Prayers for Murray, the dog
We haven't given the community a Murray update in a LONG time. Many of you newer to Hackettstown life may not even know who Murray (formerly known as Trooper and/or Bolt) is. To give a bit of the back story...Murray was a stray dog that was living in the woods over by the Countryside Apartments for a month or two. He visited M&M Mars daily and ate pizza from Enzo's. He was also seen eating dead animals on the side of the road to survive. The town came together in trying to catch him and after a couple weeks of earning his trust, I was able to catch him. My dad ended up letting me keep him. This was back in 2009 and he was only about a year old. Since then, he's been spoiled rotten and has been living the life.
I have since moved out of my parents house and have gotten married, but Murray is still my pup. My parents treat him like the king he is. More recently, Murray has been diagnosed with a ton of medical issues. He has FOUR autoimmune diseases. He has diabetes, a platelet disorder, and a thyroid disorder. My parents spend A FORTUNE each month on his medications and care (God bless them) to keep him going. They have to check his blood multiple times a day and give him insulin. This past week he wasn't eating, had a fever, and was anemic. Today he wasn't walking and still wasn't eating. When they checked his blood, it was closer to pink in color rather than red. Tranquility Vet (we loveeeee them!!) recommended they take him to a vet in Fairfield. They are keeping him overnight at least tonight, possibly longer, and are doing a blood transfusion. My mom just called the vet and the transfusion took 4 hours and he seems to be a bit better already, although not out of the woods.
I felt a responsibility to let everyone know about our little fighter of a dog that so many know and love and ask for anyone who believes in the power of prayer, to pray hard. He's always been a little fighter and we're hoping he continues to fight. He's quite gray, but still has so much life to live! Thanks friends!! :)
Anom 
CraftBeerBob Oh my goodness... sending positive energy and thoughts Murray's way. He is possibly the smartest dog I've ever met. Unforgettable in so many ways, and the trust he had in you, Anom, when he trusted no one else... it was like you were meant to be together.
Stay strong, beautiful boy! We're all pulling for you.
Rebecka 
Sugar 
Spring Fever Oh my dear Murray! I'm so sad to hear this. My furry kids and I are wishing you the best. Thanks so much for the update Anom and please keep us posted.
Calico696 Big prayers for Murray! If you have Dr. Strauss at Fairfield, know that you are in the best hands. He's a wonderful, intelligent doctor and will do his best to help you and Murray.
Jules 
positive 
Chipstern I remember handsome little Murray, so feisty and not wanting to be caught until he finally was, then adapting to and accepting the new humans in his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all and especially to super little Murray!
Phil D. Praying for Murray, and God Bless you for giving him a wonderful life, there are truly angels among us.
JeffersonRepub The story for the newer folks:
The archive.org (wayback machine) links below should be continuous link that include the old hl threads as part of the URL. The forum software thinks it's being helpful by breaking them apart :-)
http://web.archive.org/web/20101126121336/ http://www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/139165
And...
http://web.archive.org/web/20110518135323/ http://www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/135843
Two more...
www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/341479
www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/540692
justintime 
Dansker Thanks so much for posting the links jit. For people who don't know the Murray back story, it's worth the time to read the threads.
I am saying prayers for Murray...You will be in my thoughts and prayers as well. God Bless you for being such a good parent to him...
Joyful Prayers for Murray and for you and your family. May God bless you for taking Murray into your home and giving him the life all animals deserve. Our pets become such an important part of our families and we do whatever we can for them. I hope the treatment he is receiving is successful and he is back home soon.
I wasn't able to access the older threads to read them again. I read them the first time, closely following the story, but would love to read them again. Did you ever do anything about that book? If you did, I would love to buy a few copies. That thread I was able to access.
Parental Unit God bless you and your family for taking care of Murray right from the start. I pray the vets can keep him strong so he can fight and conquer his next battle.
lola 
3wbdwnj 
Tracy 
ianimal Well wishes going to not only Murray, but for the family as well. I hope those vet bills aren't too damaging to their finances.
RAS 
skippy 
dadogmomma I remember Murray. He didn't like hot dogs. We use to give him hamburgers.
Sorry to hear he is ill. We will pray for him.
Barbara Abrams Praying for Murray.
When he does come home tell your parents to try some coconut oil in his diet. It is know to help regulate diabetes.
They might also want to try a holistic vet as an alternative or in conjunction with his regular vet visits. Flanders vet has a holistic vet 3 days a week. She's supposed to be tops in NJ.
Nothing at all against Tranquility. I've heard only good things about them. Just an alternative approach that's been know to work.
I just really hope that Murray is feeling better real soon.
Nellejoy First of all, thanks you all for your prayers and well wishes, because they are working..I'm happy to report that he's stable, but not out of the woods. He still has a long road ahead and will remain in Fairfield for another couple of days, which is fine with us. He's where he should be to get the care and treatment he needs.
He's off the oxygen and his red count is up where it should be. He's on steroids which is creating a need for more insulin, but it is what it is. The big challenge right now is getting the anemia under control. He has an enlarged spleen which may need to be removed, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
We know that God dropped Murray into our laps for a reason all those years ago. He has brought so much to our lives that we will do anything for him. He makes everyone who walks into our house feel like they are the most important thing in the world to him.
As long as he has a chance at life, the cost doesn't matter, and yes, it's costly, but we'll do whatever it takes to give our boy the continued good life he deserves.
The vets at Fairfield are amazing and they have great specialists. He was supposed to see Dr. Strauss, but another specialist took over his case, but I'm confident he's in good hands.
Again, I can't thank you all for keeping "Murmee" in your thoughts and prayers. It does my heart good to know there are so many good people out there who genuinely care so much. He's always been a survivor and hopefully he'll continue to fight the fight!
Will keep you posted on his progress, but please continue to pray......
Linda Feci Anom, so sorry to hear Murray is having health issues. I remember the story of his rescue very well. I was so happy when your father let you keep Murray after all. (I may have even had something in my eye reading that, LOL). That is where he belonged and he is very lucky that you found him. I hope he is back to health soon.
Aquarius Like my mom said, it is truly heartwarming to see all of you keeping Murray in your thoughts and prayers. There is so much disagreement on this site at times, but it's nice that when we come on here (where it all began!) looking for some well wishes, that everyone comes together like we did 8 years ago for the same pooch!
When my dad agreed to let me keep Murray, he made me sign a contract. Two of the things on that contract read "you must pay the vet bills" and "when you move out, he goes with you." That first one lasted all of maybe... 3 vet visits before my dad said "he's our family dog...we'll pay!" Lucky for me on that one as my parents spend over $1000 a month to keep Murray healthy (and then there's this Fairfield vet bill!) My dad and I argued a little bit over that second one because little did he know at the time, he would become SO attached. When it came time for me to move out, we couldn't separate Murray from his brother, Harley, so my parents have both dogs now. Luckily, I'm 5 minutes away and see my Mur all the time.
My family and I are constantly saying that with all his health problems, if we didn't all find out about him and he continued living in the woods, he would have been dead SO long ago. Thank goodness for this site that brought attention to him!!!
To those of you asking...I never finished that book but I still talk about it. It really is something I want to do. I just need to get my thoughts together and actually do it. When I finish it one day, you'll all hear about it!!!
Thank you all again. We're hoping that we continue to get good news and can pick him up in a couple days. Hugs to all of you for the continued prayers!
Waldo
Nature Lover Anom and family I was so sadden to hear of this report on Murray, but no matter what happens in the time to come know that you and your family gave him so much love and a home we as a community are with you to a lot of us our pets are more like family murray be strong in you days ahead Anom blessed be to you
Caged Animal 
Yeah, he surely has something important on his mind! Analyzing his future! Great pic.
Martha 
Frank Feci Rebecka... I LOVE that picture of him! He's so gray and even scruffier now. We're going to see Murray at the vet now. Fingers crossed we can get him to eat!!
We went to go see Murray today. He wagged his tail and licked us at first but then just laid down. He is very tired. We DID bring him hotdogs, pizza, cheese, chicken liver, venison, roast beef, turkey, salami, and dog treats but all he ate was 1/4 piece of pizza. At least he ate SOMETHING! His red blood cell count went from 15 last night to 17 this morning. The vet said he'd like to see it triple that number but he may let him come home if it hits 20, as long as he seems improved. If it doesn't go up by tomorrow, it looks like he will need something called IVG with another blood transfusion. That is our next option. Another $2100 (my poor parents) but we all agree, worth every penny. Please continue the prayers. We need his red blood cell number to increase. Thank you all for the well wishes and kind thoughts. It puts smiles to our faces knowing so many care about Mur.
