It’s hard to believe that a year ago this week, we lost my mom. A year ago today was the last time we spoke – the last time she told me she loved me. It’s been a tough time, but the arrival of our new pup has pushed aside some of the heaviness in my heart.

Gidget (pictured above) will be nine this year. I’ve considered adding another pup to our family but didn’t act on it. Thoughts of house training and vet bills curbed that enthusiasm – until I met Odayls, a six-month old Yorkie/Chihuahua rescue pup. More about that part of the story here.

We spent days experimenting with names while waiting for Odalys to make her way up from Houston to Maine on a dog transport. I have a habit of obsessing over decisions researching things beyond reason (last night’s two hour search for a new $25 tea kettle is an example). Ultimately, I listed all the names on a sheet and passed it around. Paul, Hannah, and I ticked off the names we liked. “Murphee” is the only name we all agreed on.

So, meet Miss Murphee!

She was fostered by Lilia in Houston, Texas, who does not have strong English skills. One night, I received this text from Hannah: “MOM. I just realized Murphee doesn’t speak English. She’s a Spanish pup. Poor thing is going to be so bamboozled, carted off to a strange land with a new language.”

Murphee departed Houston on Monday, February 26th, on a transport van with 29 other pups and one cat. The van driver endured a challenging trip, including horrendous weather and vehicle warning lights going off not once but twice. Murphee finally arrived at our house at 8 pm on Saturday, March 2nd. During that trip, her weight dropped from 5lbs 6oz to 4lbs 14oz. She’s a scrawny little thing. The transport driver never did learn her name but referred to her as “The Little Itty Bitty Tiny One,” which gave us a chuckle. She traveled with her siblings, who were all at least a pound heavier.

Gidget and Murphee became acquainted in the yard before moving into the house. I was worried Gidget would be aggressive, but it turns out she’s afraid of Murphee. And because Murphee sticks to me like glue, Gidget avoided me at all costs—so much so that I was almost in tears earlier in the week over losing my best friend.

Working from home (three days a week) became challenging because she wanted to be in my lap. I borrowed Snape’s cat tree and tucked it next to my desk.

This is where she’s been spending her days when I’m home.

When I’m not home, Dad’s in charge. Apparently, she doesn’t want to be ignored! At his wit’s end, Paul dropped her off at my office for the afternoon this day.

And here’s where she spent the afternoon.

Then, this morning, we had a breakthrough. Stretched out on the sofa working, Murphee tucked in beside me, Gidget cautiously, carefully returned to her traditional spot on my legs, willing to tolerate Murphee’s presence to sit with me. We are making progress!

Today was a turning point, as Murphee began to show a bit of life, personality, and interest in toys. She recognizes Hannah and me and is enthusiastic when we enter the house while a little slower to warm up to Paul. She cowers a bit when you reach down to pluck her up. She’s regaining the weight she lost – now up to 5lbs.

Despite her unruly wiry hair and under bite that you only notice at certain angles, she is adorable, sweet, and affectionate and has stolen our hearts.

Well, maybe not Gidget’s heart, but here’s hoping!