Dogster

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My Life Story

Sam's Biography

December 1999, my husband took me to PetsMart. The Humane Society had there dogs on display & my husband was hoping to find me a dog. I had just lost my two dogs & was very sad.

I had no intention of getting another dog because I felt too sad to love another one. That did not last long.

Sam (then known as Patches) was showing so much love towards everyone that walked by & petted him. Right then & there I feel in love. I sat on the floor & didn't leave his side until they were ready to pack up.

We met the workers back at the Humane Society to sign papers & take our beloved pet home. He had already been neutered, so there was no wait.

Sam was 10 months old & had been at the shelter since he was 10 weeks. I don't know how he came to be a shelter dog - but at least I know he didn't spend much time out on the streets, or in an unloving home.

He was such a happy dog. I know he was well taken care of at the Humane Society. He gave his workers good bye kisses & readily welcomed his new family into his life.

Sam just knew that everyone who came to our home, came to visit him. Sometimes, I think he was right. Everyone loved him!

The only time I ever say him mad was when one of our other dogs would act ugly & try to fight with another dog. He would get in the middle because he didn't like them fighting. I was always afraid he would get hurt - but he was only protecting his family.

His pet "human" peeve was laying in the bed & having someone put their feet on him. For some reason, he absolutley hated feet. I often wondered if he was kicked as a puppy - or if he just didn't like being touched when he was sleepy. If we'd touch him with our feet at night, he'd huff & puff and then jump on the floor until we were asleep. Then he'd get back in the bed.

He loved running & jumping into anyone's arm - whether or not they were ready or on guard. More than once we've almost been knocked down because we weren't prepared.

One funny thing about Sam is he didn't like his feet getting wet. He hated having to go outside in the rain to "take care of business". I think I could've trained him to use the potty. LOL

Dec 31, 2003, we were having a get together for New Year's Eve. I had gotten home early to get ready, walk the dogs & get some rest before the evening began. Sam had went into the wooded area by ourself to tend to business, while I was out walking around. When he finished, he looked right into my eyes & came running as fast as he could towards me. I almost thought I had seem him smiling because he was so happy to see me. I know I was happy to see him. I think back now & wonder if he didn't know that would be one our last moments together.

We were all around the kitchen table talking, playing games, etc while waiting for the new year to come in. About 11 pm, Sam got up & started walking towards us. He appeared as if he couldn't breathe & I thought he was choking on a rawhide. He eventually wasn't able to stand & we got in the car and drove to the emergency hospital that was about 40 miles away. My husband is holding him & I'm driving 90+ miles an hour. I was not about to stop & told my husband if a cop gets behind me he better call 9-1-1 and let them know that I'm not stopping until we reach the hospital. God must have been protecting us that night because we didn't see one cop on the way there - until we were almost in the hospital's parking lot - and by then I had slowed down to pull in.

All the way there, Sam was moaning. I was constantly rubbing him & begging him to not die until we got the hospital. I just knew he wasn't going to make it, but I didn't want him to die until I could hold him.

We had already called the hospital & they were waiting when we got there. It wasn't long after before Sam was put to sleep. We were able to pet him & say good-bye. We took him home & buried him.

My heart was broken. I cried for 3 days straight - and often shed tears now when I think about him. I still miss him as much today as I did that night. I sometimes see his behavior in my other dog, Tanner. Tanner knew his brother was gone - and I know he was sad at first too. I wonder if dogs remember things like that?

We give every month to the Humane Society because what they do is wonderful. I will always get my pets from Shelters because these are the dogs that need love the most!

I want to thank everyone that adopts pets from shelters. These animals will truly bless your life.