Last December, a shocking video of Miracle being thrown from a second-floor balcony in Daytona Beach went viral. After months in foster care, she has now been adopted and is set to begin her new life helping a veteran in need. Following the incident, a court ruled that her former owner, Allison Murphy, was unfit to care for her. Murphy has been charged with a felony and is prohibited from owning animals for the next five years.
The event unfolded in December 2020 when Volusia County police responded to reports of a woman threatening to jump from a second-floor balcony at a Daytona Beach hotel. Before officers arrived, Murphy grabbed Miracle and threw her over the edge. Remarkably, the dog landed on her feet and ran away. Bystanders quickly intervened, capturing her and taking her to a nearby animal hospital. Despite the terrifying fall, Miracle sustained only minor injuries, earning her fitting name.
Since then, Miracle has been cared for by a foster family. Now, she is ready to take on her new role as a registered service dog. Animal Services has placed her with a war veteran who requires an assistance animal. Service dogs provide invaluable support to veterans, helping with tasks such as opening doors, flipping switches, retrieving items, and alerting others for help. They also offer emotional comfort to those suffering from PTSD or other mental health challenges resulting from their service.
Adam Leath, Director of Volusia County Animal Services, expressed gratitude to all who played a part in Miracle’s journey to safety, stating, “We are pleased that, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we were able to intervene and protect Miracle from further harm.” Animal Services continues to work with law enforcement agencies across the county to provide aid and resources to both animals and people in need.
