A big RAGOM welcome to Murphy the Magnificent! Chronologically, he is 11 years old, but he only admits to seven. Murphy chased a car, caught it, and, one broken hip later, arrived into Foster Mom's care for rest, rehab, and to find a forever home.

He is a doll! He is so endearing, and he combines that with loving his walks and some play. He is the quintessential Golden. He has been a welcome addition to the resident pack of three Goldens.

Murphy's recuperation and rehab are progressing faster and more smoothly than ever anticipated.

In addition to regular leashed potty breaks, we go for neighborhood walks 3 times/day. The walks were very short (about 3 minutes) the first week after surgery. We are gradually increasing the duration of the walks and will be going for 12-minute walks this week.

We stay on level ground, no hills. (Foster Mom's house is on one level, so stairs are not an issue either.) We've progressed from a slow walk with a decided limp to an almost normal walking pace with a slight hitch. We also do range-of-motion leg stretches several times per day. No jumping or running!

Murphy's 6-week convalescence will officially end on October 21, when his hip will be x-rayed. Until then, we will continue with our rehab regimen. Based on his progress to date, Foster Mom expects that Murphy will be permitted to return to all normal doggie activities on schedule.

In addition to his surgery, Murphy had our standard vet check-up and evaluation upon entering RAGOM's care. He now takes Apoquel for allergies and will do so until we have a frost. He is being treated (successfully) for a right ear infection. He was diagnosed with worms and will have a final treatment recheck the second week in October. That's it! Good news for our Murphy!

Foster Mom nicknamed our new guy Murphy the Magnificent shortly after his arrival, because he is just so wonderful. Some fun facts about Murphy are:

• He is housebroken.
• He loves everyone.
• He sleeps through the night.
• He is crate trained.
• He does not resource guard.
• He has no storm anxiety (or any other anxieties, as far as Foster Mom can tell).
• He loves to ride in the car.
• He walks nicely on a leash.
• He responds to a number of obedience commands.

The best way to describe Murphy is that he is as comfortable and easy and fun to be with as your favorite pair of shoes. He also has some endearing quirkiness. If Murphy needs to go out and Foster Mom does not recognize his wish quickly enough, he will give me a little "woof."

He also gave me a soft "woof" one night when, in his mind, dinner was unaccountably delayed. But, on several occasions, when Murphy has felt that he's not getting his fair share of hugs and pats and kisses, he has given me the big "WOOF!" Who says dogs can't talk?!

So why isn't this jewel nicknamed Murphy the Perfect? It’s because of one more quirk! He only reluctantly, and after coaxing, goes out in the morning on the dew-covered grass. He doesn't like to get his feet wet. That's it. The only imperfection identified to date. He is marvelous!

A few comments for potential adopters on the requirements identified for Murphy:

• Given his car chasing activities, a fence is required.
• With his recent surgery, children capable of understanding the need for extra care for Murphy in the near term is required.
• While another dog in the house would be fine, Murphy loves being the center of all of the attention.
• Murphy has not been cat tested.

If you would be interested in potentially providing Murphy with a loving forever home, please contact us. We will be attending the Edina Chuck & Don's Meet & Greet on Saturday, October 6, and would love to see you there.