She was in the next to the last cage of dogs at Kay's Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights, and she lay there very quietly. She was the only dog not barking. When let out of her cage, she sank nearly to the ground, and slunk past all of the other dogs. But once she got outside, she came to life and ran around kissing every person and dog she encountered. She sat on my lap on the drive home, panting heavily. She didn't know how to use doorways or stairs, and her tail had a small bald patch, as if she'd been injured in some way. She was 19 pounds, and her ribs showed.
That was April 22, 1995. Sammy's kennel card listed her as a Lab/terrier mix, six to eight months old. Sammy was at first a very scared and shy young dog, and often peed submissively. But through constant walks, love and affection, and the support of a wonderful pet sitter who saw her daily, she grew to be an incredible dog. She placed first in her intermediate obedience class through the Elk Grove Park District, despite being the only mutt in her class. She visited a nursing home on Make a Difference Day one year, and also was the star of a preschool animal Show and Tell. She always loved to kiss people, especially when they least expected it, and receive belly rubs. She had a white S on her right ear.
But most amazingly of all was how Sammy shared her home with so many fosters - nearly 40 canines from PAWS Chicago, several great Pit Bull Terriers from Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue, including a mama and seven newborn puppies, and several felines from both PAWS and Chicago Animal Care and Control. She was always told that the newcomer was temporary, and she was permanent. She understood and appreciated that.
Sammy was so energetic and full of life that I was sure she'd live to 16 or older. To lose her so quickly at age 13 is hard to take. The only consolation is that she did not suffer long, and that I could be with her at the end.
I am so very grateful to Pioneer Press and to Petraits photographer Sheri Berliner for capturing Sammy's spirit in beautiful photographs taken in the summer and fall of 2007. One of Sheri's incredible photos is attached.
In her memory, please consider a donation to Kay's Animal Shelter or to PAWS Chicago, the one group in Chicago that truly has made a difference in decreasing the euthanization rate of homeless animals: http://www.pawschicago.org/DonationsSponsors/pawstributes.htm Because while the rate has gone down, nearly 20,000 pets in the city of Chicago were put down last year because there weren't enough homes for them. And yes, I plan to adopt again and soon. I believe the best way for me to honor Sammy is to save another dog's life.
It was a privilege to adopt Sammy, and a true lesson in unconditional love to have had her for so many years. She will live on in my heart forever.
Thank you so much for sharing in her wonderful life.
Friday, November 16, 2007
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