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My basic info
Breed
Miniature Poodle/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)
Color
White
Age
Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
When we met Murray, it was completely by chance. We were at one of the country's highest-kill shelters, on a mission to save a group of large-breed dogs rescued from a horrific hoarding situation. These 130+ dogs were housed in a single shelter building, occupying almost all of the kennels. As we walked around, meeting the dogs, we were surprised when we came across tiny Murray, the only dog not from the hoarding group...alone in his kennel, and neglected to the point of abuse, he instantly captured our hearts with what has now become affectionately known as his "helicopter tail".
This kid was matted...filthy...nails so overgrown that each step was painful...and despite all of his suffering, he started swinging his little tail so quickly, and absolutely relished in the attention we gave him. All of us fell in love...one of us couldn't bring ourselves to leave his kennel, despite having a great deal of work to do elsewhere (yes, that someone is me).
I sat down in front of Murray's kennel and squeezed my arms through the tiny bars (praying they would eventually make it back out!), because this dog quite literally stole my heart. I sat there with him for over an hour, scratching his ears, rubbing his belly, and letting him kiss my hands through the steel bars. He pressed his body so hard against his kennel to get as close to me as possible, and it killed me that I couldn't crawl in with him. I decided then and there that Murray would be coming home with us that day. I was devastated when, upon approaching the desk to complete the rescue paperwork, I was told that a license had been found for him and they were obligated to give the owners another 5 business days to claim him. I spent the rest of the day with him, and said the saddest goodbye, promising him that I would be there the moment his 5-day hold was up.
We kept our promise. The second his release was up, he was ours. He laid quietly and rested for the entire 2 hour car ride home, clearly grateful to be free. He stood patiently, almost stoically, as our incredible volunteers carefully shaved off years of matting. All the while, that tail was wagging.
At 7 years young and 12 pounds, Murray is an absolute dream. Life has not been kind to him, but you wouldn't know it to meet him. Dogs are incredibly resilient; that we have witnessed time and time again. Murray is absolutely exceptional - it's as though he has already forgotten all the wrong done to him in the past. He seems to have cataracts in both eyes, but can still see - and he certainly recognizes a friendly face when he sees one. He has almost no hair now due to the extensive grooming that was necessary, but he's perfectly content with his "summer cut". When held, he wraps his paws like human hands around you, and gives gentle kisses whenever allowed. He takes joy in everything...eating, playing with his pup playmates, walking. Snuggling is his greatest joy.
I have had the honor of being a foster to Murray while we find his forever home. My two dogs are notoriously unforgiving of canine house guests, but for some reason, Murray has been an exception. The video attached is of the first day he arrived; the first hour, in fact. It was as though he'd been here forever.
Other than his slightly faulty vision, Murray is in great health. He is a true joy who is patiently awaiting his second chance. Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Murray will be rewarded with unconditional love, cuddles, kisses, and absolute entertainment. To adopt Murray, please complete the adoption application below. A home check and adoption fee are required.
