This Dog Has A Face He Thought No One Could Love But He Found A Family Who Loves Him Anyways

Get ready to have a warmed up heart

Alexandra

• Published in Animals
• March 16, 2018

Poor Murray was the victim of severe animal abuse. In 2013, he and three of his siblings were rescued from "Dead Dog Beach", which is a sickening place located in Puerto Rico where deplorable people set their unwanted dogs free. When he was rescued, around 12 weeks old, he and his siblings started showing symptoms of a deadly disease called distemper. The deadly virus attacks a dog's central nervous system and is typically fatal. 

The Soto Project, a group that rescues dogs in Puerto Rico, reported this about distemper, "There’s no treatment at that point. A dog can then start to have seizures, and they can start to get brain damage.” Murray began clicking his jaw whenever he was being petted, which is one of the biggest signs of distemper. The founder of The Soto Project, Christina Beckles, noted, “I was holding him on the exam table and stroking him, and I was feeling a click in his jaw — that’s one of the signs of distemper,”

The Soto Project Volunteers Pose With Murray and His Siblings

Beckles felt that it would be in Murray's best interest to be put down so he would not have to suffer from this terrible disease his entire life. However, when it came time for the procedure to be done, the vet decided against doing so. When she took him to the table to perform the procedure, Murray began wagging his tail and the doctor could just not bring herself to go through with the operation. “She took him to the table and he wagged his tail and she couldn’t do it,” Beckles said.

One of Murray's sisters had unfortunately passed away as a result of the disease so the chances of him surviving were slim to none. This makes sense as 80% of puppies do not survive their battle with distemper as Cathy Meeks, a veterinarian at BluePearl Veterinary Hospital reported. Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways in which this disease is prevented. However, as a stray, Murray had no opportunity to receive the vaccination.  

Murray at a Vet Visit Shortly After His Rescue

Murray Right Before He Got To The U.S. Post Rescue

However, Murray continued to shock everyone by surviving the illness and getting progressively better with treatment. Murray continued to battle with mild seizures and his little head was beginning to grow in an oddly-shaped manner. 

His adoptive mother, Mackenzie Gallant, said this about Murray's growth defect, “Originally, his face was pretty symmetrical, and now ... it’s kind of crooked,” She went on, “Now his skull is pretty flat on his head.”

Murray Is Adorable No Matter What!

In addition to his facial deformity, many of his teeth began to rot and eventually fell out completely. This made his tongue hang out of his mouth constantly. 

Poor Baby!

Gallant and her family could care less about Murray's many physical ailments and appearance because they absolutely love and adore the pup. The family has two other rescue dogs and one cat whom they treasure and love. They began serving as a foster home for Murray in 2013 and fell in love, eventually adopting him just before Christmas of that year. 

Gallant Poses With Murray

Gallant holds a special bond with Murray and notes “He’s my favorite dog. I love him. He actually sleeps in my room every night.”

Mackenzie left for college in 2016 but she refused to let distance keep her and her best friend Murray apart. She stays in contact with Murray regularly and sees him whenever she possibly can. "It was hard to leave all of my animals … but Murray is special."

The Family Loves Their Dogs

Mackenzie FaceTimes With Murray Every Chance She Gets

“Even when I’m at school, he still gets tucked into my room. He still has a pillow and a blanket,” Gallant said. “And he knows the words. You’ll say, ‘Murray, it’s time for bed,’ and he’ll run up there to my room.” 

How adorable. 

Murray Loves Sleeping in Mackenzie's Bed

Gallant Loves Taking The Dogs on Walks

Murray is Amazing

Mackenzie and her family did an amazing thing by adopting Murray and giving him a second chance at life. 

Doesn't that just warm your heart?!

Alexandra