On February 08, 2019, we pulled a dog named Jack Jack from the euthanasia list. He was not being considered. He was not special to anyone yet. He was just another name on a list.

Kim Schraishuhn asked me if there was a dog that would be a good fit for her current dog Mae Mae. I thought for about a week and decided Jack Jack would be a good fit. February 15, 2019, Jack Jack started his new life as Murray — and everything changed.

Murray’s first day home told us we had chosen right. Mae Mae, who was not exactly known for welcoming other dogs, loved him instantly. That alone felt like a little miracle. Somehow, he just fit.

He lived life like a perpetual puppy — always moving, always curious, always ready for the next adventure. And oh, the adventures he had. From here to Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, Murray traveled, explored, and soaked up every ounce of joy life offered him. He even called the Jersey Shore home, several months out of the year.

He did manage to give us a few gray hairs along the way. He dug out of the yard more than once — one time sending the entire rescue community searching the neighborhood. After that, a geo tracker was added, and we got to see just how far and wide our little explorer would roam. Training followed. Fences were reinforced. But that spirit? That never changed.

He never met a stranger. He loved everyone. And everyone loved him right back.

There is a photo of her mom and dad — who once swore they did not like pit bulls — sitting on the couch with Mae Mae and Murray. That is who he was. A heart-changer. A stereotype-breaker. A dog who softened people without even trying.

Just days before his gotcha anniversary this year, Murray started showing signs something was not right. What we hoped would be a simple fix became devastating news — masses on his kidneys, liver, and lungs. The diagnosis came on February 11th. We were told our time would be short.

So instead of focusing on goodbye, she focused on joy.

They had “joy sessions.” They did the bucket list. They made the most of every single moment. And when the vet warned that his risk of rupture was high and only getting worse, she made the hardest, most loving decision a person can make.

At midnight, he woke her up. She knew. She gathered him and Mae Mae, got in the car, and took him to the emergency vet. And on Friday February 19, 2026, surrounded by love, she let him go peacefully.

From a dog on a euthanasia list…
To a dog who had thousands of pictures documenting a life full of adventure, love, and belonging.

What a transformation.
What a life.

I am so incredibly grateful I was able to help match him with the person who gave him exactly what he deserved — safety, joy, and unconditional love. He did not just get rescued. He was cherished.

Run free, sweet Murray.
You were so very loved.