And the Winner is...

The winner of the "Unconditional Love" contest is Katie Kutch, who sumbitted this heartfelt entry. The competition was stiff, but this story of unconditional love really stood out. Congratulations Katie!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story.



Murphie was not what people referred to as a good dog. She had some slight behavioral issues, a proclivity for barking and the highest vertical leap I have ever seen. One of her many talents, was that of a master counter surfer. If it was there, she could get to it and eat it in a matter of seconds. I have never seen two paws and a snout work so quick. She could get to anything, no matter how far. She would eat steaks in one bite, swallow sandwiches without chewing and would devour anything in a matter of seconds. And I mean anything. We would watch her out in the backyard, pain in her eyes as she attempted to pass entire paper towels and panties, all swallowed whole. We took turns pulling partially chewed items from her bottom. It happened in the yard, it happened on the street during the evening walk, it happened in the basement as she literally backed up to my mom and went to the bathroom right in her face. It could be quite an embarrassment, more for the person privileged enough to draw the object from her‐ but to Murphie, it was all worth it.

We owned the dog no one liked. All of our friends and extended family members really couldn’t stand her. They didn’t understand why she would jump on them, why she would lick incessantly, why she would bark and why she just couldn’t “be calm”. But the truth was, she was a dog who loved people. She would wait for her family every night to get home, she would sit on our feet and she would lay on our magazines and newspapers while we were trying to read. She was happiest when she could be with people.

Two years ago, Murphie was diagnosed with PLA, a kidney disease that is common to Wheaten Terriers. Her body could no longer process protein in the body and she was therefore unable to eat the meats, cheeses and eggs she loved so much. The prognosis was not good, but we knew we had to do everything we could. We changed her diet to prescription food, much to her displeasure. We started her on a medicine for her kidneys, a protein supplement, a multivitamin and a baby aspirin‐ twice daily and all taken without peanut butter. Since her kidneys were no longer functioning properly, we would take her out close to 15 times per night. This past winter, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she was no longer eating or drinking. We began to give her daily IV’s of medicines so we could keep her hydrated. For that hour each evening, she would lay helplessly in the bathtub while she was given her nightly dose of fluids to keep her comfortable. In the end, we knew there was nothing we could do to cure her or to bring her back to her old terrier self. Murphie passed away on New Year’s Eve, eleven years to the day we brought her home.

For a dog, and more importantly a member of our family, who had provided us so much over the years, I cannot imagine doing anything different for her. To us, she was worth every single minute and every single penny we had, to give her as much unconditional love as she had given us. This April, my husband and I will welcome our first puppy in to our home. Otter McGee will join the ranks of spoiled terriers before him and I know will provide us with as much enjoyment, entertainment and love as Murphie did.

"Unconditional Love" Contest for a Free Session!

Since today is Valentine's Day, I thought it would be fun to have a little contest honoring the love we have for our pets. But there's a little twist. I want to hear your best story of unconditional love. Tell me something that your pet has done that drove you absolutely crazy and, of course, why you love them anyway. You must also send a picture of your pet(s).

Entries are due by March 1. Please email your story, picture and contact information to contest@fidojournalism.com. The winner will be announced on this blog Monday, March 3, and will receive a free Ceasar session ($500 value)*!

We have too many stories to count in our house, but here's a few just to give you some ideas:

When Cooley was a puppy, he used the wood baseboards and door frames in our dining room as his personal chew toys. He destroyed them. Several months later, we thought his wood obsession was licked until one day we came home and found all four corners of our coffee table chomped off.

One night we came home to find a stack of books on our coffee table shredded to bits and our sofa practically overturned. These books were on the table for months without incident.

Just recently, Jingles cut his foot requiring emergency surgery and one of those cones to keep the bandaged area clean and dry. Well the cone didn't deter him from, and we tried everything - bitter spray, duct tape, etc. - to keep him from chewing the bandage and licking the wound. We had to make several unplanned visits to the vet for rebandaging (at $50 a pop).

Then they go and do something like this and remind us why they bring so much joy to our lives:



I think our stories are relatively tame, so I can't wait to hear your best stories!

* - session must take place within 60 miles of Takoma Park, MD on a date I have available.