<?xml version="1.0"?><!-- generator=" Dogster feed generator/0.1 " -->
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/">
<channel>
<title>Samson, the Great Wall of Dog</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Samson, the Beloved WolfDog</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Samson, the Beloved WolfDog &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:57:30 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>&quot;You Date Me, You Date My Dog.&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/780305</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 16 May 2012 09:07:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/780305</guid>
		<description>I have no doubt barked about this before, but Dogster's most recent article about Dog/Human Dating,  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have no doubt barked about this before, but Dogster's most recent article about Dog/Human Dating, reminded me that it was ME, Samson, that brought Mom and Dad together.

I was living with Mom, of course, and Oldest Lad, who at the time was Only Lad, or I suppose just plain:  Lad.  I'll just stick with Oldest Lad.

One night, Mom was making the obvious preps to "go out."  Soon a MAN came knocking at the door.  Mom opened the door, but then I immediately put myself in front on Mom, and The Man was greeted by what he called "The Great Wall of Dog."

Mom and The Man went off on their date, but soon returned home, for The Man wanted to see ME.  The Man stayed until 2:00 am, playing on the floor with me, wrestling with me, but eventually I realized that it was long past Mom's bed time.

The Man called back in a few days, for he just had to see ME, Samson, again.

The rest is history, for The Man eventually became Dad after i managed to get him to also fall in love with Mom.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Sad End</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/731333</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Aug 2011 06:04:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/731333</guid>
		<description>I, Samson, was not the entirely innocent dog that I have conveyed.  I have fully admitted to my dest ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I, Samson, was not the entirely innocent dog that I have conveyed.  I have fully admitted to my destructive habits:  the shoes I ate, Feasting Upon the Word of the Lord (I ate a Bible,) the some 60 odd feet of baseboard that I removed from military housing, the couch pieces I chewed; the list goes on.  However, it goes further:  I, Samson, had an Affair upon my own Mother.

When Mom moved into her first home with just Oldest Lad, who at the time was Only Lad, there was a woman on the street whose charms I rapidly fell under.  The whole neighborhood fell under her spell, and I was not immune.  I would stand at the front door, paw furiously, whimper, bark, and Mom would be forced to open the door.  Mom would stare as I then went two doors over, knocked at Spell Woman's door, and the door was opened for me.  In my defense, I never "spent the night."  It may have been hours before I returned home, after watching TV with Spell Woman's family, napping upon her couch, and feasting upon morsels from Spell Woman's hands, but I did always return to Mom.

Spell Woman organized many neighborhood events.  When Spell Woman and another neighbor discovered that Mom and Dad planned to elope, she arranged balloons and a banner to adorn the front porch.  When Middle Lad was born, she was able to help soothe Middle Lad, a bit, during his bouts of colic.  When Middle Lad had his first Food Allergic Reaction, Mom took him outside, and Spell Woman was outside, monitoring the large group of neighborhood children playing.  Spell Woman knew why Middle Lad was turning red, indeed enlarging before Mom's eyes, and knew what to do.

Eventually, Spell Woman and her family moved away, to a bigger house.  I did not like going to Spell Woman's new house.  My Affair with Spell Woman ended.  I knew that Mom had been hurt by Affair, but I did always come back to Mom, didn't I?

Spell Woman ended her own life just a few weeks ago.  She shared with no one that she was hurting so deeply inside.  However, she gave to all a part of her soul, and made all better for it.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Dog against whom all others shall be measured</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/727733</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:54:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/727733</guid>
		<description>As Mom's FIRST Dog, I, Samson am the dog against whom all the following dogs have been and shall be  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ As Mom's FIRST Dog, I, Samson am the dog against whom all the following dogs have been and shall be measured.

Mom did have two childhood dogs, but I was Mom's firstborn son, HER Dog.

I did set a rather high bar, or a low bar, if one considers that after getting me as a six week old pup, Mom has sworn off ever again getting a puppy, and all other dogs have been obtained as adult dogs.

Happy Birthday to myself, and shape up, Pennie and Sophie, I have my eyes on you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>ADOPT 2010 CONTEST</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/670464</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 May 2010 09:14:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/670464</guid>
		<description>Wow, I have to think back to 1986 for my Adoption Story! 

Mom was living out in California, far a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow, I have to think back to 1986 for my Adoption Story! 

Mom was living out in California, far away from home for the first time.  Oh, sure she had gone away to live at college, but not 3000 miles away from home!  Mom was very lonely.  Soon her thoughts turned to the idea of getting a dog.  Mom searched the paper and found a litter of Wolf Hybrid pups advertised.  Mom drove out to the house and was sickened by the squalor.  The dogs were kept in filthy conditions.  I was the smallest pup left, filthy and covered in fleas.  Mom brought me home and first thing I got was a bath!  In a bucket, no less, I was so small.

I kept Mom awake all night for weeks. Then I went through my destructive stage.  Eventually I settled down into being a Great Dog.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Crate Snob</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/618540</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:10:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/618540</guid>
		<description>I have frankly had enough of Pennie's Crate Snob Attitude!  The PERFECTLY Acceptable 1986 Crate was  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have frankly had enough of Pennie's Crate Snob Attitude!  The PERFECTLY Acceptable 1986 Crate was originally MINE.  Heh, Heh, Back in 1986 Dogs weren't crated for Separation Anxiety.  No.  I was Crated for Shipping.  The Crate was purchased for my adventurous flight from Scramento, California to Cincinnati.  With an un-scheduled overnight in Chicago when the Airline Lost ME.  How an Airlines can lose an Extra Large Crate with an 80 pound wolf-hybrid dog in it is beyond me, but after I flew home (without getting lost, thank dog,) I did not fly anymore.

Back in 1986 there were no "Dog Trainers" and Cesar Milan did not have a TV show.  A dog was free to express his/her Separation Anxiety All Over the House, without Crating.  I chewed 60 feet of baseboard.  I ate the back off a couch.  I nibbled a piece off the front of the couch.  I ate a Bible.  I did get confined, but it was to a spacious Master Bathroom, with it's own fresh water toilet, and several bath mats to pick apart, fiber by fiber.

Why Pennie is so upset by my old crate is beyond me.  Maybe she should just outgrow her Separation Anxiety, as I did, and I was free to roam the house at will.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Downsizing just adds to the burden.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/599756</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:34:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/599756</guid>
		<description>Those who follow the tales of the Mulligan Compound know that unfortunately, the Compound has been D ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Those who follow the tales of the Mulligan Compound know that unfortunately, the Compound has been Downsized lately, due to the loss of Mulligan.  I am rapidly discovering that as in Corporate America, when a company is Downsized, it is not just the Downsized that suffer, but the Remaining workers who must now do ALL the previous work, with LESS staff.

I, Pennie, was under the assumption, oh, and I know, never assume because it makes an a$$ of u and me, but anyhoodle, I was under the assumption that cleaning up casserole dishes, plates, and the high chair tray was a PERK, not a JOB.  I have been wrong.  Lately I have discovered that I must add a new name to my growing list of job titles:  KP-Pennie.  Yes.  I am being subject to criticism over how I clean up dishes, even the floor.

Mulligan had a tongue as big as that of a large Holstein Cow.  He could clear an entire 9 X 13 casserole dish in one swoop, including the ceramic coating.  I, KP-Pennie, prefer to ENJOY my food, letting my thin, rapier-like tongue gently buff the surface as I actually TASTE the food.

I guess that is just not good enough, as is being pointed out to me when I leave a few crumbs.  So sorry that I mixed a Job with a Perk.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>It's about time!  Do you dogs have half a brain?</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/529226</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:02:24 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/529226</guid>
		<description>I don't often post.  I am content to observe family life from my box upon the filing cabinet for I k ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I don't often post.  I am content to observe family life from my box upon the filing cabinet for I know that my very soul permeates the life of the family.

Last night, Mom was quite certain that Mulligan and Pennie were OUTSIDE.  She could clearly see Middle Lad at his desk.  Besides, he is not one to voluntarily expend any extra effort.  Mom was working with Little Lad.  Suddenly, great heathenous beasts came trampling in, marching their paws all over Little Lad's homework.

Finally, Mulligan and Pennie figured out how to open the back porch sliding doors.  That, for the record, is a feat that I accomplished in ONE DAY.  

Mulligan.  I am not surprised that he has not opened the door.  As much of a egotistical A$$ that he is, he does have the shred of decency to respect some, the key word of course being "some", RULES.  He will stay behind a baby/dog gate.  He stays inside the Invisible Fence.  The back porch door for Mulligan would constitute a Rule.   I am not surprized then that in the 3 plus years he has been here that he has not opened it.

Pennie.  Pennie has no regard for rules.  Baby/dog gates are meant to be leapt over or crashed through.  Kitchen counters are meant to be walked upon.  How then, could it take her over one year to learn to open the back porch door?

Truly, dogs of today are such slackers.  It must be the video games, the DVRs, the paw mail and all the other luxuries that I never had.  I repeat.  It took me all of one day to learn to open a  patio door.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Active Seniors</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/489967</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 3 Aug 2008 15:12:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/489967</guid>
		<description>Mom has been getting, on average about 10 to 15 emails, from unknown senders, for Viagra, or Cialis, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom has been getting, on average about 10 to 15 emails, from unknown senders, for Viagra, or Cialis, per day.

Mom is not a Senior, not that Seniors are the only Qualified Users of Cialis or Viagra.

But if Mom is getting that many emails it brings to mind this question:  How active are the Seniors?

