Sweet, Sweet Sammy

by Tricia

November 25, 2001 - May 19, 2008

November 25, 2001 - May 19, 2008

Since the time I brought my little fawn and white boxer home at eight weeks of age, Samantha, “Sammy,” was the most loveable, loyal dog anyone could hope for. She was not a bit shy and was eager to please right from the start. She followed me everywhere. Even in the deepest of sleeps, if I got up to go into another room, she’d lift her droopy eyes, get on all fours and lumber right behind me.

She welcomed everyone into our home with the typical boxer “kidney bean” dance and an abundance of licks…. It was amazing how affectionate this dog was. She also helped me through some of life’s difficult times by just being there right beside me. She was so loyal and her ability to show affection just warmed my heart.

She couldn’t be in the same room without some form of physical contact, even if just resting her paw on my foot while we watched T.V. She was friendly to a fault. I’d often have to apologize to guests when Sammy would insist they pet her. She would go up to them and put her head right under their hand or make herself comfortable on their laps. She was literally a 70 pound lap dog. We would joke that she didn’t even realize she was a dog.

Sammy was my first baby for a full two years. Then we welcomed my daughter, Lily, into the family. The first night home from the hospital Sammy paced the halls all night. Her nails on the wood floors were heard for hours. I wish I could hear those nails clicking on the floor again. When Sam realized this new little person was there for good, she rested beside the cradle and her protectiveness settled in.

When our baby started cruising the furniture at 10 months old, she would often use Sammy as a stepping stool onto the couch. Sam didn’t mind a bit. She made sure the baby got to her destination safely then laid her head back down. She actually enjoyed the gentle poking and prodding of a curious little one. The two became best friends.

One of my favorite recent memories of Sammy and my daughter was when I looked outside in the back yard and saw the two sharing a bag of pretzels. My daughter was sitting on her bench holding the bag while Sammy sat right beside her with that tilted head that everyone who has a dog just adores; one pretzel for Lily and one for Sammy. She took her treats so tenderly out of the hands of a four-year-old.

The memories of the costumes we dressed her in, the bright red toe nail polish that adorned her claws, lying in the hammock with my husband and her uncanny ability to say “Mama” are also some of the things that bring a smile to my face. We are grateful to have so many more touching memories and stories about our Sam.

A few days before her sixth birthday, Sammy started exhibiting signs of a serious medical condition. She was passing out, refusing to eat, and coughing. After several tests she was diagnosed with advanced stages of heart disease. This was never detected in any of her regular vet. visits.

We found a combination of three heart medications that Sammy responded favorably to. The medications gave us another six months with her. She was put to sleep on Monday morning and will be missed tremendously. It’s so hard not feeling her presence and not seeing her in her favorite spot on the steps.

It will be quite a feat to find a friend as loyal and sweet as Sam. I actually wish I could yell at her again for getting into the garbage or for visiting our neighbors uninvited (although they loved her too and will be very upset when they hear the news). Sammy, you could never know how many lives you touched. You were loved very, very much and will be forever missed.

Comments for Sweet, Sweet Sammy

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I wish I had the courage to say how I feel
by: edwin

I am so sorry for your loss. If I could express my feelings for how I feel losing my beloved pet the way you have, I probably would not be feeling the hurt. But if I tried, I would probably cry for the next 3 days. It has been 5 weeks since Patron left us to be in heaven. Maybe with time I can resume a normal life.

Again, sorry for your great loss.

Sammy
by: Chrissy

Tricia,
I am so sorry to hear about Sammy. She was such a great loyal dog. I loved that when I came to visit no matter how well behaved she had been ...it all went out the door as she pranced through the house like a wild woman. This continued until she sat on my feet or my lap for that matter. It never bothered me. I like how she would prop her bone or toy so you would hold it for her if you liked it or not.

It is so strange that the dog you brought home shared a birthday with Jake, your godson. 11/25/01. Crazy coincidence.

I'll miss that crazy dance when I visit next time.

Love, Chrissy

Sammy
by: Anonymous

I have only ever owned one dog, Bouncer, who is currently 10 yrs old. We got him as a rescue when he was six and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had always wanted a dog and I am writing to let you know that I feel for you.

When it is years on, never forget Sammy, always let her continue to live in your heart, she will never leave your side.

The only fault of a dog is that their lives are too short. We all know that what was once a heart beat at your feet will always remain there.

Sammy
by: Jane

So sorry about your loss.

We lost 12 yr old Rottweiler Sammy (Sampson) in March. He sounds very similar in behavior to your Boxer. The pain gets better. I am still very sad and miss him beyond belief but I'm not overcome with grief the way I was the first few weeks. I find comfort in knowing that we will see them again at the Rainbow Bridge.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Rainbow Bridge
by: Mom

See you at the bridge, girl...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Sammy girl!
by: Jill

Tricia,
A very beautiful memorial to sweet Sammy...It truly is a heartbreaking loss for you and your family. She certainly will be missed by all who knew and cuddled her. Hang in there, sincere sympathy and much love, Jill

Beautiful dogs
by: Kevin Aubie

Tricia
Your story of Sammy touched me and brought me to tears because how you lost her sounds similar to my dog Mischief, though a different disease. I lost her a week ago today and I'm still trying to cope.

You're lucky to have family to help you through. It's amazing how a dog can touch one's heart and leave it so empty with their departure. It helps some to read stories of others who perhaps understand your loss. My grief is so intense it's unbearable, especially when I go to bed at night and when I awake and she's not there. I miss her soooo much. She was the light of my life and it's so hard to accept she's gone.

We can only be thankful for what we had I guess. If you'd like to read my memorial, here's the link.

https://www.dogquotations.com/my-big-beautiful-bear.html

I'm sorry for your loss.

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