Samson seemed to have the longest tongue I've ever seen on a dog! Ok... there are longer.. but in OUR pack, he won! Some of my pet names for him were goober hound and wiggle butt, for obvious reasons. You couldn't be around him without finding a slime spot somewhere on your clothes and look out if he'd been drinking water. That tongue held water in reserve, until he could get close enough to your pants/shorts to leave a nice BIG wet spot by just bumping you!
He was the oldest one we had in our pack. After losing the oldest three last summer ('02), I was watching him like a hawk for any signs of illness or quirky behaviors. Unfortunately we found out in Sept 2002 that he had pancreatitis and was in the second stage of kidney shutdown. Through medication and a change of diet for the rest of his life, I was going to fight like crazy to keep him healthy and happy for as long as possible! He may be a real sweetheart, but the Lord was going to have to wait a while longer before He could enjoy Samson's company!
Well, the time finally came that God called him home. On Thursday, May 22, 2003 we sent him on to rejoin with the others that have passed before him. His appetite left him and his strength had slowly gone away. He spent most of his days laying in his cage, only coming out to potty. Finally during the last 3 or 4 days he began vomitting his food. For whatever we COULD get him to eat, it didn't stay and he slowly started to fade away. After having a good afternoon the day before and then having a bad night, the decision was made to let him rest. His sweet and loving heart will be greatly missed, yet his spirit will live on in our hearts - never to be forgotten. Following is the poem I've written for him.
As time wore on, a form once strong
became tired and the days were long.
An appetite once eager to feed
would soon slow and then recede.
The desire to play would soon subside.
Most or your days were spent inside.
The quality of life was soon to fade
and a difficult decision had to be made.
To us you always gave your best.
Our job now was to let you rest.
So with broken hearts we let you go.
One day we'll find you under the rainbow.
Author - Terri Vest © 2003
He's looking up on the deck from down below.
What a pretty face!
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