Morsel's Page
Chunky Chocolate Morsel
(CH Wingmasters Chisim Trail x Ebony Rainbeau)
Jan. 20, 1988 to April 14, 1997
"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail" - - Henry Wheeler Shaw
Dear sweet Morsel. How we miss this wonderful girl. She was a Labrador in every sense of the word. A keen retriever with a water lust that would not quit. Morsel was our first "baby" and responsible for endearing us to the Labrador forever.
My husband grew up with Minature Schnauzers and wanted a big, water loving dog. The Labrador was the perfect choice. We answered an ad in the paper advertising a litter of 13 blacks and chocolates. There was only one chocolate female unspoken for, so we rushed out to meet her. Morsel came home with us that night.
Taken from us at the age of 9 years, we have never gotten over the feeling of being cheated out of enjoying a longer life with her. We lost her to Canine Diabetes and Cushing's Syndrome on April 14, 1997. Morsel was diagnosed with diabetes in January, 1997. Her only outward symptom was urinary incontinence. It came on suddenly and within a few days, we had her to the vet. My poor husband got the bad news while I was out of the country for my Grandmother's funeral. He quickly became adept at giving Morsel her twice daily insulin shots. Labradors are known for being stoic and keeping illness hidden from the people that love them. That is exactly what Morsel did. Morsel waited too long to let us know she was ill. After trying different insulins, a new diet, and running countless tests, hope began to slip away. We were losing her.
God bless our vet. What a caring person he is. He took my calls, he saw Morsel on a moment's notice, but above all, he was honest with us. He told me I would know when it was time to let Morsel go. I wasn't so sure, and felt it should be a medical decision. That was until Morsel told me she was ready. That unbelievable Sunday night, as I lay with Morsel on the floor with my tears all over her soft brown ears, I asked her if she was tired. I told her it was okay and she was free to go. She raised her head and looked me straight in the eyes. Morsel held my gaze for several seconds before letting out a deep sigh and laying her head back down again. I knew then Morsel had had enough. She had refused to eat that day, and only the day before I had to carry her into the vet's office for her glucose test.
I called the vet the next morning and made the appointment. I paged my husband and counted the hours before our final moments together. True to Labrador temperment, Morsel surprised us by walking into the office under her own power and greeted the staff with a smile and a wagging tail.
Morsel went peacefully and quickly with her head in my arms. It helps to think of her at the Rainbow Bridge enjoying good health, an endless supply of tennis balls, and a warm pool to swim in whenever she chooses.
More information on Canine Diabetes or Cushing's Syndrome can be found on "My Favorite Links" page.
Morsel at 3 years old. The tenth reindeer perhaps?
Is there any better way to watch tv, Mom? (1992)
Morsel at 5 1/2 years old with 2 1/2 year old Michelle. (1993)
December, 1996.
Morsel is just shy of 9 years old.