June 2010 Update: Hi Jo, I was just going through some pictures of Murphy Jo (Mellie) and thought of you. She has turned out to be a very nice dog, although very different than the dog we got from you. We suspect that she might have been depressed (post partum?) and unsure of her surroundings. She was very careful, especially when playing in the house.

She's lost a bit of that now, but what is really noticeable is her ability to ride in the car. When we took her home from your house she was as quiet as a mouse sitting in the back seat. We kept looking back to see if she was OK, because we weren't used to dogs behaving themselves while riding. She's more active now, but I think it may be because when we take her for rides it's to places that bring her great joy (i.e. dog park) so she gets a little rambunctious.

We learned recently that she likes to swim, which further confirms my suspicion that she may be part Lab. No shame in that, one of my favorite dogs of all time was a Lab/Shepherd mix. It is a wonderful combination. She's been a good friend to me and Kevin, always up for a walk or a game of ball. I kidded with Kevin the other day when she pulled a softball out of my closet, I said, "She likes all the sports I do." Better my softball then my shoe. She knows the difference, she's a good kid.

Check out the attached pictures. She doesn't even look the like the same dog. She was a cutie when we took her home, but she grew into a beauty. Here's hoping you can continue the good work you do for the rescue. Kevin and I truly appreciate all that you and your counterparts do.

Take care, Cheryl

Hi Jo,

We renamed Mellie, Murphy Jo. I think it suits her. You said as we were leaving that this is where they leave and never look back, but boy are you wrong. She misses you something fierce. Every now and then she just whines. Nothing is wrong, and we are paying attention to her, but I think she's feeling a little sad.

We've been playing a lot! I'm so happy to have gotten a player. She is everything we wanted and more. I'm signing us up for some obedience classes so she can learn how to walk on a leash and drop her toys. If she plays her cards right we may even try a little agility training. I'm not sure who would have more fun, her or me.

As promised I'm sending you a family picture, but I couldn't resist sending you a couple just of Murphy too. She's far more photogenic then we are.

Take care, Cheryl