Our dog came into our life by accident, and we are constantly grateful - even now that he's gone.
Even though it's not quite the "thing" to write personal things on blogs much like we did in early 2010 when I first published this little list about our family dog, Samson, I'm updating and republishing it below anyway.
Why?
Because we had to say goodbye to Samson after 13 years with our family and we're a little heartbroken, even though he was so ready to finally be at rest from the pain he was in.
And I know many of you have pets and will understand and relate.
And also because he has been a part of AOC from the beginning - sometimes starring in articles like the one below about how he came to our family, or this one about how much turmeric helped his hip (when he was about 6 years old) - including a follow up video 3 years later where you can see how puppy-ish he still seemed - at 9 years old!
He also caused a bit of hair-pulling, as dogs sometimes do, by doing his business on my new jute rug, or trashing the plants I started from seed.
It became a running joke with Brian and me that if we were filming a video, Samson would find his way into it. Whether it was waiting hopefully while I shared a natural peanut butter stirring hack, or even making his way onto the video thumbnail, he made his presence known.
Just like he did for our family - and not just our immediate family, either. My brother and sisters, moms, dad, and more all loved him and his sweet disposition. He's been a treasure and a blessing and we will miss him and love our memories of him forever.
Here's what I wrote about Samson in 2010:
Let me tell you a little about our dog.
1. I did not want a dog, but we promised the kids one when we moved from Portland to the country.
2. We were looking for a small to medium sized dog who would live outside most of the time.
3. Our dog is not small to medium.
4. He lives inside most of the time.
5. He came through my dad who rescued him from wandering their neighborhood in Central Oregon.
6. He arrived at our house on Thanksgiving weekend in 2006.
7. We named him Samson.
8. He's about 90 pounds and sheds hair like mad, so the name is appropriate.
9. Since he was rescued, we can only guess at his age (we were told he seemed to be about a year old when we found him) and his breed (Swiss Mountain Dog and Lab mix).
10. He chewed everything in sight the first year. And I mean everything, including wood molding, flip flops, and those "weather resistant" planters. So, yeah, he sure seemed to be around a year old.
11. He never leaves our sight, never runs too far ahead, and the one time he dug out of the backyard, he dug right back in when he couldn't find us. He was waiting at the back door when we got home, covered in mud. It's an image I will never forget.
12. He runs so fast, he can knock you over (and has).
13. His "master" is Brian and he ADORES him.
14. He also shows his love to us all, and lets us use him as a pillow. This helps soften the blow to my daughter who thought the dog was going to be her dog.
15. He's a really kooky dog and does stuff like this when he's comfortable.
16. Or this when he stretches out his front legs so straight that Brian has dubbed this pose "Super Dog" (as in "flying through the air with the greatest of ease").
17. Newcomers who are lucky enough to see this pose always crack up - it pretty funny to see.
18. Having a dog is not frugal. I think Dave Ramsey says to get rid of them (in his subtle way).
19. He's wormed his way into our hearts (yes, even my heart) and our life and we will gladly give up other things in order to have him, thank you very much Mr. Ramsey.
20. Though when it's time for the "poop patrol" I remind everyone that I didn't want a dog.
2019: And I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again, even as I cry while I'm writing this.
In honor of Samson, November 2005 - November 2019
Joy says
So sorry for the loss of Samson. I can empathize as our 10 year old Beagle was diagnosed with Cancer recently. We are preparing for our goodbyes.
Jami says
Oh, my heart goes out to you, Joy! They bring such goodness to our lives, it's all worth it. 🙂
Tricia Berkow says
It’s really painful to make that final decision. We had kept our cat alive for 2 years after being diagnosed with kidney failure by giving subcutaneous fluid IVs...twice a day, every day. But there just came a point when we couldn’t do it anymore and the fluids weren’t working. The veterinarian came to our house, laid Ernie on my husbands lap in Ernies favorite chair and we let him go peacefully. My husband said he could feel Ernie release his last breath. We were all crying...even the vet.
Goodbye Samson
Jami says
It's an amazing, surreal process, isn't it? Your dedication to your cat is touching, Tricia. Sorry for your loss.
Frances Hadden says
Jamie,
My sympathy to you and your family...My husband and I have lost 3 dogs over the last 40+ years (a Great Dane, a Dalmation, and an Australian Cattle Dog - rescues but for the Dane), and now have an Australian cattle dog/Australian Shepherd mix. It is never easy to lose them, but after a mourning period, we are ready to adopt another. So much love and devotion is precious for as long as we have them.
Fran
Jami says
Yes, Fran - such good words, thank you!
kathleen timmins says
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Samson. Your decision, although gut wrenching hard showed your great love for your dear loyal friend.
You made a comment about not knowing how the veterinarian's handle dealing with euthanizing our beloved pets and helping us cope. Unfortunately the truth is they are not handling it. The suicide rate for Veterinarian's is double that of the general population. This is something that we should all be aware of and hopefully when we can show our Veterinarian kindness and understanding for the stress and grief that they also experience with us and support them. Let them know we appreciate all they do for our precious family members.
Jami says
Wow, I had no idea Kathleen. I will, that's for sure!
Margaret L Pousardien says
So sorry for your loss. Our pets are part of the family. My heart is hurting for you and your family. Thoughts and prayers.
Jami says
Thank you so much, Margaret.
Josephine Howe says
I am so very sorry about your loss of your dog. They come into our lives and are like angels of comfort and fun and get us up off the couch many times to cater to our needs. Just so much sorrow when losing our best friends. They leave a hole in our hearts that we did not know could be so very deep. They teach us so very much about life that we did not know we were missing.
Jami says
Yes - wise words Josephine, thank you!
Elaine says
So sorry about Samson. Comfort yourself in knowing he gave so much to your family and to him you were everything.
Jami says
Thank you!
Jean demer says
Dear Jami and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times, the funny times. Since I just put my sweet pup down, maybe he and Anni Louise, a sweet Pekingese with a bad underbite can hang out together. Look for the rainbow bridge guys. Blessings
Jami says
Thank you so much, Jean - you know exactly what we're going through!
Laura says
I am so sorry for your loss. 😢😢😢
I never grew up with dogs that were mine personally until I was about 14, that is when I got a black lab and he was so crazy I gladly gave him away because I couldn’t handle him I was too immature. Fast forward about 10 years when we got a Weimaraner given to us and about 3 years later she died suddenly and it just about killed me…😢😢😢 I never knew how hard it would be to lose her, because I didn’t really think I would ever be attached to an animal like that. Then a few years later I was gifted a miniature
dachshund & had to give her away after an unwanted divorce and not being able to take her where I was moving to 😢 praise God I was able to give her to dear friends who took very good care of her.🙃 Now we are the owners of another mini Dash and a chocolate lab, our Dash is 11 years old and our lab is 10, we don’t know how many more years we will have with our “ fur babies” but we are taking care of them the best we can. And I must say thank you for the turmeric suggestion we are going to try it with the lab to see if it will help his hip pain.
Jami says
They do sneak up on you, don't they? In the very best ways. 🙂
Hopefully you will have lots more wonderful years with your dogs and I sure hope the turmeric helps your lab like it did our Samson - it was truly a miracle for him.
Linda Marzullo says
Hello Jami,
These fur balls can really become a part of our everyday life. It will take time to adjust to the quiet house. Going outside without the garden buddy just doesn’t feel right. Give it time and mostly remember what a good home you gave Samson. Not every dog has a life so sweet. I found a lot of comfort in that thought when we lost our beloved Zoey. She brought much joy and outdoor time to our family but we gave her a safe home loaded with love from each family member. As I know your family did for Samson.
Jami says
Yes, wise words, Linda - thank you!
Lynn Cecil says
So so sorry for your loss, Jami. We have had many animals; dairy goats, beef cattle, cats, dogs, chickens and geese. We felt the loss with every one who left us so I understand your pain. Maybe you can plant a shrub or tree in his honor.
Jami says
Thank you, Lynn - yes, we are painting a little stepping stone memorial for him. 🙂
June Adamson says
Jami, I have enjoyed your blog for so long, and especially the pics and stories about Samson. He always made me smile and laugh out loud. My heart is beaking right now and cannot stop crying. What a joy he was! I lost my Terrier mix about six years ago after 16 wonderful years. She was a rescue. I got another rescue about six years ago (shortly after the death of my Terrier) and she is a Lab/Retriever mix. What a delight she is! (Especially after losing my son last year.) Please know that your family is in my prayers as is Samson. These dogs can surely break your heart but they are worth every moment! Do take care.
Jami says
Oh, thank you, June - your sweet words and emotions have really touched me. I'm so glad he brought you joy, too! You know exactly what we're feeling then with your losses (very, very sorry about your son!).
Dana says
I'm sorry, Jami -- our family is facing the same situation as our 16 year old Golden has been diagnosed with cancer and I'm sure it will be a matter of months. I'm absolutely dreading it and wondering when we will know it is time. Praying for wisdom. Despite all the inconveniences (shedding, $!!) , your family will treasure the memories of your sweet Samson. He found his family and you gave him a wonderful life.
Jami says
Oh, praying for you right now, Dana, as we had such anxiety over trying to figure out if it was the "right" time. It's never right for us, I think, now that we've been through it, but it was for him. He was so exhausted and not able to eat. Hold your dog close and just let the future come as it will. Yes, dogs are special and worth it (well, ask me in a few months, lol).
Dana says
Thank you, Jami. Praying for you too! It sounds like God led you and I'm sure when the time is close we will know it too. Love your blog!
Jami says
Thank you so much, Dana!
Kathy Lopez says
I am so very sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose anyone who's been such a huge part of your life. I've been through it four times now but I would never let that stop me from having a furever friend. Mine now are 9 and 11 and I cherish every moment I have with them. Good and bad. They are your best friends.
