Murphy chose me. On May 1, 2010, I went to the North East Animal Shelter in Salem, MA; The adoption counselor walked me over to a puppy. His sisters were just adopted, so he was sad and alone. In the visiting area, I sat with my back to the wall; Murphy pranced over and plopped himself between my back and the wall. The rest was history.

He was rescued by Save a Sato in Puerto Rico, and was found in a box on the beach in early 2010.

Murphy and I have a wonderful relationship. He has changed my life, and I can't imagine being without him. Murphy is my emotional support animal. He loves to meet people and always knows when someone could use a hug. He loves going to the beach, rolling in the grass, and soaking up the sun.

Murphy has assisted me in fostering tons of animals for our local animal shelter. He is exceptionally beneficial at socializing foster animals and making them more adoptable due to comfort with other species.

He has influenced the lives of over 30 kittens, more than 25 bunnies, and 5 guinea pigs.

Murphy went to Newport Animal Hospital for a general screening, and his blood work found high calcium levels. After further blood tests, Murphy was diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism. The condition is curable but requires surgery by a specialist at Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, Ma. Extended release of excess calcium in the system will result in calcium deposits in his organs, resulting in pain and organ failure.

Testing includes MRI and XRay imaging to determine precisely which part of the parathyroid needs to be treated. Surgery will be on the neck and will remove the problem area of the parathyroid. Post-op, daily blood tests are required to ensure normal calcium levels for about 10 days.

Murphy's treatment is extremely expensive. His treatment has been quoted at $8,000 with the potential for more. I hope to extend Murphy's life many years by receiving this treatment. His life has no too high a price.