Who’s Murphy? And why does he have a law? Murphy is a Lab/Boxer/Pit bull mix adopted by Eric O’Brien and his wife, Angie Hultgren, 5 years ago. He is the king of his castle -- or to rephrase, the king of Eric and Angie’s residence in Rockford.
It has become a mission for the couple to foster as many dogs -- specifically large bully breeds -- as possible. And to their credit, they have done so for 40+ animals that would have gone neglected, abused or even euthanized in 5 years' time.
“We lost count after 40,” chuckles Eric.
It all began when they volunteered together at an animal shelter every weekend, walking the dogs, cleaning the cages and socializing the animals. The shelter ran out of room and Murphy came to stay with them. And he never left.
Others have come and gone, like Chief, a Rottweiler/Golden mix who had his front leg amputated. He recuperated with Angie and Eric for a month until a permanent home was found. It was only when friends wanted to adopt him that the couple let him leave.
Other animals have stayed.
“Phoebe is my baby,” says Angie. “No one could love her as much as me.” Phoebe happens to be a very independent and 5-year old poodle that was struggling with anxiety at the shelter.
There’s also Sophie and Fiona and they are “the” cats. Although the couple fosters dog after dog after dog, they have two felines to their credit as well. It certainly is an animal house of sorts there in Rockford.
The couple laughs about their experiences and laments the departures, but Angie says it best: “If we keep this one, then we can’t foster another.” And so they continue. In fact, they just sent Lucy, a 1-year old, blue Pit bull to her forever home over the weekend.
Animal welfare is their passion and they are certainly making a difference one dog at a time! Want to be a do-gooder too? Here’s what Eric and Angie suggest:
• Never judge a breed by its color.
• Always help a lost dog find its home.
• If you see an animal mistreated, do something.
• Volunteer at a shelter, even if it is hard. If you don't do it, who will?
• Adopt!
Source: Eric O’Brien, Angie Hultgren
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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