Well..I need to blog about this even though my heart is breaking. I had to put my little beagle/basset dog, Sam, down this morning. He was 18 to 19 years old and I had him for 17 years. I got Sam when he was about 18 months old from a friend of my ex's and mine when I lived outside Hutchinson, KS on Whiteside Road. He was very anxious, nervous and distrustful when we first got him. Our friend, Ryan, said that he had gotten him from the pound and thought he had been abused as a puppy. I loved him and played with him and he soon became my ever constant companion. I look back on mine and his life and am amazed at all we went through together. I was the ripe old age of 20 when I got him..LOL and he was just a playful boy. He stuck with me through really bad and good times, even though it wasn't always pleasant for either of us. I have been reminiscing all day about his memory. This morning, shortly after he was gone, I drove to the park and just sat and cried. He was my little buddy in every way. I started having visions in my head of him running, jumping, hopping, and chasing butterflies and squirrels the way he used to run through the fields and our yard on whiteside. Maybe he was trying to tell me something and thank me too. I kept thinking of all the lonely nights I spent with him at my side...snuggled up next to me...the comforting warmth of his little body...how he used to put a paw on both of my shoulders and would stand on top of me and give me hugs and kisses until I woke up. He would rub his little head up next to my face and "hug" me as best he could. I remember cowering with him in the basement in KS during a particularly tornado prone season, praying that the tornado would miss us and spare our lives. I could go on and on and on...like the time he chased the Amish horse and buggy down the road and got his foot ran over, his surgery and slowing down in his old age. He was aggressive at times, but he also had such a sweet sweet side to him as well, and didn't hesitate to show me affection. He wasn't necessarily a lap dog, but a snuggle dog. I loved him dearly and he will always be missed....I will never forget you my little sweet buddy...my baby ...my best friend....Wait...I think I hear you barking with joy at your new found friends and peace. Love you baby....

RIP

Sam

Born 01/90

Passed 08/15/08

Mommy loves you and will never forget you...