Murphy Joseph McGrath. Murphy passed today. He just turned 11. He was patient, loving, loyal, humorous and adored by everyone. What a personality!
It is a very sad day for the family.
If you’ve been following the blog you’ve seen his photograph many times. I swear he smiled for the camera.
He was one of the first posts on the blog, Murphy Waits for Michael.
So many of you expressed sympathy recently on the passing of Erika’s parents Italian Greyhound, Cleo. It’s been a hard month.
Today’s tribute is for Mark and Erika’s, Anna, Michael, Jack and Maura’s dear sweet boy- Murphy!
When Mark and Erika brought each of the babies home from the hospital, Murphy was there to welcome them into the family. Murphy was a pup before M & E got married. He was a loving and well loved member of the family. ( Erika would get mad at me if I called him “dog”)
There are no words to describe the sadness, the missing. You may remember the photos from his Tenth Birthday post last year.
Anna is nine now but here she is just home from Mercy Hospital
Murphy’s favorite tree in Virginia. He represented for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Peaceful. 
Photographed by Erika
In Hardy Virginia
Rest in Peace Murphy
OH Ruth, a sad day it is. Murphy had a wonderful life giving and receiving love from his family every day. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Judy
Thank you Judy. You know how difficult it is.
Such sad news, Ruth. Murphy was, indeed, Man and Children’s Best Friend. Oh, how he will be missed! My deepest sympathies to you, Murphy’s family, and all who knew and loved him.
Thank you for your kind words John. It is very sad indeed.
What a special photo tribute. Sad news. Many joyful memories, though. Thinking of all of you.
So sad to hear that Murphy passed away.
Loved seeing him with the family and I know
he really will be missed. My heart goes out to all of you
A very sad day. Murphy brought so many smiles and so very much love. How deeply he will be missed. What a lucky boy to have four such fun kids to play with everyday and Mark and Erika too. Thinking of you at this heartbreaking time. Ruthie thank you for bringing Murphy’s love into all of our lives.
so sad to hear of murphy’s passing … he looks like the perfect family dog … everyone will miss him so much … these photos are full of fun, love and joy, long may the family remember murphy just so …
I am sorry to hear this. One day you will be thankful that Murphy has been your friend. All the best for the next sad time to you and your family.
magdalena
So sorry to hear of your loss – he was such a delightful, wonderful member of the family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Janice and Peter
Oh, that’s so sad. Such a great loss. I’m sorry!
I remember a favorite photo of Anna kind of napping on Murphy. Such a good companion.
I am so sorry for all of you. Very sad! Beautiful photos!
That is very sad. He was an adorable dog and I loved seeing on the blog. I could tell he was well loved.
Murphy was such a star and I am so sorry to hear of his passing . . . my sympathy to you all and thank you Ruth for all the wonderful shots. He had such character which you always caught so beautifully.
Thanks for your good words Patti.
I feel so sad and miss Murphy so much. I love how he was always excited to see his family when they walked in the door.
I’m so so sorry … Murphy certainly was part of the family… Think of all the joy he brought:)
Thanks for writing Lynda. That was nice.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Murphy’s passing. He was a sweet dog who was loved by many and gave love to all. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thanks Vincie. He was a sweet dog.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Murphy looked like a kind and compassionate friend with a lot of love. Your photos make a beautiful memory story.
Thanks Eva. It is hard to lose a beloved pet. He was a great member of the family/
So sorry for you loss. You can tell from this tribute how much he must have loved his family, and what a great friend for a kid to have.
Thanks Bernadette.
So sad to hear! He looked like a special part of the family. Dogs know how to love without expecting anything in return. Thinking of you…
Thank you so much for your sympathy on the blog post today.
My heart weeps with you and your family, Ruth on the passing of Murphy over the Rainbow Bridge…he’s not gone he’s just in another place watching over all of you as he did on earth…your pix show how much he was loved and how much he loved his family..I am so sorry for your loss. Peggy friend of Judy Smizik’s
Aww thank you Peggy for writing on the blog today. I saw that Rainbow Bridge video someone sent and it just brings the tears.
You are good to send your sympathy. I know you understand.
Lovely tribute- beautiful comments and enduring collection of photos and memories. He will be thought of during many special moments in the years to come.
Thank you Connie for your good words. He was a special member of the family who is going to be remembered always.
Dan and I are so sad to hear of Murphys passing, Thoughts and prayers to the family, They do truly become one of your children,family memeber, What great pictures they will have to remember him by.
Thanks Marie and Dan. Yes, a true member of the family who will be sorely missed.
