More on missing dog Murphy from his happy Texas family

Pet owners across the county breathed a sigh of relief to hear that Murphy, a tiny two-year-old male dog that had been missing since July 13 was found today, Friday, August 13.

Thanks to The Retrievers, a nonprofit organization, and several community members, Murphy was found, in relatively good condition.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence reached out to his family in Texas, who were making plans to come back to Minnesota to retrieve Murphy. Brooklyn Richardson explains how they became separated from Murphy on the Superior Hiking Trail in Tofte. Murphy was a foster dog, just getting socialized and he was spooked when they encountered other hikers on the trail. He escaped harness, leash and all. The family spent the last three days of their vacation searching for their German Shepherd/Miniature Pinscher dog.

They turned to The Retrievers, who gave recommendations on how to find Murphy. Thanks to Courtney Quaife of Grand Marais spotting Murphy on August 12, and Louise Trachta and Dave Monson for their continued efforts, Murphy was found near the Temperance River parking area on August 13.

Finding Murphy and getting him to come to them—and not running into traffic—was a different matter. Louise Trachta is credited with coaxing him to her. Louise laid down in the ditch for an hour, patiently waiting for him to get close enough to pick up.

Louise finally gained Murphy’s trust and grabbed him. He was taken to the Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic in Grand Marais. Dr. Naddar Samari gave him a thorough exam. He lost two pounds during the ordeal and has some sores, likely from his harness getting caught somewhere, but overall his condition is good.

Here’s Rhonda Silence with Murphy’s owner, Brooklyn Richardson, learning more about Murphy, who now can count Friday the 13th as his lucky day.