You are my hero….

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With time to waste, I slowly wandered around the airport, pumpkin spice latte in hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them. I couldn’t help myself. I had to stop, turn my head and stare…. He was beyond handsome. He was truly beautiful.

He walked with purpose, determined. He was clearly focused. His gait didn’t sway. He walked perfectly straight. He didn’t dare leave his companion’s side, not even for a second.

Only one look was all it took for me to see his character. There was no mistaking it. He clearly was smart, strong, and hardworking. As I watched him work, I could tell he took his job very seriously. This made part of me happy. After all, his hard work was helping keep people safe. But it also made me sad…. It seemed unfair.

Why did he have to work so hard when others didn’t? Why couldn’t he be curled up on a comfortable sofa, dozing? Why couldn’t he be outside playing catch or Frisbee? Why couldn’t he be spoiled rotten by a family that loved him and doted on him like so many other dogs?

K-9 Murphy is a beautiful yellow Labrador. He was bred and born in the TSA puppy program a little over eight years ago. He was named in memory of Lieutenant Raymond Murphy of Ladder 16, New York City Fire Department, who lost his life, helping others, on September 11^th. K-9 Murphy underwent training at the TSA National Explosive Detention Canine Training Program. Like his namesake, he is a hero, proudly serving and devoting his life to making the Palm Beach Airport a safer place….

When I went to Florida in October, I met K-9 Murphy, and a part of him is still in my heart….

Tags: another day in paradise, humor, life, pets

33 comments

caren gittleman

January 28, 2013 at 6:25 am (UTC -4)

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I believe that he is happy, dogs LOVE having jobs!! What a special baby, thanks for sharing!
McGuffy Ann Morris

January 28, 2013 at 6:39 am (UTC -4)

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When Bill & I were first married, we got a yellow lab for our 1st anniversary. We had Grits for 14 years. He was the best watchdog, and saved us from burglary, and vandalism. He is still a part of us, many years after his crossing.
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:49 am (UTC -4)
  
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  McGuffy Ann – I so can relate… I know Alex will always be a part of us too
Beth Ann Chiles

January 28, 2013 at 8:08 am (UTC -4)

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Aw—I love to watch “working dogs” like this sweetie!!! I think they love doing their jobs but are so well deserving of retirement and rest when the time comes!!! Thanks for sharing!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:50 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Beth Ann – I know… I have a friend who works for Customs. Years ago she adopted a former drug sniffer, and that boy enjoyed his retirement…
Brian

January 28, 2013 at 9:34 am (UTC -4)

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Such a wonderful hero and such a terrific smile!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:50 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Brian – I know… he does have a great smile – what a cutie!
Susi

January 28, 2013 at 10:11 am (UTC -4)

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I love watching the K-9s, they are truly amazing animals. My favorite are the German Shepherds. Remember the movie K-9 with Jim Belushi? The dog in the movie was called Jerry Lee and when my parents got a German Shepherd puppy that’s what they named him which Sweetheart found totally hilarious as the Americans used to call the German soldiers Jerry’s during WW2.
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:51 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Susi – I didn’t know that the soldiers were called Jerry’s. Leave it to sweetheart to know that tidbit – I love german shepards too – although right now I am partial to pit bulls..
Random Felines

January 28, 2013 at 11:41 am (UTC -4)

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We had a lab go from our local shelter to work for Homeland Security. Honestly, it was the best thing for him. Wilson had SUCH a high prey drive that he had been returned twice because he wouldn’t settle down. He needed a job – and now he has one.

K-9 Murphy may not have the life we think of for most dogs, but these dog really do love what they do. They are active all day, with their people all day and keeping busy.
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:55 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Random Felines – I love the line “he needed a job” You know it makes sense. Wilson sounds like such a cutie!
William Kendall

January 28, 2013 at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)

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What a handsome fellow!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:56 am (UTC -4)
  
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  William – striking, isn’t he?
Old Kitty

January 28, 2013 at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)

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Awwww K-9 Murphy!! You are a star and a super hero!!! You keep everyone safe!! Take care
x
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:56 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Old Kitty – I feel the same way1
Noodles

January 28, 2013 at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)

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What a nice tribute to a true hero.
Love Noodles
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:56 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Noodles – I am glad I was able to give Murphy his 15 seconds of fame
meowmeowmans

January 28, 2013 at 4:04 pm (UTC -4)

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That’s a true hero in our book, too!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:56 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Meowmoeowmans – Yeah Murphy!
Deborah Pucci

January 28, 2013 at 7:59 pm (UTC -4)

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Isn’t he a special fellow, how awesome that you got to meet him.
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:57 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Debby – I know… But I kind of stalked Murphy until I got to meet him
My Inner Chick

January 28, 2013 at 9:00 pm (UTC -4)

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He is Beautiful. I LOVE. Xx
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:57 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Inner Chick – I love too!
Azara

January 28, 2013 at 9:01 pm (UTC -4)

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Aw, what a fine young man! I don’t know much about dogs, but it does seem like they enjoy being needed, so he’s probably a happy fellow.
1. hilaryg
  
  January 29, 2013 at 6:58 am (UTC -4)
  
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  azara – I am sure he enjoys his work…and really like Random says, maybe he needed a job..
Stacy Uncorked

January 29, 2013 at 9:21 am (UTC -4)

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Another unsung hero – glad you’re singing his praises!

Wishing for Snow, Valentine Unicorn Bouquet, Sore ThroatWishing for Snow, Valentine Unicorn Bouquet, Sore Throat Remedy – RTT Rebel
1. hilaryg
  
  January 30, 2013 at 6:18 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Stacy – I am too – At least he got his 5 seconds of fame…
Rosey

January 29, 2013 at 11:45 am (UTC -4)

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Ohh, I’ve never seen him, and I’ve been to that airport a zillion times (used to live in WPB). I’ll be looking for him next time. He’s a beauty!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 30, 2013 at 6:19 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Rosey – He is a beauty… This trip was the first time I saw him too, but this trip was the only time I flew by myself (and my plane was delayed) so I had plenty of time to stroll around and really look…
❤ Julie Maloney ❤ (@Momspective)

January 29, 2013 at 2:21 pm (UTC -4)

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I LOVE yellow labs, that will be my next dog. I currently have a black lab/chow mix who I’m torturing today because he woke me up at 8 this morning so I make sure to poke him every time he falls asleep so he knows how it feels. That dog up there is absolutely stunning and brilliant and I would love to be so lucky as to get a dog so smart!
1. hilaryg
  
  January 30, 2013 at 6:20 am (UTC -4)
  
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  julie – I hate you a little… I don’t remember the last time I slept past 6! Even when I don’t have anywhere to go Labs are beautiful dogs and yours sounds super cute!
Sarah Park

February 2, 2013 at 9:05 pm (UTC -4)

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Dogs love serving and protecting people. I guess he is happy with the kind of work he has right now.
1. hilaryg
  
  February 3, 2013 at 8:16 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Sarah, I am sure he is, although I would rather see him lounging in the sun