Irish Miracles

by Michael Chandler, MD
Copyright © 2004 Michael Chandler, MD

I first met Murphy, a Kerry Blue through his breeder Edie Brown. Murphy was wrapped up in the membrane of the first-born pup that was delivered dead. He was not noticed at first. It wasn’t until the other three pups were born that he was noticed. He was smaller than the rest, and Edie quickly noticed he was different. An examination by the Vet brought the bad news that Murphy’s heart had not developed perfectly and there was no way to tell how long he would live.

I had come to know Edie and her husband Carl because I was interested in getting a Kerry, not as a show dog but as a therapy dog. I worked in a hospital and believed that the Kerry breed, with their outgoing personality, and joy of life would make them perfect for the job. Because he was not perfect, Edie wouldn’t sell Murphy. (She is a GREAT breeder who wants only the best for the breed.) She was going to keep Murphy and raise him herself. But I believe that God intervened. With five children, four in college, I knew deep in my heart that I could not afford a Kerry. Edie gave me Murphy and for that I will be eternally grateful. Murphy got the therapy training and joined me on staff at the hospital.

Five months ago, I decided to be come the Director of the Central Coast Rescue Mission in Santa Maria, California. Murphy and I sat out together driving across country. My family would not be able to join me until the summer. The drive was great, Murphy loves to travel and we enjoyed the great landscape of America.

Arriving in Santa Maria, they had prepared a small apartment above the Mission for us to live in. We spent the first week, working to get things unpacked and I started work the first Monday. Murphy has always gone to work with me. He will curl up in the middle of the floor and sleep until he needs to go our or until someone comes in. He is truly a love hound, he knows everyone loves him and wants to pet him, or at least he thinks that.

Because Kerry’s are so rare, I always have to explain that he is not a Schnauzer, but rather a Kerry Blue Terrier. As I met the staff, Murphy sniffed each one, wagged his tail, but returned to me. I sat down with the Program Director to get a feel for the men that were live at the Mission, problems and plans. The Director told me about a man names Sean. Sean was not from this country, had come as a child and had never fit in. He had gotten into trouble at an early age, and it had been down hill since. He would not have much to do with the other men, never smiled, was always angry and was probably not going to be able to stay. I thought I had better meet this guy and see what interventions we might be able to use.

Murphy and I sat off for the courtyard where I was told I could not miss Sean. “He looks like the most unhappy leprechaun you could ever imagine.” I was told. When I arrived in the courtyard there was no problem picking him out of the crowed. He was sitting alone and every one was giving him plenty of space. I was surprised when at the center of the courtyard; Murphy took off at full speed, running right for Sean. He didn’t slow down, but jumped right into his lap. Everyone’s head turned to follow this little dog and braced for the explosion that was sure to follow.

With the beautiful Irish accent, I heard, "A Kerry Blue! You’re a long way from home friend, just like me." The change that has occurred in Sean has been another Irish miracle. His entire personality has changed. It was as if Murphy knew. And that was just what Sean needed. They now work together in the Mission’s maintenance department. Sean is always smiling, but never as brightly as when he is working with Murphy at his feet. Sean faces surgery in July, and his only question of the doctor was if Murphy could come and visit.

I hope that someday I will be able to get two more Kerry’s to use at the Mission. It seams like it will be impossible, but I believe in Irish Miracles!

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