Murphy, Rowan County’s Beloved Therapy Dog, Nominated for National Award

The local therapy dog at the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, Murphy, has been nominated for the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award in an annual contest hosted by the national behavioral health provider, FHE Health. Voting will open to the public on September 3 and continue through September 12.

The winning dog and handler will receive the following:

• A $4000 check in support of their work
• A gift basket from the online pet retailer Chewy
• A feature blog that reaches more than 100,000 people on social media, and a national

press release announcing their news

• A $2,500 donation made in their honor to FHE Health’s partner organization, First

Responders Pack Foundation, which exists to train more therapy dogs for first responders.

Murphy, once a neglected shelter dog battling heartworm, has transformed into a beacon of hope for both child abuse victims and the first responders who serve them. Adopted from the Rowan County Animal Shelter in 2019, Murphy is now a certified therapy dog whose calm presence eases the trauma of children while also supporting the mental well-being of investigators, law enforcement, and social service professionals facing difficult cases. His impact extends throughout the community—offering grief support at newsrooms, comforting first responders during suicide prevention trainings, and visiting agencies to bring relief during challenging days. Honored with a plaque at the very shelter where he once lived, recognized as Novant Health’s Community Hero of the Month, and even dropping the puck at a Charlotte Checkers hockey game, Murphy has become a beloved symbol of resilience and healing. With every wag and nuzzle, Murphy reminds all who meet him of the power of second chances.

To vote for Murphy by 9/12, click here or go to:

https://fherehab.com/first-responder-paws-award .

The only requirement to vote is a valid email address, which will not be used for any other purpose.

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