Death of a Friend
October 24th, 2007
Dear Friends,
I am very sad to have to communicate that Morrison passed away yesterday at home in his bed. After successfully beating cancer in August, his cancer returned in September. He was such a fighter and really tried hard to beat it once again. Morrison was 12 years old.
Kylie and I brought him home when we were only 22, so he has been part of our family for a third of our lives. He was no ordinary dog…..he came everywhere with us…..to friends BBQs (invited or not), shops, restaurants, boat trips, beach (his favourite place in the world) and of course work. Every day of his life he was with people he loved and even if he barked at you each time he saw you, he always befriended our friends. The greatest guard dog that I have ever met…..so protective with a “big dog” bark but he never never bit anyone.
An unbelievable Model….so regal……
We will be writing Morrison story in its entirety over the next little while and invite you all to email your experiences with this amazing dog, which will be included in his “story”.
Missing his adorable gaze ………….
Rich & Kyles
Xx
November 1st, 2007 at 2:53 pm
You would think in my position I’d know what best to say at this point- I’ve been responsible for the management of over 500 dogs with lymphoma and seen many at the time of recurrence of their disease. Truth is I’m pretty ordinary at wordcraft when it counts. But, Morrison was special for a number of reasons. As a dog, he had class – he owned his space – not nasty, not sycophantic just the kind of dog you could tell was dependable. (Plus he reminded me A LOT of my dog, Fang, who died at a similar age of kidney failure a few years back). In addition was the fact that it was patently obvious how much he meant to both of you. There are many different reasons people have dogs in their family and this reflects on their decisions at times they see me. I was never left in any doubt as to how to proceed with Morrison – we managed his condition as if he had been a part of my family. Right up until this week I was always hopeful that the cancer would be controlled, but sometimes that isn’t enough. I’m still not ‘over’ losing Fang and I’m not going to suggest healing will be quick for both of you with Morrison, but you should look back with time and know that all that could be done to help him, was done – not just the treatments here but the home care and support from everyone around him was as important.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
You don’t know me, but a friend of mine passed on your blog to me and I was just so touched and saddened. Just wanted to pass on my condolences.
All the best.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
What a wonderful life Morrison must have had and how special to have him as part of your lives for 12 years.
I look forward to reading his story and sharing the legend of Morrison the dog and the legacy of the brand with others.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I have never met you… however, i was touched by the blog regarding your beautiful friend. he is happily playing amongst the daisies with all of his old mates.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Oh you’ve got me in tears. Morri - my surrogate dog
and beach buddy with lofty ambitions that I’d play
fetch with small logs!
So sad, I hope you’re okay. It’s good you’ve got such
great pics as mementos.
Thanks also for the birthday wishes, Rich took the day
off work and made pancakes, then babysat while I had a
massage which was great.
we’re thinking of you, love nik, rich & liv
November 14th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Once again we send you both our deepest condolences on the sad loss of your best friend I’m sure! I think sometimes the loss of a pet is just as traumatic as a family member or friend and I feel your pain. Anyway, my story relates to the day when I approached your vehicle parked in the carpark at “Peaches” South Freo. The lovely lady seated in the back of the car who I thought was Kylie sitting with your son was actually her Mum, which is a compliment to her for looking as young and beautiful as Kylie. I approached the rear passenger’s window to say hello and leant in to say g’day. On doing this I realized the lady wasn’t Kylie, hence she was probably thinking who’s this lunatic trying to get into the backseat. Fortunately for her sake I didn’t see the bloody big black guard dog seated in the rear boot compartment that lurched at me in between the baby’s car seat and window frame ripping of my left ear. This scared the absolute shit out of me and I think I may have squealed a little, (don’t tell anyone that part), which in turn upset your boy and then of course your mother in law who politely had a go at me for upsetting the baby and the dog! ****en dog, I’ve had my fair share of frights along the way and consider myself to be somewhat hardened from these harrowing near death experiences, but that one scared the shit out of me, and to top it off the lovely lady who I thought was Kylie who is always polite and friendly has had a crack at me for trying to get into the car and steal the bloody baby. So, the moral of my story is, don’t **** with Kylies Mum! Only joking!!! He was a bloody loyal bastard and a real guardian angel to you and your family and as a mate they don’t get much more loyal than that.
All the best, and remember his dear name is a true success story based upon loyalty, honor and hard work by both you and Kylie.
