Murphy is a goofy, lovable young pup with big floppy ears and an even bigger heart. He is a fun and playful dog who loves car rides, long walks, zoomies in the yard, chewing on his bones and lounging on the couch. He’s a silly guy who often “talks” with little playful noises, making it feel like he’s really trying to communicate with you. Murphy also adores other dogs and would thrive in a home with a confident canine buddy to play with and learn from.
Murphy is incredibly smart and eager to learn. He responds well to clicker training, knows his basic commands, and has made great progress with recall. He currently does well with a static fence and is highly food-motivated, which makes training fun and effective. With continued consistency, Murphy has so much potential to blossom into an amazing companion.
Murphy does come with some special considerations. He has a few anxiety/fear-based behaviors that can make him nervous in new or chaotic environments. On a couple of occasions, he has nipped when feeling cornered or overwhelmed, so he needs a patient, experienced owner who is committed to using positive training, structure, and management. Because of this, Murphy would do best in a home without young children, and introductions to new people should be done thoughtfully.
He has also dealt with some allergies and skin sensitivities that may need ongoing support. Despite these challenges, Murphy is a genuinely great dog who just needs the right person to understand him and help him thrive.
Murphy is looking for a calm, structured, and loving home where his goofy personality can shine. He will reward your patience with endless loyalty, precious head tilts, and unconditional love. If you’re an experienced dog owner ready to guide a smart, silly, and affectionate pup, Murphy could be your perfect match!
Pet's Name:
Murphy
Dog: Primary Breed:
Labrador Retriever
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Mixed Breed
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
8/12/2023
Age Category:
Adult
Where did you get your pet?:
Sterling Animal Shelter
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
3/2/2024
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Large
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size):
70
Primary Color:
Tan (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Going for walks and car rides, being outside, playing with his bones and chew toys, snuggling on the couch, playing with other dogs
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
No
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, lay down, come (it's a work in progress), stay (working on it)
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
He does well being home alone. He will stays in a small kennel area and hangs out on his dog bed
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Murphy is afraid of my husband - he does well with most men however he appears to be anxious and nervous around some men. He also becomes anxious in new environments
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Murphy goes out first thing in the morning and enjoys walks here and there throughout the day. He eats 2 times a day. He can gets silly in the evening hours and settles down around 8:00 PM. Murphy sleeps well on his dog bed next to his dog mom and likes to snuggle when allowed up on the bed
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
Murphy may have some mild skin allergies. We removed chicken products from his diet and this seems to have helped. We also give him frequent baths with Calm shampoo and this seems to help. We have been giving Murphy Apoquel to help with itching.
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Murphy has a history of anxiety. On 2 occasions while out at a brewery he nipped at 2 different men. He also bit my brother (who he never met before) as he entered the house and was being held back. He was feeling trapped and sadly he reacted. Murphy has always been fearful of my husband (although there have been improvements), he continues to be highly anxious around him.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
We bath him with Calm shampoo every 2-3 weeks
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
We brush his teeth from time to time
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Very friendly: Loves meeting and playing with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
His fun, goofy personality and floppy ears!
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
We want to find a loving home for Murphy. He would thrive in a home with another dog with a fenced in yard and appears to do best with women. A home with children is not recommended as he is so unpredictable due to his anxiety and nervousness.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Murphy is a beautiful, quirky, curious, smart boy who thrives with routine and structure. He needs a committed owner who has experience with training and is able to manage a dog with an anxious personality.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Pet Behavior
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
As mentioned above, Murphy is highly anxious when around my husband. We are concerned that the constant stress and anxiety may have health ramifications for him. He has also reacted to men (nipping/biting) on a couple of occasions. We feel as though he needs an owner who can better manage these personality traits.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
VCA Sterling - Dr. Blais
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Beef Dog Food - We do not feed him chicken or anything with chicken by products
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Westminster, MA
Zip Code:
01473
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable):
Sterling Animal Shelter
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs