GOODBYE SAMMY

About a month after his 17th birthday we said good bye to Sammy. Hard to believe he will not be with us on backpacking or van trips. He loved both. He knew when either trip was imminent. Our backpacks would be in the front entrance way. He would stand next to them in the morning before we left. Sammy: do you want to backpacking? He got very excited, the answer was always yes.

I asked Anita to write a poem about Sammy.

To My “People”

So handsome, so eager
I looked like such a stud
Thank you for choosing me that day
And bringing me home to be your new “bud”

Daily hikes became our routine
Everyday we went to the park
I “mostly” minded my manners
But occasionally I let out a bark

I was just so excited to see other dogs
And despite being pulled away
I had to make my way to them
Pulling mom with me, so I could play

But unfortunately I hadn’t learned how to play
So instead I would put them on their back
Then I didn’t know what to do next
What do you think about that?

I’m a hunter, by nature
So that’s what I do
Always on the alert
Trying to protect you

But I loved to nuzzle
I loved my dental hygiene sticks
I loved hiking and backpacking
No other “people” would I pick

You took me everywhere
You gave me such a good life
I hardly wanted you to know
That I was going through some strife

Our time spent together was so precious
So many memories and so much love
Thank you for being my “people”
Forever grateful, from heaven above.

HAPPY TRAILS SAMMY