KF_in_Georgia Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I said goodbye to my wonderful boy this morning. Sam lived with me for 10 years, 10 months, and 2 days. He has slept at my side every one of those nights. (Tonight is going to suck.)Oreo & SamHe's made me laugh every single day. He was a stubborn, single-minded, high-prey, food motivated, goofy doofus. He's driven two of three housemates crazy. Only Silver managed to keep him in line. Jacey & SamSam's been on meds for years. He had arthritis and some slightly herniated disks, LS, LP, and was starting to have kidney issues. He's been taking gabapentin, tramadol, methocarbamol, metronidazole, doxepin, soloxine, and prilosec, in addition to glucosamine, fish oil, and probiotics. And he was remarkably patient about taking a mouthful of pills after every meal, four times a day. Sam, in the days before arthritis and LSBut the pills were no longer controlling the pain, and there were episodes of panting triggered by pain. He went to the vet Monday for a shot of dexamethasone to see if that would help with the pain in his back. The shot gave him good results on his legs--Sam wasn't having as much trouble getting his legs under him when he needed to stand up--but it didn't help with the pain, and it only helped his legs for two days. He was maxed out on pain meds, but still in pain, and he didn't deserve that. I knew I needed to let him go. Stalking peanut butter crackersAnd we were able to time this right: he still loved his food and his trips outside, so we didn't wait so long that he was miserable. But this morning, his legs gave out on a very short walk, so his body was letting him down, even if we'd been able to find another painkiller that worked. He just had too many things wrong at once. Sam's most famous photograph, which has shown up on lots of websitesI made the appointment with his vet. On the way, we stopped at McDonald's and I got him the current "2 for $3" special--two sausage and egg biscuits. I'd never given him sausage before. I sat in the backseat with him in the vet's parking lot, and Sam ate every crumb--sausage, eggs, and biscuits. Jacey's last pictures were sad: she felt so bad, and I hate to look at those photos.Sam's last pictures are triumphant: "Food! I've got food!"I got him into the vet's office, and once he was able to get his legs back under himself, he started surfing the countertops, looking for cookies, and he stuck that long nose into the trash can. By the time his vet came in, Sam was ready to lie down in his favorite sphinx pose. After the sedative, he put his head down on his forelegs and fell asleep. He didn't stir when the vet gave him the final shot. I cried--and so did Sam's vet. "He was such a goofy boy," the vet said. I'm going to miss you, Boo-boo. Quote Kathy and Q (CRT Qadeer from Fuzzy's Cannon and CRT Bonnie) and Jane (WW's Aunt Jane from Trent Lee and Aunt M); photos to come. Missing Silver (5.19.2005-10.27.2016), Tigger (4.5.2007-3.18.2016), darling Sam (5.10.2000-8.8.2013), Jacey-Kasey (5.19.2003-8.22.2011), and Oreo (1997-3.30.2006) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downtownhoundz Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Oh my gosh, I'm so very ,very sorry.....I feel your pain and heartache...XXOO Run find my bridge girl Kylie and bridge boy Ben, sweet Sam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am so sorry. Your boy was indeed very special. I pray the memories of his goofy antics will help heal the jagged edges of your broken heart. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'm sorry to hear it was Sam's time to leave you! forever in our hearts doesn't diminish the pain of their departure. Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katherineaz Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 So, very sorry for you loss. You wrote him a very beautiful post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dmt Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSnoozing Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Goodbye Sam. Quote Dippy (Dinky Dipstick) and Velvet (Redbrick Velvet). Remembering sweet handsome Rebel (Emporio Rebel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am so sorry to read this. Take comfort in knowing that your sweet boy is at peace, pain free and running once again with the wind. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'm so sorry. Your tribute was so moving. I am tears. RIP Sam. Quote Patty, Mom to Jaxson 5/12/2017 Forever in my heart: Joey 11/01/2007 to 12/06/2018, Scout 11/19/2005 to 07/15/15 and Jack 01/03/2004 to 06/11/2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 You tribute made me cry. I am so very sorry. Sam was one in a million. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I love your tribute to your goofy boy. The McD's picture - the ultimate score for a houndie, and it showed on his face. Run pain-free Sam. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet and beautiful Sam. Godspeed, handsome . Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsgreys Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am so sorry. What a wonderful amount of time you and Sam had together to build the precious memories that will keep him with you forever. Run free Sam, you were a well loved hound. Quote Deb, and da Croo In my heart always, my Bridge Angels - Macavity, Tila the wannabe, Dexter, CDN Cold Snap (Candy), PC Herode Boy, WZ Moody, Poco Zinny, EM's Scully, Lonsome Billy, Lucas, Hurry Hannah, Daisy (Apache Blitz), Sadie (Kickapoo Kara), USS Maxi, Sam's Attaboy, Crystal Souza, Gifted Suzy, Zena, and Jetlag who never made it home. http://www.northernskygreyhounds.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Oh my goodness what a tribute. So honest and heartfelt. God speed Sam. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 (edited) My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry. Beautiful tribute to your beloved boy. Rest in peace, handsome Sam. Edited August 8, 2013 by fsugrad Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am so very sorry. Godspeed Sam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I find myself moved to tears at your beautiful tribute to Sam. Your love for him shines through as well as the pain at his loss. What a handsome, funny, sweet boy your Sam was. He had a wonderful life with you and knew how much he was loved. If only they could stay forever. I am so sorry he had to leave. Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I am sobbing over a dog I never met yet feel as though I knew like one of my own. What a beautiful tribute to your best friend. I am so very sorry for the Sam-sized hole in your heart right now. Sam, you were the best. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o_rooly Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Your posts about pain management for Sam have egged me on to keep looking for other options for managing Aston's LS. Sam couldn't have been more fortunate. You were so diligent, caring and selfless about his needs. In tears as I see in your post what may be down the line for my buddy, as well. Rest well, Sam. The rest of us will fight the good fight, and see you again someday. Quote every day a tiny adventure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest undergreysspell Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Godspeed Sam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busderpuddle Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Sweet Dreams Sam....... Quote Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 A very moving tribute to a beautiful pup. I am so very sorry. Run free Sam, run free sweetie... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjgrey Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 This made me cry, too. I'm going to go give my own very goofy boy a kiss. I'm so, so sorry you had to say goodbye to yours. Quote Valerie w/ Cash (CashforClunkers) & Lucy (Racing School Dropout)Missing our gorgeous Miss Diamond (Shorty's Diamond), sweet boy Gabe (Zared) and Holly (ByGollyItsHolly), who never made it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'm sorry your sweet boy had to leave. You two had a wonderful life together. Godspeed, Sam. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Beautiful and loving tribute to Sam. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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