We lost Sam over a month ago and it’s taken me that long to be able to write about him. Given his physical size and his in-your-face nature, the house seems eerily quiet and empty, despite still having Annie and Buddy, who clearly miss him too.
Never, ever, was there such an exasperating, adorable and loyal dog.
Everywhere I walked he walked backwards in front of me. He pretty much did his own thing and refused to be trained in any shape or form.
He was the gentlest, most loving, loudest, dedicated dog I have ever had. Goofy, clingy and ever playful.
He was good natured and often utterly ridiculous. Clumsy, curious and extremely protective, oh, and a real foodie.
The last twelve years have flown past and I’d have them back in a flash.
It seems shocking somehow, not having him around and it will take a fair lick of time to get used to life without him.
Sam’s final day was spent sitting next to me wrapped up in a blanket and true to form he passed away while eating cheese.
Goodbye Sam, you will be missed dreadfully as you were so very loved by us all.
So sorry to read about Sam, he was such a character, and reminded me (although not in looks) of our most beloved dog Chockie, we still miss her, and when the girls are home we talk about her antics, so I completely understand.
In our case, the girls left home not long after Chockie died…..just awful!
Thanks Gerrie.xxx
I’m so sorry to read this. 12 years, what a life! Hope Annie and Buddy are doing okay x
Thanks Ruth. They are missing him.xxx
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet as they are every much a bit of the family as anyone else in it. Take care.
Thanks Nikki.xxx
Oh Dina. It is so damn hard to lose a dog. They are such an integral part of our lives that we face their loss in a hundred ways every day. My sympathy is with you and RIP (with a little cheese) dear Sam.
Thanks Brenda.xxx
When I noticed how absent you’d been, I wondered about Sam, and whether he might have passed. When I lost my Dixie Rose, what most amazed me was how large the hole in my life was — certainly more than you’d expect from a twelve pound bundle of fur. Sam was such a part of your family, I’m sure the hole he left was equally large. Thank goodness we have the memories to help fill the gap — eventually. And thank goodness you have Sam’s friends to help you along the path to healing.
Thanks Linda.xxx
Dear Dina,
Your post about Sam was so good and so sad. My heart goes out to you. Your recitation of his ways, his playfulness, and all the ways you remember him was so beautifully written and made me feel like I knew him a little bit too. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Thanks Roomie.xxx
Oh, such a sad loss, Dina. I’m so sorry to hear that Sam is no longer with you. Loved your tribute to all his (seemingly) contradictory traits. He has lasted beyond that devastating diagnosis, but heartache still to lose his canine love.
Thanks Anne.xxx
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. This was a poignant and beautiful post of a much loved member of your family who will be deeply missed. Thinking of you all at this really difficult time xx
Thanks Sustainablemum.xxx
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Keggy.xxx
Oh gosh 💔. There are many types of grief but pet grief somehow truly hurts the worst. Twelve years of such wonderment, beauty, laughter and change. Hugs to all and chin scritches to all the bewildered fur babies.
Thanks AnneMarie.xxx
I had an awful feeling when I saw the title of your post what had happened. Sam really clung on didn’t he?
I feel for you having gone through the same experience. Hopefully you will be able tolook through photos of happier times without tears one day.
Thanks Sue.xxx
My sympathies, I’m sure that you’ll remember him with findness and a smile. Take care. xx
Thanks Flighty.xxx
Oh Dina, I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved Sam. He sounded like such a wonderful character and the best of companions. I shall miss hearing about his quirky ways. Take comfort in the fact that you gave him the best life and he knew how much he was loved. Sending virtual hugs. xx
Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx
I have tears in my eyes reading this.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sam clearly had a wonderful life with you all, and you will have so many memories, that I know you will return to time and again.
Your post is such a wonderful tribute to him.
Sending hugs and blessings you all.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan.xxx
You’re right, he will be missed, by all of us here too who enjoyed hearing about his funny ways. Standing on the tables at the pub indeed! He definitely came across as a larger than life character and that’s why he’ll leave a hole that won’t easily fill. He had a wonderful life with a family who adored him, humans and animals alike, and that’s all a dog would ask for. I’m so sorry for your loss, sending huge hugs xx
Thanks Jo.xxx
Such a beautiful tribute, Dina; you’ve painted such a clear picture of your darling Sam and his quirky, unique personality that I can understand all the more how deeply he’s missed. A felt absence. Great and gentle peace to you all as the love you shared with Sam slowly heals your hearts. Sending hugs.
Thanks Kitty.xxxx
Dina, I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Sam, I know you will be missing him dreadfully, I know what it is like losing a treasured pet. You have so many wonderful memories of him, you will never forget him, and just remembering all his funny habits will keep him alive for you. It will get easier in time but he was so lucky to have lived with you for such a long while.
Thanks Pauline.xxx
Hello Dina .. I am so sorry about Sam .. I understand that heart wrenching feeling you have … it will take a long time for it to just not be so undeniably hurtful with the loss. Anyone who has loved their furry companions has to face that horrible loss and try to savor the good times so the memory is a happy one .
I hope time will help you all heal .
Thanks Joy.xxx