Entered: 02/01/2025
Status: Available
Age: 4; born 02/28/2021
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 65 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment complete for ear infection, on medication for anxiety
Temperament: Good with people older than twelve (could inadvertently knock over younger children in his enthusiasm), good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “Being with people is what makes Murphy tick. Even when his foster mom goes into another room for a minute, when she returns Murphy greets her as if she had been gone all day!”
Murphy’s family tried hard in working with Murphy on his anxiety and exuberance. However, it became increasingly difficult to manage both Murphy and their very active toddler. Murphy loved the child but would get extremely excited around him and would become a little too rambunctious. Murphy unintentionally knocked the toddler over on more than one occasion. He also liked to steal the toddler’s socks and would sometimes swallow them presenting a potential health issue for him. His Virginia family made the difficult decision to have MAESSR find him another family.
In his former home, Murphy thrived in doggy daycare, where he did very well with other dogs. Staff members described him as a happy-go-lucky, loving dog. Murphy would experience some anxiety when confined to a separate room or when his owners were outside and he could not reach them. Murphy did not show anxiety when the owners would leave the house, however. He is content and quiet when crated.
Murphy’s foster mom concurs with all that his original owners reported about him. He is a loving, high-energy boy who loves to interact with his people, receiving attention and pets and cuddles from them. When they play fetch with him, Murphy is delighted. His foster home has many dogs and Murphy loves running and playing with them in the large fenced yard.
On leash walks, he will pull initially, but just enjoys being outside with his person. Murphy knows the commands “sit,” “stay,” “place,” “come,” “leave it,” and “off.” Such a smart boy!
Murphy is housetrained and crate trained. Inside the house, this mischief maker will counter-surf every time an opportunity presents itself. He also will steal things to get his person’s attention. Every morning, he grabs one of his foster mom’s flip-flops before she gets out of bed. He comes up on the bed with it and does not want to give it up. His foster mom knows what this game is all about: Murphy wants attention, love and to be told he is a good boy. Then, he gives it back unharmed. When he steals kitchen towels or socks, his foster mom just turns it into a game by telling him how wonderful he is and then he will give up his prize. Talk about wanting to be the center of attention!
Being with people is what makes Murphy tick. Even when his foster mom goes into another room for a minute, when she returns Murphy greets her as if she had been gone all day! This boy would be great with older children who would shower him with attention.
Murphy is on anxiety medication which his new family will be required to continue giving him for a minimum of six months after adoption. His foster mom feels that he will probably need medication for his anxiety long term.
Since Murphy is a very high energy boy, his new family needs to have a plan to keep him well exercised. A tired Springer is a good Springer, after all. Having another playful dog in the house would be great, too! He would love long walks in the woods or along the beach where he could happily run. If you are looking for a companion that has plenty of energy, love and happiness to share, Murphy is that boy!