Thanks so much for the update on Murray, Anom...Looking at his picture that you posted one would wonder who could not love that little pooch! We all are praying that he will soon be home safe and sound..
Oh my gosh! You should help your parents set up a go fund me page to help with the expenses. I for one would donate to the cause.
dsl1121 Yesterday Murray's red blood cell count dropped again when he was a little less than half way done with the IVIG treatment. Because of this the vet says it has a 40% chance of working. They gave him another blood transfusion and then were going to do the rest of the IVIG. My parents also brought these holistic pills and drops that people online swear by. The IVIG is really the last option at the vet. I told my parents I think they need to take him home if it doesn't work (as long as he's not in pain) and let him be peaceful and comfortable and keep trying all the holistic stuff they have (my parents have more stuff on rush order.) My mom also talked to the holistic vet who was VERY knowledgeable. We're praying that even if the IVIG treatment doesn't work that he can at least pull through for a few more days for us to at least try some of the holistic stuff. We'll be getting a call this morning with his red blood cell count and we'll know of the IVIG treatment has worked or is working. Please keep praying. It's been a very difficult week.
RAS I mentioned a go fund me to my parents and they said no, at least not yet. I don't think they want to accept money from the community. Although, that was earlier in the week and I think the vet bills are not totaled close to $6000 before today. It's averaging $800/day but that was before the $2100 treatment yesterday. I'll talk with them again and keep you posted. Either way, thank you so much for the generous thought.
Spring fever... Thank you. That's kind of the point I'm at. It's in God's hands. I know He has a plan and is doing what's right, whatever that may be and however hard it may be. Of course we want him better but if not... Then we start praying for strength and comfort.
This is awful. We know what it's like to have a pet in ICU for several days (we lost our boy)... it's really a tough call. You want to do everything you can to help them, but you feel guilty putting them through it if they don't pull through. There's just no "right" answer, unfortunately.
We don't know what the little guy's life was like before he was abandoned, but at least you family gave him a wonderful life for the rest of it, and he repaid you with with the love only a dog can give. Murray was blessed by having you take him in, and you were blessed for taking him in.
Still praying for him, whatever the outcome, know that you guys did something wonderful.
Please add my prayers to the list for Murray. Whatever the outcome is, know that you and your family did everything possible for him and gave him a great life.
My heart is just breaking over this, and I can't even begin to imagine what you, Anom and your family, Murray's "people", are going through. Praying that all of the efforts you and the doctors are going through will help.
Anom, we were back and forth at Fairfield for two weeks with our beloved furry baby a few months ago. We did everything possible and like your family, money was not a consideration. We would have spent even more if we knew that it would have helped. We do know we were fortunate that the money was not a factor since it can be a huge deciding factor in how much treatment some pets receive.
In the end, nothing could be done to keep our girl happy and healthy, but knowing why she was feeling unwell was worth every dollar. Had we not pursued all of our options, we would have wondered if we did enough or why she was feeling so sick.
If Murray is not responding to treatment but feeling ok, then spend as much time as you can with him. I have a feeling that he already knows how much you all love him, but having some extra-special TLC is good medicine for anyone. We were able take our girl home and the last two weeks we spent with her was full of love and comfort for all of us. Love is what it's all about.
I wish strength and comfort for you and your wonderful, loving family and send you a big hug.
I am so sorry to hear that Murray did not respond to treatment. It is heartbreaking to go through. You and your family will do right by Murray. You always have.
Guys!! His red blood cell count is up to 24 today!!!! We don't want to get our hopes up too much but this is a good sign. The vet wants to keep him one more night and if it stays up... Looks like he can come home tomorrow but that's a big IF. My dad just went to visit him and he said he's much better than yesterday and much more alert. Don't want to get too excited but this is a good sign so far. We'll get another call tonight about his RBC. Praying hard.
Thank you all so much for all your kinds words. Before we got news about his number... I cried while reading all the supportive messages. Thank you. Xoxox
We saw Murray yesterday, his spirits were great and he seemed much better than the day before. We were praying his numbers went up or stayed the same but his red blood cell count dropped to 17 from 24. We'll see what it is this morning but he's coming home today no matter what. He seems to just come home and be in a familiar place and relax and be comfortable. My parents will continue the holistic medication in hopes it works a bit but we'll see. The praying continues.....
