• AIMEE’S PRETTY PALATE
    • Mardi Gras Brunch
    • Perfect for a Picnic
    • There’s an App for That
    • Keepin It Cool
    • Fan-tastic Flavors
    • Quick Fix
    • Gone to the Dogs
    • Farmer’s Market Finds
    • Sheet Pan Suppers
    • Oh, the Pastabilities
    • Giving Thanks
    • Merry Berries
  • PICNICS, POTLUCKS & PORCH PARTIES COOKBOOK

Aimee Broussard & Co.

Heirloom Recipes + Sweet Southern Charm

  • HOME
  • ABOUT AIMEE
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • RECIPES
    • APPETIZERS
    • BEVERAGES
    • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
    • DESSERTS
    • DINNERTIME
    • FOR THE DOGS
    • ON THE SIDE
    • SOUPS/SALADS
    • TAILGATING
  • THE TRAVELING APRON
    • ABOUT THE TRAVELING APRON
    • DOWNLOAD RECIPE CARDS
    • SIGN UP FOR A FUTURE SWAP
  • CONTACT

LIFE

And Murphy Makes Three!

Last week, I picked up “Floyd” as the newest temporary member of the Broussard clan.

Floyd was a rescue pup, just as Dennis was and through the same organization.

Murphy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Everything told me to say no, that the timing was wrong and that I was unavailable to foster at the moment.

It was the husband’s birthday week. It was a week of approximately 5,000 deadlines that were coming due. It was the week of one of the only home games I planned on attending. It was the week I was hosting the Cookoff Before Kickoff crew in my home (more on that later).

It was the week that everything was leading me to simply say no.

But the desperation in the leader of the organization’s voice was something that I just didn’t have it in my heart to ignore. They were in the process of rescuing multiple dogs from a backyard breeder and another handful from some freakazoid Amish puppy mill. With more dogs than foster families I said yes.

Murphy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Yes to providing him a safe home, a cozy bed, and the promise of daily meals.

Yes to promising him that he would no longer be forced to be a reproduction machine.

Yes to showing him that he is one of God’s creations and deserving of compassion and affection.

Yes to teaching him that the same human race who mistreated him, was also capable of adoring him.

And despite my selfishness of what I may or may not have had going on last week; yes.

I said yes.

He came to us frightened, shaking, and barely willing to leave the safety of his crate.

His hair had to be cut to remove the fleas and matting that happens over 17 months of neglect. His ears infected and in need of treatment. And of course, that same manhood that was used for human profit needed to be removed.

And despite everything this little guy has been through, in no more than a week’s time he has begun to show the resilience and companionship that the Cavalier breed is known for. He has learned to snuggle. He has learned that a cozy home and a soft bed to rest his head is so much better than a life spent  in a backyard….and boy is he savoring it. He has learned what treats are and approves.

Murphy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

He hasn’t come without issues but if there were ever a boy who wanted to please, it’s this little guy.

This morning, a week after I brought him into my home I sat down to write his bio and take his photos for him to be placed online for adoption.

Without warning, I broke into tears with uncontrollable sobbing with fingers unable to hit the send button.

I saved the email in my draft folder and gave myself some time to think. I even asked for an extension in posting his information until Friday.

Can we handle a 3rd dog?

Are we crazy for considering a 3rd dog?

If Stella & Milo could speak, what would they say? And how will this affect them?

I looked into Floyd’s gorgeous eyes and I knew. I knew exactly why my eyes were flooding with tears and my fingers paralyzed from emailing his bio.

I watched Stella & Milo choose to sleep next to his crate while he slept and I knew their decision, too.

I knew that he belonged with us.

Murphy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

“You mean I get to stay here FUR-ever????”

And so we scheduled his adoption and renamed him Murphy rather than calling him Floyd because let’s face it, Floyd? No.

He’s a tiny 19 pounder so we named him Murphy and call him Murph….Murph the Smurf.

And just like that, Murphy makes three!

The three amigos- Stella, Milo & Murph

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

And honestly, we probably are a little crazy.

But I’d rather be crazy with too big of a heart than no heart at all.

dogs are a girl's best friend

Photo: via

You Might Also Like:

  • Dennis the Dashing Rescue DogDennis the Dashing Rescue Dog
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ApronCavalier King Charles Spaniel Apron
  • Stella & Milo’s Barkery {Dog Birthday Party}Stella & Milo’s Barkery {Dog Birthday Party}
  • One Year Ago….One Year Ago….


