It’s hard to believe it’s been two months since Murphee (the little itty bitty tiny one) joined our family.

She arrived from Texas, a six-month-old rescue puppy, so nervous and tentative about everything. She’s gotten used to us and seems to feel at home here.

We’ve learned that she’s not a fan of snow.

Now that the weather’s warmer, we’ve learned her favorite place it outdoors basking in the sun. While Gidget it a porch puppy, Murphee is happiest lying in the dirt with a good stick.

We’ve learned that she’s mostly a quiet puppy–unless she’s growling at her reflection or chasing the deer away. She cannot abide the deer and they’re not particularly fond of her either.

She’s asleep on the sofa by 7 pm each night, completely done in–there’s no waking her. She sleeps in her cozy kennel through the night! Although, the first month was rough. She’d yip and cry at about 3 am. I’d race out of bed to put her outside. She’d do her thing outdoors and I’d tuck her back in bed–yet she’d be crying again in 20 minutes. I followed all of the suggestions for crate training to no avail. I was a zombie–sleep deprived like a mom with a newborn baby. Until Paul suggested that we move her crate from the living room to our bedroom. That change did the trick and I too am happily sleeping through the night and waking on my own.

We’ve learned that she doesn’t mind the cats too much–unlike Gidget who goes on hyper alert when Snape or Cinder is in the vicinity or looks at her cross-ways.

She really didn’t like Paul very much in the early days. She would cower and run from him at every opportunity. When I spent a week away with my dad, Murphee learned that Paul is a softie and the bestower of all things good–dinner, treats, and snuggles. They are now fast friends, much to Gidget’s dismay who considers this her spot.

The two pups now coexist in the same space, Gidget (who is almost 9 years) is more tolerant of this wild, energetic little being. In fact, Gidget is a bit protective of Murphee when she’s being groomed or has a bath. There is solidarity when it comes to bath time!

After this week’s vet visit, we learned that Murphee is a good car traveler (unlike Gidget, who has to be sedated), and she’s a whopping 6.06 lbs. I never imagined having a dog smaller than Gidget, who tops the scale at 8.5 lbs–both are smaller than our cats.

And she’s mostly house-trained, which was one of my biggest misgivings about adopting her. She adapted to our routines like a champ.

We’ve learned that while Gidget is a reserved, shy pup, Murphee is all goof. She’s the silliest dog I’ve ever met.

And the sweetest, most affectionate dog. Paul and Hannah comment daily how much they love Murphee–and that’s a relief given my impulsive move to adopt her.

Murphee has brought much new life and joy to our house. I can’t imagine our home without her now. It’s amazing the changes two months can bring!