Best regards,
November 14th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
We are so sad for you all, Morrison was One in a million. Morri always welcomed me whenever I came to the door he never forgot to say hello. So please excuse me now if I have a little tear my eye. I will miss his beautiful face He was such a beautiful dog, gorgeous with Kids, always ready for a Pat or cuddle. I feel lucky to have been apart of his life for the last 5years.
We send you our warmest wishes Jules, Scotty, Elle & Will xxxx
November 14th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I hope you are all well. I am very sorry to here about Morrison, he really was the best dog & I’m sure he will be missed by everyone. He was very special! I’m in Singapore right now & I phoned Mum and told her and she was also really sad. I still carry the catalogue that we shot with me to castings & now I will make sure it always stays in my book. Clients always love him, they ignore my photos in the book and say ‘look at the cute dog’.
Anyway I will miss him heaps, I have to go now but both of you take care.
xoxo
November 14th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic news, it has always been so obvious how much both you and Kyles adored Morri. The photos of Morrison made me cry, they show him just like you said, at his best, so handsome.
My first memory of Morri goes back to when I first met you both. I was in the office showing Kyles some fabric and Morri was on the floor having a chew on his hamburger. He had placed himself on my foot so I couldn’t get too close to Kyles. As I bent over to pick up another swatch Morri chomped his mouth together in my face….I screamed, Kyles laughed out loud… hysterically claiming….he was kissing you! From then on Morri would wag his tail when he saw me and smile, kind of like, he was saying, “We’re good….”
I know he was a huge part of your lives, he was a special dog. Please send my love to Kyles. Jim and I will be thinking of you all, cant wait to read Memories of Morrison….The Story of a WonderDog….
Take Care and love lots
November 14th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Am so sorry to hear mate. I know how much he meant to you and so many others. As with everything, life goes on when we lose loved ones and for you the next stage in your life is your little angels.
He’s certainly the only dog that Mum has ever let inside the shack!
Thinking of you both.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
I don’t know what to say. You must feel like you have lost a child.
My thoughts are with you all.
Lots of love
November 14th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Hey guys, I’m absolutely gutted to hear that news, made me cry. I can’t believe he’s gone. So sorry for both of you and the kids. Just everyone will miss him won’t they?
Love xx
November 14th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Absolutely devastated by the news of Morry going to doggie heaven. I know how much that pooch was your first baby and such an integral part of your hugely successful lives both personally and professionally.
Earliest memories of Morry was when I first met Kyles working at Choice. I distinctly remember having a conversation with Kylie about how she was planning a birthday party for her dog. I thought she was absolutely nuts. I remember thinking that I was a huge dog lover but this girl is completely out there in planning a menu, invite list etc… for her black dog Morrison. Then I knew he was pretty important. How true that was.
Hope you guys and the boys are well. Congratulations on all your recent success. You guys are amazing. Thinking of you.
Mel, Tony, Tessa and Mia
Melissa Del Popolo
November 14th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I think people can fall into two categories. Dog people and Non Dog people. I am a Non Dog!! Having not grown up with dogs I was actually scared of most of them until I met the half dog half human Morrison. With those big eyes of his he made me feel very comfortable and he was one of the only dogs I would ever pat. I remember the early days of Morrison Fremantle with him lying under the racks giving some unsuspecting customers a bit of a scare.
Slowly I began to warm to the idea of getting a dog for the girls to grow up with. And now of course we have the four legged fluff ball running around the house. So thankyou Morri for teaching me that not all dogs are scary and if Fendi brings us even half the joy that you bought to many of us we will be all the better for it.
Mel, Tony, Tessa and Mia
Melissa Del Popolo
November 14th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
We were really saddened to hear of the death of Morrison. Even though we are no longer at STA Travel and now at Travelcorp in Claremont (where we can bring our own dogs to work every day), we still always check for his picture on billboards on the way to work along Stirling Hwy; and keep an eye out for him as we walk from home in Fremantle down Market St. I guess we still will - old habits are hard to break, and we were fond of Morrison for a very long time. It seems forever since our friend Brooke Spinner was talking about going to work in a shop in Subiaco that was named after a dog and a cat.