11 Comments

About Aimee

Southern born and raised, Aimee enjoys living life in the deep South with husband Brian and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Milo, Murph, Tucker and their occasional foster dog. A graduate of Louisiana College, she once haphazardly traded in a career in corporate insurance for the aprons and ovens of her kitchen. AimeeBroussard.com is the online diary of her journey as an award-winning cookie creator and two-time cookbook author.

Subscribe

Get the latest recipes delivered to your inbox weekly!

Previous Post: « Halloween Porch Party
Next Post: Black Magic Halloween Cocktail »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Noble says

    October 27, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    WELCOME HOME MURPH THE SMURF <3 TEARS SO HAPPY FOR YOU I love that breed I so want another myself!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      October 28, 2014 at 9:25 am

      Oh, Susan you need another one! If it were any other breed I probably wouldn’t have 3, but with Cavaliers you barely even notice any extra one around. Murphy is soooooo sweet! We’re in love!

      Reply
  2. Melanie | Melanie Makes says

    October 27, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Hooray! He has such a handsome face!

    Reply
    • Sandy says

      October 28, 2014 at 9:13 am

      After reading this post, I now understand why my two daughters love you!
      Your heart & soul shines bright Miss Aimee.

      Thank you for such a wonderful start to my day.

      Best of luck to all five of you!

      Sandy Regli (Mom to Kelly & Jenna Edmiston)

      Reply
      • Aimee says

        October 28, 2014 at 9:31 am

        Oh my goodness, thank you so much for such a sweet comment. You have made MY morning!!!!

        It’s really less about me and more to do with the Cavalier breed. They just have a way of tugging on your heartstrings and making it impossible not to fall in love with them. I hope one comes along that will be perfect for you!!! Thank you again for your kind comment!!!

        Reply
        • Sandy says

          October 28, 2014 at 3:08 pm

          I sent an email this morning about Flower and Lola , so am hoping to hear back soon!
          Flower looks just like Murphy! Just Darling:)

          Reply
    • Aimee says

      October 28, 2014 at 9:26 am

      He seriously has human eyes. Not even kidding with how gorgeous they are! They’re what did me in. 🙂
      Hope you are doing well!!!!

      Reply
  3. Caryl Lyons says

    October 27, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    He is adorable and has a wonderful family now. xoxo

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      October 28, 2014 at 9:26 am

      He’s the cutest! We love him. Thank you!!!

      Reply
  4. Kelly says

    October 27, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    So happy he has found the love and kindness he deserves! Isn’t it crazy how they come into your lives? Little soulmates. Enjoy your new addition!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      October 28, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Really crazy! We had no intentions of adding a 3rd dog but to be honest, I’ve always been smitten with tricolors and he was just so gosh darn sweet I just couldn’t let him go. Those eyes….oh my goodness, he got me with those eyes!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

CLICK THE MIXER & MEET AIMEE:

CLICK THE MIXER & MEET AIMEE:

Hi, I'm Aimee. Southern born and raised, a self proclaimed accidental entrepreneur with a penchant for porches and sweet hospitality. I'm a two time cookbook author, recipe developer and award winning cookie creator making my home in the deep South with husband, Brian and a gaggle of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. WELCOME to my online front porch.

Stay updated!

Get all the latest tasty goodness straight to your inbox!

LATEST FROM INSTAGRAM

aimeebroussard

🍰 Heirloom Recipes with sweet Southern Charm
🍽 Recipe developer + food columnist
📚 Cookbook Author x2 + Traveling Apron Founder
You hungry? 👇

