Murphy, a Remarkable Dog and Victim of Animal Abuse, Makes Recovery

Published January 6, 2012

Flickr User pwcorgigirl

An Australian Shepherd mix dog named Murphy has recovered after being the victim of horrendous animal abuse. NOTE: This is not Murphy.

Thirty-seven months ago Murphy, an Australian Shepherd mix dog, became the victim of horrible animal abuse after he was bashed in the head twice with a sledgehammer by his former owner, Joe Water. And it was 37 months ago that Robert Kennedy received a 60th birthday present that has changed his life forever.

On that day, Kennedy discovered the beaten canine Murphy in a park in DeKalb County, Georgia. Murphy’s story quickly made headline news around the world.

The unfortunate dog’s head was so badly beaten that Kennedy had no idea what he had found. He immediately rushed the injured dog to the nearest veterinarian, imploring him to do whatever he could to save him. Fortunately for Murphy, the Dunwoody clinic, Pets Are People Too, intervened. Dr. Stephen Pope, the medical director of the facility, recalls how thin, unresponsive and traumatized Murphy was when he first saw him.

After Murphy had been brought in, Dr. Pope surgically repaired Murphy’s fractured skull and jaw and removed his severely injured left eye, extensive care which cost $10,000. After performing surgery, the next step was to keep the dog’s condition stable with various medications while he was recovering.  During his time at the clinic, Murphy received regular visits from Kennedy, which this writer suspects contributed greatly to his recovery.

Miraculously, only eight days later, Murphy had healed enough to be released to the care of Kennedy in his Brookhaven home, and found companionship with the two resident Kennedy dogs.  While Murphy was recuperating, Kennedy showered him with tender loving care. Nursing him through his other health problems, as a result of his daily grooming and fish oil for his coat, it is now plush and gleaming.  With the ample and nutritious diet he receives the once skinny dog who weighed only 38 pounds now tips the scales at 53.

After recovering, Murphy, the resilient victim of animal abuse was brought into evidence at Water’s two-day trial for his crimes in the DeKalb County Courthouse. Waters claimed he attacked the dog as an act of "mercy" when he (in error) thought his dog had been poisoned. The jury found him guilty and convicted him of a felony along with two misdemeanor counts. The judge sentenced him to one year in jail.

The story has a very happy ending! Right before Waters was sentenced; a prosecutor presented Kennedy with notarized papers, proclaiming Kennedy as Murphy’s new official owner.

As a result of the overwhelming response to Murphy’s story (with an abundance of offers to help financially), Kennedy has set up a trust fund for Murphy’s care. The funds will last Murphy’s lifetime, and then will be donated to non-profit pet rescue groups.

My hat’s off to Robert Kennedy for saving and giving this courageous dog a permanent loving home. How do you feel about this story? Share your thoughts with a comment.

Author's profile photo
Jo Singer

Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…

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Comments (31)

Anonymous (Unverified)
Joseph Waters was not the owner of this dog he belonged to Jamie Blanchard. Joseph has an obsession with torturing animals and has a prior prison conviction on his record for animal cruelty. He was not to leave Georgia but he has and is living in North Carolina to avoid the charges. We are trying to get the authorities to bring him back to Georgia but we are not having any luck. He has a court date for June 27th as per the website mugshots.com I don't know if this information is accurate. Jamie was told there was a warrant in effect for his arrest the charges are for animal cruelty. Joe/Joseph Waters goes by many names and has a disturbing addiction to beating animals cats and dogs. When someone is this obsessed with killing and beating animals they eventually move to harming people. Profilers have known for years that serial killers uaually start out killing animals first, example Gacy, Bundy, etc...
Anonymous (Unverified)
Thought about Murphy and had to check to see his progress. There has to be stricter laws when it comes to animal abuse!
valerie in pennsylvania (Unverified)
So happy to hear this little guy is living a good life, thanks to Mr. Kennedy. He deserves to live a good life and it sounds like he will!
Mike in Carolina (Unverified)
Agree with the writer, hats off to Mr Kennedy and his family. Also best wishes for Murphy for many years to come. The ending to this tragety is the best outcome that could have happened for this beautiful dog. Mike
A Concerned Citizen (Unverified)
This story brought teears to my eyes...God bless those who love and care for His little furry animals.
SEASON (Unverified)
This sick, twisted, sorry a** mother fu**er!! If indeed it was an act of mercy, because the dog he "thought", had been poisoned. Then He would of not hit him in the head with a sledgehammer!! The most unmerciful way of killing an animal(not that i have experience in that field 0 Yet I do know however commen sense wise, tells me....that that was a horrific, painful, terrifying,torturous, way to die!!! Not quick and painless!!! NO, HE IS SICK AND WANTED A THRILL KILL OF AN ANIMAL AND HIS LIES OF WHY HE DID IT ARE JUST AS DISGUSTING! I say, an eye for an eye. Also to know that he recieved only 1 year for such a cruel, hateful, crime....dont they pay attention to pshycologists? As children it starts with animals and ends up with the murder and torture of people. He has probably been doing this to animals his whole life(un- noticed), possible the murder of people as well! Our legal system is as bad as our plan for economic change.....there is no plan, no difference, no set rules, NOTHING!!!!! This story on all counts, not just the monster who hurt the dog......MAKES ME PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONAL ILL!!!!!!!!!!
DragonTactical (Unverified)
I have rescued cats, horses and dogs. I can say this from witnessing first hand how some people are with their animals.Some people should never own an animal, period. I am elated to hear of Murphy's recovery and even more so of the verdict handed down to the deviant who used to own Murphy. Live long and play catch , Murphy!