December 2008   Murry
Murry, a 13-year-old Maltese, is so well known in his Georgetown, DC neighborhood, that his owners are often simply referred to as Murry’s Mom and Dad. But they don’t mind. Sharing Murry with the world is one of their greatest pleasures. And when I say world, I really mean world. Murry is so well traveled, that one of the airlines recently sent him an application for their frequent flyer program. Take a look at Murry weighing in for an overseas flight, touring ancient Rome, visiting what’s left of the Berlin Wall, and taking a break inside a European coffee shop where dogs are welcomed. Closer to home, Murry often accompanies his owners on their local errands to pet-friendly shops, such as their dry cleaner, the Uptown Valet, where you can see Murry’s photo in their wall display of regular customers.

Though we first met Murry’s family at Super Pet Expo last spring, it was a very unfortunate development that became the driving force behind Murry’s spur-of-the-moment portrait session. Last August, Murry was diagnosed with a large brain tumor and given only a few months to live. Luckily for Murry, his Mom is a doctor, and she immediately began an urgent search for a brain cancer specialist who could safely remove the tumor. Once that was in place, we had the honor of photographing Murry pre-surgery.

I’m pleased to report that Murry is returning to his normal self, though it was touch-and-go for a while. During this time, a friend of Murry’s Dad sent him an e-mail entitled, “Just a Dog,” which perfectly explains how important our dogs are to us—something that not all people can fully comprehend. This fall, Murry felt well enough to receive a pet blessing at the National Cathedral. And imagine how pleased we were to see a recovering Murry at the October opening of Lee’s exhibition at Barrel Oak Winery. I guess it takes a lot to keep this little dog down.

Another smiling image of Murry appears in Gallery 2.

Click here to read about a previous Dog of the Month winner.