Rescuers in 2021 came across Murray and his three Weimaraner siblings on Dead Dog Beach, an infamous Puerto Rican beach where people throw away unwanted dogs. When Murray and his brothers were saved, they were only a few weeks old and were showing symptoms of distemper, a terrible infection that kills a dog’s nervous system.

The founder and president of The Sato Project, a Puerto Rican charity that rescues stray dogs, Christina Beckles, told The Dodo, “I was holding him on the exam table and cuddling him, and I felt a click in his jaw – that’s one of the symptoms of distemper.” “There is no therapy at that point.” The dog can then start having seizures and develop brain damage.

Murray was put to death because Beckles and the veterinarian decided it was the most compassionate course of action. But the vet changed her mind when the time arrived.

Beckles said, “She carried him to the table and he wagged his tail but she couldn’t.”

Murray, however, had a very slim chance of surviving because one of his sisters had already passed away from the illness.

80 percent of puppies who contract distemper die, according to Cathy Meeks, a board-certified veterinarian at BluePearl Veterinary Hospital in Tampa, Florida. The best method to prevent distemper is vaccination. However, Murray and his siblings had not received any vaccinations since they had become stray.

Murray still has some health issues, such as mild seizures, but he got better with treatment, despite this. He developed a peculiarly shaped skull as a result of the distemper.

His face used to be very symmetrical, but now, Mackenzie Gallant, Murray’s adoptive mother, told The Dodo, “it’s sort of crooked.” The skull on his head is now fairly flat.

The bulk of Murray’s teeth had to be pulled due to gum disease and tooth decay, which left his tongue protruding from his mouth.

But for Gallant and her family—which also comprised her mother Kristina, father Dennis, siblings Wesley and Eli, two rescue dogs named Pili and Fox, and their cat named Daphne—none of this mattered. Murray was placed into foster care by them in November 2021, and the following month, just before Christmas, he was officially adopted.

He’s my favorite dog,” Gallant said. I adore this man. He sleeps in my room every night. 

In 2023, Gallant returned home to attend college, but she still communicates with Murray whenever she can. Gallant said, “It was hard leaving all of my animals, but Murray is special.

Murray still sleeps in Gallant’s bedroom, and the two frequently FaceTime.

Gallant said, “He still comes into my room when I’m at school; he still has a pillow and a blanket. He comprehends the terms, too. When you tell Murray that it is time for bed, he will rush up to my room.

Gallant spends as much time as she can with Murray when she is at home. Her favorite pastime is taking Fox, Murray, and Pili for long walks.

Gallant continued, “He enjoyed taking hikes.” “For all three of our pets, that is the best part of the day.” We ask, “Do you want to go for a walk?” And then everyone starts running. If one of my dogs starts howling, Murray will too.

Gallant continued, “He’s prospering, and he’s just happy all the time. He adores all dogs and people alike.

Despite the fact that Murray’s rescue took place four years ago, Beckles still has warm memories of him and is delighted that he found the perfect home.

Beckles noted that this dog “seems different from the others.” However, he isn’t because he still likes to hike and go for walks. He receives the same treatment as the other dogs.

Beckles continued, “Kristina [Mackenzie’s mother] and her family have been wonderful from the beginning. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place for him.”