A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Murphy   Week 1 ║  Week 2  ║  Week 3  ║  Week 4  ║  Week 5  ║  Week 6  ║  Week 7 Week 8  ║  Week 9  ║  Week 10  ║  Week 11  ║  Week 12  ADOPTED!!! Week 5 Murphy headed into a short-term foster home this week.  As it turns out, the hustle and bustle of the prison environment is just not his cup of tea.  Lucky for Murphy, he already has a home waiting for him.  As soon as they get back from vacation, Murphy will be heading home with them to be the spoiled lab he deserves to be.  Good luck, Murphy!   Week 4 Murphy's handler recognizes that this pup needs tender loving care to overcome his fears. Murphy has to work at his own pace, and exhibits come negative behavior when he's being pushed a little too far for his comfort zone. When Murphy receives a lot of patient handling, he's "a loyal, affectionate companion, who's affable, lovable and agreeable." Murphy still shows separation anxiety when his handler goes to work. But, Murphy's handler knows that time, attention, consistency and care will help to nurture Murphy to be an adoptable dog. Murphy's circle of trusted friends is small, but his relationship with his handler has grown during his time in the program! His handler knows that Murphy has a lot of potential and that some lucky person or family will  be graced by his presence in their home.  Murphy's handler thinks that he really is a good dog who is overcoming a lot of bad memories. Once Murphy knows that the human hands in his life are good hands, "he will melt into them."  Take a deep breath, Murphy! You'll be okay!   Week 3 Murphy continues to be a fun-loving dog...full of potential and at ease around large groups of people! All of the best canine companionship can be found in Murphy! He still barks when alone, but his handlers baby sit him as much as they can.  While Murphy's good side persists, he sometimes exhibits the characteristics of a toddler. This occurs mainly when he's urged to move, startled, or is prodded from his resting area into his crate. He really does NOT like to be crated. If the crate door is open, Murphy will go into it. It's when his handlers close the door, that Murphy becomes very agitated...even if his handlers are in the cell with him.  Murphy's handler now has an extra handler to help with Murphy's care. The good news is that when the new handler takes Murphy out to the yard, he'll sit right with him contentedly for some time! Murphy will stay with him even if other people call him, walk by him or talk to him or his handler. Murphy will pull on-leash when he sees the other dogs and people that he knows, but when he's alone with his handler, he will walk just as nice as can be! There are a lot of folks in the prison generously giving time to Murphy's anti-barking training. Unfortunately, Murphy still barks! His handlers are rolling with the punches, taking deep breaths, and know that they'll help Murphy find a loving and patient home!  Relax, Murphy. You're handlers will take good care of you!   Week 2 Murphy's behavior has been consistent. He loves people, especially if he knows that they're holding treats! He genuinely enjoys the company of the other dogs, and his big livered-colored nose continues to rule the world...sniffs, sniffs and more sniffs!  Murphy will bark at people who he thinks are intimidating him by staring at him. His warning barks fade, however, as soon as his handler allows him to go up to the human to get a sniff! Murphy really wants to be friends at all times, but at odd times expresses to the humans that he is not a pushover! Deep inside, his handler knows that Murphy is just a big, fluffy puppy from head to toe! Twice this week, Murphy woke up frightened. He had a tucked tail, lowered head and seemed to be preoccupied. It quickly subsided, but his handler knew that it was sincere. He thinks that Murphy was experiencing a combination of his past life, and trying to adjust to his new life.  Murphy was a champion during his bath and ear cleaning this week! His handler will continue to work with him on his leash training and impulse control, because he sees these as areas of improvement for Murphy.  Murphy's handler thinks that he would love meeting people outside of the prison and going for an outing. He senses that Murphy yearns for a family.  We hope that you find one soon, Murphy!   Week 1 Murphy’s handler doesn’t think that he will be homeless for very long. As soon as any prospective adopter meets him, and sees his zealous desire to please, they’ll want to have him as their very own. Murphy is hard to resist! He has big honey-brown eyes, a big red nose, long and lanky legs, floppy ears and a joyful disposition! Murphy loves the doggie yard! He is so excited while running and ripping around the yard! He’s also good inside! He’s happy to relax on his bed in his crate, or to stretch out on the floor while his handler studies. He showed separation anxiety at first, but his handler has been teaching him patience exercises, and Murphy can be left alone for a few hours now, without a peep! One thing Murphy doesn’t like is when his handler plays the guitar...he cringes! Murphy knew a few tricks when he entered the program, and his handler is working with him to improve those, as well as impulse control, relaxation and leash training. So far, this new kid on the block has responded really well! He gets along well with the other dogs, and is eager to meet new people. Murphy’s handler thinks that he’ll balance out a bit during his time at the prison. He also thinks that Murphy will be a fine pet! “Although he is physically large, he will fit right into a home like a perfectly-sized puzzle piece.” Way to go, Murphy!   UPDATE - 1-4-09 Murphy is a dear boy who is a little on the nervous side.  He's headed to the big house this week to learn some basic manners and work on building up his confidence and then he'll be ready to go!  He is a handsome, two and a half year old yellow lab who is available for adoption through Angel Hill Animal Sanctuary.
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance