OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL – A 9-year-old certified therapy dog named Murphy, serving with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for 8 years, has advanced to the finals in the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards in the Hero Pet Division.
Murphy assists victims of crimes, particularly children, during vulnerable situations by providing comfort and emotional support.
He is a regular presence at the Sheriff’s Office, where he is greeted daily by deputies, staff, and civilians.
Murphy is handled by Detective Suzanne Clouchete of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
If Murphy wins the contest, he is eligible for a $10,000 prize. Detective Clouchete plans to use the prize money to support the revival of the radKIDS Program at OCSO.
Sheriff Blackmon supports bringing the radKIDS Program back to the Osceola County community.
The radKIDS program (Resisting Aggression Defensively) is a children’s personal empowerment safety education program. It provides skill-based curriculum focused on personal boundaries, critical thinking, confidence, self-value, resilience, and physical resistance skills to help children recognize, avoid, resist, and escape violence or harm, including dangers related to abduction, bullying, child abuse, sexual assault, and opioid/drug abuse.
To vote for Murphy:
- Facebook voting page: https://www.facebook.com/thepetloverschoiceawards
- Direct contestant page: https://petloverschoiceawards.com/contestant/6230?contest=12
Additional details on Murphy are available on the contest page at petloverschoiceawards.com.
SOURCE: OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