And they complain that Dogs need to be Neutered.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>It works for the stars</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/457984</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 9 May 2008 09:40:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/457984</guid>
		<description>On Fox News Network there was a piece this morning that Handsome Men, Better Looking Men, are less f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On Fox News Network there was a piece this morning that Handsome Men, Better Looking Men, are less faithful to their partners, and in fact do not make as good a partner as less attractive men.

Well, I suppose I have to make an admission.  When I was alive I have to admit I was stunning.  An absolute gorgeous specimen of canine attractiveness.  Even in my oldest years I aged gracefully, maintaining my charm such as Sean Connery.

I was unfaithful to Mom.  Yes.  I had an affair.  It was while we were living in Cincinnati in our little Cape Cod.  It was with that lovely Bad Girl neighbor, Jeannie.  I couldn't help myself.  I would saunter over to Jeannie's house and spend the afternoon or evening.  Sometimes I would stay all night.  Sure, I still loved Mom.  She was my Mommy, after all.  I always returned home to her in the end.  Yet I couldn't help the allure of snuggling on the couch with Jeannie.  Getting my butt rubbed by Jeannie.  Sharing an Ice Cream Cone with Jeannie.  Jeannie would sometimes walk by the house and whistle for me.  I would become frantic and Mom would be forced to open up the door to let me out so I could take a walk with Jeannie.

Jeannie moved away after a few years.  It hurt me so that I ended it, despite regular visits to her new house.  I just never forgave her for moving out of such close range.

Mom remained Mom.  Hurt of course, but she stood by me.  I did have a about two years before I died and when my affair with Jeannie ended.  In that time I was completed devoted to Mom.  I suppose I just couldn't help myself.  My good looks just overwhelmed my sense of morality.  It works for the celebrities doesn't it?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Commercialism</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/448869</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:42:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/448869</guid>
		<description>Perhaps it is because Mom and Dad watch the wrong channels, boring TV channels, but the quality of t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Perhaps it is because Mom and Dad watch the wrong channels, boring TV channels, but the quality of the commercials . . .
First off, either Mom or Dad has decided that one of them MUST get Herpes.  Obviously that is the key to a fun and romantic life style:  bike riding, hanging out on a deck overlooking a lovely lake.   Geesh, the last thing they did together was sneak in late to catch the end of Oldest Lad's band concert due to boy scouts, taekwondo, mad science, hair cuts, music lessons, dogs . . .

Now, this is the REAL version of that CIALIS commercial>

Scene One:

Cialis Man:  "Hooonnneeeyy, where are you, I took a Cialis!"

Wife:  In kitchen, with wrench in hand, preparing to destroy Kitchen Sink Faucet.

Announcer:  Cialis:  It can wait for up to 36 hours, when life's unexpected emergencies call.

Wife:  "YEA RIGHT!  This faucet has been leaking all over the kitchen for two months now!  I'll give you some, you bet I'll give you some! (Waves wrench in air)  I'll give you some when you finally fix this sink!"

Cialis Man:  Fixes Sink.

Thank goodness Cialis has up to 36 hours to work, there was no way it was going to work before he worked.


Scene Two:

Cialis Man:  "Hooonnneeeyy, where are you, I took a Cialis!"

Doorbell Rings, Wife answers.  Son and daughter-in-law are there dropping off grandchildren for the day.

Wife glares at Husband.

Wife says, after son and daughter-in-law leave:  "Ah dear, isn't that why you spent all morning setting up the tent in the backyard?  For the sleepover with the Grandchildren I Blackberried you about?"

Thank goodness Cialis has up to 36 hours to work.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Airlines and Travel Plans</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/447897</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:59:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/447897</guid>
		<description>CNN is running a poll about the latest Airline Industry Travel Woes and whether or not this is havin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ CNN is running a poll about the latest Airline Industry Travel Woes and whether or not this is having an effect on travel plans for the summer.  Quite frankly, I still have not forgiven the Airlines for losing me in December of 1986.  Missing my connecting flight in Chicago and having to remain in the Windy City overnight in the baggage area while Mom went on to Cincy was just not one of my favorite moments in life.  Then having the Airline put me inside my crate, onto the baggage conveyer belt, instead of walking me out on a cart was just the utmost in mortification.

Therefore, I still do not plan to travel by air, if CNN or anyone else would like to know.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Tree Dressing</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/415671</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:51:41 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/415671</guid>
		<description>Why does a tree need to wear a skirt?  It is Martin Luther King Day, which means we should embrace a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Why does a tree need to wear a skirt?  It is Martin Luther King Day, which means we should embrace all kinds of Diversity today, but really does a tree need to wear a skirt to embrace diversity?  

Mom spent all day creating a skirt for the Christmas tree.  One of Mom's many failings, far too many to list in this tome, is that she cannot properly sew.  However, she does have a simple machine and when called upon can create a simple project.  She can make bean bags for a game.  She was able to create a Native American Indian costume for the Little Lad for the First Grade Thanksgiving Play.  Quite frankly, the costume made him look much more like a Neanderthal than a Native American, but the lad was happy and it did not require him to "undress," which saved wasted time in the school restroom.  First graders waste time in the rest room at all opportunities.

