The amazing power of a dog's love and the human spirit

Melissa Jaquez, Marky & King David (Pitbull, Service Dog) Wichita, KS

Marky has Epidermolysis Bullosa Recessive Dystrophic, also known as “Butterfly Syndrome.” He was not expected to live past 14 but as of 2021, Marky is 21 years old.

In December of 2021, Marky decided to go on hospice care and enjoy the rest of his life. He doesn’t want any more hospital stays, ambulance rides or stem cell transplants. He lives in constant pain and his mom, Melissa, said Marky “wants to be surrounded by the ones he loves and his puppies.”

Here are Melissa’s inspiring & courageous words:

“I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you look at with curious eyes as I walk by my son as he’s cruising along with a smile even though he’s clearly in pain.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom you feel sorry for even though I don’t feel the need for you to be.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom who listens to you give an explanation to your child about ‘what’s wrong with him’ for your insight. There’s nothing wrong. He’s perfect the way he is.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom you look at in disgust because you somehow blame me for his mere existence.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom you look at with judgment in your eyes because you somehow think you can do better.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom you look at and think about how lucky you have it with your healthy child.

I’m that mom.
I’m that mom you blow off because you don’t want the burden of having a friend who can’t join in.

I’m that mom.
But I’m also that mom who has to try and explain to my son why people look at him the way they do.

I’m that mom who has to bite her tongue when I catch you staring at my child like he’s contagious.
I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who hopes you will give the right explanation to your child about my son’s appearance or even better come and say hi.
I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who comforts her son every night until his body finally gives him five minutes of less pain.
I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who wishes everyday others could see what it was like to live this life of isolation and loneliness.
I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who knows love isn’t defined by ability, but instead is defined by his courage and joy and unrelenting love.
I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who just wants her son to experience all the beautiful things of life instead of pain and suffering.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom that knows her son even in his illness has a purpose for this world and will always fight for her son and that purpose …

I will always be that mom. To all of my ‘that moms’ I see you.” visit Melissa and Marky on Instagram @melissa_2010