Jami says
Wow, this is new for us Kathy and I didn't know it would be so hard. You're right - we're cherishing the good and the bad with Samson, as we can laugh at a lot of the odd or "bad" things he did. 🙂
Julie Pullum says
Oh my word Jami, I’m so sad to hear this and am very sorry for your loss. He was a lovely dog, I remember well about your seedlings which had to be planted with a devil may care attitude as he had pulled the tray over. Pippa had done something very similar. We also tried the turmeric with her, she was a good bit older than Samson when she started having joint problems and for a while we even gave her the Costco food too it really helped her. I know how sad you will be feeling, all dog owners will know this pain. You are in our hearts and minds just now and much love is sent to you both and the children, Brian must be feeling bereft, his running partner has been called home. 💕
Jami says
Oh, thank you Julie for your sweet words - you do understand! I still laugh about those seedlings (though not that the poor guy went crazy - we figured out after he did it again that it was probably a sound the fluorescent lights made which made me feel bad...). Yes, he was Brian's dog for sure and they did so many things together it's been pretty hard on him as well.
Marilee Reyes says
My opinion of blogs that don't show the personal (i.e. emotional) side of the blogger is that they are cold and, well, impersonal, so please don't ever become a sterile, business only blog. Especially when it comes to something like today's topic. I think most of your followers will relate. I read with tears on my cheeks remembering my much loved pets and how many times my eyes went to Samson when he photobombed one of your pictures. When you mentioned in a previous blog that he wasn't doing so well my heart sank for you and dreaded the day you would have to make that heart-breaking decision. Please know that one of the best things about your blog is the personal touch, and I'm reasonably certain that most of your readers will feel the same way. After all, a simple, cottage life generally will include a pet of some sort. I know he had a good life with you and as you said, he's no longer in pain. I wish comfort to your family when you think of him.
Jami says
Oh, your words are good for me to hear, Marilee, and I will take them to heart and try to balance personal with recipes, gardening and diy. 🙂 I love that you'd see him in the photos and videos and that you were thinking about him - now I've got tears in my eyes as well! We did hope we'd have more months with him after recording the podcast about the things we were doing to help him at this age. You never do know, though, and we cherish even these last hard months with him. Blessings!
Beth says
and I'm crying as I read this -- I recall reading, back in the 70's sometime, that a true test of affinity between two people is that when one weeps, the other tastes salt. And, when animals are part of our lives for such a long time (and sometimes not even all that long) it can be so heart-wrenching to say goodbye. Praying comfort for all of you and that you will know the right time "to do it all again" (God's already got your next fur kid lined up, even as you sorrow.)
Jami says
Oh, sweet Beth, your words are a lovely balm - thank you.
Bev 2 Big dogs Mom says
Just found your site and it is terrific...saw the blog titled "Our Dog" and loved it...we too have dogs and they truly make life worth while...best sleep ever is when one of them is cuddled next to you...Bliss!!! I love all of your good ideas...thanks so much!!!
Sharon says
What a handsome hound, he is perfect. We have always had a dog and feel very strange when staying with dogless families. Our current dog is a rescue boy and now v. old but he just gives us so much love - nothing better than a furry chin resting on your knee to lift the spirits.
Jennifer says
Nothing can replace a good pet. Dogs are the best. we finally got a new dog a year ago after going 4 years without. It has been so good for all of us.
[email protected] An Oregon Cottage says
Thanks for the fellow dog stories!
Lauren- I never thought of that. 🙂
Keri- Well, the Prudent Homemaker is certainly...practical. Each to his own, I guess. Like you, I think there is a certain amount of emotional well-being that pets bring to our lives that is, shall we say, "priceless."
Keri @ Spirit of Power says
IT'S SUPER DOG!!!
Love it. Funny, I stumbled across this post directly after reading a bit of advice on The Prudent Homemaker that said "Get rid of your pets, unless they are a food source (chickens, goats, pigs, cows)."
I gasped out loud. It is true that we feed our dog some high quality, fairly costly food. It is also true that he requires doctor's visits just like the rest of the family. But I don't need any expensive sources of entertainment, because just like you, I can watch the crazy positons he wiggles into, I can cuddle up and bury my face in his soft, earthy-smelling fur, I can enjoy my time just doing nothing with him.
So worth it.
Love the blog, BTW. Keep up the great work!
The Witch says
Beautiful pictures and yes very strange positions for a dog to be in.
Super dog flying upside down.
Have been enjoying reading your blog.
Anonymous says
Love the stories about your dog. I have two (80 lbs and 100 lbs) and they are my shadows, every time I get up and walk around the house. One sheds a lot. I adore them. I confess I had "dog crazies" like some moms have baby crazies. Somehow, I knew it would be true love. Glad you found yours!
Lauren S says
Are you sure he's not praying? 🙂