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Monday, September 23, 2013

Dear Sam

Dear Sam,

I can't believe three days have passed since you left us.  Time has stopped for me, frozen to that single second I looked into your eyes and watched you take your last breath.  In that second I saw our life together, every beautiful minute that we were together.  I remembered you as a puppy, the day my Dad and I picked you up.  It was family tradition, my Dad and I picked out all the dogs we had. You were a Christmas gift from my parents.  You were from a large litter, 13 puppies if I remember right.  I'd pick up each puppy and lay them on their back, and play with them on the ground, just to see what personality each one had.  I picked you up and looked in your eyes and I saw the world. 
I knew right then you were mine.  I handed you to my Dad and you turned into ninja puppy.  I still remember Daddy holding you at arms length, trying to avoid being kicked, and asking me "Are you sure you want this one?"  I was never more sure of anything in my life.  I tried the puppy tests on you - I couldn't turn you over and you had no interest in interacting with the other puppies.  Less then a year later I lost my Dad - you were the last puppy he and I ever chose together.  Having you with me got me through that time.

You were so sure of yourself as a puppy, and so independent.  You were housebroken on the first try, but you failed obedience 3 times, dear Sam.  You were so unruly that the instructor asked us to never come back.  After that I never asked you to be obedient, I just asked you to be my friend, and you were so happy to comply.  Everything we did was just because it made us happy to be with each other.  You learned to pick things up and bring them to me - my wallet, other peoples wallets, and once a rabbit you caught in the yard.  I still remember the puzzled look in your eyes when you set him down at my feet and he took off.  You passed your CGC test without trying, with you as a senior we started agility, and then finally, you became a therapy dog.  All without knowing how to behave, and doing all just because you loved to make me happy.
Somewhere early on you decided that I truly was your person, and you and I were never far apart.  Nobody could take your leash and walk away with you - your job was to watch over me and you took it seriously.  You worried even when I went into another room.  You were my constant shadow.  At night you would wait for me in the hallway and walk with me to bed.  You'd be waiting for me when I got out of the shower.  During the day, I knew I could always see you in the camera, laying by the front door, waiting for me.

 I tried to make a list of all the major things you got me through.  You've been there for so many changes in my life:  losing my Dad, then my job shortly after, starting a new job, meeting and marrying Aaron, losing darling Cisco...  the list goes on.  The worst part?  I need you now Sam - I'm hurting so bad and this one time you aren't here.  I know you wouldn't have left if you had a choice - you never ever left me.
Sometimes you had bad days too.  You were a cancer survivor in your younger years.  All the medicine you took caused you to have a sensitive stomach.  You always felt better when Aaron and I were with you.  Do you remember the one time we busted you out of the vet's office?  You weren't getting any better and we knew you'd be fine once you got home.  We told them we'd drive you to the specialist for your catscan, we just never told them we wouldn't be bringing you back.

Everybody who ever met you commented on what a special boy you were.  You thought you were human most days.  You wanted very little to do with dogs, but were very happy sitting with us and watching other pups play.  You had a way of making people feel special, you'd lean against them and smile and they couldn't help but smile back.  It was hard to miss how different you were - you didn't like to sit on prickly grass, you'd sit on my shoe instead.  Or, if I was sitting on the grass, you'd sit in my lap.

I still smile when I remember the first time you saw yourself in a mirror.  You could not believe how good looking you were.  You would have stayed there all day looking at yourself.  That was also one of the two times I got to bring you into the office.  You were always so hopeful I could bring you back. 

