Tink & Murphy

After losing her soul dog, Zoe, in 2025, Tink and Murphy entered Sarah’s life at exactly the moments she needed them most. What began as two foster journeys became forever family, opening the door to rescuing senior dogs and discovering joy again through second chances. Today, these two unforgettable seniors prove that age is never a limitation to adventure, love, or creating beautiful new memories.

Let’s dive into our conversation with Tink and Murphy’s mom.

Tell us the story of how Tink and Murphy came into your life. What makes their journey together so special?
My soul dog, Zoe, was lost by dog sitters on March 17, 2025. It was the worst day of my life. With my frequent visits to shelters looking for her, the senior dogs tugged at my heartstrings the most. I came across Tink, a 10-year-old owner surrender, at the Carson Shelter and she looked so terrified I knew I had to get her out. With the backing of the Dexter Foundation (the same rescue I got Zoe from) Tink came home with me on April 30, 2025. Her foster journey began and ended with me as I ultimately adopted her. Tink also launched my journey into fostering and rescuing senior pups which, for the first time since Zoe went missing, brought much-needed joy into my life. Five months later, The TM Crew posted a video of 13-year-old Murphy, another owner surrender, at the Lancaster Shelter. On September 2, 2025, he came into my life as a foster, and not soon after, I knew his forever home was with me.

How would you describe Tink and Murphy’s personalities? Are they complete opposites, best friends, or a little bit of both?
They’re complete opposites! Tink is very independent and the queen bee. Murphy follows her everywhere (he hates to be alone!) and Tink tolerates him. I call Tink my ambassador because she welcomes every foster I bring home, as long as they leave her alone during mealtime!

What’s a favorite memory with Tink and Murphy that perfectly captures the joy they bring into your life?
I take them for road trips a lot as they both love car rides, and in June, we drove up the coast and stayed in an amazing eco-lodge in Mendocino. Each morning, I’d watch them explore the meadow outside our room in their cute matching sweaters, Murphy following Tink, of course, while birds all around us chirped as the sun rose. It felt so magical and Disney-esque!

At Peony Celeste, we believe the smallest everyday moments often become the most meaningful. What’s a daily ritual or adventure that you and Tink and Murphy never take for granted?
Tink is always wagging her tail, she’s such a happy dog. Whenever I leash them by the front door for a walk, Murphy loves to get right behind Tink as close as he possibly can, and Tink’s tail thwacks him in the face over and over. He stands there, blinking, until I pick him up!

Peony Celeste was created with the belief that dogs deserve products made with purpose, quality, and care. How do those values influence the way you care for Tink and Murphy, and what does being part of the Peony Celeste community mean to you?
Murphy has mitral valve disease, IVDD, digestive issues, and limited vision and hearing. Being a senior with so many health issues, it’s extremely important I make his life as comfortable as possible while also giving him the best care, such as home-cooked meals. Caring for senior dogs makes me treasure every moment with them while also ensuring they live a quality life filled with adventure. It was on one of these adventures that we discovered Peony Celeste’s amazing poop bags and I knew we had stumbled upon a wonderful business that is not only female-owned but local to me! I appreciate so much the intention and care that Misa puts into her business and products, and the fact that Murphy and Tink can represent the brand is a fun bonus!

More Than a Portrait

I’m honored to create studio portraits for the dogs who have become the heart of our community. Each portrait celebrates their unique personality, love, and joy. These photographs are more than keepsakes—they’re a tribute to the bond that inspired Peony Celeste from the very beginning, and memories families can treasure for years to come.

Every ambassador has a story worth following. If you’d like to see more of thier journey, visit @sarahmchen on Instagram and say hello from the Peony Celeste family.

The Ambassador Portrait Project

This little project is my way of saying thank you to our incredible brand ambassadors and the humans who love them.

Every dog has a story. Some have helped their families through life’s hardest moments. Others have inspired new adventures, brought laughter back into a home, or simply made every day brighter. Those stories are the heart of Peony Celeste.

When I photograph your dog, I do my best to capture more than just how they look. I hope to preserve their personality, their spirit, and the little expressions that make them uniquely yours.

I truly believe these portraits are one of the most meaningful gifts I can give to our ambassadors. It’s my way of celebrating the bond you share and thanking you for being part of this community.

I feel incredibly grateful for every dog and every family I’ve had the privilege to photograph, and I can’t wait to create many more memories together.

— Misa, Founder of Peony Celeste & Creator of Pet Portraits