Murphy, Mercy & Merci

Some of you will remember Murphy whose previous owner hit him over the head a couple of times with a sledge hammer. Murphy, with a severe skull fracture and hypothermia, was rescued by Robert Kennedy. Today Murphy lives with Kennedy and Charlie, a Golden Retriever.

Joe Waters, the man who tried to kill Murphy, had a pre-trial conference. You can find the link to the Atlanta story on Murphy's Website. If he doesn't accept the offered plea deal, Waters will go to trial.

On another topic (mercy), we recently posted that Banfield, Pet Hospital, stopped the cosmetic and convenience cropping ears and docking tails of dogs -- and devocalization. We applaud them. Unfortunately, although the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has toughened their stand, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is in disagreement. Can we assume no one from the AKC has had his or her ears cropped or tail docked?

The AVMA vs the AKC here.

And we can't forget our little Merci. She needs your daily vote for the Cutest Dog Competition. All the votes will be wiped out and a new contest will begin Saturday. One vote per day per IP address.

We know we didn't even come close to winning this week, but we will try again for next. Just click on her voting link and click "vote cute."

http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=194291465301F78C17ECD3F5BA4AB250

Our friends Lulu & Lolly wrote about Merci in their Roundup Report. Thanks girls. We're glad you're so confident about Merci's chances.

Riley's little heart stopped while the vet was clearing his chest Friday. Stop by to leave a word for his brother Tiki and family at Riley & Tiki (& sometimes Kesey).