A video of a young German Shepherd being tossed from a Daytona Beach balcony went viral last December, and she’s returned with good news: she’s been adopted and will soon begin her new life as a service dog for a war veteran. Following the event, a court found that the dog’s prior owner, Allison Murphy, is unable to care for her and approved a petition for rehoming. Murphy has been charged with a felony and will be unable to possess animals for the next five years.

In December 2020, a hotel in Daytona Beach received a call from Volusia County police regarding a woman who was allegedly threatening to jump from a second-floor balcony. Murphy gathered the dog and threw her over the balcony before the sheriffs arrived. The dog somehow got to her feet again and ran away. She was seized by onlookers, who then sent her to an animal clinic nearby for treatment. She was able to escape with with minor wounds, earning the moniker “Miracle.”

Miracle has been in the care of a foster family since December. As a young registered service dog, she still has a lot of love and support to offer, and Animal Services has found her a new home with a war veteran in need of an assistance animal. Service dogs may aid veterans with injuries and physical limitations with duties such as opening doors, controlling switches, fetching goods, and barking for assistance. They also provide emotional and consolation to veterans who have PTSD or other mental health concerns as a consequence of their service.

In a statement made by Volusia County, Animal Services Director Adam Leath congratulated all who contributed to Miracle’s happy ending, saying, “We’re delighted that working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to intervene and protect Miracle from any more damage.” Animal Services and law enforcement organizations around the county continue to work together to provide aid and resources to both our four-legged and two-legged pets.”