Copyright newsweek
A dog was found abandoned on a rural back road, with his rescuers quickly deducing the heartbreaking reason why. Emily Radecki, the co-founder and director of Shining Light Animal Rescue, a home-based, family-run rescue located in Southern Illinois, has an old saying when it comes to abandoned pups. “Lost dogs run, but dumped dogs stay,” she told Newsweek. “Often, the dogs left behind wait right where they were abandoned, not understanding that no one is coming back—it’s absolutely heartbreaking.” That is what makes Radecki suspect that Murdock was most likely abandoned by his previous owner. “He came to us after a plea for help from a family in rural Southern Illinois who found him standing in the middle of a back road,” she said. “They took him in, and we answered the call.” There was something else that made Radecki and the people who first found Murdock suspect he had been dumped: his eyes. You didn’t need to be a veterinarian to work out that Murdock, named after Marvel comic book hero Daredevil, was blind. “From the start, we knew he was blind; his eyes are very cloudy, and you can tell he navigates more with his ears and nose than sight,” Radecki said. Murdock stands on a path. Strays like Murdock account for the majority of animals entering shelters across the U.S. According to the ASPCA, around 60 percent of all cats and dogs entering shelters nationwide in 2024 were strays. Murdock is not like most strays, though. Though he is blind and has endured a difficult time that could so easily have made him distrustful of humans, Murdock embraces the world around him. “He adores other dogs, does beautifully with children, and doesn’t let his blindness slow him down one bit,” Radecki said. “The best part? He doesn’t run, he gallops and hops like a happy bunny. It’s impossible not to smile when he’s around.” The only thing Murdock truly needs is a special someone to embrace not only him but also the challenges that come with caring for a disabled dog. “Murdock has done wonderfully here,” Radecki said. “Still, he’s kenneled often, and we know he deserves a home of his own; one where he can truly blossom with a few simple accommodations.” Though having a blind canine is a different proposition, Radecki is keen to stress that it is also a perfectly manageable one. “Being blind isn’t as much of a limitation as many assume; dogs’ senses are incredible, and they rely so much more on their hearing and smell than we do,” she said. Beloved by everyone at the shelter, Murdock has already been neutered. He just needs a place to call home now. Having spent an extended period of time in his company, Radecki has a pretty clear idea of what that home would look like. Murdock was neutered this week and was a total hit at the vet’s office. He’s such a joy. “He would thrive in a home that sees him for who he truly is—a bright, joyful spirit,” she said. “He’d do best with a well-adjusted dog friend to learn from and a family that keeps his environment consistent as he builds confidence navigating it.” Radecki is keen to hear from anyone interested in adopting Murdock. As he is truly special dog who has already overcome hardship in his life, adopting Murdock isn’t just a unique opportunity to that special someone; it’s a privilege. “We can all learn something from dogs like Murdock,” Radecki said.
