Heart Like a Dog

The Good, the Bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs!

To Sampson On Your 14th Birthday

By

Dearest Sampson,

I’ve been thinking about this post for weeks. I had so many things that sounded good in my head, but when I sat down to write them, it just didn’t flow.

But you’d expect that from me, wouldn’t you? You know how much I strive to be perfect, and I guess the Big Dog in the sky knew that too, and so he sent me you.

I truthfully don’t know what I did to deserve a dog like you.

You were such an easy puppy, you learned not to potty in the house quickly and rarely got into mischief. The times you did, we couldn’t get mad at you.

Who could get mad at this face?

Grandma’s love seat still has those little teeth marks from the time I caught you tugging at the fabric with your teeth. You were having a grand time. Grabbing the material, pulling it out, then letting it snap back.

You were always really good about only chewing on your toys, and only rarely focused on something else, but when you did, you preferred to chew wood.

Sticks in the yard? Yup.

The coat rack I picked up one Thanksgiving. Yup.

And then of course there was the footrest on the breakfast bar. The Daddy and I had just remodeled the kitchen and I came home, and you had chewed the breakfast footrest. I was terrified to tell Daddy, but here’s the beauty of you. You had us so thoroughly wrapped around that little paw, that the Daddy just laughed and said, “I didn’t like it anyway.”

We never did replace it.

Once we got into a rhythm, we loved walking together. Back in the day, we could walk for hours, wandering the local parks, and rail trails. You still love your walks, but these days those bad back legs just can’t handle a long walk anymore.

Of course, there’s always things I wish I could change, because well, you know, me and perfection, and if I could turn back time, I’d handle the issues with your back legs differently, but I cannot.

I cannot focus on the things I cannot change because that is just wasted energy, as you well know. No, today I’m just going to focus on you and all the special times we’ve had together, and make sure your fourteenth birthday is as special as you are.

Ocean swimming

Swimming in the ocean…St. Petersburg, FL

Happy Birthday my love, I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I’ll love you tomorrow and all the tomorrows to come.

Today we’re sharing photos and memories on our Facebook page. Be sure to check us out.

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Comments

  3. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET SAMPSON!!! I know how much your Mom loves you because I love your friend, Shadow, just as much! You’re a very special boy and we all love you! Have a wonderful, special day!! 🎈🎂🎉😘😘😘

  5. Woot! What a lovely birthday tribute, S. You landed in the perfect home, for sure. We all do, I guess. Have a great birthday, big buddy. Party like an animal!

    Love and birthday licks,
    Cupcake and Mom

  7. This was so beautiful!! Happy Birthday, Sampson!! We know Mom and Dad will make it very special for you. ♥
    Love from all of us at Wag ‘n Woof Pets

  9. This post had me in tears. Happy Happy Birthday Sampson!!!!! you have one wonderful Mama, I think she is perfect and I think YOU are perfect too!!!

  10. A super happy birthday, buddy! Mom dreamed of Katie turning 14, but she passed 10 days before. It is an age that scares us, but you made it! Enjoy!

  13. My sweet, gorgeous boy!!! I love you as much as your mommy! She was so worried that she wouldn’t get the right fur baby, when you rescued her from her worry. You have always been the best boy ever and you will always have my whole heart!!! Happy birthday!!! I have loved you more and more each and every passing day! You alone have brought so much love to all who know you, and all who meet you fall instantaneously in love with you!!! You’re such a blessing to us all my precious “Butter!”