Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07

Subject: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:25 PM

Dogs always seem to know the important things.

Like when you come home and they want to go for a walk. You may not feel like it, but you sure feel better afterwards.
Or if theres any disagreement between you, its quickly forgotten.

They take the time to sniff the important smells.

Heres Sam on the beach on Hornby - one of his favorite places in the world.
He would have a grand time there, even if he did come back all sore for a week, from all the running on the beach, get the shits from drinking the seawater, and even laryngitis after swimming behind the canoe (which he would not get in for all the pepperoni in the world).
Well, actually he did get in and we all went for a swim when he got out right away.

He could retrieve sticks all day, and the bigger the better even if its a log.
(he was a black lab, and in his prime - none of the dogs could outrace him)

Great hiking dog as well, although we learned the hard way he didnt like heights after we spent an hour cajoling him to climb down 6foot bluff (at High Falls creek) and finally lowered him with ropes dressed in someones rainjacket.

After some surgery to remove a growth a month ago, he stopped eating again. So we made the difficult but kindest choice and said goodbye.

Thanks for all the fun Sam.

Sam - Spring 1998 - Jan 29, 2007

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:26 PM

I should say, that was actually an email sent with some pictures.
in case it doesnt make sense.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:33 PM

It makes PERFECT sense, and now that you've let us meet him-- I miss him, too. I love that raincoat episode-- you kept him safe right to the end, dear man.

I had a dog a bit like Sam. She came to us an adult, grieving the long, at-home cancer death of her master. Once she perked up she was a riot, and SO loyal. I measure all dogs by her-- shouldn't, but I do. Can't bear to say more about her, even now.

I hope BJ and Sam play together in heaven.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 08:06 PM

It's always so sad to lose a beloved pet and I really feel for you.

I hope all the memories will be good ones. You obviously loved right to, and including, the end.

Rhiannon

Have a read through this:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Metchosin
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 09:48 PM

petr, you have my deepest sympathies. Sam sounded like one of the best of the best and they are painfully hard to let go of when the time comes and for long after.

Thanks for the memory flashback too. Dogs and heights still give me shivers. One of my wee white dogs, a long time ago, slipped from a cliff into a waterfall on the Koksilah River.

To this day, the memory of a pair of frantic black eyes, almost breaking the surface and then disappearing again and again beneath the turmoil of white water at the base of the falls, is forever burned in my mind and still catches my breath.

I was lower down on the rocks when it happened and without thinking, took an icy plunge and somehow managed to retrieve him safely. It probably didn't take but a few moments, but time crawls in your mind in such instances and the memory, indelible......a goofy little dog, that still after all these years, has a special place in my heart.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:55 PM

petr, thanks for telling us about Sam. My condolences...it is never easy to make that decision, but it is the best we can do for them and they always do their best for us. What an incredible relationship, right?

I'll have the Sam in a raincoat image in my mind and heart for a long time.

Mets, you have posted a very vivid picture, too. I am glad you survived also.

In sympathy,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:18 AM

(((((((((Hugs to you)))))))))))))))

LQF, Mommy to several 4-legged babies who also send their love

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Metchosin
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:41 AM

Yeah me too kat, it was a rather stupid thing to do. Sometimes we humans behave more like dogs than we'd care to admit. LOL

My apologies petr, for lapsing into brevity and wandering off track on my own stuff. Dogs'll do that to me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Metchosin
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM

brevity? jeeze the brains fried in my old age.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 11:47 AM

Petr, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.   Our 17 year old cat passed away earlier this month and it was difficult. A friend of mine said something that I took a great deal of comfort in and his advice was perfect.

He said that we really can't call them "pets", they are our friends and become a huge part of our life. We thank them and give them our love for allowing us to share lives together.

His advice to me was to get another cat when we are ready. It is a way of paying the deceased back for all their kindness - you give an animal a good loving home and they pay you back with great companionship. As a way of honoring them, you give another animal a chance to share the love and safety you gave to the deceased.   

I didn't think we were ready, but we went to a local group to see their cats and ended up coming home with TWO brothers. They have made themselves at home and their different personalities add a great light to our family.   They cannot replace our deceased friend, that is not the point. The circle continues.

Be well. Remember those wonderful times.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:01 PM

thanks guys and for sharing your thoughts. ( I realized I got the date wrong he was with us from 97) which I guess is only relevant to me.
They really do enrich our lives, with their boundless love.
cheers all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:49 PM

There are some days when the glowing unconditional love that emanates from the two dogs in the back yard is all it takes to turn my day around. If it's a cold day and they want to stay in their dog houses in their stall in the garage, I'll still hear the "thump thump thump thump" of wagging tails to know they're glad I'm there. It's like a heartbeat, quite visceral.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 01:27 PM

petr, so sorry. We may have to make the same decision this week with our Clancy if he doesn't improve. I know what you are going through.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:49 PM

Another thing to remember, Petr, is that the best memorial to a loved animal member of the family is to say: "That was great, let's do it again".

Think about it when you're ready.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:55 PM

Thanks for sharing, petr. Sniff. Condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 03:00 PM

So sorry petr. I look at our goofy yellow lab and think that the day will come..........

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 06:33 PM

No it won't!

Sorry, petr. It is tough to lose a good friend.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 07:48 PM

thanks again to all of you for your thoughts,
Ive had 3 dogs in my life and will likely get one again.
Right now we have young girls (a 2 year old and a 2month old) so it wouldnt be fair to get a dog for a while as little kids can be rough with puppies. And our cat Reavy probably wouldnt take it well either.
(I should actually say Sam was my parents' dog and I had him for quite a lot of the time and took him many places - he often jumped into the van whenever I was leaving)
cheers all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sam - spring 98-Jan29-07
From: Bee
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 10:28 PM

Sorry Petr. It's never easy, but time helps.