Oh Sam, I wish I could write about everything that made you so special.  I'd write about how you hated baths and pools but loved lakes and rivers.  You were always ready for an adventure, but put up with me wanting to dress you.  You took photos so seriously and if I asked you to put something on, you did without any fuss.  You were a champion hat wearer, could sport a fine mustache, and nobody will ever wear the bee leg warmers like you did.
I'd write about how you always sat near me to comfort me when my head hurt or I had a bad day.  You seemed to always know that having you close was the best medicine of all.
I'd write about how you were a fine big brother for Monty, who misses you terribly.  He always took lead from you, now he isn't sure if he should bark at the garbage truck or not, or go outside or stay inside.  He is stressed without you.  I think he thinks we left you somewhere.
Harlow is confused too.  She knows I'm sad and is trying hard to cheer me up.  She doesn't understand why Monty isn't interested in playing right now.
I hope you can hear me, Sammish.  I still talk to you like I always did.  I'm glad we have all the memories of you and how wonderful you were.  Aaron and I will keep the blog going for you, and continue to tell the stories of Harlow and Monty, and share memories of you. 

Sam, above all, please know I love you, and will never stop loving you. 

98 comments:

  1. Such a heartfelt and moving message to a very special lad. I have a blurry screen now, sending you all hugs n love

    Momma Tea ( Da K Krews Momster )

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  2. So sorry you are hurting. Thinking of you.

    Keep talking, he's listening.

    Thank you for sharing about Sam.

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  3. Such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your lovely boy. So much love...

    Holding you in our hearts through this terrible time.

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  4. Beautiful, truly beautiful. I cannot shut of my tears now, as I'm sure you have not been able to do since you said goodbye. Sam was a lucky dog (and vice versa)! A TRUE best friend.

    I am approaching the one year anniversary of losing my golden girl, Bailey. It's still so painful, she is missed so much. Somedays, I swear I can still hear her toenails running on our courtyard and my heart does pitter patters. Then reality smacks me in the face and I relive our final goodbye. :(

    Hugs to you. I look forward to reading about Monty and Harlow's adventures. Sam's memory will live on FOREVER.

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  5. Such a beautiful tribute to a very well loved dog.

    I know how badly it hurts.

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  6. To tell you that I'm sorry about the loss of your precious beautiful boy doesn't seem like enough. But I am so, so very sorry. You've written a beautiful and touching tribute to a dog that I felt like I knew because of you. Your lives were intertwined together and I've no doubt whatsoever that will always be how it is. He knows the loss you are feeling, and I've no doubt feels it too. I so hope you find comfort in your wonderful memories of a life well lived, and in knowing that he's not that far away because he lives on in your heart and those memories that can never be taken away.

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  7. What a beauitful tribute and message to your sweet boy Sam. Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts and sending you hugs. The HoundDogs and Mom

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  8. What a beautiful tribute to such a special boy. Christine, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings as you share the Sam with us... Through your adoring eyes, Sam came to life for us many years ago... We adore him, too.

    One things is for sure... Sam has never yet left your side. He will always be there. He has taught you the great lessons in life, and he will live on forever in that way.

    We send you love. Lots of it.

    Little Reufus and the Mom

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  9. Beautifully said, Christine. And I am sure that Sam hears you ans is still here for you....as are we all.

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  10. Beautifully said, Christine. And I am sure that Sam hears you ans is still here for you....as are we all.

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  11. A very incredible tribute to an incredible dog. Sam, you are missed as much as you were loved.

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  12. What an absolutely fantastic, heart-wrenching post. I KNOW Sam hears you and loves you as much as you love him.

    -Dr. Liz and Family

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  13. There is no doubt in my mind or my heart that he can hear you. Keep talking to him. He'll do what he always did and comfort you, even if he can't be there physically to do it.

    I'm just so very heartbroken for you that you've lost your dear boy. What a wonderful life he had with you. And how lucky you were to have had him.

    Hugs and Love,
    MayzieMom

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  14. Sam is in your heart and will always be with you.
    I can see him looking in the mirror and sayin "hubba hubba" . Your memories are wonderful and thanks for letting us in. Oh Sam. You will be missed. Missed alot.

    Norwood and debi

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  15. I just saw the post where you lost Sam. I'm so very sorry. I know how painful it must be. Sam was so special and I just want to thank you for sharing bits of his life with us. This was an amazing tribute and it brought tears to my eyes. I'm sending you cyber hugs. Blueberry is sending you gentle licks.

    Praying you all get through this tough time without Sam.

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  16. We knew we would cry -

    Yet we chose to read it anyway -

    Just as we know how it will turn out when we bring them home and into our lives and hearts -

    Yet we choose to do it anyway -

    As I reminded Auntie Di last night, HEART DOGS provide us the love to bring others in -

    They've made the spot even larger -or GReater - for more canines LOVE -

    It so sounds like Angel Sam and Angel Merdie were cut from the same young stock as her early days included NO ONE wanted to watch her -

    Can you imagine THAT?

    Dear Sweet Merdie ;-) ?

    Once again, thanks for sharing your boy with us -

    And we thank him for sharing YOU with us as well -

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra's Mom
    P.S. Thanks for letting him ride along on his first transport - he handled those challenging Labradorks quite well!

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  17. What a beautiful post and tribute to your best bud. My screen is all blurry as I try to type through tears... we are going through a rough patch (again) with Zeus and I can't help but feel your pain and heartache, all too close to home.

    He hears you... and he'll always be there with you. Hugs.

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  18. I am heartbroken for you. Love is forever. Thank you for sharing your grief and love for Sam.

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  19. Ouw teaws awe messing up the scween..i'm licking Mommi's off and she's wiping mine..that was such a bootiful stowy of yoow life wif yoow speshul boy Sam...yoow connecshun can not be bwoken by life ow death..he will aways be thewr...in yoow heawt and pawt of yoo..i know he had a speshul weoonion wif yoow Fathew too.

    Smoochie kisses
    Asta and Mommi

    BELIEVE

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  20. Ouw teaws awe messing up the scween..i'm licking Mommi's off and she's wiping mine..that was such a bootiful stowy of yoow life wif yoow speshul boy Sam...yoow connecshun can not be bwoken by life ow death..he will aways be thewr...in yoow heawt and pawt of yoo..i know he had a speshul weoonion wif yoow Fathew too.

    Smoochie kisses
    Asta and Mommi

    BELIEVE

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  21. Sam would have been so proud of such a beautifully written loving tribute.
    Lots of love X X X

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  22. What a beautiful tribute! Sam clearly was so special and you both lived his life and your love for one another to the full. So much of what you say makes me think of my Tommy who will also, one day, make the same journey and leave me bereft. But I know that he, just like Sam, will always be there with me, still shadowing my every step and making me feel his love for me. Monty will grow into a big boy and harlow will love you to pieces. Sam's greatest legacy is all the love he leaves behind.

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  23. Your words are beautiful, and it is obvious that Sam had a lovely and fulfilling life. I am very sorry that Sam is no longer here - we will miss him terribly!

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  24. A very heartfelt letter. I can so relate to your pain, which, like your love for Sam, is tangible.
    What a wonderful life you had with Sam.

    I am truly so sorry.

    xxx

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  25. Beautiful. Hugs to you.

    Sam was one of a kind.

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  26. Such a beautiful tribute. So very, very sorry for your loss.

    Daniela (Shawnee's mom)

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  27. Sweet dreams and rest well, Mr Sam. May your new journeys be filled with adventures full of treats, lickissies and lots of love. Safe travels, big guy.

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  28. What an amazing life you had together. We should all be so lucky.
    I have a blurry screen too.
    Xx

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  29. Our mom can hardly see through her tears to type. What a beautiful tribute to one very special boy. You have so many wonderful memories. One day, you will be able to smile.

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  30. My heart hurts with you. We are about to loose one of our babies. Things will be so different...and in a way, empty in a house full of dogs.

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  31. Such a heartfelt post for such a special pup. Thank you for sharing him with us. He was so well-loved by many.

