#RememberMeThursday: Murphy’s rescue tale

Remember Me Thursday: a time to shine a light on orphan pets waiting in shelters for humans to love forever. To celebrate and raise awareness on the importance of pet adoption, we asked you lovely lot to tell your pup’s rescue tales so we could spread the message together. 

And as ever, you didn’t disappoint. For the chance to be featured and to win a donation to an animal charity of your choice, many of you shared utterly moving stories that truly warmed our hearts - the impact of opting to adopt really is beyond compare! 

So here, we’re shining a light on just a few of your touching tales (trust us, it was no easy task choosing between them!). Today, we’re sharing Murphy’s touching rescue tale from our lovely member, Jane.

For Jane and her husband, their story started with Murphy when his adoption advert caught their attention online. Despite having always loved the company of bigger dogs throughout their decades of marriage, Murphy was not a pup they could say no to (just look at him!). So, the only thing to do was to learn about the pooch they were interested in adopting, and sadly, his journey in the lead-up to his rescue wasn’t a happy one.

“What we understand is that Murphy was thrown out of a car in Oakland and the driver drove off, leaving the dog on its own. A good Samaritan observed the incident and took the dog to his apartment.  The dog was not wearing any identification. This person was not able to keep the dog as no pets were allowed in the apartment where he lived.  He then gave the dog to his sister. An extensive search was made to find the owner of the dog-posting notices on local social media sites, contacting the SPCA, and taking the dog to a veterinarian to see if he had a chip (he did not). After no one responded, the sister put the dog up for adoption on social media sites, after first taking the dog to a veterinarian to be examined and neutered.” 

Luckily for Jane and her husband, they passed the adoption interviews with flying colors and were soon able to welcome their new fluffy friend home. But as expected, getting Murphy through the door was only the first of many hurdles. Like lots of rescue pets, this little pooch was traumatized from his past, and the couple knew that it would take time, patience and a whole lot of love for him to adjust to his new home - all things they had the hearts to give him.

“Murphy was a challenge initially. Although he immediately warmed up to me, that behavior was not extended to my husband. He definitely seemed fearful of males, and at times even showed aggression towards them, attempting to nip at them. We worked intensively with him and this unacceptable behavior while providing him with positive reinforcement - hugs and praises for good behavior.”

As you’d expect, adjusting to his new family life was no walk in the park for little Murphy, especially with other furry friends having already made it their home.

“We have two cats, one elderly Siamese cat and one young frisky two year old kitty. Initially all three of them put up their defenses and were ready to go to battle with the new 4-legged furry "beast" that didn't look anything like a cat. [...] with some patience and determination, we saw the three of them become bosom buddies.” 

After lots of love and training from his new human family, Murphy is able to welcome new two and four-legged friends into his life, something he wouldn’t have been able to do without the patience and care from Jane and her husband.

“He gradually let go of [his] aggressive behavior as he gained trust that no one was going to harm him. He now is accepting and loving of everyone and is the sweetest doggy ever. He is playful with our 2 cats, no longer showing aggression towards them, and they will cuddle up together for naps. 

Murphy has been transformed into a mellow and happy doggy, no longer feeling the need to be aggressive, either with our cats or with our friends. He has brought immense joy to our lives and seems happy and grateful to be part of our human and feline family.”

In fact, Murphy is so well-adjusted to normal pooch life now that he even welcomes pet sitters into his home, to care for him while Jane and her husband jet off for vacations!

“We have had many pet sitters since getting Murphy.  He has adapted very well to them and, surprisingly, he seems comfortable in their care.” 

It’s safe to say that the open arms of Jane and her husband were the best thing to happen to Murphy - without the warmth of a loving home, too many abandoned pets don’t have quite so fortunate endings to their story. 

“We are thrilled to have Murphy be part of our family. We enjoy his company and his loving devotion and are just so pleased to know he now has a safe and respected life, away from abuse that he invariably had in his former situation.”

Want to hear more heart-warming rescue stories?

Tissues at the ready - dive into Karen and Susan's rescue stories to hear their equally endearing yet ever so unique stories of pet adoption.