in memory of samson
Sadly, on the same night of Girl's Night Out, Steve & I were delivered some horrible news.
Ironically, for no reason at all … I watched Rob Bell's 'Rain' video earlier that day, not knowing a very strong thunderstorm was headed my way.
In recent weeks, Samson hadn't been acting like his normal self. After a few trips to the vet, he was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia (the worse kind that chemotherapy can't even really help).
He was only 2 and half years old. Our hearts were broken. 
Not knowing how to cope with my first loss of a pet, I started art-journaling about all the wonderful things Samson had brought into our lives.
Even though his life was cut short, it was packed full with fun.
One of his first flirts with fame is when he graced the pages of The Daily Tribune to help promote our pampered pooch photo contest.
We collected loads funny pet photos that we used in our handmade frames. It's safe to say, Samson's mug has been in numerous gift and pet stores across the United States.
Being the proud dog parents we are, he also showed up in our Christmas cards…
… and even one Easter Bully card.
He was a man about town – strutting his stuff at the Robina Rhapsody …
… and making a Halloween appearance at the Rochester store a couple of times.
He didn't attend any prestigious dog modeling schools, but he did a fine job showing off some of our funny pet items. He was even featured on the popular Rare Bird Finds blog.
He also helped raised over $2000 in the 2006 and 2007 Humane Society's Mega March. (and was star struck by Mr. Jay Towers of Fox News 2)
But what I'll miss most is him following me wherever I went. I loved when he just sat on our home office couch and watched me work on the computer (which was quite often).
And he loved his Friday afternoons at our design studio. He was happy as a clam riding the lower level of our order pulling cart…
… and getting into other various things.
We love you Samson. You'll be missed dearly but your spirit and zest for life will always live in our heart.
Hearing Samson’s toenails on the studio floor as he trotted in on Friday afternoons always made my day. I will miss his wild man ways and how when April would leave for a minute he’d choose to hang by my desk (I always forgave him for his gas). He was a star and I will always smile when I think of him and all the joy he brought to so many people.
Your tribute to your wonderful friend makes my heart sad for you today. I have never met the wonderous Samson, but know I’ve missed out on a truly fun-loving spirit. May your memories bring you comfort.
I love how you captured your feelings and memories in your journal. It’s beautiful and so meaningful. How many people he made smile in only 2.5 years. If only we could be more like him. Love you guys.
i was so saddened to hear the news. my heart breaks for you. i know what a`special member of the family he was! i will never forget when he was a pup and you brought him for a visit to our store. i just fell in love with him right there. you two were awesome dog parents to him. samson made everyone smile! hugs and love to you both.
Thanks so much for all your kind words… they warm my heart.
We were sorry to hear about Samson. He was such a fun dog- Jeff was just telling some people we know about how much he enjoyed Samson! We loved to display his great pictures with our other special “kids” photos. Jack especially like the Easter Buly one! Our sympathies…
It has taken me this long to be able to look at the Memory of Samson. Thought I would make it without tears, but it didn’t work. We loved him so much and will alway remember his cute manners. Will miss giving him his treats and scratching his rear.
Oh I am so very sorry about your loss of Samson. Your tribute is so beautiful! I am in Grand Rapids right now (orientation for my son’s college tomorrow) and we will be running by Mars Hill to check out Rob Bell’s church (if even just to walk through). I’m a big fan of his Nooma tapes and have many of them is you would ever like to borrow them. They will all give you relief and comfort. Much love and sincerely sorrow for you.
Lauren
Awwwe… thanks so much for you kind comments and generous heart Lauren. I love listening to Rob Bell’s message podcasts while I’m traveling or gardening out in my yard. He is such an inspiration.
Wishing you peace and warmest memories of Samson. We talked about him while I shopped one day. I had put my Basset down a few days before and was still so sad. Your encouragement inspired me to adopt my girl Lilly from the Bulldog rescue a few months later. There aren’t many things more difficult to endure than the loss of a pet attached to your heartstrings. May you find comfort in knowing how loved Samson was.
I have only just discovered your blog and came across your post about your dog, Samson.
We just lost both of our beautiful cats within 3 months of each other. The grief and loss is unbearable at times, like you we miss all the little things. Our eldest cat, AJ was 17 years old when he died and he grew with the children and all that happened in our lives during that period.
Our beloved Thomas was a stray that adopted us – is was gentle and beautiful and he has only been gone several weeks. He was about 7 we think and we had him for 3 1/2 years.
We are lifetime members of the RSPCA and believe most strongly in their work.
Thank you for your post and for sharing Samson with us. I did similar for our boys on my blog – somehow sharing it helps I think.
Sending you blessings and enjoying your blog.
Sharon
aka HoneyBear
NSW Australia
Awwww, what a beautiful dog – such a wonderful spirit, God Bless him.