Middle Lad has been pestering Mom for the past several Holiday Seasons that the Christmas Tree must have a Skirt.  Perhaps he has watched too many "A Charlie Brown Christmas" videos.  Perhaps he felt that our tree was a girl.  For whatever reason, the Pester-er and his Pester-ing became too much for the Pester-ed and Mom decided that this year she must create a skirt.

Now we have a diverse and unpestered tree and Mom can put it away tomorrow since she needed it's measurements to create it's clothes.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Visiting Relatives</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/408660</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Jan 2008 15:26:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/408660</guid>
		<description>My family went to visit my relatives for the New Year.  They visited the Mexican Red Wolves at the Z ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My family went to visit my relatives for the New Year.  They visited the Mexican Red Wolves at the Zoo.  Mexican Red Wolves are a subgroup of the American Gray Wolf.  I am half-wolf.  The Zoo was quite cold but it was the last day for the Festival of Lights, the season of Holiday Lights set up for the Animal's Holiday enjoyment and festivities.  As the temperature was not above 20 degrees with wind gusts up to 4o mph, not many patrons were visiting the zoo.

Mom observed first, then Dad, that perhaps due to the lack of patrons, or the weather, perhaps the New Year, a rather strange Uncanny Feeling.  Usually when visiting the Zoo, the animals pay little attention to the various onlookers.  Yesterday was different.  The Mexican Wolves were curled up in little balls of fluff with their noses tucked under their tails, until the family walked by.  Then they stopped to watch the family.  The Canada Lynx was snuggled up tight inside of a small house but was moving it's head and directly watching Mom.  Mom moved to a different area as a test, and indeed the Lynx moved it's head and followed Mom.  A very long Mamba that generally slept during all other visits moved and stood up and coiled and flicked it's tongue in a wondrous performance for Little Lad.

Indeed the Family felt not so much that the animals were on display for the New Year, but that they, the Family had been brought in as a display for the animals that day.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Truth must be said!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/358980</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:33:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/358980</guid>
		<description>The truth should be said.  Mom and Dad were talking the other day about how they  met, oh, I don't w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The truth should be said.  Mom and Dad were talking the other day about how they  met, oh, I don't want to get sappy.  Mom and Dad were fixed up on a blind date by friends.  Dad came to the house.  Mom and Dad went out.  They came home.  Dad was invited in and he stayed until 2:00 in the morning.  With ME.  Playing with ME.

Dad called a few days later for another date.  With ME.  The durn truth of it is that Dad really began dating ME (well, in a brotherly sense as I am also a male) and Mom just happened to be there.  It was love at first sight between Dad and I.  Fortunately, eventually Dad also fell in love with Mom and the rest is history.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Getting Even</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/335593</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:04:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/335593</guid>
		<description>Sometimes in life One feels that One has Evened the Score so to speak, however unintentionally!

I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sometimes in life One feels that One has Evened the Score so to speak, however unintentionally!

I used to love my neighbor, Jeannie.  Oh, I was always Mom's Dog, but I loved Jeannie.  I would go hang out at Jeannie's house.  I would walk over, knock on her door, be let in, and hang with her family for several hours.  When I was done, they would call my family and tell them that I was coming home.  Jeannie had a mixed Collie dog that was not very appropriately named SERENE.  SERENE was anything but serene.  Serene could never be left for she panicked.  But finally, the family decided they must go away without her and picked Mom to attempt to dog-sit.  With much trepidation, Mom said yes, for after all the time I had spent in Jeannie's home, of course Serene must be welcomed in our home.

The first night Serene jumped our fence and ran away.  She bit Dad when he chased her down.  She was let out again before bed and again jumped the fence.  While Dad was out chasing her down, Middle Lad, who was but two years old, climbed onto the kitchen table and found a glass of milk that Oldest Lad had left upon the table.  There were a scant few drops left but Middle Lad's allergy to milk was such that when Dad returned home with Serene, Middle Lad was covered in hives and swollen up in an allergic reaction.  Medication was quickly administered and Middle Lad recovered from his food reaction.

The next day fared no better.  Dad left to go out of town.  Serene managed to slip every collar placed upon her slender neck.  It was not going well.  She was let out the bare minimum needed to provide relief and chased down and always tried to bite her pursuer.  Mom was at her wit's end.

Then came the last escape.  Serene escaped and did not return.  The entire neighborhood searched for her.  She returned on her own at last.  She was injured.  Mom felt terrible and took her to the Emergency Vet Clinic.  Her injuries were consistent with a car or motorcycle crash.  All attempts to contact her family were futile.  Her injuries were not life-threatening; she just needed to stay at the clinic for a few days to recover.

