Dogs & cats have always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. When I was a little girl I pulled my cats tail, my mother reached over and yanked hard on my pony tail. Then and there I learned empathy and loved that cat even more. His name was Garfield, no, I didn’t pick it.
The first one I want to really share about though is Sam. I’ll randomly post highlights on each member of our menagerie, however I have to make sure Sam E. Dog goes first. He was my first canine and he died two and a half years ago after many adventures together. Never was there a more wonderful dog. I’m sorry, yes it is true. Even my other dogs agree and dogs do not lie. Ever.
Sammy was half lab and half spaniel. A more amusing, loving, handsome mix as there ever was.
At three months old he became my best friend. Forgiving, gentle, understanding, playful, loyal and a very comfortable pillow. He was all of that and more.
When I was 16 a friend of my mother’s took Sammy and I hiking and her boyfriend got us lost. This of course, he did not admit until about 6 hours into the three hour hike. We were in a valley in Hawai’i that he had swore he knew up and down. Apparently he only knew up as we ended up on top of a ridge. When the sun set and the rain came down he finally gave into his girlfriend pleading to call and see if someone could find us.
One ride in a black hawk helicopter later we made a minor blurb in the newspaper. Watching Sammy get airlifted up into the chopper was awesome, he however simply took the moment to settle under the seat and take a nap. What a vivid memory.
Through all the places we lived and explored, Sammy was always a constant. He kept me grounded and reminded me that love was many things. Anyone who claimed animals do not understand that concept were missing a piece of joy in their lives.
- Sammy
He saved my life once, rode in a black hawk with me, had coyote girl friends visit, followed along on any trail ride he could, loved everyone and protected every child.
