‘It’s almost like he has an old soul’
Dog keeps furry friend calm
Even animals need a friend to help keep them calm — and that’s exactly what Chloe, a Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix does for her furry friend Murray.
Murray, a five-year-old Wheaten terrier, is a rescue dog who lives with Levi and Peggy Barnes, North Sydney natives who relocated to Prince Edward Island because they were unable to get a family doctor here. They suspect Murray was abused by his previous owners.
“He’s got the saddest eyes I have ever seen,” said Levi.
“It’s almost like he has an old soul inside him,” added Peggy.
“I don’t know how he was treated when he was younger but it has affected him,” Levi said.
Murray came to live with the couple, who live with their daughter and six-year-old grandson Liam, four years ago when he was one.
The couple took part in the Bartown Days Festival pet parade with the dogs and Liam on Sunday. They said Murray is anxious and nervous when Chloe isn’t around and the two don’t leave each other’s side.
“He is over-anxious. He panics, big time,” Levi said.
“As long as Chloe is with him, he’s OK. Go figure.” Peggy said.
Chloe grooms Murray and sleeps with him. When he is anxious, just the sight of her can calm him down.
“One year we tried taking Chloe with us to Florida and our daughter had Murray in her room. He tore the door apart, he tore the door facing apart, and as soon as Chloe walked in, he was calm,” explained Levi.
Peggy added: “He has to have his babysitter. Chloe babysits him.”