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  32. Sam is still watching over you, all the time, everywhere. His love is still with you, and always will be.

    I feel your pain, and I wish I could help but I know that I can't.

    I've had one dog who watched over me like Sam watched over you, and it was K. Today is her birthday. She would've been ten. It's been more than a year since she died, and I am crying still. I still see her and talk to her every day. I also feel the love that she imprinted on my heart.

    I hope that you can feel Sam's love, today and forever.

    Your friend,
    KB

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  33. Sam sounds like a wonderful dog. A bit like my Buddy. I know you miss Sam terribly. It's so hard to let them go.

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  34. What a truly beautiful tribute. You are in my thoughts. I am so truly sorry for your loss.
    ~Maggie (Milly and Shelby's Mom)

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  35. What a beautiful tribute to a special dog. Know that Sam is still there for you, watching you, guarding you. You will see it in signs over the coming days, weeks, and years.

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  36. Christine, your sweet love letter broke my heart and is such a beautiful remembrance of your precious Sam. I know the days ahead probably won't get easier for some time, but I know Sam wants you to be happy. We will always love and remember your sweet boy too, and wish you comfort as you try to cope with such a great loss. All my love to you, Farley and Newton's Mom

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  37. We're right there with you, having lost our Jake, as you know, just a few days before Sam.

    How interesting though to read about Sam and his loyalty and perfect love. Somehow our terriers are a bit different and one never knows when they will take off. But Jake, no, he was always there on my lap, or at my feet, or under the dining room table as my husband was working.

    We love them so. I know that everyone grieves in his own way, but when it comes to our dogs, I think we all understand that awful physical pain for a creature we loved so intensely.

    Joan and Just Harry in memory of Angel Jake

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  38. Thanks for sharing Sam with us and the pain of your loss. I hope Monty and and Harlow can help fill the void Sam has left. As others have said, Sam is not far. You will see him everywhere.

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  39. You have so many beautiful memories of Sam and your life together. Memories never leave and Sam will always be right there with you...safe in your heart.

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  40. Beautiful tribute. I know Sam has never left you. He will always be watching you from high above. I pray you'll pull through this tough time.

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  41. They always leave us too soon! My deepest condolences on the loss of Sam. May Sam run free at The Bridge until you find each other again.

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  42. What a heartfelt message to your beloved Sam. I know the pain of the loss of a pet, and I know it feels like you will never really be able to breathe again. While there will always be a dull ache in your heart where Sam lives, know it does get better. Thinking of you. Hailey and Zaphod's Lady (the Lady of the late and great Loki and Gemini)

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  43. Such a loving tribute for Sam. He had a wonderful life and will always be by your side.

    A Loan From God

    God promised at the birth of time, a special friend to give,
    His time on earth is short, he said, so love him while he lives.

    It may be six or seven years, or twelve or then sixteen,
    but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

    A wagging tail and cold wet nose, and silken velvet ears,
    a heart as big as all outdoors, to love you through the years.

    His puppy ways will gladden you, and antics bring a smile,
    as guardian or friend he will, be loyal all the while.

    He will bring his charms to grace your life, and though his stay be brief,
    when he's gone the memories, are solace for your grief.

    I cannot promises he will stay, since all from earth return,
    but lessons only a dog can teach, I want you each to learn.

    Whatever love you give to him, returns in triple measure,
    follow his lead and gain a life, brim full of simple pleasure.

    Enjoy each day as it comes, allow your heart to guide,
    be loyal and steadfast in love, as the dog there by your side.

    Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
    nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

    I fancy each of us would say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
    for all the joy this day shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run."

    "We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
    and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay."

    "But shall the angels call for him, much sooner than we've planned,
    we'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand."

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  44. Mom says simply she understands. So very beautifully expressed - but that's what love is all about.

    Hugs and Woos from all of us.

