News
Atlanta dog beaten with Sledgehammer
February 27, 2009, 4:52PM MT
By Heather Ballance
Murphy & his heartwarming survival.
Murphy & his heartwarming survival.
On December 2, 2008 the people of Georgia were taken back by the news story of a 9-year-old Australian shepherd mix bludgeoned in the head with a sledgehammer in Atlanta’s Murphey-Candler park.
Robert Kennedy was walking his 2 Golden Retrievers in Murphey-Candler park like he does most mornings. Not only was it Robert’s 60th birthday it was the day he stumbled upon a dog laying in the woods that had appeared to be dead. When Robert realized the dog was breathing he immediately took the dog to VCA Pets are People Too, an animal hospital about a mile from the park. The dog had no collar nor was he micro-chipped. Robert and the hospital staff then decided to name him Murphy.
Once Dr. Pope examined Murphy, he did not have a very positive prognosis. Murphy was not only going to loose his left eye, but he had multiple skull fractures, damage to his stomach and esophagus with the possibilities of brain damage. Robert decided to take a chance on Murphy. He accepted all the medical cost and asked that Dr. Pope proceed with doing surgery.
6 days later, Murphy beat the odds, recovered faster then anyone expected and the rest is history. Donations from around the country poured in, along with cards and gifts to Murphy. Nearly 1,000 calls were made to Pets are People Too asking about Murphy, donations and offering to adopt him. Murphy's story was even linked on the front page of CNN. Needless to say, Murphy's vet bill was paid by a nation of pet lovers.
Murphy & Robert Kennedy
Murphy has now been adopted by this good Samaritan Robert Kennedy and his canine siblings Charlie and Stella. Murphy did loose his left eye, but do not tell him, as he gets around just fine. Murphy is your typical friendly and excited canine companion who greets everyone with a smile and a tail wag. Nothing can get this guy down. He is very alert and loves to go for daily hikes in Murphey-Candler park with his new family.
Murphy has also become quite the little celebrity in the area, everyone knows him and his story of survival is as sweet as they come. Murphy recently was honored by the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta on New Years eve in the Chick-fil-A bowl parade. He was a honorary Golden Retriever for the day thanks to Robert's volunteer efforts with the GRRA. There is even talk about Murphy being an honorary little leaguer for Murphey-Candler park little league opening day.
Murphy, Stella, Charlie and Robert at Murphey-Candler Park
The best thing about Murphy and most dogs like Murphy, is that he holds no grudges. He holds his head high and lives for each day. I believe Murphy is thankful to have his new life and a solid family where he can spend his golden years being loved. Thanks to one mans random act of kindness, an incredible medical staff and to the people who donated to his cause, Murphy will live a full-filled life with a man who took a chance. He starts his new journey as a mans best friend filled with long walks and sunny days ahead.
Follow Murphys journey on Robert Kennedys blog
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Posted by Heather Ballance, Best Friends Atlanta Network Volunteer
Photo Credit: Furry Paws Pet Photography - Heather Ballance