[Sammies Dad]

Dear Sammie,

The house is so very quiet. You’ve only been gone a few hours; your time here in this life has come to an end. We see your little beds still scattered throughout the house where you’ve spent so many hours by our side. And although we can almost hear your little paws scampering across the floor, we know that isn’t possible. The void is so sad and overwhelming. Our 17 year journey together is over, and what a beautiful journey it has been.

What a cruel twist of fate that the last loving and compassionate act toward you was to have to make the decision to end your life, a life of such joy and love. While our minds know it was the right thing to do for your sake, it feels as though our hearts will never stop crying for having done so.

We were empty nesters when you came into our lives as a little puppy. Mom and I were so excited preparing for your arrival, picking out your crate, some toys, a little blanket. When we arrived home and you hopped through the door for the very first time, you looked up at us as though to say, “I’m so happy to be home.” And over the years we worked so very hard to give you a good and loving life, a life you deserved.

Through the years you became quite a character. It’s almost impossible to try to describe you; there just aren’t enough adjectives to be able to do it. Fun, funny, gentle, quirky, rambunctious, independent, gung-ho, silly, sweet, scrappy (all in good fun), curious, intense, feisty, happy, jaunty, tender, a rascal, and so full of love and life are but a few. You lived every day with such enthusiasm and gusto. What a boy!

You never met a stranger, seemingly loving everyone you met. We remember the look on the faces of the young people at McDonalds swooning as they saw you peering out the car window as we drove through the drive-through. You became quite a well-known personality wherever we went. As a Therapy Dog you were great everywhere in the hospital. But the cancer ward seemed to be your special place for giving the most special love and compassion.

Never playing favorites, you seemed to hold a special place in your heart for each of our children. Your love went out to everyone in equal measure. You were such a good boy, Sammie - our little angel. You gave so much, yet asked for so little in return, only to be a part of our family and to be by our side.

You were a very happy little guy with either of us. But you were ecstatic when we were all home together at the same time. Mom and I cherish the memories of our nightly routine, sitting on the love seat with you between us, cuddling, and sometimes playing. That seemed to be your most special time of day. It was ours’ too, Sammie. Your message to us was that our greatest happiness is when we’re all together - so very true.

It was such a thrill coming through the door after we’d been gone to see you bounding to the doorway to greet us. Your little tail quivered and wagged so much it almost seemed as though it would wear out. And your snuggling and little kisses were such a wonderful welcome to us. That funny wiggly routine you went through when we were leaving was simply hysterical. We are so grateful that we were given the blessing to love, care for and protect you each day.

We know that over time this incredible pain and sadness will subside and that we’ll just remember the wonderful joy, love and excitement you brought to our lives. But for now it feels unbearable. Just know that we love you so very much, Sammie, and that we will cherish the beautiful memories of our lives together forever in our hearts. Thank you for blessing us with your love and big heart. You were truly our special little guy for all seasons. So until we meet again at the Bridge, rest well dear friend. Rest well, dear Sammie, rest well.

We love you Sammie,
Mom and Dad