With little coordination and lots of energy, Murphy had the run of our big Shepparton backyard - and certainly knew how to make a mess.
A young Labrador, Murphy became an expert at pulling up plants, tearing up toys and weeing on our big blue carpet.
{image:865177727}
On one occasion, he was even intelligent enough to tear up all the lino on our bathroom floor.
What a smart boy!
As the months passed, though, Murphy began to quieten down (particularly when he was de-sexed), and became a wonderful companion through this year's many lockdowns.
When my partner was away, he even had the gall to creep onto his master's bed for the night - just to keep the nightmares at bay, of course.
{image:865177725}
Then, at the beginning of winter, his peaceful domestic life at home was upturned by the arrival of a little bundle of energy.
My housemate and colleague Rosa Ritchie brought home the shih tzu-cross-kelpie on a Saturday afternoon, much to Murphy's shock and delight.
Brimming with feminine energy, confidence and ferocity, Audrey made our household of three swell to four, regularly ringing with the sounds of her cries of fury and delight (or a strange combination of both).
Since then, Murphy and Audrey have become the best of friends, despite their still significant size difference.
{image:865177654}
Despite the disparity, Audrey will still be at Murphy's heels, demanding a share of his toy or a dog-on-dog wrestle.
Today, the pair even appear to be something akin to lovers, regularly curling up together for a nap or to unwind for the day.
Often, my household and I compare them to iconic film duo Lady and the Tramp - particularly with Audrey's scruffy hair and determined eyebrows.
The only thing we fear is the day when Murphy and Audrey part ways and move into new households.
How will one survive without the other?
Only time will tell.
{image:865177653}
16°C