Eventually Jeannie and her family moved to another neighborhood.  I visited but never forgave Jeannie for moving.  On my last visit, I decided that I wanted to go home early.  Jeannie and her family had gone out for the day.  I got out of their fenced yard and began to head for home.  Thankfully Jeannie and her family drove home fairly soon.  They found me crossing a major state road about a mile from their home.  It was amazing that I hadn't been hit by a car.  There I was, just wandering aroung that road, trying to find my way home.

Jeannie said she about had a heart attack right there and figured that after all that Serene had put Mom through, that I, Samson, had just evened up the score.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Raised by wolves</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/325198</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:16:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/325198</guid>
		<description>I have never understood how the expression &quot;Were you raised by wolves&quot; became a derogatory comment. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have never understood how the expression "Were you raised by wolves" became a derogatory comment.

When I was around three, Mom became decidedly rotund and then whelped a rather pathetic creature.  It was my brother.  Fortunately, Mom always felt that I, Samson, was her rightful first born, and thus our family simply expanded to include this new lad, and I was never relegated to a lesser position, as so often happens when a human child is added.    I made it quite clear from the beginning that I was the oldest, alpha, brother in the pack.  (Although Mom was THE Alpha.)  If the lad grabbed my leash while we were on a walk I would stop cold in my tracks.  The lad eventually grew and became less pathetic and more useful, as in able to be played with.  When this lad was six, Mom added another even more pathetic creature to the pack.  At that point in comparision the first lad looked like quite a fine companion indeed and we became quite bonded.

I  crossed the Rainbow Bridge when the oldest lad was ten years of age.  Therefore, I was quite involved in his child-rearing.  I do believe that he was raised by a wolf, that would be me, Samson.  The family often refers to that.  When the lad displays certain behaviors, it is often attributed to the fact that he was raised by a wolf.  This is certainly not meant as a criticism.  Too bad more children in America are not raised by wolves.  The young lad didn't turn out so badly, after all.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Decorating for Dogs</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/318991</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Jun 2007 08:58:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/318991</guid>
		<description>Mom has been brushing Mulligan of late to remove his winter coat, if one could call it that.  He is  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom has been brushing Mulligan of late to remove his winter coat, if one could call it that.  He is a short-haired dog and his coat doesn't even warrant a proper brush.  Mom uses something called a "Zoom Groom" on him, a rubber paddle thing, as opposed the steel bristles needed to get through my beautiful double coated PELT.

I used to shed massive quantities of fur.  Bags of it.  One can only imagine how many baby birdlings were raised in nests warmed by my fur.  Mom even found bird nests in our yard that had bits of my fur lining them.

I am the only dog that Mom has had that she has specifically decorated for.  Yes, when Mom bought her very first house, she had the old carpeting removed at once, and new installed.  There was no question at that point as to the color of the new carpeting.  Despite the mode of the day to install a "color" Mom chose neutral gray.  Yes, Mom chose Gray because I shed Gray.  After living with me for 5 years and vacuuming up after me for 5 years, Mom said that Gray was the color that whatever carpet was put down was going to be after the first 10 minutes, so why try to beat it.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Rabbit Trouble</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/305377</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 5 May 2007 17:12:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/305377</guid>
		<description>That Upstart Mulligan, my Follower, is not doing his job, again, so what else is new.  Rabbits have  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ That Upstart Mulligan, my Follower, is not doing his job, again, so what else is new.  Rabbits have over-run the back yard.  Mulligan dares to crave the Alpha Position yet he can not even get the routine tasks accomplished that are clearly written in his current Job Description.  I, Samson, never craved the Alpha Position.  I knew that Mom was the Alpha.  If Mulligan isn't smart enough to live in Terror of Mom then he certainly isn't smart enough to be the Alpha.  But I digress, I was going to share my own bit of Rabbit Trouble.

The neighbors to the right adopted two bunnies from other neighbors who planned to just set them free.  This was at the old house.  Mom grew immediately suspicious when the neighbors said that the bunnies would live in their backyard, which was fenced.  Mom said:  "Since when do bunnies obey chain link fences."  Sure enough, said bunnies remained pets for all of about two days and then moved in to our yard and quickly established a burrow under our back porch, which was a large slab of concrete.  They dug a large underground condominium and were quite content and thinking about adding a jacuzzi.

Now being half-wolf, I didn't know what to think of this.  Here I was living in the middle of Suburbia with two rabbits sharing my backyard.  Was I supposed to hunt them?  I wasn't particularly hungry as I self-regulated and my food bowl was always filled with Iams, as I could be trusted not to gorge myself.  I chose simply to ignore them, especially as I preferred to lay in the front yard and could pretend that perhaps they had moved on.

