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

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.