He Spent Months in a Concrete Cell, Now This Silly Survivor Is Everyone’s Favorite Dog
Rescued from the Devore Shelter by Freedom Ride Rescue of Ventura last September, Murray, a gentle Australian Cattle Dog mix, has been stealing hearts ever since. His journey from a scruffy shelter pup to a well-adjusted dog ready for his forever home is thanks to the dedication of his foster family, Andrea Halperin, her husband John, and their friend Robert Greene, a UCLA math professor. Their tireless efforts have not only transformed Murray but have also saved over 100 dogs from shelters.
“Murray is an extraordinarily sweet, gentle, and loving boy,” says Andrea Halperin, Murray’s foster mom. “He adores being held and hugged, and he loves to give kisses to people and all dogs. His eyes sparkle with happiness all the time.”
About the Devore Shelter and Murray’s Journey
The Devore Shelter, located in San Bernardino County, is known for its high intake of stray and abandoned animals. This shelter, like many others, often struggles with overcrowding, making it a challenging environment for dogs like Murray. Pulled from Devore in September 2023, Murray has been waiting since then for his forever home. Despite the odds, his resilience and the dedication of his foster family have helped him thrive, transforming from a scruffy shelter pup to a well-adjusted, affectionate dog ready for adoption.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Rescue Efforts
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their usual rescue efforts, Robert connected with Freedom Ride Rescue, sponsoring Murray and several other dogs at a local vet office in West LA. That’s where Andrea and John stepped in, visiting the pups almost daily to walk, play, and prepare homemade meals for them.
“I’m very tired almost all the time, but I have to do this. I love Murray very much,” Andrea says. “We want to get them all really healthy so they’ll have the best chance at a wonderful life and family.”
Murray’s Transformation
And Murray is certainly thriving under their care. Once a scruffy shelter pup, he has blossomed into a handsome, well-adjusted dog who loves going for gentle walks and playing with his canine friends. His favorite pastime? Showering his human companions with affection.
“Murray would be so incredibly happy for someone to take him home and love him,” Andrea says. “He truly is a joyous boy.”
A Legacy of Rescue
Robert, Andrea, and John have pulled and rescued many dogs from shelters over the years. Their collective efforts have made a significant impact, including recent rescues from Baldwin Park, North Central, and Carson shelters. They have dedicated countless hours to caring for these dogs, ensuring they are healthy and ready for their forever homes.
With his winning personality and zest for life, it’s hard to imagine Murray waiting much longer for his perfect match. After all, who could resist those sparkling eyes and that contagious canine smile?
