Morgan Demchuck
One day I was in Pet Planet at Jasper Gates where I seem to spend a lot of time. Because I have three little dogs of my own and I also foster little ones when I'm in the area I like to stop in and say hi to the girls. They are very nice, helpful and well informed about their products. If they are not sure of something they always find the answer for you.
There was a time in my son's life when it seemed nothing could go right. We ended up taking in a little German Shepherd, her name was Morgan Lafay, and she would give her life for you. Down the road her life is what she lost, not for us, but to cancer. I though there was nothing in the world that would take her from us. Dale and I stayed by her side every step of the way. There were many visits to doctors in Spruce Grove, the battle was a long and hard one.
When they finally said there was nothing else they could do, heart broken wasn't the word. People and animals who fight so hard to stay together just don't quit. the only other thing we could do for her was what I now call a journey through hell. She needed an operation, and that meant removing her bottom jaw.
For this she had to go to Calgary. We would have gone to the moon, it just didn't matter. Because she was young and the doctors said she could have a very good life, we though if the cancer could be destroyed we would do anything to give her more time.
When Dale and Morgan Lafay came home after her operation, I don't know how to explain the awful feeling I had in my heart, to see her with no bottom jaw. I've never been so sick in my life. About this time he got called out of town for a week. Every meal time was so hard, along with the guilt, blame and hurt you feel for what you have done. You watch her struggle to eat, and stay alive a little longer - eating just to please you when she doesn't really feel like eating.
Early on the day following the day my son came home, Morgan Lafay was called home. A day hasn't gone by that I don't question myself. When I saw the pin for Kali's Wish Cancer Foundation it warmed my heart. I didn't know how the owner had that done, but it was one of the most beautiful things I've seen, I bought one for everyone in the family. Because in my heart, Morgan Lafay crossed that bridge and is now playing with Kali. When I was in the store the other day I saw the little stuffed animals with the Kali's Wish logo on them, and another dogs name, I think it was Bailey. Well I asked the girls about it and they explained Bailey's story.
Morgan Lafay would do great justice to this line of toys, she was beautiful and if there is anything I can do to let her know I miss her and that I understand she fought her battle in the only way she could, I would do it.
Writing this letter today has been as hard as it was then.
Linda
Note: German Shepherds are in the top 10 breeds most likely to develop cancer. To bring awareness to this fact and to share Morgan Lafay's story, the next Little Wishes plush toy will be of Morgan Lafay. Look for her in all Pet Planet stores in Spring 2009.
Read more about the Little Wishes here