The Life of a Dog: Sam's posts from 8/26/04 through 10/5/05
This blog is by Sam, the beautiful all-black German Shepherd Dog. Nearly 300 posts chronicle his life from the day he was rescued from the Humane Society, to the day he took his final nap, a period of 13 1/2 months. Most entries are written by Sam himself; a few are written by his pet guardian.
Sam the beautiful all-black German Shepherd Dog on 2/5/05
Sam in his personal heaven. Thanks to China and her human for creating this portrait. (Click on the picture to make it larger.)
Remembrance of Sammy by Tami from the DM list. (Click on picture to make it larger.)
posted by Sam the black GSD @ 8:18 PM
19 Comments:
Awww, what a great portrait of Sammy in heaven! I'm glad there are lots of nice ripe bananas!
Cynthia, the two-legged one and I wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to you and also our deepest admiration. You were such a superb Mom to Sammy. He was truly blessed when you came into his life and it was wonderful to realize through reading Sammy's blog that he returned that blessing many times over. Our purrayers will remain with you and Elsa and the rest of your fur family.
Rest in Peace, Sammy. You taught us a lot about how to live in dignity. Our hearts go out to Cynthia and Elsa, Buffy and the rest of your animal family.
Pimm & Family
I wrote something for Sammy. Please stop by. You may just see him again in my story.
Chow, Heidi
A friend recently came across this beautiful poem when it was time to make this decision for her 20 year old cat. I thought it might help you with your sorrow.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-- Unknown
what a beautiful, and fitting tribute. i am just sorry i didnt find Sammy to visit earlier.
Good night sweet Sam... We say our purrayers for Sam's family.
BTW... our Mom said that Sam couldn't have asked for a better human companion...
Good night sweet prince, may flights of angels lead you to your rest!
I just found your blog today. Hugs to Sammy's mom and family. My family lost our beautiful girl, Kia, a lovely black-and-tan German Shepard on 10/6/2005. I didn't think the pain of losing my best friend would be so great. Like Sammy, Kia was the bestest German Shepard.
Diana
Hi Sammy's Mom,
Freda and I are putting together a Dog Blog Calendar, and we would like for Sammy to be in it. We want the proceeds of the sale of the calendar to go to an animal charity - you can vote for one of 3 animal charities to get the proceeds, just come to my blog.
Indy
Hello, Sam's mom - come to my blog and find out about the Dog Blog Calendar! We want to include Sammy!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, both furry and otherwise. =^..^=
XXXOOO
The Whippy Curly Tails in the Toasty South!
Thanks for your encouragement and stopping by! God bless you richly! Baron the loving oldtimer gsd <><
Hey Sam! Oh gawsh! It's great to find a german shepherd who blogs! =) I'm Ninja, and I was wondering if you'd like to be 'internet pals'! Please visit my site, and I'll link you back & you can link me (if you wish. I hope we become great pals.
Sorry, I wasn't finished reading the entry. It's sad to hear that you died. You'll still be my pal ven though you left me to the raindbow bridge. R.I.P buddy.
Enjoyed reading the blog and seeing the pictures of your beautiful GSD, Sam.
I have had four wonder GSDs share my life and now with no. 5, Shaka. His life was like Sams in that he was about to be put to sleep at a shelter, but was luckily rescued by a lady who takes in GSDs and anything that resembles one.
(His owner had died and he would not let anyone in the house including the police. So, they shot him with a tranquilizer and took him to the shelter. He was considered a "mean, will bite" dog.)
I heard about him through the GSD Rescue of VA, was interviewed by him, and adopted him soon thereafter.
He is a wonderful companion and has traveled up and down the east coast. He and I have had many interesting
experiences in the woods. Two summers ago, he and I saw a mother bear with two cubs while hiking in the GW National Forest. He was quiet and we just watched for several minutes from a safe distance. I have a cabin that borders the GWNF where we spend about four days each month. The rest of the time I take him for hikes in my neighbor's woods or along the old tow path next to the Potomac River, near where we live full time.
My most recent previous GSDs were Tyler and Striker. Like your guy, Striker developed DM during the last six months of his life. While he lost the ability to walk, he pulled himself around with his hind legs. I "tail walked" him to take him out as he would have nothing to do with any type of harness or support. In early Novermber 2003, he was developed lymphatic cancer. Since he was already disabled, I could not see giving him chemo. I took him for his last trip to the GWNF and the cabin on Thanksgiving weekend. He slept beside me as he always did. I took him into the forest and drove past a beautiful lake. I told him to enjoy looking at the lake as it would be his last visit. After passing the lake, I drove down an old logging road that I frequented. I got him out of the truck so he could smell the leaves and pine needles. After a while, I helped him back in the truck, we drove past the lake for the last time and back to the cabin. At the place where he touched the forest for the final time, I attached a memorial to a pine tree. It includes his picture, his name, the date of his last visit. I stop by this place every time I'm there as I call it "Striker's Place". He had to be put down the first week of December as the cancer had caused him to use the use of his front legs too. He was only 8.5 years old.
His big brother Tyler, 125 lbs., was with me for about 9.5 years. He had a tremendous bark that really got people's attention.
Unfortunately, as his vet pointed out, being the largest size in a breed is not conducive to long life. Tyler died suddenly of an intestinal infection 3 years ago this weekend, Labor Day 2003. All of my GSDs have been cremented and their ashes are in nice wooden boxes in the sunroom. Tyler's is the biggest box since he was the biggest GSD.
I do hope that by now you have a new GSD in your life. I was certainly very lonely between the time Striker departed and Shaka joined me. They are all wonderful companions.
81 Trekker
Hi Cynthia,
Have only just come across Sam's blog. I was very moved by his story and he must have been a great dog.
He was really lucky to have had you.
God bless...
Cleo
My all black German Shepherd Ko looks just like your baby.
Her blog is here
Cheers!
Ky
Hi,
I came across your blog today by chance and I am really touched by your Sammy. He seemed truly blessed to have such a wonderful owner.
He is a beautiful boy, god speed Sammy!
Best wishes,
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