Dogs from Other Sources

Introducing Murphy, a delightful 5-yr-old Border Collie/Lab mix residing in central CT. With his charming personality, he’s sure to win your heart the moment you meet him, immediately rolling over for a belly rub. Murphy is more than just a pet; he’s a loyal companion ready to share his love and bring joy to his new family.

Murphy’s current living situation has become challenging due to the unpredictable and rambunctious nature of our 1-year-old. Our toddler’s energy and unpredictability have caused Murphy to become nervous. In these situations, he tends to bark and attempt to assert control. We believe Murphy would thrive in a home with a secure yard where he can run and play freely. He would do best in a home without small children or other dogs, as these environments can heighten his anxiety. However, with the guidance of a firm, attentive owner, we are confident that Murphy has the potential to overcome these hurdles and adapt to various household dynamics.

We adopted Murphy from the Yakima, WA Humane Society in January 2020. He was found roaming the streets in rural Washington but was remarkably healthy. Murphy is a true testament to his breed’s intelligence and trainability. He is fully potty-trained and crate-trained, demonstrating excellent house manners. He knows a variety of commands and is always eager to learn new ones. Throughout his time with us, Murphy has consistently been respectful of our belongings, never once having an accident indoors nor has he destroyed anything, even when left alone to explore the house. His intelligence and high food motivation make him an ideal candidate for learning new tricks and engaging in mentally stimulating activities.

Murphy’s days are filled with simple joys. His favorite pastimes include playing ball, a true reflection of his Border Collie heritage, and diligently completing commands in exchange for delicious treats. He also cherishes quiet moments, happily resting on the couch while his owner works from home, enjoying the calm presence of his human companion. Murphy truly is a good boy who deserves a home where he can receive the attention, love, and understanding he so richly deserves.

Unfortunately, a few negative interactions have heightened Murphy’s reactivity towards other dogs. He becomes anxious and defensive in the presence of other dogs, making it difficult to redirect his attention unless high-value treats are readily available. Murphy has undergone a variety of training methods, and with slow, continuous positive exposure, he has shown remarkable progress. He has proven his ability to enjoy successful walks alongside other dogs, demonstrating his potential for further improvement with consistent training and patience.

Another one of Murphy’s quirks is his dislike for car rides. We’ve attempted a variety of approaches, including having him ride in his crate, but he remained anxious and tended to bark at other cars. Through persistence and positive reinforcement, Murphy has learned to remain calm during car rides when he is positioned in the passenger-side wheel well and given the commands “down” then “stay.” This specific setup has proven to be the most effective in ensuring his comfort and reducing his anxiety during travel.

Murphy has idiopathic epilepsy, a condition that causes mild seizures. These episodes typically last 1 – 4 minutes, after which he quickly recovers and resumes his day as if nothing happened. His seizures are well-controlled with affordable medication, and on average, he experiences only one episode every month or two. We are happy to provide videos upon request to give his new owner a clearer understanding of what to expect during a seizure. Murphy happily takes his pills twice a day, easily disguised with a little peanut butter. While we are unsure of the exact triggers for his seizures, we have observed that they tend to occur later in the day if he has experienced significant stress.

Contact Info: murphypup20@gmail.com
Phone: 860-460-9231