Murphy is a four-month-old Labrador puppy in Austin, TX who needs $2,000 for critical medical care.

Murphy is a fighter who desperately needs your help! All he wants is to be healthy so he can finally find his forever home!

When this boy was just a few weeks old, he was abandoned and living on the street. He had enough sense to follow a woman home while she was out on a walk. She was determined to assist the pup. She contacted animal control, had him scanned for a microchip, and made dozens of posts, signs, and announcements saying she found a puppy. But no one reported him missing, and he didn't have a microchip. After doing all the due diligence Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption agreed to take Murphy into their rescue.

Once Murphy got to his foster home, it was clear he was very ill. "He didn't have an appetite. He had terrible stomach upset and had very pale gums," Cori J., the rescue's medical director, tells Waggle.

The rescue brought him to Parmer Lane Pet Hospital, where a veterinarian discovered he was severely anemic. "He was immediately put on antibiotics and treated for tickborne illnesses," Cori says. "But even after the antibiotics, he is still anemic. He's a bit of a medical mystery. We are running more advanced and expensive tests to figure out the cause. He is now being treated for Bartonella, which is another nasty bacteria transmitted by ticks."

Then a dog bit Murphy's face. It was an innocent kind of "get away from me hyper puppy" snap, but Murphy's face got nicked. Then a massive infection set in. The swelling in Murphy's cheek is so enormous it looks like he is eating a jawbreaker!

Despite all the time Murphy has spent in the animal hospital, taking medications, being examined and treated, he's remained a brave champ through it all. "Sweet Murphy is always a joy and favorite when he goes to the veterinarian's office," Cori adds. "He has remained in high spirits. We hope Murphy will heal up soon, and we are so appreciative of anyone who can donate for his care. He's a gem."