You're probably wondering about the name.

It's ok; most people do. Before I explain, I should mention a unique characteristic about Shih-Poos (I know, terrible shortened name for a breed). Most of us have an underbite. Some are more pronounced than others but every Shih-Poo I've met has the same grin. Mom says it's cute so I'm trusting her on this one. 

I'm told my great grandpa, Maurice, had a smile just like mine. He wore dentures that tweaked his smile into a crooked little grin. I never met him but mom showed me a picture once. I personally don't see it — maybe that's because I focus on the whole bald thing. 

So that's the middle name. And the first name, you ask? That story isn't quite as interesting. 

About a week before Mom picked me up to bring me home (for the first time), she was polishing her hardwood floors — with Murphy Oil! She loves cleaning so I suppose it's only natural for me to be named after one of her beloved cleaning products. I've made peace with it. I'm just glad she wasn't cleaning with Windex or Swiffer, or something dumb like that. 

And that's what I'm mulling over today.

Your friend,

Murphs

My "slight" underbite