DECORAH — Despite years of disappointment, local dog Murphy remains confident his family will eventually return to the dog park they visited once during a vacation.
“The smells are still vivid in my mind,” Murphy said, recalling the unfamiliar trees, muddy pond and dozens of dogs he briefly considered close personal friends.
Family members said Murphy becomes visibly hopeful whenever luggage appears or the car turns toward the highway.
“He thinks every trip might be the trip,” owner Rachel Meyer said. “Most of the time we’re just going to Fareway. Honestly, we thought the place was a dump. We’re never going back. But don’t tell Murphy.”
Murphy has reportedly kept his favorite tennis ball near the front door in case the family decides to leave without warning.
At press time, he remained convinced an upcoming veterinary appointment could be a clever diversion on the way there.
