On March 10, 2004, Maureen writes:

Murphy the Wonder Dog had his first ride today in his new push buggy.

This the bicycle trailer my husband converted into a doggy conveyance so Murphy can continue to go on outings but can ride home when he tires . . . er . . . excuse me . . . grows fatigued. The trailer required a certain amount of modification - chiefly the installation of a plywood floor and the removal of the kids' seats.

Today, we took the grandbabies and the dogs for a walk by the river. Murphy marched all the way to the children's play park without a whimper but it was clear that today was not one of his better days.

When we arrived at the park, Jim popped Murphy into the buggy on top of the thick, soft blanket provided to keep the Wonder Dog comfortable. He clipped a short tether that was attached to the buggy on one end to Murphy's harness to prevent unexpected exits. I gave the Smurf a jackpot of treats. He mumbled happily and flopped down, head resting on front paws. There he lay while the children had a play session.

When it was time to go, Jim trotted off at a gentle pace pushing Murphy's buggy. After a brief startle and jump, Murphy relaxed and settled in to enjoy the ride, very happy to let someone else do the work for a change. He looked very regal with his elegant little beard as he peered out at the passing scenery. I swear he waved graciously at everyone we encountered - just like the Queen of England in her coach at the head of the parade!

On 26 March, Maureen writes:

Yesterday was lovely here in southern British Columbia - well over 70 degrees and sunny. Husband Jim decides to take the dogs for a walk on the dikes. He loads Murphy and the grrrrls in his truck, tosses in Murphy's buggy and off they go. I opt out because I have other plans for the afternoon.

Murphy is having an off day. His blood pressure is up and he is coughing a bit. His energy level is down but he insists on going anyway. Jim tucks him into the buggy and off they trot. Since it's such a splendid day, the Wonder Dog soon grows tired of riding and indicates he would like to walk. Okay, says Jim, and hoists him out and they continue, Jim pushing the buggy, the grrrrls bounding ahead with Murphy toddling along behind.

Suddenly, Jim realizes that he has only two dogs with him. Where is Murphy????? Aha! He's stopped to investigate something interesting and has been left behind. Because he's far enough back he can no longer track Jim and the other dogs by scent, he is somewhat disoriented and appears to be heading for the ditch beside the dike. The ditch is fairly deep and has murky brown smelly water at the bottom.

Husband hastily brakes the buggy, or so he thinks, and races back to rescue the Wonder Dog. He reaches him just before the old fellow topples into the ditch and begins to urge him back towards the buggy and the grrrrrls but Murphy is very slow. Jim looks up to gauge how far they are from the buggy and, to his horror, see the buggy rolling off towards the evil ditch in slow motion!

Abandoning Murphy, he sprints towards the buggy and reaches it just as the entire rig topples ever so gently into the bottom of the ditch . . . ! Oh rats!! exclaims Jim. (Actually he exclaimed something else but I would hesitate to share that with you.)

When he fishes it out, not an easy task, I understand, the front of the buggy is dripping with green slime and smelly water. The blanket is also partially covered in the same appetizing materials.

Meanwhile, he looks back and Murphy is once more headed toward the very same ditch!

Just another adventure among the many we experience daily with an elderly visually-challenged rescue boy!

Murphy thanks Andréa for caring about him and loves to see his pictures, especially those last ones of him in his buggy, up on the Internet. He really hopes that they will encourage others to adopt an old fellow like him. He says he really isn't all THAT much trouble! Not really!!

Murphy in his favorite spot on the stairs, waiting for the mail to drop through the mail slot, I bet!