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  45. Such love the two of you shared. I know Sam is still right with you. MOM and I are still holding you close to our hearts and prayers.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  46. What a beautiful tribute! There are just never enough days, hours or minutes. Sam was a beautiful spirit, and he obviously knew that the two of you were meant to be together, just like you did! Please know that we are thinking of you and sending you all our healing thoughts. I know it isn't easy.

    Bunny's mom

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  47. Beautiful tribute

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  48. What a beautiful letter to Sam. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you positive vibes.

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  49. Like every other pup and person who commented above...this was a beautiful letter and tribute to an amazing pup and best friend!! I'm sure that he misses you as much as you miss him! Licks and love to you all!! :-(

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  50. Tears in our eyes right now. We have no words but to say we feel your pain. Precious memories are a gift but come with such hurt. Heal my sweet and remember your wonderful boy with a smile and a tear.
    Best wishes Molly

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  51. A beautiful tribute to one incredibly special boy. We knew you had an endearing relationship when we met you and Sam last spring - have the leaky eyes... Sending a zillion hugs your way
    Xxxxxxxx
    Sammie and Ava and parents

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  52. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Sam - tears running down my cheeks as I read it.

    May his memories be with you always. Sending hugs your way.

    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  53. What a beautiful letter. I lost my heart dog 7 years ago, and I still can't write more than two sentences about him. I could sense him in our home for years after he passed, and I still sometimes "feel" him. Keep talking....he hears.

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  54. So difficult to say anything at the moment....hugs sent.

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  55. What a beautiful tribute for Sam. Sending you hugs.

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  56. What a beautiful tribute for Sam. Sending you hugs.

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  57. That is a beautiful tribute to Sam. I can't stop crying for you. I know you loved him very much and he will always be your special boy.
    Hugs to you.

    YD & June

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  58. My heart goes out to you. Sam was blessed to have you in his life too. He will always be watching over you. Prayers and hugs to you.
    Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

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  59. Sam's life with you was amazing from beginning to end. I love that you and your dad chose him together (and that you followed your heart rather than the results of the puppy testing). What a unique and special being Sam was! Thank you for sharing these stories--though they really bring home the enormity of your loss. Sending you hugs and sympathy.

    Susan and Wrigs

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  60. Oh this is so so beautiful. The love you had for Sam and his love for you shines through in your writing. We can only send our love and gentle hugs. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
    No worries, and love, Carol and Stella and Rory

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  61. Your tribute to Sam is beautiful, just like he was. He always made us smile. We're so sorry for your loss. Sam will always be with you.
    Sending our deepest condolences.

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  62. Can I call you?? My email address is fern.reed@gmail.com
    RIP Sweet Sam!!

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  63. Beautiful tribute. Makes me relive once again the pain of losing our two dogs over the years. The Golden Girls have had lots of extra loving these past few days.

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  64. Beautifully, beautifully said.
    I could tell the minute I saw you two together.
    Such a beautiful boy.
    Fly free Sam.
    Yer Mom misses you.

    He'll let you know he arrived safely.

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  65. Thanks for sharing yours and Sam's story what an awesome friendship y'all had and again so sorry for you loss. We'll keep you in our prayers.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  66. Beautiful. Lots of Precious memories of SAM. Sending you Lots of Golden LOVE, Sugar n mom

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  67. What a beautiful tribute to a special dog as Sam. I am sure he is still watching over you from above.

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  68. This was a great tribute to Sam!!! You must have cried a river writing it!!! I did while reding it. I did when Zoie left too!!!!
    I would love to talk to you and would love to call you!!!
    Things will get better in a few years!!! Maybe!!!!!!!!!!!

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  69. Dear Christine,

    I told mommy not to read this before she left the house. It brought tears to her eyes.

    Much love from all of us. We are thinking of you and are sending all our love and prayers.

    Woofs & huggies, <3

    ~Bailey & family

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  70. Dropping off some woofs & huggies for you. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! <3

    ~Bailey & family

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  71. We are so sorry for your loss. We know too well how much it hurts when you lose a friend like Sam. x

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  72. I can not tell you enough how sorry we all are here in Blogland!!
    I so would like to call you!!!

