The dog who came for a week and never left

May 2026  ·  The Pinecone Journal

We saw him on Facebook. A beautiful golden retriever, posted by a local shelter, looking a little uncertain about the world. Within 30 minutes we were in the car.

We didn't know much about where he came from. Only that he had been boarded at his vet for a few months before being surrendered to the shelter. Whatever his story was before us, he carried it quietly. He was timid in those first days. Careful. Like a dog who had learned to take up as little space as possible.

He never left.

Slowly, over weeks and then months, Murphy found his footing. The dog who once moved through a room like he was apologising for being there is now the first one at the door, tail going, ready for whatever comes next. Outgoing. Sweet. Completely and utterly himself.

He is the reason Paws & Pinecones exists. Every collar we make, every bandana, every piece that gets passed down through the Pine to Pup Promise to a rescue dog who needs it, it starts with him. With that Facebook post. With a 30-minute drive and a week that turned into forever.

Welcome to the Pinecone Journal. We are so glad you are here 🐾

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