Hello everyone, my name is Meghan Tregoning. As some of you may know, I love my animals especially my dogs. On Dec 4 2023 we adopted a stray 12 year old yellow lab from Texas . From the day we got Murphy, he just knew he was home. It instantly became a pillow for our girls and the ultimate cuddling partner.

Despite all the love and affection, Murphy has not had the easiest time. He was diagnosed within days of his arrival here in New Jersey with acute hepatitis/liver failure. His liver enzymes for 16 times the normal limits. He was walking a very very fine line between life and death. This resulted in 4-6 weeks of countless doctor visits/antibiotics and supplements. Following the hepatitis, he suffered severe hind end ataxia (paralysis) needing to be carried by a belly sling for his every movement for 16 days. Amazingly, he pulled through what appeared to be a slipped disk and was doing remarkably well until now.

Murphy was diagnosed today, Feb 8 with pneumonia so severe he is in critical care, hospitalized at Red Bank in Hillsborough. His oxygen levels are severely low and his body is in shock. As of this afternoon, he now has a fever, and is completely immobile. At 80lbs, that is extremely dangerous at his age. He is on 4L of oxygen, IV antibiotics and fluids. His doctor there is optimistic he will make a full recovery if given enough time with the oxygen and IV meds, eventually weaning to an oral medication at home. He went from a perfectly healthy/happy boy to incredibly sick over night.

His 24-36 hour estimate came as an incredible shock to us but we didn’t hesitate to start to save him. He is truly a “once in a lifetime dog” who deserves nothing short of the best possible final years. When I rescued Murphy, I was told by the shelter staff that he “loved to go outside and lay in the sun” and the thought of him not making it to the spring time truly breaks my heart in two.

I am asking anyone who may have the means to donate even a small amount to help off set these cost we have taken on. It has been an overwhelming 2 months for both Murphy and our family, but if I could go back and do it all again, for him, I would.

If you got this far I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this. Our boy is so special to me, thank you.

With love,

Meghan Tregoning