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  73. Just a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss xxx

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  74. Just popping by to let you know I was thinking of you. And of my friend Sam too. Hope you are doing well.

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  75. †hank you for popping over to visit our blog and leaving your message. It was much appreciated.
    Hope you are doing OK.
    Wonder if Bailey has got Sam to disappear chasing deer..........!
    Much love xx

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  76. We are so very sorry to hear about your beloved Sam.

    We are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  77. I just re-read this post and had to chuckle a bit at the part about Sam seeing himself in the mirror! I can just imagine he was thinking "I am one HOT DOG!!" ;) It also reminded me of the first time Chloe and Riley saw themselves in a mirror.

    Chloe saw herself in the mirror one time when we were doing some home improvement projects. We had a mirror (with no frame) sitting on the floor. She saw the "other dog" in the mirror and started barking at it and wagging her tail--she wanted to play! It was one of the first times we ever heard Chloe bark. The first year we had her, she didn't bark a single time.

    Riley's first time seeing herself in a mirror was when I took her 2 years ago to have some professional pictures done of her. It was in a local photographer's small studio, and we had locked the front door just to be sure no one would accidentally open it while Riley was off-leash and she couldn't run out into the street. Anyway, Riley had the freedom to explore the little studio while the photographer and I were deciding what shots we wanted to get, what backgrounds to use, etc. We both laughed when we looked over at Riley, because she was happily sniffing around (in a hurry, as usual), and then she caught her reflection in the mirror. She sort of jumped at first like "Oh, I didn't know there was going to be another dog here! I thought it was going to be all about me! What a shame!" Then she realized it was just herself in the mirror and she did exactly what Sam did...sort of "admired" her own beauty! :)

    Elyse and Riley

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  78. This is such a beautiful and so sad and happy and special post all about your heart dog that will never change either!! So beautiful!!!

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  79. So sorry for your loss. Tears in my eyes and I don't even know you or Sam, but I sure do love my dog and I can see how much you loved yours. A wonderful tribute and you will hang on to wonderful memories.

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  80. hello evrybuddy its dennis the vizsla dog hay this is a grayt tribyoot and memoryal of owr frend sam he wuz a verry speshul dog and obviusly a verry big part of evrywuns life!!! i no he is running free over the rainbow bridj now but i am shoor he wishes just like the rest of us that us dogs cud hav more time heer with owr hyoomans!!! ok bye

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  81. A great and honorable post. I can't believe you were one of the first pet blogs I started reading and that we lost our babies within a week. So strange. I'm shocked. I wish I had had a digital camera or just taken more pics of Lucy those first few months in 2003. They change so fast. Give Monty and Harlow a hug.

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  82. Oh, I'm so sorry. When I didn't see Sam's name on your comment over at my blog I knew you must have lost him while I was out of the country.

    You've written a beautiful tribute to your wonderful boy. I know your heart is aching. I hope the blessing of having loved such a wonderful dog eases your pain even a little bit.

    I'll be thinking of you and your family.

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  83. Such a beautiful memorial to a beautiful spirit. So devastating to lose a beloved friend. Hugs from all of us--

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  84. WE had a coon cat that weighted 22 lbs and I thought that was a big cat!!
    24 lbs is healthy!!! LOL
    Hope you are doing a tiny bit better!! I know it is going to take a long time!!

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  85. Thinking of you. Dropping off some woofs and huggies. <3

    ~Bailey & Nala (Yep, we're girls!)

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  86. Hi everybody!!
    Hope you can find some joy this coming week-end!!

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  87. Hi Y'all,

    What a beautiful eulogy. Wish we could ease your pain for you.

    Sam, we join all of your many Blogville friends saying we miss you.

    Monty, Harlow, hope your pain and confusion eases soon.

