Gary Murphy says he doesn’t consider himself a hero. His dog however, probably thinks differently
About 4 p.m. Thursday, Murphy was repairing a latch on his father-in law’s boat in a marshy area in Palm City, Florida when he heard a yelp from his 11-year old West Highland White Terrier. He looked down and saw the dog in an alligator’s mouth.
So, the 72-year-old-retired construction worker said he did what any pet owner would do — he protected his dog.
He jumped on the gator’s back, hitting it on the back of the head and forcing it to release the dog.
“It was like landing on a pile of rocks,” he said.
Murphy and the gator fell into the water, which Murphy quickly got out of.
He scooped up his dog, which he refers to as a “furry little white boy,” and took it inside his home.
Friday morning he took the dog to Roman Animal Hospital, where the dog stayed overnight for treatment.
The dog has a compressed lung and several cuts and puncture wounds across its back and abdomen, animal hospital officials said.
Murphy credits his healthy lifestyle, having a background in construction and mostly love for being able to fend off the gator.
However, when he told his wife, who was out of town on business, about the attack and rescue, she promptly questioned his sanity.
“Are you nuts?” he said.
Murphy said he didn’t think to report the incident because his only concern was to rescue and attend to his dog’s injuries.
“If your kid was in the water with its head in a gator’s mouth, what would you do?” he said.
Rock on Murphy…I would have done the same thing.
Thats right, i would kick its ass too, and then shoot it in the head !!!
You bet! The only thing those creatures are good for are belts, bags, shoes…….
omg i have two small dogs and i would do anything to protect my babys and ur the best Murphy!!
A Pekey! I have two Pekes! LOVE them! Alligators beware…
A Pekey! I have two Pekes! LOVE them! Alligators beware…
Bravo!!!
dog would have done the same for him 🙂 we are all in this together!
What a legend! Its only natural to protect the ones you love 🙂
So “furry little white boy” is gonna be alright …Right?
I would have done this too, but remember that the gator was just following his instincts. They are a modern day dinosaur and have a right to exist. I think the man was very brave to do what he did.
I would have done this too, but remember that the gator was just following his instincts. They are a modern day dinosaur and have a right to exist. I think the man was very brave to do what he did.
Just great to read how man loves his dog enough to protect it iiunstead of all the cowardly, vile, cruel acts by some men (and women?) towards their animals. Brilliantly done this man!! x
omg i got two westies and the idea one of them being eaten i dont think i would survive it, that gator would have to take me as well iam so glad he got his dog and wasn hurt congrats im proud of u sir