Sam came to us after his owner became very ill and he found himself in need at one of the shelters we work with. After 15 years of being loved and very well cared for we were grateful when one of our foster homes offered to continue providing Sam with a family and kindness, as he had been used to.

Although Sam had cardiac disease, he was a  happy and spunky boy and it was hard to believe that he was such a senior fellow. However, before long new issues started to make themselves known. Sam became blind and also started exhibiting signs of doggy dementia. Within a short time he developed glaucoma and medications would help for a while and then things would worsen. New medications would be added, which would also only help for so long until the pressures would rise again. Glaucoma is a very painful condition and we did our best to control his pain. Given his heart condition Sam was too high risk for surgery so enucleations were not possible. Throughout this time of trying to keep him comfortable and the glaucoma controlled, Sam’s dementia was worsening. Despite everyone’s efforts to control the glaucoma, last weekend one of Sam’s eyes ruptured. There comes a time when the kindest thing is to let them go and we had reached that time.

Sam’s foster parents, Maurin and Nick, devoted themselves to Sam and these last 5 months of his life were filled with pampering, cuddles, and constantly being doted on. He had the gentle and peaceful passing that he deserved. Our hearts go out to Maurin and Nick, as well as our gratitude for opening their hearts and homes to a very special super senior boy.

We would also like to thank Dr. Montgomery and everyone at Kingsdale Animal Hospital for all you did for Sam. And as always, we appreciate our supporters -without you we could not bring dogs like Sam into rescue and make the remainder of their lives the best they can be.