    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  88. Such a wonderful tribute to Sam and your loving relationship. My heart goes out to you in your loss.

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  89. Oh No we have just heard. We are so so sorry and our hearts are with you all. Sam was one of our early bloggin pals.. I can't put into words what we feel just know we are thinking of you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  90. This was such a beautiful, beautiful post - even though it made me cry - what an amazing lifetime of memories. I can't really think of anything else to say - nothign really seems adequate - just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, Christine.

    Hsin-Yi

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  91. Oh my gosh, I am so sorry I am so late sending my healing wishes for you and for Sam. What a beautiful soul ...sending you lots of healing wishes and prayers.

    Thank you for sharing dear Sam with us ...run free, Sam.

    Kristin & Pip

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  92. It took me a while to come read this because I knew it would make me cry and it did. I'm so, so sorry he's gone. He truly was a very special dog. I can't imagine the pain you are in. I know Sam hears you and loves you. Hang in there.

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  93. This was such a beautiful tribute, I'm fighting back tears. I'm fairly new to your blog, and while all dogs are precious to us, I had no idea just how special your Sam was. Thank you for sharing his spirit with all of us, especially at what I'm sure is such a difficult time. May he rest in peace, and always be a joy in your memory.

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  94. i was looking for sam's sweet face on your recent posts and didn't see him. now i know, and i am so, so very sorry. what a soulful boy your sam was and will always be. i used to think that it was impossible to adequately express in words just how much our dogs mean to us, but i stand corrected after having read this post. there was no doubt in my mind how much you love sam, but now i feel that connection right along with you. run free, handsome sam. you have made your mama so very proud.

    *hugs*
    the booker man and asa's mama

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  95. Hi, Since our boys left us so close in time, I was thinking about you as the two-month anniversary passed by and wanted to stop by to say hello. I'm glad I did because I found the beautiful tribute you wrote about Sam, and smiled at all the joy he brought you.

    I hope they've found each other at the bridge. Terriers have a lot to learn from retrievers and vice versa!

    With love and a wirey woof, Joan and Just Harry

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  96. I hope I don't make too many typos in this post; I'm trying to see through "mega" tears after reading such a beautiful tribute to your precious Sam. It's the first time I saw the tribute, and my heart hurts for you.

    It reminds me of when my husband and I had to let our sweet Bandit take the journey to Rainbow Bridge. He'd been treated for cancer for 3 months, but the cancer was too far advanced. Even our vet cried with us.

    All too soon now, we'll be facing our 3 precious dogs taking that journey. They're siblings and are 14 1/2 years old; their health is failing, each with a different problem. :( We love them all so much, each one different as they are individuals.

    Mattie, the "alpha" sister, appointed herself my guardian! In fact, she loves me so much, it hurts. If I run out for a short period of time even, my husband says she still sits at the door and does the occasional, "when's mommy coming home" whine. :(

    We have to be careful who watches them when/if we have to go out of town because Mattie flat out does not eat while I'm gone! We had to resort to getting a carrier and taking her with us on a plane when we had to go back east when my grandma passed away. Of course, she was so much comfort to me that I didn't mind. :)

    Comrade, Chloe, and Mattie all helped me through when my mom passed away. In fact, they've helped me through SO many life situations, it would take a million pages to describe. Suffice it to say I don't have any idea what I will do when the time comes.....I battle within my head daily about how to handle this. Do I wait until all 3 need to cross the bridge so they journey together, or "as each one" needs/should go? There's no win in any way it happens. :(

    I wish our dogs could live longer. Your precious, beautiful, sweet Sam is still with you in your heart and soul; I can feel that in your "filled with emotion" tribute to him!! Even though I never met him, I almost feel as though as I know him, and that's from how beautifully you described his love, loyalty and dedication he had for you.

    I hope you find comfort in knowing Sam had a wonderful life being loved by you!!!!! xoxo

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