Pet Obituaries

The sweet bundle of fur lacked the size and prominence of his Patriots namesake, but Brady filled the Paul and Shannon Hatfield arena with lots of joy in his 23 short days there. Born on Christmas Day 2017 to “Little Miss and Champ” Breeder Tonya Shanks, the German Shepherd puppy joined his “forever” adopted family on Feb. 17, 2018. Although the tinsel and twinkling lights had long come down, that mid-February day resembled Christmas all over again. Smiles, cuddles and belly-rubs abound as the Hatfields, along with their older German Shepherd Brandi, welcomed Brady to their Telegraph Hill home. The warm spirit inside definitely defied the low temperatures outside. Within a few short days, Brady and Brandi became best friends and often included the family cats, Ceece and Ebony, in their playful antics. Full of energy, Brady relished his surroundings and the abundant affection and treats within. Those little legs could cover a lot of floors and grass in a short period of time. Like famous NFL quarterback Tom Brady, he quickly became a super star at the Hatfield household. One day shy of being 11 weeks old, Brady died from a tragic accident on March 11, 2018. In their farewell tribute, Paul and Shannon penned, “Brady is one of the best things to happen to this family. Rest in Peace Brady Boy.”

Murphy’s second birthday celebration entailed the usual pet fanfare but more importantly adoption status that meant a forever home. Owners Don and Peggy Clapham previously had fostered the rescue for eight months and quickly recognized his athletic abilities and willingness to learn.  Soon Peggy and Murphy began training in the canine sport of agility with the affable Border Collie later earning spots in two national competitions, the AKC in Tulsa, OK and the USDAA in Murfreesboro, TN, as well as the Preferred Agility Champion Award. Mastering obstacles, boosting speed and perfecting coordination with Peggy, his handler, became Murphy’s utmost mission. These distinctions all followed a severe leg break at age five. At the time, the Claphams feared their precious pet might never compete again, but surgery, months of physical rehabilitation and intense training put a determined Murphy back in the ring. The national contender left the competition circuit five years ago and spent his retirement years playing, chasing frisbees, swimming and enjoying the canine pleasures of life.  Murphy crossed the Rainbow Bridge July 14, 2026 with his loving, signature ways a forever treasure for the Claphams.