A PERMANENT memorial could be created to honour a very special husky dog who has so far helped raise almost £300,000 for animal charities.

Murphy the Bradford husky, who died this week aged 14, attracted nationwide attention when he was stolen 10 years ago.

After Murphy was found, caring owner Andy Smith put the pair’s new-found fame to good use, first by finding other lost pets and then by raising funds for the Purple Poppy Campaign, which supports retired service animal charities.

Such was the pair’s success, that they were mentioned in the House of Commons and even received letters from the King and late Queen.

And now Murphy’s fans are raising funds for him, amid an outpouring of grief for the famous husky on social media.

Murphy captured the hearts of the nationMurphy captured the hearts of the nation

“He was a beautiful dog: a typical husky, nonchalant, nothing bothered him – he was friendly with everyone - everyone seemed to fall in love with him,” said Andy.

“The outpouring of grief on the pages is just incredible.”

Andy got Murphy as a two-year-old rescue dog after eight previous owners couldn’t look after him.

“I saved him, and he saved me,” said Andy.

Roz Hedley, a former trustee of Murphy’s charity, started fundraising this week for a memorial on the Just Giving website, with £800 raised in the first 36 hours.

She told the Telegraph & Argus: “It’s about having some sort of remembrance for Murphy, to commemorate the work that he has done, and what has happened because of Murphy. 

“Andy and him always created magic wherever they went, and it’s to highlight and keep in people’s minds, what can happen when people work together, and to remember him as well.

"It would be amazing if there could be some sort of bronze statue, but it’s early days yet.

Murphy died at the age of 14Murphy died at the age of 14

"There are no fixed plans - we are so blown away by how kind everyone has been  - they have just been phenomenal.

“It would be great to keep raising more awareness on dog theft,” Roz added.

“People have started up their own rescues and campaigns because of Murphy – it’s a job to try to collate all good work that’s come from his original disappearance.”

Roz said that the people who came together 10 years ago to help find Murphy – Murphy’s Army - have kept in touch and that his death has brought back memories for them.

“Murphy’s brought so many good things – friendships for people who stay at home and can’t get out – it’s given us this whole community, really," she said.

"And that’s all thanks to Murphy. 

“I used to be part of Murphy’s Army team - I was a trustee, and we worked well together. It’s such a great team. For me personally, it was devastating to know that they’ve lost Murphy. I just wanted to do something to help.”

Roz says on her Just Giving fundraising page: “Our thoughts are with his heartbroken owners, Andy and Pui, plus Poppy the Akita after the devastating passing of Murphy on 02/09/24.

"The privilege of knowing Murphy was huge but it was time to stand down and rest with his brother, Paddy.

“If you would like any more information then please visit www.murphysarmy.org where you can also buy the Purple Poppy merchandise.”

Andy shared his memories of Murphy. 

He said: “We had a march when he got stolen 10 years ago and, tongue in cheek, I invited the Queen to attend – and she sent a reply which I couldn’t believe!

“Murphy has inspired other people to rescue and to volunteer. There was a lady who got in touch with us – Lady Bathurst – who has started her own charity, the National Foundation of Retired Service Animals, and we have given her £30,000 to help."

Andy shared a shocking statistic.

“Something like nine million horses went to the First World War and about 100 came back,” said Andy.

Another army – this time an army of knitters – have knitted a horse blanket of thousands of purple poppies to adorn the war horse in Featherstone.

The blanket, which has as its centrepiece the purple poppy worn by Murphy on his collar, will be revealed on October 21 in a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. 

To donate to the memorial appeal, search for ‘Murphy the Husky’ on Just Giving. For further information about Murphy’s Purple Poppy Appeal, go to theyalsoserved.org