Murphy

My story

Please read the bio in full for answers to your questions. In the event you have a question that is not covered in the bio, please email info@seniordoghaven.org. If interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application which can be found at https://seniordoghaven.org/adoption-process/. Please note that because all our dogs live in foster homes, we are unable to set up meetings with a dog unless we have a completed adoption application on file. Adoptions must be within a reasonable distance from Landenberg, PA for our volunteers to be able to conduct an in-person home visit. Meet Murphy – A Gentle Soul Ready for His Second Chance
🐾 Age: 9 years old
🐾 Weight: 24 lbs (needs to gain a bit more)
🐾 Breed: Tricolor Beagle
🐾 Location: Landenberg, PA
🐾 Requirements: Fenced-in yard, quiet and patient home Murphy is a 9-year-old beagle with the softest eyes and an even softer heart. Found as a stray in Southern Delaware, he clearly lived a hard life outdoors—likely as a hunter or breeder dog. Despite everything he's been through, Murphy is now discovering the joys of indoor life, warm blankets, and gentle human companionship. He’s looking for someone to help him keep learning what love really means. Murphy isn’t blind or deaf, but he is a little hard of hearing. He’s housebroken if he has access to a fenced-in yard, and he’ll also use a pee pad if one is down. Murphy walks nicely on a leash but hasn’t quite figured out it’s okay to go potty on walks—yet. That’s something he’ll likely learn with time and routine. He must have a fenced-in yard, as this is what he's comfortable with and where he feels safest doing his business. He’s had a lot of vetting since coming into our care: he’s now neutered, had a mass removed from his foot, was treated for Lyme and Ehrlichia, had a dental, and healed from an anal gland infection. The best news? He’s currently healthy and not on any medications or prescription diets. Because Murphy spent his life outdoors, he’s still learning about stairs and indoor living. He can go upstairs and hop on furniture but needs guidance (and a little bravery) to come back down. He startles easily, so a quiet, patient home—possibly with dog-savvy kids or other calm dogs—would be ideal. He’s very dog-friendly, and he’s even learned that cats are best left alone. Once Murphy trusts you, he’s a total cuddler who will sit in your lap and melt into your ear rubs and chin scratches. He rarely barks, prefers to sleep on a soft mat or blanket, and gets more comfortable in cozy spots like the couch or bed with time. He doesn’t like being picked up—especially by strangers—but with gentle patience and earned trust, he’ll allow it. Murphy is a sweet, gentle, and deeply affectionate soul who just needs someone to believe in him. He’s smart, eager to please, and forming attachments to kind humans comes naturally to him—he just needs time. If you’ve got a calm home, a fenced yard, and a big heart for a beagle who never really had a chance to be someone’s dog, Murphy might be the perfect fit. He’s ready to give you his trust—and his heart.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Murphy, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.