Adopt

My name is Murphy!

Posted over 2 months ago | Updated 1 month ago

Adoption fee: $150

This helps Joyful Pets Rescue with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Labrador Retriever/Black Mouth Cur
Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut - with White
Age
2 years 2 months old, Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
70 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID

My details

Alert icon Not good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Needs experienced adopter
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My personality

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Meet Murphy!

A goofy and affectionate two-year-old Labrador Retriever mix currently living in Westminster, MA, whose floppy ears and golden coat are just the beginning of his charm.

Murphy is a big-hearted pup (weighing in at 70 pounds) who greets life with playful energy and happy tail wags! He’s a silly guy who often “talks” with little playful noises, making it feel like he’s really trying to communicate with you. He thrives on the simple joys of life like long walks, breezy car rides, chew toys, and full-throttle zoomies in the yard. But don’t let his silly side fool you, Murphy is a smart cookie who responds beautifully to clicker training and is eager to continue learning through positive reinforcement. He’s already mastered sit, lay down, and is working on stay and recall with promising progress.

Murphy is wonderfully social with other dogs and would flourish in a home with a confident canine pal to show him the ropes and help him feel secure. Doggie daycare is one of his favorite places, where he truly comes out of his shell. At home, he settles into a steady routine, curling up on his bed or couch for snuggles and quiet time, his version of winding down after a day of play and exploration.

Murphy does have some anxiety, especially in unfamiliar or chaotic environments, and has shown fear-based behaviors when feeling trapped. He’s had three incidents where he nipped or bit. Once with a visiting family member entering the home and twice with men in public settings. These moments stemmed from fear, not aggression, and his guardians have worked hard to create structure and help him feel secure.

Murphy can be a little nervous around some men, though he does well with many, and has made great progress through consistent training, patience, and love. Because of this, he’ll thrive with a calm, experienced pet parent who understands anxiety and reactivity and can continue supporting his confidence. Slow introductions to new people and surroundings, along with consistency and gentle guidance, will help him blossom. A home without children is recommended.

Murphy also benefits from a mindful diet, it's suspected that chicken may contribute to his skin sensitivities, so it has been removed as a precaution, along with regular soothing baths to keep his skin comfortable. With the right care, his golden coat shines almost as brightly as his personality!

Are you the kind, dog-savvy companion who can help this smart, sweet, and slightly silly pup thrive in a loving, peaceful home?

Reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more about welcoming Murphy into your family!
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
Contact
Adoption Coordinator
Address
Private Foster Homes, Amherst, MA 01002

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our mission is to keep family pets out of animal shelters by offering a loving alternative.

If you're ready to take the next step in adoption, the first step is to complete our adoption application so that we have all the information we need to determine that you'll be able to provide a safe and compassionate home to one of our rehomed pets.

Once approved, all you need to do is sign our adoption agreement form, pay the adoption fee, and schedule an adoption date with the pet's current family.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

The pets in our network our still with their current families. We will arrange a meet and greet once you are approved.

More about this rescue

Our mission is to keep family pets out of animal shelters by offering a loving alternative.

Other pets at this rescue