Therapy dog that helps kids is in need of assistance

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • May 5, 2013
  • 323
                        
Summary: A sudden and unexpected medical emergency led to temporary paralysis for Murphy, a six and half year old therapy dog that helps children to become better readers along with his brother Marley. Donations are being sought to help with medical expenses. Linda Wren of Uhrichsville and her canine companions Marley and Murphy are well-known in the community as the Book Hounds, therapy dogs that help kids gain confidence in reading. Their twice a week visits to Eastport Elementary School at Uhrichsville had to come to an abrupt halt when Murphy suffered a fibrocarilaginous embolism, often called a spinal stroke on Easter Sunday last March. Paralyzed and unable to move, Wren had to rush him to a nearby veterinary office that was ill-equipped to handle his condition. Once transferred to Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital at Akron doctors were able to diagnose his condition using an MRI. Murphy is undergoing water therapy at Healing Waters at Canton and begins massage therapy at home with a licensed massage therapist who has agreed to make house calls to help the four-legged patient. Murphy has regained some ability to move. He wears special boots to prevent him from slipping and help keep his paws straight. Still unable to climb stairs, his chances of a full recovery are excellent but medical expenses are overwhelming and nearing $6000. A fundraising web site has been set up at http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/therapy-dog-murphy-recovery-fund/51878 and so far more than $1600 has been raised by family, friends and members of the community that understand the benefit of therapy dogs and want to help Murphy. Children at Eastport Elementary have raised money for Murphy and continue to do so through May 10. “We have had various fundraisers like a jeans day and we are planning a funny sock day and other special days where you can pay $1 that will benefit Murphy,” said Principal Beth Johnson. “We have canisters in all the classrooms for donations and a special mailbox set up so kids can write letters of encouragement for Murphy.” Wren said Murphy has received more than 450 cards and letters. “The letters are wonderful and really show the love these kids have for the dogs,” said Wren. Eastport has a walk-a-thon and a bake sale planned as well. “These dogs make a tremendous impact on the kids,” said Johnson. “They have been coming twice a week for the last two years and they were missed while Murphy recovered.” So far the school has raised more than $960. “Some of these kids don’t have a lot of support at home and the dogs make such a difference in their lives,” said first grade transition teacher Ashley Hockenberry. “If a homework assignment wasn’t completed the kids can complete it with Marley and Murphy. These kids see these dogs 15 minutes each week and in that short time they help them to be better students.” Murphy, the natural-born leader of the bloodhound lab mixes found abandoned near I-70 more than six years ago was able to return to work as a therapy dog on May 2 much to the delight of staff and students at Eastport that greeted the dogs with enthusiasm and love. While Murphy recovered Marley was despondent and could not work without his brother. “He wouldn’t eat and he had trouble sleeping,” said Wren. “It has been hard for all of us.” Marley and Murphy never charge for their therapy services that in addition to bi-weekly visits to Eastport Elementary include library reading programs, an eight-week summer story time at New Towne Mall at New Philadelphia and they teach children how to stay safe around dogs and how dogs help people lead better lives. As active members of the Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition, they serve as the organizations mascots attending public events and fundraisers advocating for literacy. Contributions can be made to help with Murphy’s medical bills by visiting the fundraising web site or by sending a check to Linda Wren at 7021 Waterworks Hill Road SE, Uhrichsville, OH 44683. All donations will be used to pay Murphy’s medical bills.


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