Sam

Sam was our first "baby" - we got him in June 1995 when he was only 6 weeks old. James and I had been married a little over a year when James stopped by a pet store, saw him, and brought him home. He has gone through everything with us. He has always been so faithful.

Lately, though, Sam is really showing his age. He just turned 15 this year. He's been on epilepsy meds (phenobarb) since 1997 and on thyroid meds since around 2001. His hips are going out, so he often falls down, splayed out like a giraffe, and can't work his feet back underneath him well enough to get up on his own. He's becoming grumpy in his old age, and doesn't like to be left outside for more than 5 minutes at a time. He still follows me around the house, like he has since a puppy, but now he lays at my feet instead of trying to climb in my lap.

I have strong suspicions that he will not make it to Christmas. I'm so glad that we are moving to our new property this weekend - perhaps he can spend the last months of his life enjoying what he used to enjoy so much as a puppy - being outside, going for walks, chasing sticks. Or maybe he'll just find a warm spot in the sun to lay down in. I can't imagine how our lives will be without him when he finally goes. I just hope he goes peacefully.

But until then, we will love on him and keep him as comfortable and happy as possible. Here is to my Sam, who has been a faithful friend for 15 years.

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