That worked for a time, but then one of the rabbits chose to torment me.  It became shall we say, species-confused.  As I lay contentedly sunning myself, watching the neighborhood from the hill that was my front yard, I suddenly realized that I was not alone.  I had a companion.  A companion who was laying next to me.  A rabbit laying next to me.  Picture one of those paintings where a lion and a lamb are painted lying next to eachother.  That was me and this %$#@ rabbit.  I would go outside and out of nowhere this rabbit would come and lay next to me.  This went on and on for weeks.  It became quite a lark, the neigbors would laugh as they would walk or drive by the house and see the great wolf-dog lying with his rabbit-companion.  I would just lay there helpless with this species-confused rodent laying next to me, wishing that I was out in the wild where I could just bite it's little head off.

Eventually the rabbit moved on and found other quarters and my torment was over.  I did hear that some weeks later a rabbit was found missing certain body parts but it wasn't my fault.  Really.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Squirrels on the Porch</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/274681</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:23:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/274681</guid>
		<description>In the last few weeks Squirrels, yes Squirrels! have taken to walking across our front porch.  When  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ In the last few weeks Squirrels, yes Squirrels! have taken to walking across our front porch.  When I was alive, no squirrel, no cat, no bird dared to pass into my territory.

That Upstart Mulligan is simply not equipped to handle the complexities of this suburban life.  To allow squirrels to wander at will under the very window ledges is without question an agregious act of neglect.

Perhaps Mom and Dad should hire another dog to protect the house, obviously this current dog is too busy eating grill pans, filching cereal boxes, and stealing candy from back packs.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Pathetic Pair</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/267876</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Feb 2007 10:09:43 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/267876</guid>
		<description>That Upstart Mulligan is truly Pathetic.  A bit of a cold spell has hit Cincinnati and all he can do ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ That Upstart Mulligan is truly Pathetic.  A bit of a cold spell has hit Cincinnati and all he can do is whine.  I, Samson, the Majestic Wolf Dog, LOVED the frigid air.  I would stay out for hours, revelling in the cold.

Today, Mom took Mulligan for a walk and his poor wittle pawsies kept getting iced up.  Mom had to stop about 20 times to de-ice him as he would start limping along.

Then Mom, who is still recovering from the Kennel Cough, starting hacking away in the cold air.

What a Pathetic Pair those two made, Mom hacking up hair balls, and then stopping every few feet to de-ice Mulligan's paws.  A 15 minute walk on this  brisk day took them hours.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Extreme chewing</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/260946</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Jan 2007 13:36:33 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/260946</guid>
		<description>Ah, my follower's recent consumption of the gas grill aluminum pan has reminded me of one of my yout ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ah, my follower's recent consumption of the gas grill aluminum pan has reminded me of one of my youthful acts of naughtiness.  Mulligan will never, or at least I hope for Mom's sake, be able to surpass me.

When I was a couple years old Mom had cable TV.  This was before DVR and TiVo, this was pretty basic.  The cable TV did have a remote and the cable TV could be programmed so that the Television would turn on a certain channel at the programmed time.  The VCR could be programmed to come on and record at the same time as well.  Mom used the Remote Control to record a movie that came on in the middle of the night.

I  then ate the Remote Control.  Oh, there were a few bits of it left, but it was no longer useful.  

At 2:30 am the TV came on.  This continued for several weeks as there was no way for Mom to de-program the cable box.  At precisely 2:30 every Tuesday morning the TV would come on and startle Mom awake.  Mom finally 'fessed up to the cable company and luckily enough, the cable system had been upgraded and Mom got a new remote for free.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Yes, someone HAD to bring it up.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/255302</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Jan 2007 14:30:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/255302</guid>
		<description>Please read the previous diary entry.  Then note that YES, one relative DID HAVE TO BRING UP SAID IN ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Please read the previous diary entry.  Then note that YES, one relative DID HAVE TO BRING UP SAID INCIDENT.  After Seventeen years, isn't it time to MOVE ON!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>It's been Seventeen years, can we let it rest, already?</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/245458</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:04:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/245458</guid>
		<description>It has been Seventeen years, but a few annoying relatives, not my Mom, of course, just can't forgive ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It has been Seventeen years, but a few annoying relatives, not my Mom, of course, just can't forgive and forget the time I peed on the Christmas Tree.

I plead extenuating circumstances.  First off, I was 3 years old, and this was my FOURTH Christmas.  I had NEVER PEED on a Christmas tree before.  I had never peed in the house, for that matter, since I became trained.

Now, this tragic Christmas, I claim undo emotional duress.  My first human brother had been born at the end of November.  For some insane reason Mom had driven, yes driven, from Fort Worth, Texas, all the way to Cincinnati.  But Mom, being the extreme safety person she is, had to stop every couple minutes to nurse the human cribling.  Yes, yes, in her defense, I suppose she couldn't do that and drive.  The normal 15 hour trip up to the MidWest took more like 20.  Add to that the fact that I was forced to lay in the back seat near that ungrateful brat's car seat.  Add to that the fact that in almost a month I had been up all night, all day, with the young pup's crying, crying, crying.

