Heroic World Trade Center Search And Rescue Dog Passes Away

WTC SAR Dog Morgan Passes AwayAfter recently being diagnosed with a rare form of canine cancer, K9 Morgan passed away this morning.

A few weeks ago Morgan was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a rare, rapidly growing, highly invasive variety of cancer that is very common in German Shepherds.

Earlier this morning, Morgan started to have serious complications and began to bleed out and the decision was made to not let her suffer any more.

Morgan was born on June 16, 1999 and was one of the two original canines on the K9 Task Force. She had extensive training in cadaver location (her specialty), scenting and trailing of persons, collapsed building searches, rappelling, as well as water scenting (from aboard a boat or on shore). During her active time on the team she found many lost and missing persons, assisted local law enforcement in helping track down felons and locating the remains of the deceased.

During her team’s mission at the World Trade Center, Morgan and Chief John Frank took a terrible fall together. John fell about 10 feet breaking his arm and Morgan fell nearly 30 feet and was knocked unconscious. With help from the Suffolk County SPCA, Morgan was awakened and was ready to go back to work 6 hours later.

When the team re-visited the WTC site in Sept 2002, Morgan began to have trouble walking. After some tests and talking with the team’s vet, it was determined that Morgan was starting to have some serious hip trouble from the previous year’s fall.

On October 4, 2002, Morgan was officially retired…but not for long.

In September 2005, Morgan, John and Jason came out of retirement for a few weeks of work to assist New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

Since 2002 Morgan has lived the relaxed life in the care of Dee, her favorite vet assistant. Dee has been taking care of Morgan since she was a puppy.

Morgan took full advantage of her retired life, spending her days chasing toys and taking up space on the couch and every now and then taking Dee on an adventure through the woods during their daily walks.

Rest in peace dear Morgan. You deserve it.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

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Amarshall5
Amarshall5
12 years ago

Rest in peace Morgan. Thank you for you’re years of dedicated service!

Jeanne
Jeanne
12 years ago
Reply to  Amarshall5

Sweet dog. I am glad he lived out his days with Dee., and I hope he gets a hero’s tomebstone!

Amarshall5
Amarshall5
12 years ago

Rest in peace Morgan. Thank you for you’re years of dedicated service!

Jeanette
Jeanette
12 years ago

Morgan, you have completed your years of being a faithful companion and being of service to humans.  May you rest at peace by The Bridge until Dee comes to join you.  There is a place in Heaven for dogs like you!

Jeanette
Jeanette
12 years ago

Morgan, you have completed your years of being a faithful companion and being of service to humans.  May you rest at peace by The Bridge until Dee comes to join you.  There is a place in Heaven for dogs like you!

save a life rescue a dog
save a life rescue a dog
12 years ago

How sad, thank you morgan for all the bravery you have done. Go have fun and chase all the balls you want on the rainbow bridge, RIP

Shirley Petpalstv
Shirley Petpalstv
12 years ago

What Task Force was Morgan on?  R.I.P.
Thank you,
Shirley

Jan Fagan Woodfill
12 years ago

Morgan, you will be missed so very much.  Thank you for what you have accomplished in your short life..  Have fun running in playing with your buddies on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

Rhodeygirl23
Rhodeygirl23
12 years ago

Thank you Morgan for all you have done !! Rest In Peace !!

jamie
jamie
12 years ago

Thank you Morgan for all your service to mankind. You will be greatly missed.  Say a big hello to my GSD,  Umbro, when you’re at the Rainbow Bridge.

Astrid Henson
12 years ago

R.I.P. Morgan Thank You for your service, say hello to my ginger she wasn’t a pure GSD

Carmella Lofrano
12 years ago

Tears for you — although I knew you not but for your grand service —

Alaina Zepeda
Alaina Zepeda
12 years ago

To the bravest of heroes who’ve had the decision made for them from nearly at birth that their lives were to be dedicated rescuing/recovering humans, I say, “Thank-You” to all the service animals all over the world. To K9 Morgan, may your spirit continue on in the life that allows you nothing but free will to run & play. RIP.

Juliebella14
Juliebella14
12 years ago

 I’m sure you will meet my Mickey Bella in Heaven, Please look out for him cause he was a momma’s boy and very shy. I miss him so. You were a real hero on earth and I know you’ll continue to be GOD’s hero in heaven. RIP Morgan.

Rayvin22
Rayvin22
12 years ago

RIP baby and our condolences to Dee. xo

Dragana
Dragana
12 years ago

I love her. I’m so sad she got cancer. Dogs are such wonderful animals that people underestimate. What a wonderful lady.

Cbernier8
Cbernier8
12 years ago

Awww, rest in peace sweet Morgan. Thank you for all of your dedication over the years. Enjoy your stay at Rainbow Bridge!:)

Harleywg03
Harleywg03
12 years ago

rest in peace Morgan

Dennish
Dennish
12 years ago

We lost our Lexi, a beautiful silver GSD to the same Cancer. Look her up Morgan and tell her we love her as you are loved. Rest in Peace!

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