He helped inspire a growing generation of dog friendly businesses in Northern Ireland and set a trend for many to follow.
But today the dog world has said goodbye to Murphy Goodfellow Breene, a special little dog who passed away on Wednesday, June 28, aged almost 15.
His face became known alongside his friend, Bailey, when his owner Karen Breene joined forced with Judith Scott to create Murphy and Bailey, in East Belfast, a shop that soon became the go-to for pet families across the country.
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Karen turned to social media today to let friends and customers know that the time to say goodbye to Murphy came this week after old age created ill health and a decline in quality of life.
She posted: “It’s with a grief filled and heavy heart I need to share the news that we had to say goodbye to our best boy Murphy yesterday.
“He was surrounded by those who loved him most and we did it on our own terms very peacefully with the help of the wonderful Home Vet NI.
“He had a fantastic fun filled 14.5 yrs, but his health had recently deteriorated and his quality of life alongside it.
“He was my inspiration - my best friend; he had the best tail and loved to pose for pics.
“We had many adventures but he loved nothing more than trotting around Belmont Park saying hello to everyone and getting treats. My heart is breaking but I am so grateful to have had him in my life, he will be missed every day.”
Murphy and Bailey on Belmont Rd, was opened in October 2020 by corporate high fliers, Karen Breene who had previously held senior global roles in BT, and Judith Scott, who had had a successful career in banking.
The pair had become friends while walking their own dogs, Murphy and Bailey, in Belmont Park and the name for the venture was born.
After seeing growth for their goods online, they opened their store selling luxury gifts for pets, plus high end food, supplements and other essentials.
And they included takeaway top end tea and coffee and goods from a range of other small businesses, helping them establish their position in the ever increasing market.
Following research which had taken them to New York, London and Birmingham, Karen and Judith's belief that pet gifts would remain a growth area has been proven, and their store quickly became a regular haunt and destination stop-off for dog lovers and led a trend that has become an essential shopping experience across the country.
At the heart of it all were Murphy and Bailey, the inspirations for the business and the company name.
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