The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Dog doles out a special kind of medicine

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Teachers at Bridges Elementary say there’s a noticeable difference in how students act and behave when Murphy is around. The 3-year-old golden retriever, who is a licensed therapy dog, visits Bridges with handler Walter Roberts about once per week.
John Cross / The Free Press

Caiti Flannery was one of several students who read to Murphy during his visit to Bridges on Friday. Teacher Peggy Morris said Murphy’s quiet, calm demeanor and superb listening skills have helped some reluctant readers gain confidence.
John Cross / The Free Press

A year ago Murphy was sick, underweight and near death. Roberts said the love and attention Murphy gets from students has been its own kind of therapy.
John Cross / The Free Press

Published April 18, 2008 11:45 pm -

Dog doles out a special kind of medicine

By Tanner Kent
The Free Press

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.

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