Joining all of you in prayer for Murray.
He will be so happy to come home to his wonderful family!
I shared this story with my wife and we are both moved by Murray's story. God bless Murray and his caring and love family.
Mike L 
Look who's home!!!
Certainly not out of the woods but his red blood cell count went from 17 last night up to 19 this morning and there's nothing else the vet can do. So he's home and being loaded with lots of holistic medication. My parents have been in contact with someone who's an expert in all this holistic stuff. Our new prayers are for this stuff to work. His spirits are good as you can see! He's interested in toys, he's eating certain things, wags his tail when you walk in, and licks you. Keep the prayers coming, KNOCK ON WOOD... They seem to be working!
Yay! He's so shaggy and cute. I just love him. Glad that he is home. He looks happy to be there.
I'm so sorry this is all happening to poor Murray. He is so lucky to have all of you. I hope the holistic treatments work and he gets lots more time with you and you with him.
jrsemom I'm so happy he's home, I'm sure he missed you guys terribly through his ordeal. Continued prayers go out for his recovery. Give him lots of hugs and kisses....
Keeping him in my prayers.
Even if his time comes, AT HOME is better than at some vet.... I wish our boy could have passed at home :(
God bless, White Light Healing and positive prayers coming your way :)
Cinnamon (herbal) also balances blood sugar, read up on it here:
http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Health/cinnamon%20for%20diabetic%20pets.htm
PS you may want to ask your vet if it is o.k; but it should be acceptable...
Always start at half the recommended dose; in case of upset tum-tum :)
AMS Lots of love and prayers being sent from our dog loving family to yours. May god keep Murray on the road to recovery....Please never lose hope, sometimes it's all we have.
Murray Update - Red Blood Cell Count on Friday AM was 19 and 19 again on Sat AM. We went to Vet today and his count was 23!! We are thrilled as the trend is staying the same or increasing. We are by no means "out of the woods" yet but very promising. He is eating more, gaining more strength, and starting to play again. We really do think the combo of the holistic meds and conventional meds are helping him.
We cannot thank all of you enough for your support, concern, warm wishes, and prayers. THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH!
maja2 That is great news. I am so happy for Murray and your family. Prayers still coming that he continues to improve!!
Thanks for the update. I'm sure Murray is happy to be home. I hope he continues to improve.
Murray Update - His RBC count (Hematocrit) was 28 on Saturday, 4/8. He is still on a lot of meds but doing better every day. We feel very fortunate and blessed that he has come this far and still a ways to go but when one considers that dogs that have Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), the mortality rate is 80%.
Thanks again to everyone for their support.
Murray Update: We have had Murray's blood tested twice since I last reported his RBC count (Hematocrit) at 28. On 4/12, his RBC count was 32 and today it was 41!!! That is absolutely tremendous. He is shocking everyone including our Vet and a Vet in Texas where we had a special blood test done. Murray went from 11 RBC on 3/22 to 41 on 4/17! The normal Hematocrit range for a dog is 36-55%. He is nearly in the mid-range of normal now. We are slowly weaning him off some of the conventional meds. The conventional meds and the holistic meds are doing the job.
We are very thankful and blessed for the work and advice of three individuals that really made a difference in Murray's recovery. First, we thank our terrific Vet, Dr. Michelle Hewitt from Tranquility Veterinary Clinic in Tranquility, NJ. She is such a special person. We love the entire staff at Tranquility Veterinary Clinic. We next thank Dr. Larry Kantrowitz at Animal Emergency & Referral Assoc in Fairfield. He treated Murray during some crucial stages of severe low RBC count. We also thank Marie from Pet Health & Nutrition Center in CT (www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com). She gave us some valuable advice on treating IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) with holistic meds that her company sells.
Lastly, my wife, my daughter, and I would again like to thank everyone who kept Murray in their thoughts and prayers and for the very kind and humble comments you have put in this thread.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Wow! That is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for the update. I hope Murray continues to do well on his regime. He is a lucky dog.
Joni Moore MURRAY UPDATE - Murray, our miracle dog, just keeps on fighting and he is doing great. His RBC on 4/25 at Tranquility Vet was 41 but they also sent this blood sample out for add'l testing so they had the outside lab also check his RBC and it was 43. On 5/1, it was 44. This has been quite a comeback from his critical condition at 11 RBC on March 22.