aimeebroussard
Need to feel toasty this weekend? This Pecan Prali Need to feel toasty this weekend? This Pecan Praline French Toast Casserole might do the trick. Happy Friday! 🌷 #weekendbrunch #brunching
When life gives you lemons, head to @sprouts to gr When life gives you lemons, head to @sprouts to grab everything you need to whip together these Easy Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits for an afternoon (or breakfast, or after-dinner dessert) pick me up! 🍋 🍋 Made with a gluten free vanilla cookie crust & NEW on the blog today; just what you need to welcome spring. #lovesprouts #celebratecitrus
Happy Mardi Gras! 💚💛💜 Scroll through the Happy Mardi Gras! 💚💛💜 Scroll through the pop tarts, pull apart bread, king cake cocktail or the award winning Pecan Praline King Cake cookies to see if you can’t find a way to virtually celebrate with us today. We’re heading to the parades!! ✌️(ps: all recipes on the blog- and the homepage has a section devoted to ALL things Mardi Gras) 💚💛💜#mardigras2020 #onlyinlouisiana #mardigras #throwmesomethingmister
Merry Everything! This year we are especially grat Merry Everything! This year we are especially grateful to be the ones to provide a warm, safe, cozy home for my @thecavalierrescue foster, Beauty. She may be 5, but she is certainly enjoying her very first Christmas of freedom. 🐾❤️🎅 PS: hop on my stories, she just presented the weather #Furcast! 😂 #christmasjammies #brproud
He’s making a list, checking it twice, this Hol He’s making a list,  checking it twice, this Holiday Sangria is gonna taste nice.... Santa Claus is comin to town! 🎅 Don’t let Santa go thirsty, here’s what you need:
1 bottle riesling
1 cup white grape juice
2 Granny Smith apples, sliced thin
1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 cup green grapes
1 bottle prosecco
Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional) 
In a large pitcher, stir together riesling and grape juice, then add fresh fruit. Chill in refrigerator. Just prior to serving, stir in prosecco. Garnish each drink with rosemary if desired.
Serves 6-8 depending on how festive your peeps are! 🍹 🎅🍹
A chocolatey twist on a holiday classic and coming A chocolatey twist on a holiday classic and coming in cute over on the blog. Go win your cookie swaps, y’all and may your weekend be as happy as my gingerbread mug men. 🎅 🌲 #cookieswap #madefromscratch #gingerbreadcookies
Can we talk about this Caramel Apple Tart? It's oo Can we talk about this Caramel Apple Tart? It's ooey, gooey and has all the flavors of a caramel apple baked in a pie/tart form. If you don't have a false bottom tart pan, add it to your Santa list! The freestanding crust makes everything look more impressive! Recipe is NEW for the @Dixie_Crystals website! 🍏 🥧 🍏 #bakedfromscratch #caramelapple
Did you get your December @inregister copy yet? It Did you get your December @inregister copy yet? It may be one of my MOST favorite Aimee’s Pretty Palate columns to date. ❤️ Homemade gifts are my love language and nothing says I’m thinking of you more than: Pumpkin Pie Spice to make your own lattes at home, Gingerbread Flavoring to make some Gingerbread House Popcorn (recipe on blog!) while you watch Hallmark movies or some Cajun Seasoning that will make a delightful hostess gift. All recipes AND those cute little downloadable tags are on the blog for you. Seasoned Greetings! Get it? Seasoned? Ha! 🎁 🎅 🌲 #handmadeholiday #howiholiday #aimeesprettypalate
Popping in to say hello with these Spiced Pear Bre Popping in to say hello with these Spiced Pear Breakfast Pastries aka Pop Tarts. 🍐 NEW on the blog! PS: My senior pup (Tucker) had eye surgery on Tuesday and I’ve been riding the struggle 🚌 trying to save his eye since last week. 🐶 Surgery was a success and I just dumped like 5 new holiday posts on the blog so refill your coffee before heading over for this recipe! 💚 #pears #nationalpearmonth #lovesprouts #sproutsbrand
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected account for the user 49863990.

IT’S SOUP SEASON:

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

WHEN YOU NEED DINNER:

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Pecan Crusted Chicken Carbonara

Pecan Crusted Chicken Carbonara

FOOTBALL FOOD:

Pecan Praline Baked Brie

Pecan Praline Baked Brie

Peanut Butter Molasses Football Cookies

Peanut Butter Molasses Football Cookies for Dogs

Bacon Ranch Football Cheeseball

Bacon Ranch Football Cheeseball

Honey Garlic Party Meatballs

Honey Garlic Party Meatballs

Footer

GO AHEAD, TREAT YOURSELF:

Mardi Gras King Cake Fudge

Mardi Gras King Cake Fudge

King Cake Cracker Candy

King Cake Cracker Candy

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

Peppermint Candy Fudge

Peppermint Candy Fudge

http://sprouts.com/

Spiced Vanilla Pear Tart

Copyright © 2021 · Aimee Broussard & Co.