My dearest Sampson,
You will always be so very special to me. You were more than just a “dog,” you were a friend. Aside from having other pets before you, you were mine. The best $50 I ever spent. I brought you home on Mother’s Day 2001. I’m not so sure my mother was happy about you that day, but I know that you have brought so much joy to me and to our family for the past 10 years. No regrets here.
I was so proud picking you up from Lisa Jackson’s mom’s place. The runt. The little jet-black, size-of-my-palm little guy. Not big as a minute. Taking you up to Hams and showing you off. I’ve known you as long as most of my friends from Hams…and you’ve been a better friend to me than most of them. You were there for me through my transition from college. Such a dark time for me, a deep, depressing and confusing time for me. As silly as it sounds, I could talk to you about anything – things that other people were tired of hearing or just didn’t want to hear. You were there through a lot of heartbreak, and I thank you for that.
You were an awesome judge of character. You liked people, for the most part, but the duds…you spotted them a mile away. I can think of about 5 people right off the bat that you just did not like…and they didn’t stick around long. They never stood a chance. With that said, I’m so glad you felt so fondly of Asher. He loves you so much. And I’m over-the-moon you were able to meet Sophie and that she was able to get to know you. Although we were afraid you might snap at her due to your “old age” and your sickness, I knew you wouldn’t do that to her. You knew she was mine and you knew she was good.
There’s no doubt that Dad gave you a hard time. He complained about you, you know that. But it’s only because you pissed in the floor…and according to him, dragged your thing across the floor all the time. He didn’t care. Those were shallow threats. That big man loved you, more than he’ll ever admit. You guys had your own relationship, much of which I was not around for…but I know that it was strong and that Dad is hurting.
Mom was, well, she was your mom. She fed and watered you. Took you out each day. Made sure you were well and if you weren’t she would see to it that you got the attention you needed. She will love you forever, SamSam. There are not enough words.
You have been with us for a long time now. Next year would be eleven years. That is 1/3 of my life. That’s a big part. You’ve been part of half of Katie’s life. She was 12 when you came home with me. So that’s saying a lot. That is a significant and important time to be part of someone’s life, throughout all of their teenage years. Escorting them into thirteen and being around when they creep into their twenties. What a proud dog you must be. You’ve been around and seen a lot. You mean the world to Katie, just know that. And there is no doubt on this earth that she loves you with all her heart. She’s seeing to it that you no longer suffer, Sam. That’s worth its weight in gold.
Don’t worry about Delilah, man. She’ll be alright. She will regret never really giving you a chance…if I were a dog; I would have jumped at the chance, even if you are a little short. I’m sure it will not be easy for her to adjust at first, but she, like the rest of us, is just glad to know that you will no longer be suffering. She’ll hold down the fort and protect us all…
Your breath was worse than the worst rotten-fish smell. So bad that it was a running joke. I think you were okay with it. As a matter-of-fact, I think you got a kick out of blowing it in people’s faces. What a jokester. You are such a loving and protective dog. I just can’t find enough words to express the feelings that I’m having right now. You’re the best.
I have so many fond memories of you, Sam. You will never, you can’t possibly ever know the love I have for you. I’m having a harder time dealing with this than I’ve had with most of the family that I have had pass. We come from a family where it’s no secret that we love animals. You were an exceptional pet.
Please tell everyone that we said, “hello.” You’ve got a good group waiting for you, bud. You’ll see. You’ve got nothing to fear. I just hope that you’ll continue to love us that you’ll never forget us. We’ll meet again one of these days.
To my Sam, with love.