An abused and malnourished dog found in a Palm Bay home back in November has a new home.

  • Baloo was found inside a Palm Bay home
  • He weighed less than 30 pounds
  • Baloo has since been adopted  

Rick and Dagi Murray remember the day they decided to adopt Baloo. They said it wasn't a hard decision.

"All I did was just send a text with pictures of him," said Rick Murray. "I didn't say anything and then I get a message back that says 'I want,' at that point it was love at first sight for us."

Baloo was barely alive when animal services found him and another dog last year.

He weighed less than 30 pounds.


Baloo weighed less than 30 pounds when he was found inside a Palm Bay home last year. (Caitlin Wilson, staff)

"To look back and see those images from him before, it really does make it almost heart touching to see how far he's come and where he is now," Rick said.

The Murrays say they really owe it all the local nonprofit that connected them with Baloo--Dogs for Friend for Animals Sanctuary.

"It's important for people to know these dogs are out there and they need help," said Sue Bayly, a foster coordinator with Dogs for Friends for Animals Sanctuary. "We are really hoping more families will contact us about adoption."

The Murrays hope their story will encourage others to adopt and foster abused and neglected animals.

"It's really quite a story he's gone through," said Rick. "It's really just so great being able to see him just walk down the street with no more fear now."