He has come off some of his meds such as Prednisone; his weight is back up to 50 lbs from the mid to low 40's; his appetite is better now than it has been in quite awhile; we are back to taking walks; and he has become mischievious again.
Again, we cannot thank all of you enough for your prayers, well thoughts, and uplifting comments throughout this ordeal which started March 19 when he was admitted to the hospital for 6 days.
This warms my heart ~ so wonderful to hear a good outcome for such a beloved member of the family. Blessings to all of you!
This is such wonderful news! Great to hear it!!!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of him!!
Thank you so much for the update. I'm so happy he is doing so well. He is truly blessed to have you as his family.
Hi friends!! Murray is doing great. I actually went over to my parents after work because my dad got hip surgery and the dogs were home alone for a long time and needed to go out. Murray still moans and groans for at least two minutes when I go over there and his hips looks like they're dislocated the way his whole butt wiggles. When I was over there on Wednesday he was extra spunky, running around the backyard with his toy and barking and jumping and playing. In the picture I'm attaching, he was begging for Dunkin Donuts munchkins.
For those of you that were asking if I ever wrote the children's book on the story of how Murray was caught...I promised myself if he pulled through that I'd write it. Well... IT'S DONE! I'm constantly revising and editing but I'm planning on putting it in proper manuscript format and sending it to a publisher. Any thoughts or ideas on this process... Please send them my way as this is totally new to me and I had to research the right way to do it.
Im sure my mom or dad will come on here and give you a further update but he truly is our little miracle. I'm thankful that he's still here and feel like any time we get after that whole order is a complete blessing.
If I could hug all of you for all the support you gave us back in March, I would!!
OMG, that face! He truly is a miracle doggie & so happy to hear he is doing well. Speedy recovery to your dad, and good luck wishes on publishing your book. I want to be first in line at your first book signing!!!
Wonderful news! Made me smile from ear to ear :). Give Murray hugs & kisses from his fanclub!
Give that face a munchkin! Lol JK, bad for dogs I know... But that face... I am halfway to the car to buy him his own box of donuts Looool!!
weebiekins So happy to hear he is doing well, and yeah... that FACE!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your dad!
A Fairy Tale with a happy ending is the best!! So happy for you all. And best wishes for your Dad's speedy recovery.
It was good news to hear that Bolt is ok and that's what I call him since his story started here blessed be to all
I have not been on here for a long time. I am so glad I came here today! I remember the story back from 2009. I am so happy to hear that Murray is doing well! He is a miracle dog.
Dianne Great Story and News...I was out there helping with (Trooper) a couple of times. I had no doubt he was living the life and how special that he found your family to love him. If I recall Dad was not on the same page at first! Enjoy Murray.
firefly MURRAY UPDATE - Murray presently is probably in the best physical condition he has been in the last 3-4 years. He is slowly losing his eyesight from cataracts but has done exceptionally well with this ailment largely due to us getting him treated very early for cataracts with a supplement called OcuGlow. He has shocked our Vet Ophthalmologist. As far as his IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), his RBC count has not been lower than 41% (normal for a dog is 35-55%) since June 15 of last year. Since 4/17/17 to 4/3/18, his RBC has been in the range of 40-53% (had 53% on 2/16/18 and 4/13/18). He continues to mystify 2 Vets on his comeback. We are extremely lucky that the holistic medication and supplements have worked tremendously. We love this pooch as he is such a friendly and loving dog. Thanks again to everyone who has followed and supported this miracle dog.
Bessie where did you get the holistic medication? holistic vet's office, and can you please provide the name/address? thank you.
Hackresident Sweet, sweet Murray holds a special place in our hearts. This is just fabulous news! Continued good health to this special pup & many thanks to your family on taking the extra steps needed to keep him happy & healthy!
Josh Hackresident: Sorry I did not respond earlier. It is Pet Health & Nutrition Center located in CT. They are not Vets but owners, Maria and Phil Reich know quite a bit about holistic supplements. Maria is a Canine Nutritionist. If you go on their website ( https://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/), you will see a multitude of testimonials. We were not believers in holistic type supplements until Maria saved Murray's life.
He's doing great!! Other than having a little stomach issue right now. I'll have my parents give a more detailed update. Until then here's a new picture!
He's very cute and healthy looking. You've taken great care of him and gotten him back to health.
4catmom I know you call him Murray but he will always be bolt to me good luck and stay well and safe
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