Sadly I recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to send Sam to the Rainbow Bridge. Sam was eleven and a half years old and I adopted him from German Shepherd Rescue when he was five. Knowing that he was an elderly GSD still doesn't make that dreaded decision any easier. Of course I am grateful for the six and half happy years I had with him. However, having had several GSD's over the years I have learned two important things. It matters not whether you buy a puppy from a breeder and are lucky enough to have it for many years or you take on a rescue dog and only have it for a very short time. You love each one deeply and unconditionally and the pain when you lose them is just the same.

Like my previous dog Ty, Sam was also a dog with issues. He took a very long time to trust people and had to be socialised all over again when I got him. Like Ty, he was also a sensitive, loving and complex dog. Chasing rabbits in "the field" was his favourite pastime and also trying to catch wasps, bees and anything that buzzes. Watching television from his comfy sofa was also another favourite pastime of his. However, his very favourite thing was getting cuddles on my bed and he was in heaven lying beside me. Sam was, quite simply a "Mummy's Boy". There's too much room in my bed now. I live alone so Sam got all my love and attention to himself. Just the way he liked it. Like the two dark birthmarks on his tongue, Sam was unique, a one-off. I learned many things from Sam but the main thing was this. It doesn't matter whether you have a dog who is well trained and obedient or whether they have issues and are challenging. You love each one just the same and just as strongly. Love your dogs folks, for they are only lent to us for a short while.

Thanks to Allison and Maria, for entrusting the welfare of this special boy to me. I always believe "A dog is for life" no matter what "problems" they may have.

Goodnight my sweet, cheeky, naughty "Sammy Boy" and try to be nice to Max, Mac and Tyro.

Very sadly missed by his mum (Jan) and his human and canine friends..

Many thanks to my vet Will and also Dave and Francis at Elysian Fields Pet Crematorium.