Magic came into our lives in 2005 and quickly became a part of the family. After being in our foster home for over a year, it was bittersweet to see Magic go to his forever home. Even though Magic moved all the way to Canada, we vowed to stay in touch and visit often despite the distance, and we did.
Magic’s Fund is set up to assist Game Dog Guardian in our efforts to help dogs from cruelty cases nationwide. Your donation to Magic’s Fund will go toward the evaluation, medical care, and training of dogs seized in dog fighting cases and cruelty cases across the country.
In 2009, Magic lost an unexpected battle to acute canine leukemia. His passing was as shocking as it was devastating.
Once you read about Magic in his mom’s words, you will see why our mission is dedicated to Magic and his legacy.
For Magic
It is a blessing to be loved by a dog. Those of us privileged to love more than one dog know that each becomes the best, ever. This was and will always remain especially true of Magic. I wish you could have met this handsome, red-nosed pitbull. A rescue from Kansas, Magic was destined for my and Rob’s home in British Columbia, Canada. I don’t know and prefer not to think about what Magic’s earliest days were like. I know that they were far removed from good and that from the moment Magic took his first breath, he deserved so much better. Fortunately for my most precious fellow, Katie became his angel. As Magic’s foster mom, she was the first to love him and would have battled any demon on any front to protect him. We know those demons: a length of chain, neglect, abusers who fight their dogs, forcibly breed or use them to protect illegal interests. We know the fronts: apathy, misconception based on misinformation and ignorance, all too often media fuelled; and, of course, Breed Specific Legislation. Magic, however, not only escaped his demons, he became the most amazing representative of his breed. I loved Magic beyond the limits of my heart’s capacity. Every moment was golden. I would have walked any distance, swum any ocean and pushed past any barrier for his sake. He deserved nothing less.
Magic was the gentlest creation ever fashioned and the perfect embodiment of calm, loving energy. I remember one walk, in particular, when an autistic boy of about five ran from his yard and straight up to Magic, a dog he’d never before seen, wrapped his small hands around and pressed his face into Magic’s, all of which happened so quickly there was virtually no time to react. Magic’s response? He sat and gently licked first the hands, then the small face of his “captor”. The child was over-the-moon happy. Magic charmed everyone. He radiated an extraordinary acceptance of people that drew them to him. There were so many times strangers would talk to Magic and bend to place their arms around him. Every embrace was welcomed. Magic seemed to see past our outer layers and would fold into the arms that held him.
This exceptional ability to intuit need and to comfort was Magic at his core. Magic loved life. Tuggy tire, walks through the park and up the mountain, walks along the beach and chasing waves were all his favourite things to do; and, they were done with that special zeal that only a dog can bring, time after time, elevating the experience to sheer bliss. Magic loved the wind; and, on stormy nights, even in the darkest dark, would lure me outside to play! First, there’d be the zoomies, then he’d run up to me and away – his invitation to swing him as he clung to Purpie, his huge purple ball. Inside, outside, any and everywhere, he was the Undisputed Champion Snuggler of All Time.
I am ill equipped to express the joy that was Magic. There was simply all of the very best of Magic in everything he did. In a world filled with remarkable dogs, Magic was unique. He is irreplaceable and missed so fiercely I would give anything of mine to have him for five minutes more. Beyond the words on this page, I wish you could have met Magic. It is my hope that Magic’s Fund continues his legacy. It is the most fitting way to honour a loyal dog who loved so many, so much and so well.
Colleen Malatest
Forever Magic’s Mom
