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2013-09-13 10:49 AM

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Subject: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
I know some of you have been following Sampson's story, so here is one more update for you...

Thirteen years ago in early September, I brought Sampson home as a birthday present to myself. I was in a new town, didn't know anyone, and was in a grad program in a field I knew nothing about. I figured at least this way I'd have someone on my side :-D

Last night, at 5:40 p.m., I said goodbye.

He was the first in our pack--preceding even Pat (actually, that same week I got Sam, I joined the UW Running Club, which is where Pat and I met--although we didn't start dating for another 18 months or so).

Sam was stoic and sometimes standoffish; he was companionable but never clingy. He never demanded attention, and he hated fawning and fussing. He loved a good humping, a snack of cat crap (any crap, really), and he ALWAYS got excited to wear pants. :-D

Several years ago, as a result of an autoimmune disorder, he began losing his fur...yet no matter how goofy he looked, people were always drawn to him. I could never for the life of me figure out why--if you read his description on paper, you'd think "What a curmudgeonly old fart." Yet he had some inexplicable affability, some look in his eyes, some...something that resonated with people.

Many of you know that earlier this year, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma--a very aggressive, excruciatingly painful, almost always fatal form of cancer. We did not elect chemo, but made the decision to amputate his left front leg for palliative pain control. It was, like so many things were with Sam, one of the easiest decisions I ever made.

I was hoping to get eight weeks with him. Instead, we got more than six good months.

The decision to say goodbye--or, rather the time in between the decision and the doing--was quite possibly the hardest, strangest, most inexplicable stretch of time I have ever had. It was a set of emotions unique unto themselves.

His passing, though, was quiet, peaceful, and very quick. Again, like much of his life, very easy.

We spent yesterday together...and it was a Good Day. And I'm sure he'd say, if you have to go out, spend it doing all the lazy things a philodendron with fur would do. Have some hot dogs, some popsicles, and jelly beans. Follow mom around as she picks up poop in the yard. Make friends with the construction worker next door. Eat some bird feathers that may or may not have had dessicated bird parts in them. Take a nap while your mom and dad sit annoyingly close to you and cry (WTF?). Then, greet your friend Dr. C. and your naughty nurse Jacqie when they come to your house to say hi. Chill for a bit in the living room, and then just slip away.

I have been keeping a blog, which you may or may not care to read, but regardless, here it is: http://sampsonrocker.tripawds.com/2013/09/12/i-had-to-write-this-do...

Safe travels, Pigs. The world is a different place without you in it. :hugs:
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*(The line is from one of my favorite Queen songs, FWIW. You can google it up, if you like.)


2013-09-13 11:11 AM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Damn. Sorry lady. He picked his owner well.  Hugs.
2013-09-13 11:36 AM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)

Sorry to hear your news.  It is so hard to say good bye to our furry buddies.  They live such short lives compared to us.

2013-09-13 12:05 PM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Wow, what a great friend he had in you. My condolences. 
2013-09-13 12:24 PM
in reply to: cdban66

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)

So very hard to lose a pet. Lost my Maggie in December. I have 2 new dogs now but I still miss that old girl every single day. In fact I think I'll go read about our last day right now.

Hugs to you.

2013-09-13 4:58 PM
in reply to: trigal38

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
That's so tough. Even when you know the inevitable is coming. My thoughts are with you.


2013-09-13 5:58 PM
in reply to: InnerAthlete

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
There is nothing worse than saying goodbye to a loyal friend who asks for nothing but gives everything. I feel your pain and loss.
2013-09-13 8:35 PM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Ah Megan, so sorry to hear this.  From everything I have seen you write about him, he was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of guy.  Trying to go up stairs a few days (the day?) after surgery!  I am glad that you two found each other so many years ago; it sounds like you gave each other much joy and love.  Hugs to you.
2013-09-13 8:51 PM
in reply to: bcraht

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)

An excellent tribute to a loyal friend.....on both sides. 

I have found that saying goodbye to a good dog is one of the hardest things in life....... it just is.  It's impossible to explain to people who don't share their lives with a dog......but so simple for the rest of us to understand.

Don't wait too long to find another...... lots of great dogs need great homes.  And as far as I'm concerned, every great home has a great dog.

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

2013-09-13 9:11 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Originally posted by Left Brain

An excellent tribute to a loyal friend.....on both sides. 

I have found that saying goodbye to a good dog is one of the hardest things in life....... it just is.  It's impossible to explain to people who don't share their lives with a dog......but so simple for the rest of us to understand.

Don't wait too long to find another...... lots of great dogs need great homes.  And as far as I'm concerned, every great home has a great dog.

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

Exactly. I know exactly what you are talking about. I don't get a lot of things in life, but I am blessed I get this one. That zombie movei with Will Smith, I am legend... what ever, OK movie... but when he lost his dog... wow, that was heart breaking.

 

Sorry for your loss, I have done the same. Doc said we should put Angel down, but we didn't... and we got another great year with her. When it was time, it wasn't a hard decision. I have two dogs now that are the best I have ever had... and I know the day will come...

How blessed are we to have such great friends. Peace.

2013-09-13 10:47 PM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Originally posted by mmrocker13

I could never for the life of me figure out why--if you read his description on paper, you'd think "What a curmudgeonly old fart." Yet he had some inexplicable affability, some look in his eyes, some...something that resonated with people.



That's the best kind of dog/person. Condolences.



2013-09-14 7:01 AM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
Hugs to you & godspeed Sampson. I can tell by reading your posts that you are an amazing pet owner and I hope you take some comfort in that. As a vet, it brings me intense happiness to read about people who take care of their pets like you do. And in the end, you gave him the gift of a peaceful passing. The "dog" people here are thinking of you...
2013-09-14 11:32 AM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)
ok, i'm officially a blubbering mess now - what a beautiful tribute to Sampson and he is on the other side of the rainbow bridge playing with all his new friends, and looking down on you/watching over you
2013-09-16 10:25 AM
in reply to: austhokie

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Subject: RE: "I am old, but still a child"* (dog update)

Wonderful story.   I had to say goodby to the family feline in the spring and have an old-timer dog who is in the twilight of his life.  Your story reminds me of the difficult time ahead of me...and also the love and joy these furry little creatures bring to our lives. 

My thoughts are with you and yours. 

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