Meet Murphy: Kansas City’s Cutest Dog
In the vibrant city of Kansas City, there’s a little pup that has stolen the hearts of many, and he was just recently crowned the cutest dog in the area by local readers. Say hello to Murphy, the adorable 8-year-old canine who is more than just a pretty face. Living north of the river with the DeBauche family, Murphy is lovingly referred to as a “baby angel sent from heaven above.”
A Special Adoption Story
The story of Murphy begins seven years ago when Sammy DeBauche and her family decided to adopt him from the Great Plains SPCA. Murphy is a unique mix of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Terrier, and, according to Sammy, a dash of angel. With his charming overbite and those oh-so-human-like eyes, he quickly became a cherished member of the family.
A Heroic Canine
However, Murphy is not just cute; he is also a brave protector. One day, during one of the family’s daily walks, a German Shepherd came charging towards them. Little Sophia, just three years old at the time, was directly in the path of this big dog. In a flash, Murphy lunged forward, putting himself between the German Shepherd and Sophia, showcasing his protective instincts. Sammy recalls that her husband had to intervene to pull the German Shepherd away, and Murphy ended up with bite marks on his neck, hind leg, and paw. It took weeks for those injuries to heal, but Sammy firmly believes, “Murphy definitely deserved some kind of valor medal after that.”
Life with Murphy
The DeBauche family has fun with Murphy as well. The little girls, Sophia and Chloe, who are just 3 and 2 years old, adore dressing him up in all sorts of costumes. Whether it be funny sunglasses, bunny ears, or even a PAW Patrol police cap, Murphy is always a good sport. Despite his gentle demeanor, he has a cheeky side to him; Sammy shares with a laugh that Murphy is a cunning food thief. He has been known to snatch chicken nuggets and pizza slices right off the table. In one memorable incident, Sammy returned to her bowl of pho only to find Murphy’s whole head submerged in it!
Winning the Contest
When Sammy entered Murphy into a local contest for the cutest dog, it was initially just for fun. However, with the support of family and friends, Murphy rallied up an incredible 5,700 votes in the final round, triumphing over 50 other cute contenders! The runners-up included charming pups like Corgi Bowen, pit bull mix Lucy, and chichi mix Sophie, but Murphy stood out with a heartwarming blend of cuteness and heroism.
A Family Member Like No Other
Now, with his title as the cutest dog in Kansas City under his collar, Murphy continues to fill the DeBauche household with joy and laughter. From heroic moments to stealing food and dressing up, he truly is a beloved family member. As Sammy puts it, “Murmur,” as the little sisters call him, isn’t just a pet; he’s a protective and patient older brother who fills their lives with love.
Murphy shows us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes, they have fur and four legs! Here’s to Murphy, the charming pup who not only captured the title of cuteness but also the hearts of everyone in Kansas City!
