The many faces of Sam.
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This is Sam. Yesterday we said goodbye to Sam.
In March 2000, our family hopped in the car and headed to a local animal shelter in hopes of finding a new member for our family. Sam was there waiting for us. Sam was a mutt, but he was our mutt, the best mutt ever. He looked much like a furry teddy bear except when he was shaved each summer.
From early on Sam brought joy and energy into our lives. Pets add so much to our lives. True, some pets may be just a royal pain in the neck, but others, others are special. Sam was not only a great friend and companion, but a teacher for us all.
Yeah, I think we do learn a lot from our pets. And Sam taught us many things.
He taught us how to play.
Here is one of his wooly-booger moments.
How to be content.
How to be patient and not pushy.
How to rest, be calm, chill.
He showed us what true loyalty looks like.
How to be gentle and show affection.
Sam also never met a stranger. Everyone liked Sam. His gentle spirit helped children who came to our home afraid of dogs, leave wanting one of their own.
Sam was a good dog. We’ll miss him terribly, but would never trade the time we had with him to avoid the sorrow we feel now.
I’d like to mention the many animal shelters and Humane Societies all over the country with dogs, just like Sam, waiting for a home, waiting for a family to join. So if you’re looking for a pet please consider first checking out your local shelters.
I’m going to miss his sweet whiskery face. He was a gentle boy and he lived an awesome life. Pets are so special and teach us many things. Thinking about ya’ll.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend. He was very photogenic even with muck on his face.
Oh Amy, I’m so sorry. You’re absolutely right though- the sadness now is only a fraction of the happiness he must have brought. And what an perfect note to end on. Shelter pets never quite lose the sense that they’ve been rescued, you appreciate each other that much more.
Sam was a lucky boy to have you all adopt him and bring him home. This was a beautiful tribute of your dear friend. Thank for sharing Sam with us.
Hugs
To be honest, I was afraid to read this post. From the title, I knew that by the end I would have tears dripping down my face. Of course, you didn’t fail to deliver… (sniff). He was lucky to have you, as you were lucky to have him. We are a shelter family, too…
Lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing. Our Sparky is 13yrs old now and we’re beginning to face this same situation. I feel for you and your family.
I so sorry for your loss. Pets become such a precious piece of our lives, that when they’re gone it’s heart wrenching. I lost my little guy, Reggie, in February and am still miss him. They’re lives are too short. Sam looks like a sweet, loving fella.
He’s adorable… I’m so sorry. This is a lovely tribute to him… He looks like a lovely, loving dog. I really feel for you.
Our family’s been considering getting a dog, and the reason we haven’t done so in the pass is because my mom is scared of this type of commitment. She was scared that we’d get too attached to the dog, and once it died or became sick, it would just be too heartbreaking… dogs’ lives are much too short. 🙁
I hope you feel better soon. 🙂 RIP Sam!
Wei-Wei
This was beautiful. What a lovely dog. They are the best example of unconditional love. Sorry for your loss.
A beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry he’s gone.
Sorry to hear about Sam. He was such a cutie.
So sad to hear about this. It’s such a tough thing to go through. Very obvious that Sam loved and was loved.
I just recently found your blog and don’t know you but I do know that kind of love. I am so sorry for your loss………
So sorry. 🙁 It is so hard to lose a pet.
Oh Amy. It’s so sad to say goodbye to a pet. Especially one as special as your Sam.
I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s never easy to say goodbye to a pet.
Do you know if Sam was part Chow Chow? We had a dog that looked a lot like him. Our was a Chow Chow – Wheaton mix. This is a picture of our dog Bradford: http://chuckhays.net/gallery/v/andi/2004events/album162/PB262790.jpg.html.
Hugs!
His eyes tell the whole story.
My sympathies on the loss of your fur baby.
Amy, what beautiful photos!!!! My heart breaks for your loss. I love my dogs, Gidget and Moondoggie and can fully identify with your pain. My thoughts are with you, Randy , Hank and Hope 🙂
I will miss seeing his sweet, furry face coming to greet me when I get out of my car at your house. He was a faithful friend. This was a wonderful tribute to Sam’s memory. Love and prayers from us…