Meet Bella Boo and Murphy McKibbles, the sweetheart Shih Tzus who have charmed the Mahan family and the entire Westbrook community. With their plush coats and spirited personalities, Bella and Murphy bring love and joy wherever they go.

Bella, 11, and Murphy, 6, embody the grace of their Shih Tzu heritage, a breed known as "little lions" in Mandarin. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these dogs are famous for their flowing coats and distinctive features. Bella and Murphy certainly carry on this noble tradition.

Bella’s journey started in the streets of Compton, CA, where she was rescued at the age of two. Thought to be a survivor of a puppy mill, Bella found her forever home with the Mahans in 2016. Murphy’s story is equally heartwarming. Rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea, he was adopted by the Mahans at nine months old in 2019. Both dogs have thrived in their loving home, leaving their pasts behind.

Bella’s name, meaning "beautiful" in Italian, suits her perfectly. Murphy’s playful name, humorously chosen by Jay Mahan, and his quirky middle name, McKibbles, picked by their daughter, add a touch of humor and warmth to their story.

Bella is a master communicator, often "talking" to express her desires, while Murphy is known for hoarding toys, keeping them in a special corner of the sofa. Bella cherishes a pumpkin toy from Halloween, and Murphy loves dental chews, often leaving them around the house for unsuspecting feet.

While they enjoy the comforts of home, Bella and Murphy are regulars at Woofgang’s for grooming. They also have fun playdates with Lucky, their daughter’s dog, in Westbrook’s Estates section.

The Mahans have turned Bella and Murphy’s tales of rescue into a life filled with love, making their home a true haven for these adorable sweethearts.