Murphy is PAWesome

Murphy is the heartbeat of our home..an unexpected, yet "how did we ever live without him" type of presence. At only 16 months old, he is a joy-filled bundle of fur and love and hope and curiosity that meets us at every turn. Literally.

 Until about two months ago. Murphy and I were walking on a local dog trail and he was approached from behind by a large dog that startled him. He panicked and when he shifted his weight, he immediately dropped to the ground, lifted up his hind leg and looked up at me like "what is happening??" I soon learned that a genetic condition called luxating patella, typically not operated on, turned into a full blown debilitating injury that left Murphy unable to walk stabily, run swiftly, jump freely, or be mobile in any way shape or form. His kneecap slipped out of socket and stayed there. Every step. Every move. Within days he refused to go outside and would just sit by the window and whimper.

Murphy has brought SO much light and laughter and healing to our home. He has always had a gentle, protective demeanor, playful and ever ready to go explore. He has developed a deep bond with my special needs nephew, whom I care for, who has a brain injury, is non verbal, and experiences regular and severe seizures. Murphy has learned to alert when a seizure is happening, and will make sure someone is nearby, as he sits right there observing and responding.

Eventually he stopped walking to his pee-pad indoors altogether because he simply could not get up. After weeks of exams, crate restrictions, bed rest, x-rays, bloodwork, medications, leg braces, massage and heat therapy, physical therapy and a ton of tears and frustration, I was told surgery is the only thing (other than total amputation of his hind leg) that will restore Murphy and give him the quality of life he so desires and deserves.

Murphy and I were going on long walks, in large part, because that same week, my beloved partner and best friend passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. It has been a devastating two months. I lost my (human) best friend, and simply cannot FATHOM losing my (furry) best friend. We were set to take in Murphy's brother, MacGregor, last month, and we had to cancel that addition in the best interest of Murphy. I have exhausted my savings on treatments leading up to this now necessary surgery, hoping all of the interventions we tried would be enough to heal Murphy. He has only declined in health. We need help.

I have reached out to more organizations than I can count in hopes of getting SOME financial support-non-profits for pets, for-profits for pets, private donors, community donors, Facebook animal groups, and, while exhausting and emotionally draining, I did it because I refuse to let my ego or pride get in the way of what Murphy needs. Most agencies have exhausted funds for the year, others are case specific and criteria does not match. I have been humbled over and over, so here I am, the dreaded GoFundMe, admitting that I just cannot get my lil guy the help he needs.  Murphy's surgery has great potential for a successful outcome. ..IF he gets it SOON. He is a level 3 luxation barreling towards a 4. If he gets to four, he will require amputation. Please understand I would never be here putting my situation on social media if it weren't my last hope. I promised to live my life different after Jonny passed away..to put courage over comfort, make vulnerability my strength, and take action, especially when it's hard. This is hard.

Every penny will go directly to fund Murphy's surgery. I'm putting this out into the universe in hopes my prayer will be answered... Please help me help him! 

With Gratitude,

Bridget