Eleven years ago in a small town in Connecticut a litter of ten puppies was born to a beautiful Golden Retriever named Casey. Half the puppies favored their father with their sleek black fur, while the other half favored their mom and her beautiful golden coat.
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A few towns over a lady waited. She had heard about the anticipated litter of puppies and was anxious for their arrival. This lady had lost her dog the year before and her children had all left home, she was lonely and wanted a puppy to share her life with.
When word reached the woman about the puppies’ birth, she instantly said, “I want a Golden male.” Since there was only one Golden male, he was “The One.”
The woman was so happy the day she brought the puppy home. His birth name was Toby, but the woman renamed him, “Sampson.”
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Sampson was a happy, easy-going puppy. He and his Mama, (as she called herself) spent a lot of time together. Mama couldn’t wait to come home from work to take Sampson for a walk or cuddle up together.
The Mama took him to training classes and Sampson learned a lot of different things, but mostly he learned that his Mama loved him very much.
On the weekends his Mama didn’t want to do anything but spend time with him. She convinced her Husband (The Daddy) to start hiking together, and every weekend became a grand adventure.
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Sampson loved hiking there were so many amazing things to see and smell!
Sampson’s Mama and Daddy loved him so much. They did many wonderful things together as a family.
Eventually the Mama got a companion for Sampson so he wouldn’t be alone during the day. The Mama sometimes questioned that decision because the new dog, Delilah, was challenging, but the Mama knew with lots of love and patience she’d win Delilah over.
Because Sampson had already shown her what love could do.
Happy Birthday Sampson. You are the guy who gave me a reason to get up every morning, You’ve taught me to embrace life, and brought laughter and happiness into my life every single day we’ve been together. I really was lost before you, but you gave me hope, and helped me find my humanity when the world had beaten it out of me. You are my joy and inspiration and above all, you are the Heart in Heart Like a Dog.
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I love you to the moon and back.
Mama
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Aw, this post makes me so happy. Surprising though, that you didn’t already have a Delilah in mind when you named him! Happy birthday, Sampson.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMPSON!!! I know you know this already, but your Mama loves you very, very much! Your Mama is my good friend — even though we’ve never met face-to-face — and I love her dearly. She deserves the best. She is much more talented than she gives herself credit for. Have a wonderful day, Sam-man, from Callie, Shadow, Ducky, and their Mama!
Awwww. Happy birthday, Sampson. You and your mama were meant to be.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Happy birthday big guy! Your favorite auntie loves you more!
Happy birthday, Sampson!! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Sampson! You are a truly loved boy and a handsome one too! Enjoy your day and let your mom spoil the furs off you!
Happy Birthday Sampson!!! Love him! Give him lots of kisses from me!
Love, love, love this post. And the pictures…. fabulous! Sampson looks so much my heart dog Lucy. Happy birthday, Sampson!
What a beautiful birthday tribute! Happy, Happy Birthday, Sampson! It is so obvious what a joy and love you are to your family. I don’t think I knew Sampson had golden retriever in him too, what a wonderful mix that made a perfect dog! Our late Maggie was Lab/Golden (with a little shepherd) and she was an awesome dog too.
Happy Birthday gorgeous boy ☺
Happy birthday to a beautiful – handsome – pup! 😀 Isn’t it amazing what a positive difference our pets make in our lives.
And I bet those 11 years have just flown by in the blink of an eye!
Happy Birthday, Sampson!
LOOKIT BABY SAMPSON!!! *squeeee* He’s so darn CUTE!! Happy birthday, Sampson! May you and your mama have many more golden years together!
Happy Happy Birthdayyyyyy!!!!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Aaawww, that was such a sweet birthday greeting.
♪ღ♪░H░A░P░P░Y░ B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░░♪ღ♪ Sampson 🙂
That was beautiful, Jodi {wipes water from cheek] Happy birthday to a special dog. I didn’t realize he was a product of a mixed marriage. 🙂
Aww so sweet, Happy Birthday Sampson! Some dogs just have a way into our hearts like no other, it’s beautiful & frightening at the same time. I don’t quite understand why the bond with Laika is so much stronger than the dogs before her, but she’s my heart dog as well.
What a beautiful tribute to Sampson. Have a very happy birthday celebration. How lucky for both of you that you found each other and share such a bond. I know what you mean as my girls are pretty well out and Kilo is my baby (and my project). It is his birthday and Gotcha Day next week. He will be 3. Hopefully love, patience, treats and training will help him become the good boy he is meant to be. XS
Happy birthday Sampson! You sure are The One.
Aww, happy birthday, Sampson! What an adorable pup he was (and is!) 🙂
Hi Y’all!
Oh that was such a beautiful birthday tribute! Happy “love day” Sampson!
Y’all come on back.
Hawk aka BrownDog
Sampson, I hope you had a wonderful birthday! I loved seeing your adorable photos!! 🙂
Great pictures! I’m glad you found each other. 🙂
Such great photos of a great guy. Happy late Birthday Sampson. Hope you have many many more.
Awwww, tears! This was so sweet! Thank you for sharing!