Sixteen years ago today we brought you home.
Twenty weeks ago today, we helped you to the bridge.
I wanted to write a really nice blog post to commemorate this occasion, but the truth is, I cannot find my words. I’m still struggling mightily without you, so I thought I’d share sixteen of my favorite photos.
Your first day home.
Your first little “Roo.”
You loved the adventures we had on vacation. Here you are on your first boat ride in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Little Buddy aka 1st Mate
The next three were in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Here you are on the porch of the house we stayed at.
Here you are ‘fishing’ with Dad.
You had so much fun playing in the water.
I was trying to teach Delilah “High Five,” but she wasn’t getting it, because she was too excited about the green bean. You just walked up and gave me a high five, even though you hadn’t been taught it.
Before Delilah starting choking on the raw hides, you’d get one every night. I love how you held it like a stogie. In this particular photo, you had gone into the bedroom, but the cat was on the bed and you weren’t too happy about it. You came right back out, looking for someone to remove the cat. 🙂
This was taken at Julie’s Barks and Bubbles. She was blow drying you after a bath and you just put your head back and enjoyed it.
I love how you’re looking at the camera, like you got caught doing something you shouldn’t. I miss your kisses.
After a visit to the vet, we stopped at Dairy Queen and I shared my strawberry shake with you.
You had so much fun running in the brook in the field. Once you came up with a leaf stuck on your face.
What’s better than a dog with sunglasses on?
I’ve heard some people say dogs don’t smile, but that’s not true. You were one of the smiliest dogs I’ve ever known.
You ran ahead on one of our hikes and when we rounded the bend, there you were!
One of my favorite hiking photos.
Winter was your favorite season.
Grief is unique to each of us. We all deal with it in our own way. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. You were such a special guy and we had such an incredible bond. I miss you every single day.
Oh, Jodi, I love all these pix of Sampson! Thank you for sharing them – and Sampson – with us! Yes, he was a special guy! I feel like I’ve known him and loved him all these years. I love the photo of Sampson kissing you!! And, yes, grief is very personal, and as unique to each of us as we are ourselves. Your boy will always have a special place in my heart as well.
Aww. So beautiful. I miss my Sampy. After my Maine Coon cat passed away, he came back the same time every night (he’d have this way of putting his paw under the corner of the fly screen door and making it bang when he wanted to be let in). So every night I’d hear the fly screen bang around 10pm. And sometimes I’d feel him on my bed. He’ll always live on in your heart and memories.
He looked so young in those photos. Such a good boy and now we have teary eyes too. Losing a dog is always so very heart breaking, but some losses are just harder than others. I know my mom cried every single day over Emma and it has been almost two years. He too was a huge part of your life and you may also cry for years or forever over his memory, but it is alright. Dogs are very special and really do take a big piece of your heart when they leave. Hugs to you.
I so enjoyed seeing Sampson through the years. And through your loving eyes.
I’m so sorry for your grief. It’s sadly the price we have to pay for loving and being loved. <3
What a good life Sampson had!! ♥ I think the photos were the perfect thing to do for this day.
Such precious images, all burned deep in your heart no doubt. Having lost Sam 7 months ago, I know of the grief you’re going through. I have doubts I’ll ever fully recover his absence but not a day goes by I don’t have special memories that help me get through the day. May your own tender moments provide gentle moments of gratitude, joy and love.
P.S. That ‘stogy’ image made me smile inside and out as did your first day home.
Truly beautiful, and through this he will always live on. As it should be.
Your dogs are really adorable. So sorry for your loss of Sampson. What great pictures of his life and his memory. Nice site.
I know your pain and my heart goes out to you. Even with Jimmy and Wilson gone over a year now, and a younger generation keeping me on my toes, I still grieve on a daily basis. Jimmy’s loss is particularly painful having been ripped away so suddenly as he was. It has gotten a tad easier, but tears still flow regularly.
PS Don’t disappear from FB altogether. Now that I don’t blog anymore, FB and IG is where I find everyone!
Hugs, big long heartfelt hugs…my tears will flow with yours.