We didn’t think he would make it through the night. Walter was critically ill — his breath shallow, fever raging, drifting in and out of consciousness. Yet even then, he whispered one name repeatedly: “Murphy… Murphy…”
At first, family members thought he might be calling for his son or an old friend. But when asked, he barely spoke: “My boy… my good boy.” It soon became clear that Murphy wasn’t a person, but his Golden Retriever. The dog was thirteen and had been staying with Walter’s brother while he was hospitalized. When Murphy was brought to the bedside, the bond was instant: the dog laid his head gently on Walter’s chest.
Walter’s eyes opened, and he asked, “Murphy… did you find her?” He referred to a teenage girl, Lizzie, who years ago had vanished in the snow. Murphy had led Walter to her in a ditch, weak but alive. That memory remained strong.
Eventually, Lizzie—now an adult—reached out, confirming she was that same girl. She later visited Walter before he passed, whispering her gratitude: “Murphy found me twice.” The loyal dog later died and was buried beside Walter, with a stone reading: “Murphy — Guardian Angel. Forever a good boy.”
This story reminds us that sometimes one devoted heart can change a life — and if you’re lucky, there’ll be a “Murphy” in yours.

