Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, April 14, 2011

It's official.

Muprhy, Ringgold county's K-9 dog, has been inducted into the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association's Iowa Animal Hall of Fame.

Murphy and his handler, deputy Shannon ARENDS, received the honor on Saturday at an awards ceremony during the Raise Your Paw Auction in Des Moines, a fund-raiser for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

According to the citation, Murphy, a German shepherd, is well-qualified in all areas of apprehension, search, tracking and drug detection. During his 18-month tenure, he has been very active and made some major accomplishments.

The dog is certificed through the Rivera Police K- and the Heart of America Police K-9 Association. The dog has received praise from judges while in certification as one of the most outstanding narcotic doges he has ever seen.

Deputy ARENDS believes that Murphy is a great hero and has always shown his bravery and ability to carry out his duties by risking his life to keep Ringgold county safe.

"He is a great partner and friend and the department is very lucky to have him as part of the team," Deputy ARENDS said.

Murphy has been involved in over 53 narcotic related arrests attributed to his direct efforts within the last 18 to 20 months and nearly 51 felony charges related to illegal narcotics.

The dog has been so successful in the county that narcotics officers from surrounding areas report very little intelligence about drugs coming into Ringgold county from other areas.

Drug dealers have a fear of getting caught in bringing drugs into the county and personal drug use is also down and the amount of search warrants executed in the county down by 75 percent this year.

"This is a direct result of Murphy's success," ARENDS said.

To help the county pay for the costs of having the K-9 program, a benefit fund-raiser will be held Saturday, April 30, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Mount Ayr American Legion building.

The Mount Ayr Lion's Club will be serving a free-will offering spaghetti supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. An auction will be held at 7 p.m., with a dance following.

Auction items are being listed on K-9 Murphy's Facebook page. A raffle for an HP laptop computer is also being held. Raffle tickets are available at Jami's Coffee Mill and Deli, the Hilltop Veterinary Clinic or the Ringgold County Sheriff's Department.

Photograph by Mount Ayr Record-News

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2011