Posted by Sandi Friel
When Bob and I relocated from Florida to Orcas Island, our dog Murphy was 5-1/2 years old. That might be considered young for many dogs, but for Leonbergers who have an average lifespan of seven years, Murphy’s best days had passed. Or so we thought.
Murph turned out to be like Robert Moran of Rosario Resort and Moran State Park fame. Moran arrived on Orcas at 47 years old in such poor health that his doctors didn’t expect him to live to see 50. Of course Moran outlived all his docs. Orcas Island’s low-stress, fresh-air, outdoorsy lifestyle inspired the retired shipbuilder to live another 39 years!
Likewise our Murphy lived almost another full Leonberger lifespan after we moved to Orcas. Hiking Turtleback Mountain and Moran Park, paddling in the cool water off North Beach, patrolling the property for deer, driving around the island in his papa’s pickup to visit friends and collect hugs and biscuits, enjoying the temperate Northwest climate: Murphy had a lot to live for here on Orcas. The healthy, adventure-filled and extremely dog-friendly island kept him going well past what would be, in human years, his 100th birthday.
Murphy trotted off to Fiddler’s Green this past August at age 13. The following are a few of the many wonderful island moments Murphy and dogs like him have available here on Orcas. There’s also a shot of our new puppy Quinn, as he eases into the island lifestyle with his first boat ride.
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- Best buds hanging at the Deer Harbor dock
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- First dip in Salish Sea – February 2007
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- Making friends with a Dungeness Crab
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- Lucky pooch with his own truck and private chauffer
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- Stopping at the scenic overlook during his daily walk
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- Front row seat for the annual Solstice Parade
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- Waiting for UPS to bring his dog biscuits
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- Lunch break at Cascade Falls, Moran State Park
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- Chilling out on a snow day at Turtleback Mountain
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- Cascade Mountains – less than a day’s drive from Orcas
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- Excursion to dog-friendly Cannon Beach, Oregon
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- Relaxing in his favorite salal patch
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- Like people, dogs have a great life on Orcas
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- Mighty Quinn’s first boat ride
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we take a closer look at some of the island’s pet-friendly perks!
Oh, Sandi, what a lovely memorial song to that superdog. thanks for sharing. Who painted the first picture? I’m searching for an artist to do a portrait of my son’s dog, for Christmas gift.
Carol Owens
gorgeoushungarian@gmail.com
Hi Carol, the first is actually a photo that appeared in a magazine. Either the photographer used a special effect or they tweaked it in phohoshop. I’d like to get one framed.
Really beautiful Sandi.
Thanks Anne Marie. It took a few months before I could write about it but Quinn has helped alot!