I feel that I knew Murphy after all his appearances on your blog. He was quite photogenic. I know Mark and Erika gave him a wonderful home and he was lucky to find such a loving family to share his life. He will be missed and thought of many times in the future and the thoughts will always be good ones that will reflect the wonderful joy and love he gave to his family.
Thanks Rob. You have been through it, too. It is hard.
Oh Ruth, I am in tears as I read this. I am so, so sorry for all of you.
I can see that Murphy was a happy dog during his life. A real friend of a family..some of these photos with their atmosphere are so impressive. Nice family ! My brother’s family has a dog called Pepsi, he is a real member of the family, too. Bye, Murphy.
Sorry to hear the news concerning Murphy, such a faithful family member. I know he will be missed by all who loved him. May God bring you comfort at the time of your lost. I hope the children are especially comforted.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you Francine.
Lovely photos and a great set of memories of a loved and loving family member. It hurts so much whne they die, but our pets add a quality to our lives that is immeasurable and infinitely precious.
You have been through the sad loss of a dear pet so you know how it feels. Thanks for writing today.
You know — in none of those fabulous photos does Murphy ever look old – I guess it was because he had such a loving family to live with! I could see the love in all those memories. Ruth, as usual, you’ve outdone yourself. My sincere sympathy to the whole family on the loss of your furry family member – Hugs to Murphy over the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks Sally. I know you understand.
So sorry to hear about Murphy. He was such a part of the McGrath family. He just seemed to know when an important picture was being taken, he would sit so nicely. I’m so sorry for the family.
Thanks Donna. He was a real personality for sure. Everyone is soo sad.
I have a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. What can be said? When I saw the title of today’s blog, I just had to open it because Murphy’s photos have always brought such a smile to me. As I was opening it, I had a premenition and thought, “What if..” which I immediately denied as a possibilty. My heart is sad and I hope all of you speedy relief from a the lose of a great pooch! Just loved his face!
Thanks Joyce. I remember a sad day in Clarion for you and your family.
Looking your photos of Murphy and family, I can see that he was a loving member of the family. And I know what does it mean having a dog so many years in a family. So sorry for your loss 🙁
Tanja from Croatia
Thank you for your nice comments on the blog from Croatia!
I’ll never forget the special weekend that Murphy, Penny and I spent together a few months ago. He was so much fun to be around and was great mentor to Penny. He will always be remembered by his Uncle James.
Yes, you knew him well. It is very sad. Thanks for the nice comment.
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What a wonderful dog you had. Bless his generous soul ! he’ll be yours always. Don’t be afraid to bring another Airdale into your family, it will honor Murphy and give you as much as he did. I am VERY partial to terriers so I recommend another soon…
Will keep you posted on the plans I hear are developing quite rapidly. My son wants to wait but his wife and children want another Airedale as soon as possible.
Murphy was a wonderful dog and they loved him so much. He was smart and funny and loyal.
What a dear and sweet dog, Ruth. I’m so sorry to read this, but you all must have such wonderful memories of Murphy. The lovely photos testify to this. Hugs to you and the family.
Thanks for the good words and hugs for the family. We all appreciate the outpouring of love.
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Ah, gosh. Ruth. My heart hurts. I recently lost two kitty cats. They’re tiny but huge in presence. I’m feeling your pain and the huge, huge void. I’m sending healing vibes your way. Big hugs, too. And Murphy Joseph McGrath. So regal. So beautiful. I’m crying as I type this. Yes, big hugs, I’m sending your way. T.
I am sorry for your loss of your dear kittys. It is pain you can touch! Thanks for the big hugs and will share with the family. I thought the photos marked the passage of time as I looked at them again. The loss of a dear and beloved pet is so painful and the missing them so difficult. Thanks T. xooxx Ruth
dear Ruth, you’ve composed a wonderful tribute to your MURPHY, the photo gallery as well as your words: “…He was patient, loving, loyal, humorous and adored by everyone. What a personality!”
Oh buddy…. I am so, so sorry for the loss of Murphy. He was such a good boy; so sad to lose such a dear member of the family.
OMG. Those are beautiful. I cry with you for your loss.
Thank you. It is hard.
Greg and Katherine here. Sorry to hear about Murphy, the world’s most photogenic dog and a great family pet. This selection of photos does him justice.
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Lovely to look at these photos again and see a dog right where he belongs, at the heart of the family. Thanks for reminding me Ruth.
enjoyed looking at these photos and hearing Murphy’s story. what a great dog he was. got here via Isobel’s post on pet remembrance day. thanks for sharing.
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