In 2013, rescuers discovered Murray and his three Weimaraner siblings on Dead Dog Beach, a notorious Puerto Rican shore known for the abandonment of unwanted dogs. At the time of their rescue, Murray and his brothers were just a few weeks old and exhibiting signs of distemper, a severe infection that attacks a dog’s nervous system.
Christina Beckles, the founder and president of The Sato Project, a Puerto Rican charity dedicated to rescuing stray dogs, shared with The Dodo, “As I was holding him on the exam table and cuddling him, I felt a click in his jaw—that’s a sign of distemper.” She added, “At that stage, there is no treatment available.” The disease can lead to seizures and brain damage.
Murray was initially scheduled to be euthanized, as Beckles and the veterinarian believed it was the most compassionate option. However, when the time came, the vet had a change of heart.
Beckles mentioned, “She carried him to the table, and while he wagged his tail, she was unable to do so.”
Murray’s chances of survival were very slim, as one of his sisters had already succumbed to the illness.
According to Cathy Meeks, a board-certified veterinarian at BluePearl Veterinary Hospital in Tampa, Florida, 80 percent of puppies with distemper do not survive. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease, but Murray and his siblings had not been vaccinated since they had become strays.
Despite ongoing health issues, including mild seizures, Murray improved with treatment. The distemper also caused him to develop a uniquely shaped skull.
Mackenzie Gallant, Murray’s adoptive mother, told The Dodo that while his face used to be quite symmetrical, it has now become “sort of crooked,” and his skull has flattened significantly.
Most of Murray’s teeth had to be removed due to gum disease and tooth decay, which caused his tongue to stick out.
However, for Gallant and her family—including her mother Kristina, father Dennis, siblings Wesley and Eli, their two rescue dogs Pili and Fox, and their cat Daphne—none of these issues mattered. They took Murray into foster care in November 2013, and by the following month, just before Christmas, he was officially adopted.
“He’s my favorite dog,” Gallant said. “I absolutely adore him. He sleeps in my room every night.”
In 2016, Gallant went back home to attend college, but she stays in touch with Murray as often as possible. She shared, “Leaving all my animals was difficult, but Murray holds a special place in my heart.”
Murray continues to sleep in Gallant’s bedroom, and they often FaceTime each other.
Gallant mentioned, “Even when I’m at school, Murray still comes into my room; he still has his pillow and blanket. He understands the routine too—when you say it’s bedtime, he hurries up to my room.”
When Gallant is at home, she makes sure to spend as much time as possible with Murray. One of her favorite activities is taking long walks with Fox, Murray, and Pili.
Gallant added, “He loves going on hikes. It’s the highlight of the day for all three of our pets. When we ask, ‘Do you want to go for a walk?’ everyone gets excited and starts running. If one of my dogs begins to howl, Murray joins in too.”
Gallant remarked, “He’s thriving and is always cheerful. He loves all dogs and people.”
Even though Murray’s rescue happened four years ago, Beckles still cherishes the fond memories and is thrilled that he found such a perfect home.
Beckles observed that this dog “appears to be different from the others,” but in reality, he is not—he still enjoys hiking and walking and is treated just like the other dogs.
Beckles added, “Kristina [Mackenzie’s mother] and her family have been exceptional from the start. I couldn’t have hoped for a better home for him.”
