Here's our feel good story of the day: The Nebraska Supreme Court has granted clemency to Murphy, an Alaskan malamute-shepherd. Murphy had been sentenced to death for fighting with another dog.

We conclude that the order for the destruction of the dog was not reasonable," wrote high court Judge John Wright. "The county court ... abused its discretion." He noted that the other dog's owner waited two days to have the dog seen by a veterinarian, and the bill was only $34.06.

At the sentencing hearing last fall, the sheriff and vet were on Murphy's side. Only the prosecutor had called Murphy vicious.

.... the Dittoes' lawyer, Mark Fahleson, said authorities trying to kill the dog were demonstrating "a bloodthirsty vengeance once thought reserved for only the most cold-blooded of human killers."

The prosecutor's boss was fine with today's ruling:

Attorney General Jon Bruning did not seem particularly upset Friday that his office lost. "Every dog has its day," he said.

Murphy's owners are scheduling a party, and report Murphy is likely to get a steak.