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Murphy’s Law

Doggone it, we need to have a better 2022 than the last two years

Make no bones about it, 2021 started going to the dogs right away and didn’t let up throughout the calendar year.

The dog days of summer were one thing, but there were also the dog days of spring, fall and winter that brought other challenges.

Murphy, a 10-year-old Husky retriever, has been known to brighten the spirits of everyone around Chemainus with his facial expressions so we’ve brought him in to try and generate some goodwill and positive vibes heading into 2022. His smile is going to radiate across the region and make it a Happy New Year for everyone.

Murphy even took a bath the night before his photo shoot for the Courier to make sure he was looking his best.

Murphy and his owner Dee Gallant achieved worldwide fame in 2019 when they scared off a cougar while on a hike. Gallant blared the Metallica song Don’t Tread On Me on her phone and the big cat couldn’t handle it, allowing her and Murphy to continue on their way.

Related story: Chemainus woman who sent cougar scurrying with a Metallica tune tapped by German game show

Murphy was just eight weeks old when Gallant got him and he’s been a faithful sidekick and workout companion ever since. Murphy’s well-travelled, having been all over B.C. with Gallant when she worked in remote communities teaching heavy equipment.

He was pining for her when she went into the hospital for surgery just before Christmas and switched into Nurse Murphy mode to be by Gallant’s side during recovery.

Murphy has some prudent advice for everyone as the New Year approaches.

“Take a 5-10 K walk every day for your mental well-being,” he says.

Surely, Murphy can help scare away some demons that might be attempting to sabotage the year ahead in the same manner as the last two. We certainly don’t need any repeat of 2020 and 2021.

Gallant recently teamed up with Murphy for a North Island Wildlife Recovery Association Facebook fundraiser to mark her birthday that brought in $750 for the organization that rescues birds and animals and rehabilitates them at a park-like Errington facility.

“The centre does great work with wildlife and your generosity will help a lot, and is greatly appreciated,” Gallant posted in a message of thanks to all contributors.

“It’s a great cause and helps to feed and care for the wildlife in rehabilitation. This is an amazing organization of devoted staff and volunteers. I know because I’m one of them. They even rehabilitate bears.”

Murphy and Gallant’s fundraiser may be over, but donations can be made at any time for the important cause.

“If you want to do something special this year that will have a positive impact, please consider donating,” noted Gallant. “Even a little bit helps. Thanks from the animals.”

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If this face doesn’t make people want to have a Happy New Year, nothing will. Murphy has his Bark’s squeaky toy bottle and other accessories ready for the big event on Friday night. (Photo by Dee Gallant)
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Murphy takes a stand to get ready for the new year. (Photo by Don Bodger) Murphy takes a stand to get ready for the new year. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Murphy, the famous Chemainus dog, is telling us to look on the bright side for 2022 because things can’t get any worse than during 2020 and 2021. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Everybody put on your happy faces for 2022. Murphy is doing it so we all just have to suck it up and follow suit. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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