| MISS MURPHY OF MAPLE RIDGE |
| Written by Ann DeCrane | |
 Murphy, the beloved feline daughter of Ann and Curt DeCrane, died peacefully on Monday, December 28 following a long illness. Miss Murphy of Maple Ridge was exactly two months shy of her eighteenth birthday.As the self-proclaimed queen of the DeCrane household, Murphy’s regal demeanor belied her humble beginnings. Her mother and siblings were all mousers and learned early on how to fend for themselves. Curt first saw Murphy before her eyes were even open and immediately knew she was the one. He brought her home in his pocket as a birthday gift for Ann. In addition to chasing ping pong balls and wrestling with catnip mice, Murphy spent her early days basking in the sun, snacking on her favorite delicacies like tuna, cheese, chicken and pasta. Our “little lady in a fur coat” raised grooming and napping to art forms. She especially loved nestling in Daddy’s arms. Murphy also leaves behind Maude, her adopted sister and devoted companion. Murphy was like a Mom to Maude and taught her how to be a cat – how to clean, eat, chase bugs and command attention. The two were inseparable partners in crime of the fun kind around the house. Daddy taught Murphy many tricks, among them how to jump into his arms and how to turn on the hall light. She enjoyed catching items thrown her way, but never chose to return them, according to the code of cat conduct. She loved to tackle Daddy’s ankles as he walked down the hall and enjoyed long rounds of “pickle in the middle” with Momma and Daddy. Murphy’s favorite place was the porch in warmer weather, where she would recline on her custom-made perch guarding her domain against chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits and other vermin. She welcomed neighbors and friends with her very verbal meows. She clearly smiled when Momma or Daddy came into view. She paced at their expected arrival time, knowing that her dinner would soon follow. In cooler weather, Murph loved to venture into the hallway, which, in her world, was the great outdoors. She was virtually fearless, except when garbage bags or the vacuum cleaner came out. Although not fond of spiders or bugs in general, she would alert us of them. As age and illness overtook her, Murphy slowed down, but she never missed an appearance at the dinner table to beg for morsels. Until recently, she would run full tilt at the sound of the Reddi Whip being opened, or a bag of cheese unzipping. Her innate curiosity drew her to strange purses, bags, shoes and any open door. Murphy enjoyed Christmas this year – the wrapping paper, company and treats - but after the festivities, it was apparent that she wanted to go. Momma and Daddy, not wishing to be selfish, heeded her wishes. And so, with tears of sadness and of happiness, we celebrate Murphy and treasure many wonderful memories of Miss Murphy of Maple Ridge. Says Daddy/Curt, “She was more than a pet. She was family. There’ll never be another Murphy.”              |
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