We always love a happy ending to a sad story. Sometimes animals suffer shocking acts of abuse from their owners, but it’s nice to hear they eventually found a better life.
That’s the case for one “miracle” dog, who survived being tossed off a balcony a few months ago, and has now found a new calling.
On December 14, police officers and sheriff’s deputies in Daytona Beach responded to a call about a suicidal woman, 35-year-old Allison Murphy, who had reportedly attacked a maid and was threatening to jump over the railing at a nearby motel, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office reported.
But the call took a disturbing turn when Murphy emerged from a locked room carrying her 1-year-old German Shepherd, and suddenly tossed the dog over railing into the parking lot below.
Murphy was quickly pinned down by the officers, and was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.
But amazingly, the dog survived the second-story fall. She landed on her feet and was corralled by bystanders.
The dog was taken in by local animal services, and earned the nickname “Miracle.”
The story went viral in December. People were shocked by the sudden act of bizarre cruelty, but also relieved that Miracle survived.
But you may be wondering what happened to Miracle, and to her cruel former owner. Well, the story has a happy ending.
Miracle was quickly removed from Murphy’s care. According to ClickOrlando, a judge ruled that Murphy was unable to care for a dog, and Miracle was removed from her custody.
The judge also ordered that she covered Miracle’s expenses while in police custody, a total of $1,127.24, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
And, in addition to her charges for animal cruelty and resisting arrest, the judge has also barred Murphy from owning a dog for the next five years.
Justice was served — and soon Miracle taken in by a foster family.
And now, Miracle has found a new home — and an inspiring new purpose.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Miracle is a trained service dog, and will be provided to a military veteran in need of assistance.
It’s a very happy ending to a shocking story. Miracle will now be in much better hands, and will be able to do so much good in return.
“We’re gratified that working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to intervene and protect Miracle from any further harm,” said Volusia County Animal Services Director Adam Leath.
“The teamwork between Animal Services and law enforcement around the county continues to be a true community partnership that’s providing help and resources for our four-legged and two-legged companions alike.”
We’re so glad everything worked out for Miracle in the end. Share this great news!
