MANKATO — Murphy is not the typical therapist.
Instead of tweed and spectacles, a golden coat and wet nose. An outstretched paw and wagging tail in lieu of pen and pad.
And Murphy’s clients aren’t the typical patients, either. In fact, they are not clients at all, but students at Bridges Elementary.
And when Dr. Murphy is in, students clamor for an appointment.
“There seems to be a bond between animals and children that is just amazing,” said Bridges teacher Peggy Morris. “They relate to each other.”
A year ago, however, Murphy was the one who needed therapy.
Either abandoned or lost, the golden retriever was found about 20 pounds underweight and with serious cases of heartworm and ear infection. Even surviving his rehabilitation was no guarantee.
Meanwhile, dog lover Walter Roberts was hoping to begin working with a licensed therapy dog. A counseling professor at Minnesota State University, Roberts’ professional studies had convinced him of their value.
Roberts and Murphy were united through Homeward Bound, a rescue and adoption agency, in April 2007. And it didn’t take long for Roberts to realize Murphy was just the dog he was looking for.
For complete story, see the Saturday, April 19, 2008, print edition of The Free Press or sign onto our e-edition.
Click here to access Free Press e-edition
Local News
Related Photos
-
John Cross
-
John Cross
-
John Cross
Dog doles out a special kind of medicine
- Local News
-
-
"Man in Black' charged in St. Peter, Gaylord bank robberies
- Walz happy to see STOCK bill pass the House
- Sleepy Eye schools trying to get state approval for 4-day weeks
-
Tweten advances to group round on 'Idol'
If it weren’t for a tiny glimpse or two on camera Thursday night, and her mom’s confirmation on Facebook, the world wouldn’t have known that North Mankato’s Shelby Tweten advanced on “American Idol” again this week. The West High School student has made it to the most infamous challenge of the season: “group round.”
-
Tour of kitchens benefits Loyola music department
-
West student wins first HickoryTech video prize
- Domestic assault suspect arrested after allegedly fleeing
-
Today’s services, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
Evan, Eugene, services 10:30 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells.
Hite, Shirley, services 11 a.m. at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca.
Mortvedt, Oris “Mort,” services 11 a.m. at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore.
Schwamberger, M. Elizabeth, services 10 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato.
-
Patient release encourages another round of accusations
The impending release of the first patient in the nearly two-decade history of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program has prompted Republican legislative leaders to call Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration “reckless” and Dayton to accuse the Republicans of “shameful” demagoguery.
-
Truck fire closes Range Street
A block of Range Street was closed for about an hour tonight while North Mankato firefighters doused a pickup truck that caught fire.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