We finally arrived at our destination, in the wee dark hours of the morning.  The resident German Shepherd of the house was in no better spirits than I.  It seems another family sibling had also wielded forth a baby recently so that this poor dog had not slept in the days since that child had been visiting in that house. 

Instead of our usual casual greeting, this German Shepherd took one look at me and the unfortunate package (the baby brother) that I had brought.  She lunged at me to let me know that me and my newborn brother were simply more than she could bear.  I walked into the house past those fatal fangs and proceeded to pee on the tree.

I rest my case.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Birthday Cake</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/243399</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:38:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/243399</guid>
		<description>I would like the family's current dog, MULLIGAN, to know that I NEVER ATE MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY CAKE ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I would like the family's current dog, MULLIGAN, to know that I NEVER ATE MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY CAKE.

Checking the next dog's diary, it can be noted that TYLER NEVER ATE A BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY CAKE EITHER.

Mulligan, you should be ultimately ashamed and surely Santa Claus will not be moving your name over to the nice column any time soon.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Leashes back in the place of Honor</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/243301</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:21:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/243301</guid>
		<description>Mom and Dad have been remodeling the Utility Room.  I can't say I am sorry I have missed this!

My ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom and Dad have been remodeling the Utility Room.  I can't say I am sorry I have missed this!

My leash, and my follower, Tyler's, leash have hung in a place of honor since our respective passings.  I was a bit worried as for weeks, my poor leash lay on the floor of the foyer, as this project was worked on.

But I had naught to worry, as soon as the paint on the walls dried, my leash was re-installed on it's hook, right above where my food/water bowls used to be.  Yeah, they still have those too, and didn't "re-use" MY water and food bowls for following dogs.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Feasting on the Word of the Lord</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/234671</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:09:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/234671</guid>
		<description>Middle Brother received a Bible yesterday at Church in a simple, but special ceremony.  It reminded  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Middle Brother received a Bible yesterday at Church in a simple, but special ceremony.  It reminded Mom of the time she returned home from work and discovered that I had Feasted on the Word of the Lord.  Literally.

Yes, there was Mom's beautiful blue leather Bible, a gift from her brother and sister-in-law, strewn about the house, what was not inside of me, that is.  Gone were years of margin notes.  Gone were the memories of the times of trouble and of joy in which Mom had gone to those pages for comfort or to offer praise. 

Mom said she always wondered what would be my ultimate fate, after commiting such an ultimate, terrible act of youthful destruction.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Out with the Old</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/232341</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Nov 2006 09:59:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/232341</guid>
		<description>Out with Old, In with the New.  All the work I put into those rugs, all done, gone to &amp;*%$ in a hand ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Out with Old, In with the New.  All the work I put into those rugs, all done, gone to &*%$ in a hand basket.  Mom and Dad repainted and remodeled the family room and the kitchen.  They changed the rug in the family room and the one in the kitchen.  They originally bought those rugs FOR ME.  Yes, FOR ME.  When they moved into the current house I was over twelve and a half years old and the family room/kitchen area was all slippery hard wood.  My poor arthritic legs just had such a hard time walking on that hard wood floor that I took to staying in the carpeted living room.  Mom hated that so she bought a very nice rug for the family room and one for the kitchen area and voila! I could walk around pretty well again and be part of the family once more.  But as I aged, my continency slipped and those poor rugs bore the brunt of it.  Mom never complained.  She never scolded.  She just took out paper towels and other supplies and without an extra word the mess was gone.  After I was gone, Tyler came and the rugs were all broken in with my smells (despite the cleanings) and marked as my territory.

Now I guess that territory is gone.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Remodeling Woodwork</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/231472</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:16:53 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/231472</guid>
		<description>Dad is using all the wrong techniques.  Dad is removing all the baseboards and woodwork from the Uti ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dad is using all the wrong techniques.  Dad is removing all the baseboards and woodwork from the Utility Room today.  It is taking him quite a long time; he is quite inefficient at this job.  I, Samson, was the master at removing woodwork.  Oh, that I was still alive and could join him in this task!  In my puppy and young dog days I removed more baseboard and door frames than one can imagine.  I chewed, I scratched, I pawed.  Mom would come home from a day at work to find splinters all over the house.  Alas, now that my obsession could be put to some purposeful use I am stuck in this Urn on top of the filing cabinet.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>What a Reputation I Had</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/225594</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 29 Oct 2006 09:32:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/225594</guid>
		<description>This week Mom and Dad had to go up to Cleveland because my Dad's Father died, may his soul rest in p ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This week Mom and Dad had to go up to Cleveland because my Dad's Father died, may his soul rest in peace, and I look forward to letting him rub my butt when I meet up with him across the Bridge.