Morrison made going to work in Fremantle easier. The sight of him sitting in the shops, or his dog bowl on the pavement outside, made a city street seem much more of a community, and gave us something to look forward to on our forays into or out of STA. Our own Staffies are our family, so we have some idea of how you feel to have lost such a good and loyal friend.
Please continue to leave the water bowls out the front as I’m sure you are aware every dog in Fremantle drinks from them and they will miss this small treat.
With sympathy
November 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Sorry to hear this, I know how very much they loved Morrison.
Kind regards
November 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
So sorry to hear about Morrison – do hope he didn’t suffer too much in the end. My commiserations to Richard and Kylie, yourself and all the others that knew and loved him.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I am lost for words - I am so very sorry to hear that
Please pass on my sincerest condolences to Kylie, your family and the Team
November 14th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I have just heard your devastating news and just wanted to send thru all my love at this sad time. He really was an amazing character, and loved by so many.
God rest his beautiful soul.
All my love
November 14th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Ohhh.. I am so so sorry you guys!!! I never had the opportunity to meet him but I know how important he was to you as well as being a massive animal lover I am very sorry and sad for your loss. Gosh I’m in tears.. I had a customer crying on the phone today because her bunny had died, I guess pet heaven had its gates open the passed few days. Thinking of you and would love to read his story.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
I’m sorry to hear that your beloved Morrison has passed on… I have a goldie of my own who’s almost 10 & I can’t even bear to think what life would be without him as time passes on… My thoughts are with you…
November 14th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. It was so heartwarming to see how Morrison was such a part of your lives and your business. We loved seeing him in the photos with Fabienne.
We have a 14 year old darling poodle, Shandy, who we love and adore. We dread the day we will lose her.
Our sympathy to you all.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
This is terribly sad news but what a wonderful life Morrison has had with you. Your tribute to him was extremely moving. If anything happened to our puppy Chloe we would be devastated so I can imagine how you must feel, they really become another child don’t they.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
So sad for you all as you have lost a devoted family member. Not just a dog but a huge part of your lives and you will miss him terribly. I still cry for our Treacle who died over 12 years ago.
I remember going into Morrison for the first time and did so because he was there, Didn’t buy anything but came away with a smile on my face as I had patted him and the shop felt so friendly because of his presence. And of course I went back for more pats - and bought some gear as well.
He was a superstar and will be fondly remembered.
Stay strong
Carol and Rod
November 14th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a very photogenic lad and I’d often see him on the billboards around Perth.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
We were all so sorry to hear the news of your beloved friend, Morrison.
We know from your many stories, he was a much loved family member, and we always looked forward to the next catalogue with Morrison, of course, the highlight!
Thinking of you,
Love
November 14th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I am sitting in my car with tears flowing.
Losing a great mate is never easy.
We selfishly want these special beings to be with us forever.
In many ways they are.
I think of Morri as your guardian angel, always looking out , always watching.
I only have brief reflections of him in the office and at the odd picnic or little creatures drink.
I loved his brilliant coat and that smile. One cool dude.
12 is a long life , unfortunately for us humans it creeps by soso quickly.
My loving thoughts are with you guys, I celebrate a super dog and so many wonderful memories.
Rip morrie
You are with us in spirit , sitting right by the rich as I write this, i am sure.
In deepest sympathy
November 14th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I was so very sorry to hear about the sad news of your beloved friend
passing away.
He was obviously incredibly loved.
I hope the moments in your days become less sad as time goes on.
Larisa (and my dog Mojo), Peppy Beach xo
November 14th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
dear Richard and Kylie we are very sorry to hear of your loss. We are sitting here together looking at the photos and our heart goes out to you both. we know how hard it must be at this time and how deeply attached you were to lovely Morrison. We look forward to hearing more from you about his story and please stay in touch.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Geez guys – that’s so sad – you must be devastated. Hope that you are doing OK. He will leave a pretty big gap in a lot of places.
I will have a little think about something to say about him.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
So sad to hear about Morrie….it’s a tough thing to go through and I know you will miss him.
My memories of Morrie were those of the most relaxed MD I have ever met. We all worked to grow the business and Morrie just let us all have the space to create & learn. Unlike other MD’s it was never about him, just a stoik silence, patience and a knowing look. He obviously had great trust in you guys.
On serious note just want to send my condolences, losing my own dog who had been with me through a similar journey was really hard. I look forward to catching up with you both next time I am in Perth (In the next month).
