MURPHY SCOTT (@RB)
Pascal Black writes: It all started out in January 2001 when I sent flyers to Airedale Owners around town to promote my grooming business. Soon enough I received a call to book Murphy in for a groom. However, it wasn't the owner that called but someone else who was watching him. But his owner was going to pay for the groom. Fine with me as long as I get paid! I was told that Murphy's owner had taken a one-year term job in Ottawa. Murphy was staying in Whitehorse [Yukon] with house renters, who were receiving a reduced rent to watch him.
I was then told that they had no choice but to leave Murphy outside because he'd been marking in the house. Being outside all the time in a Yukon winter isn't fit for man or beast! Murphy had taken to barking and the renters had received notices from by-law. I gather he wasn't getting much human contact. They had a dog of their own and she stayed in the house.
When Murphy came for his groom he was a mess. Under all the fur I discovered an extremely thin dog with small skin tumors, his teeth were in bad shape, he had stools stuck to the fur on his bum. I made a list of my concerns and recommended that he see a vet ASAP. I gave his caregiver some enzyme solution to remove the scents from the markings, I told her to crate him in the house when she's not home, and to put diapers or underwear on him when he's in the house with them. I emailed his owner in Ottawa and offered to take Murphy to the vet instead of having his caretaker do it. I wanted to make sure that everything was looked at. He was taken to the vet but not by me; I was disappointed. But the vet said that over all, Murphy was healthy. I also asked the owner if she'd consider having him fostered in Ottawa, so she could visit him often. She told me that her Term Position was up in April and that she didn't know what she was doing after that, but that she wasn't going to be living in Whitehorse anymore. And seeing as the so-called caregivers were having difficulties with Murphy, she was considering sending him over the Rainbow Bridge!!! I was appalled. You don't kill a healthy dog! After a few back-and-forth conversations, I convinced her to reconsider and to give him to me for Rescue placement.
	In May I finally received the release forms; he now belonged to AireCanada! Thank Dog! When I picked in up, he was so filthy I washed him twice and gave him a good groom; he was still so thin but at least he was clean. His back legs would shake, the muscles were atrophied from lack of nutrition. I was told by the renters that he was old, 'fading and not eating'; he was being free-fed but the food would just stay in the bowl. Well, no dog in my care will starve! I fed him his food with broth and he ate! Yes, he ate lots!
He marked once in my house, but being unable to watch him day and night, I made a diaper for him to wear in the house and problem was solved.
Pascale Black & Murphy	In the short time I fostered Murphy, I became very attached to him. I couldn't understand how this wonderful dog ended up in Rescue. Murphy had a long journey ahead of him. He was being adopted by Maureen & Jim Scott (fellow AireCanada rescuers) who live in Vancouver. We drove to meet Maureen & Jim in Prince George. The exchange took place on June 9, 2001.
Since Murphy's been with the Scotts', he's gained quite a few pounds, he's receiving regular exercise and his back legs don't shake much anymore. He's had rotten teeth removed and the remainder cleaned. And all of the warts were also removed. His eyesight isn't what it could be, due to having lived outdoors in the sunlight for years. However he's no longer acting like an old dog; he's getting into all sorts of Airedale trouble like knocking the garbage over and digging giant holes in the garden! Isn't it grand! Maureen & Jim adore him and he's spoiled with attention from them and their two other dogs, Angie A the Airedale & Pifflesqueak the Toy Poodle. I'm so happy for him, It's hard to find a good home for an old dog. He's having such a good time now that he'll probably be around much longer than we originally anticipated.

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THE SAGA OF MURPHY SCOTT (@RB) HERE