Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

Give Murphy the Gift of Healing — Help Him Walk Pain-free Again!

We need your help to save the joyful, active life of our beloved dog, Murphy - a 4½-year-old black Lab who brings love, laughter, and comfort to everyone he meets.

On a recent hike in the beautiful hills of Marin County, Murphy suffered a full ACL tear. Since then, he’s been in constant pain, often walking on three legs and unable to run, play, or even go for normal walks. Our vet has made it clear: this injury will not heal on its own, and surgery is his only path to recovery.

Heartbreakingly, our pet insurance (Healthy Paws) has denied the claim, citing a “pre-existing condition” because Murphy had a limp two months before our policy began in summer 2024. Now, we're facing a $9,000 bill we simply can’t cover.

I’m a full-time musician, a single mom to two amazing kids (17 and 12), and the founder of a nonprofit, Believe Music Heals, where I use the healing power of music to support people facing some of life’s hardest challenges at a time when they need it most.

We live modestly, but with purpose and love. And Murphy is a huge, loving part of our family. He’s the tail-wagging welcome at the door, the soft companion when the world feels heavy, the goofy goofball who brings light to our darkest days. He is my heart walking around outside my body.

We’re asking for your help to give Murphy the care he needs to run again, to play with my kids, to live the long, full, happy life he deserves.

Any amount (large or small) makes a difference. And if you can’t donate right now, sharing this campaign would mean the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping.

With deep gratitude,

Essence

(and Murphy, tail wagging beside me)