our walks together, rain or shine. In the winter we played together in the snow. One of my best memories of him was how much he disliked his baths. I had to hide his shampoo because he would run away and I couldn’t catch him. I cooked for him every day, boiled chicken breast and a sweet potato.

Murphy was 14 when I had to let him go. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. He took my heart with him, and he will always have my heart and my love. I miss him every minute of every day. I pray that he knows how much he means to me and how much he is missed.

I love you Murphy.