Melissa and Jon Levine were searching for a service dog to help their 18-year-old son Jack,

diagnosed with Autism, decrease his anxiety and improve his ability to take risks. They did

not anticipate finding a dog like Murphey.

 

Murphey’s story began in a box of 8 puppies left at a rescue shelter in Gainesville, Florida.

He was listed on PetFinder as a 3-pound 8-week-old mixed breed. Their daughter Elexis, a

student at UF, brought Murphey and one of his sisters home together to keep him secure.

“Please isolate the puppies…we don’t want them stressed out by too many people”; was

absolutely the WRONG instruction Melissa gave Elexis. Elexis replied “You understand that’s

not going to happen”; because she lived in a student apartment building.  The rule is to introduce your puppy to 100 people in 100 days, as this is a vital period for social development. The kids flocked to the puppies for a much-needed break from their stressful college lives. Murphey had started on his therapy dog path the first day he was brought into The Levine family.

 

At Murphey’s first vet appointment, the Levines were told that their tiny 3-pound puppy was

probably going to be a very strong 50-pound dog. Obedience training would be necessary.

At 9 weeks old, Murphey started individual and puppy group training. He trained for two

hours daily which included exploration walks and trips to stores for socialization. Murphey

was a quick learner, eager to please and sought out hugs from everyone. It became obvious

that he was an extraordinary puppy who had the perfect personality to become a therapy

dog. At 7 months old, he was enrolled in a therapy dog class, held in a nursing home, where he was a star pupil. Murphey easily passed all three AKC Canine Good Citizens tests. Now, he is 65 pounds and 18 months old. Murphey has earned his Therapy Dog Novice, Tricks Advanced and Virtual Scent Work Experienced titles. He currently provides therapy to adults with disabilities at Sea Turtle Adventures and The Els Center of Excellence. Murphey has been taught many skills to assist Jack in the community. They have become best friends.

 

Murphey is raised at home with Dempsey, an 8-year-old chihuahua mix breed. He also

spends many hours with Dixie, an 8-year-old German Shepherd. Together, they have taught

Murphey the rules of puppyhood and how to socialize with other dogs. In addition, Murphey

plays with his best friends Thor, Scout, Chico, Gunny, Owen and Mr. B at the Ibis dog park.

Melissa has introduced him to cats, kittens, puppies, and ferrets; thus, he has become the dog who would stop at nothing to play with the shyest or most aggressive animal. He always wins them over.

 

At first sight, Murphey looks intimidating. However, he is a silly pup who can’t give enough love to everyone he meets. He even smiles when you hug him. We wanted to share his story in hopes that you don’t judge a book by its cover. 

 

Thank you, Murphey, for the love you bring us. We can’t wait to read the rest of your story.