November 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I’m from a rural background (sheep, cattle and wheat station) and of course had many animals, including dogs, as pets/working animals over the first 20 odd years of my life in particular. Therefore I can appreciate the sadness you must be feeling losing your ‘mate’ - they are very special friends.
Our condolences once again from everyone at the eeni meeni miini moh team.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
So sad such a beautiful “person” he will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
Lots of love Mandi and all the team
November 14th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
So sad to hear the news about Morrison. We only met him the once,when Danielle and I travelled to Perth to meet Kylie and yourself to talk about the Morrison label. He definately made an impression on us as he followed us around that day. He was a charmer!!! I am sure he is chasing many sticks in the great ocean above and is charming all he meets up there. The Morrison name lives on and so does our memory of your wonderful inspiration of the name.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Although I never met your beloved Morrison for two years his picture hung behind our counter on your poster image we had mounted and so I feel sad such a beautiful animal is passed.
Of course he shall live in the Morrison name and in your hearts, for ever.
Love
November 14th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Im so sorry to hear that Richard…I know how much a part of a family they become and it must be a very sad time for you and Kylie. At least he will forever be in your hearts, gracing your walls with those magnificent photos and his name honoured as the name of your successful label. He must have been amazing!
Thinking of you
November 14th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I’m so so sorry to hear about wee Morrison going off to doggy heaven. He was so adorable with those big eyes! I remember the day I met him in the shop, he was sitting quietly, peeking out from under the clothes like butter wouldn’t melt! How blessed are you both to have had such a wonderful and faithful friend for all those years.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the sad death of Morrison , being the mother of a 7 year old Weimaraner / Staffie cross called Toby ,I totally understand how you must feel , these animals bring so much joy into our lives and they are so special , he was a gorgeous dog ,and you were lucky to share his life.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
So sorry to hear about Morrison your beloved dog. I never met him but know how much he meant to you.
Please accept my sincere condolences
November 14th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Morrison’s death. The girls at the Chamber always look forward to seeing him in the office and he has become an icon of Fremantle, to0.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Sorry to hear of Morrison’s passing. He was indeed a unique dog. It is amazing how our dog’s become such an important part of our lives. Love to Kylie and your kids.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
This bought tears to my eyes as I read this email, I am so sorry about Morrison we lost our dalmatian Lucy recently who was 14 years old I still expect to see her lying on the showroom floor…
they become so much part of our lives.
thinking of you all.
November 21st, 2007 at 4:41 pm
hi
a friend of mine was wearing some trousers of yours and it led me to your website. i thought it was destined to be my favourite brand when i saw the lovely morri on the homepage - kelpies, my favourite. then when i read that he had passed away, i broke down in tears. almost 1 year before morri passed away, my beloved kelpie, huey opened his eyes for the last time. he was 14 and lived a full life of kelpie fun. but a stroke incapacitated him after many illness and injuries and i couldn’t let him go on. we looked into each others eyes for the last time - me hoping that with all his trust and loyalty, filled with guilt with the hope that he would forgive me for making that choice. i still cry every night. he was my most favourite thing in the entire world. as i am sure morri was to you.
i know that huey is there (wherever they may go) showing morri the ropes. all the very best.
erika
December 11th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Moz
I miss you so much. I remember when we got fleas. It was terrible. I had bites all over my body and you were so itchy. We soon had the house fumigated and you treated and after many discussions on who got fleas first we agreed to disagree and were back to being buddies. I loved hanging out with you. You were such a dude. I am sure you are looking down on your mum, dad and little brothers to make sure they are always well.
With all the love in my heart
Tara
January 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I feel so sad that I never met Morri. After reading over all these posts I can only get a small glimpse of a truly darling dog with a vivacious personality, who was adored by all who knew him, and truly treasured by his family. I feel like I missed out on meeting someone so special and unique. When I first heard of Morrison and checked the website I laughed at the Morri stories that were posted. One thing (out of the many things I have realised by just reading over this blog) is that I will treasure each moment I have left with our 13 year old family dog, who I brought home as my puppy but in an instant was loved by my whole family. So, after reading about the loss of Morri (who is loved so deeply by his family), I am reminded to look at what I have in this world that is in my life that I hold dear… and treasure it with everything I am… and when its not in this world anymore, then treasure it forever in my heart. Thank you for sharing Morri with everyone. All the best.