Page 83 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

Morris Safe House Foundation Tribute

BY SALLIE MORRIS

Margaret’s death in 2010 was
devastating to me; I had lost my friend
and confidante in both retail and dog
rescue. She had a way of making me
feel that I was on top of the world and
nothing would stop me. She would say,
”Your attitude controls your altitude.”
When I applied to the Foundation
for grants, the only thing that would
have made it better would have been if
Margaret and was even more pleased when I told Margaret had been the one handing me
J. T. Talkington her the Safe House would be a “TRUE the check. The Foundation was very
were very NO KILL”. I can still see her smile instrumental in a major remodeling
instrumental and her eyes dancing with delight. She project in 2017. After nine years
in my life, encouraged me to come often and let of caring for over 5,000 dogs, we
personally and her know of our progress and plans. I needed repairs and renovations. The
professionally. showed her the plans for the climate Foundation made it possible. Over
Margaret was my mentor; I wanted to control facility to house forty dogs; her the last ten years, the Safe House has
emulate her business practices and the comment was “Do it right!” She was successfully given owner care to each
way she interacted with her clientele and thrilled that my husband and I were and every dog we have rescued. This
staff, always with grace and respect. She willing to invest a sizeable amount of care was made
was in total control of every situation. our own money to make our little corner possible in part by
Margaret and J.T.
When they made the decision in 1994 to of the world a better place by rescuing
close Margaret’s, I was very honored to abandoned, abused, neglected dogs and Margaret and J.T.
have the opportunity to purchase many dogs whose owners had passed away. made Lubbock their
of the store fixtures from their store. The relationship with the Margaret and home, and every cent
During one of our visits, I indicated J.T. Talkington Foundation was one of their vast wealth
I wanted to add fashions to my then of sharing and visiting with Margaret has been reinvested
bridal-only store. She literally opened and showing her photos and telling her in Lubbock to make
the New York market to me and to her about each new fur baby brought in. Lubbock a better
buying office with a hand-written list She actually coined the phrase, MORRIS place by enriching
and notes. She, not so gently, suggested MUTTS! the lives of others.
that the name “Bridal Elegance” was Thank you, Margaret
a great bridal store name, but to add and J.T. for your
fashions, I needed a new name and insight and
marketing plan. The name MorLe’ came your success by
into existence. establishing The
I owned and operated the business Margaret and
until closing in 2008 to start the Morris J.T. Talkington
Safe House, but prior to announcing Foundation.
the close, I visited with my friend,
Margaret. She was excited because of
her passionate love for her dogs. She

Lubbock Senior Link 83