Lots of relatives gathered, of course, and Mom saw many she hadn't seen since the last large funeral back in 1993, which was the first and only time she had ever met some of these relatives.  I was quite a well-behaved dog and I used to travel to Cleveland with the family on all their trips.  There was a Cat named Micha living there but Micha and I had a pact to not bother each other. 

A number of the relatives who had only met Mom the one time Remembered Her as THE ONE WITH THE LARGE WOLF DOG!  That would of course be ME, SAMSON!  Mom had to relay that I had passed on but still, I obviously made quite an impact to be remembered for so long didn't I?!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Ashamed of Mulli of the MidWest</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/223252</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:33:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/223252</guid>
		<description>Hmph.  I am not happy with the dog who has taken Tyler's place.  Tyler took my place after I passed. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hmph.  I am not happy with the dog who has taken Tyler's place.  Tyler took my place after I passed.  After his passing, the torch was passed to Mulligan.  Mulligan needs to learn his place in this world.  I Loved, I Worshiped, I ADORED Mom.  I LOVED Dad.  I TOLERATED the two human brothers.  The littlest brother wasn't around yet.  I never tried to become Pack Leader.  I was quite happy letting Mom be Alpha.

Now, Mom is in quite agony because Mulligan has been trying to lengthen her left arm.  Her back is completely out of sorts because he simple refuses to enjoy the shared communion of a walk between kindred spirits.  Mulligan feels HE must be in the lead, and Mom must follow.  When Mom and I shared a walk, the leash was a bond we shared, as we communed on our journey.

But, alas, it is quite hard to get that thick-headed brute Mulligan to listen to me from over the Rainbow Bridge, he won't even listen to anyone still UNDER the Rainbow Bridge.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Puppy Ears</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/197438</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Aug 2006 07:09:47 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/197438</guid>
		<description>How could my Mother post that picture of me with ears like that!  Is there no dignity even in death! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ How could my Mother post that picture of me with ears like that!  Is there no dignity even in death!  We all had awkward phases in our lives and I would prefer to forget that emarassing stage when my ears would not cooperate.  First only one stood up for the longest time and I looked so silly.  Then the other ear stood up but the original ear flopped over.  Finally they both stood straight and tall.

After Mom passes and her ashes are also in a box on top of the filing cabinet then I shall I post stories of Mother's Awkward Middle School Years.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My Airport Story</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/193934</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:31:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Samson, the Beloved WolfDog ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/274681/diary/Samson_the_great_wall_of_dog/193934</guid>
		<description>Samson only flew one time, and with all the recent airport issues going on, I have been thinking abo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Samson only flew one time, and with all the recent airport issues going on, I have been thinking about it.  During Holidays 1986 Samson was living with me in Sacramento, CA.  He was around 7 months old and would have been quite large by then although still a pup.  For some reason I decided to bring him back to Cincinnati for the Holidays instead of kennel him.  First, he needed a very LARGE CRATE.  On the day of leaving, we went to the airport and the flights were all delayed by several hours all over the country.  We had been told by the vet to not feed or water Samson to make him more comfortable for the trip.  We finally boarded, Samson went willingly.  I don't remember how many legs we made, but our final lay over was at O'Hare in Chicago.  It was really crowded with Holiday travellers and our time to connection was very short due to all the flight delays.  I rushed and made it on the final leg to Cincinnati.

I arrived to Cincinnati and was greeted by my family and proceeded to baggage claim.  It was by then about 11 at night.  Many, many travellers bags had been lost, including mine, and NO SAMSON!

There was no one at baggage claim and we finally hunted someone down.  The poor baggage person was very tired and I kept insisting that I needed to know WHERE WAS SAMSON!  Finally, the baggage person realized I was not going to go away so he made some calls.

Samson was in the baggage handling area of the O'Hare Airport.  He had missed his connection.  I was able to talk to a very kind baggage handler who was not afraid of rather large wolf dogs who promised to take Samson out to go potty and also find some water and some food for him.  I am sure that Samson was forever indebted to that wonderful person.

The Cincinnati baggage handler then assured us, no problem, all baggage would be delivered to our homes by taxi the next day.  I kept trying to explain to him this was not regular baggage, this was a rather large dog in a rather large crate and I could not imagine a Taxi driver being pleased to have to make this kind of delivery.  He found out which flight Samson would be put on so we could be back at the airport.  I am thankful that the very tired baggage handler made all that extra effort for Samson.

The next morning my family drove back to the airport.  We waited patiently by the door where large boxes were wheeled out as we were told that the crate would be wheeled out on a cart.  Well, instead, poor Samson in his crate was put on the luggage conveyor belt -- the belt that goes round and around.  To this day I can see poor large Samson in his extra large crate going around and around on the luggage conveyor belt as we waited over by another area.  It was extremely funny.

Samson was VERY HAPPY to see me and get out of his crate. 

The trip back to Sacramento was without incident but I have never flown with another dog, not because of this, just because I have never had another opportunity to fly with a dog again.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

</channel>
</rss>

