John from Riverside Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I got him back when my son was 3 years old.......I will always remember that day as I was in the military....flat broke.....and my wife wanted me to get a puppy for my son. I traded about 200 dollars worth of computer software and worked on a project in his yard to pay for a GS puppy with championship blood lines from his mother Sadie (a championship show dog in Mass where were were stationed at the time) I remember going down with my 3 year old into their basement to pick out a puppy......we ended up taking the one was over by himself and beating the crap out of the other puppies if they messed with him. Truth be told I dont think he even liked me that much when I picked him up as the others were totally playful and wanted our attention.....but there was just something about him. So that is the one we took. We named him Samson......and he grew to be a very healthy smart dog over the years.......he even saved my sons life from a coyote who wandered out onto the playground while I wasn't looking and he was in one of those child swings.....Samson leaped a 6 foot fence and chased the coyote back into the treeline tearing him up all the way. He was also a great dog to hitch a sled up to and pull the kids around in the snow. As he got older....he got hip displasia which got increasingly worse over the years.....he sold signs of losing it over the past couple of weeks and we knew it was about time. The day before yesterday his body gave out on him and he could not get up....overnight he got 50 percent worse health wise. We carried him to the vet yesteday morning. As we carried him into the vet room he lifted up his head and looked at me with that certain look he would give me from time to time to get my attention......he was saying goodbye. I love you Samson....go find my mom she is waiting for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry to hear that John. Brought back memories of a german shepard I had named Samson as well. We trained him with a professional trainer and was a pretty amazing dog. Unfortunately he got hit by a car. Man I loved that dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayFinkle Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullpen Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Wow, there must be a lot of dust flying around in my office today. Sorry to hear about that John, but you did the right thing. I know the day will come when I'll have to do the same with Thurman (our greyhound), I only hope I can handle it as well as you seemed to. My thoughts are with you buddy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 Wow, there must be a lot of dust flying around in my office today. Sorry to hear about that John, but you did the right thing. I know the day will come when I'll have to do the same with Thurman (our greyhound), I only hope I can handle it as well as you seemed to. My thoughts are with you buddy. Didn't handle it very well....I was a blubbering mess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullpen Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Didn't handle it very well....I was a blubbering mess... I'm pretty sure I will be also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry to hear that, John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRC Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry for your loss. My GSD is over nine years old. I can't imagine what things would be like without him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yall Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry bro. I had to put one of my babies down in October, and I have another with only a year or two left. Do something to honor his memory and adopt a shelter dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rev.Mattb74 ESQ. Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 John I am sorry to hear about your dog.I love my GS and he is also great with my kids. They really do become part of the family. I hope it is not to difficult for your son either. I hope I am not out of line saying this , but my German Shepard also has papers and good bloodlines(probably not as good as what your dogs was, but still good). Anyway he is a good dog wieghs aboiut 120 pounds and is 2 1/2 years old. I think I would like to stud him out for pick of the litter. If I can find that opportunity I will be willing to give you the puppy as I could not handle two dogs that size. I have been trying to decide for a while between getting him fixed or studded out. Anyway it may be too early for you to think about it, but the offer is on the table if you would like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 just put my 13 year old down this past april. im sorry about your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I got him back when my son was 3 years old.......I will always remember that day as I was in the military....flat broke.....and my wife wanted me to get a puppy for my son. I traded about 200 dollars worth of computer software and worked on a project in his yard to pay for a GS puppy with championship blood lines from his mother Sadie (a championship show dog in Mass where were were stationed at the time) I remember going down with my 3 year old into their basement to pick out a puppy......we ended up taking the one was over by himself and beating the crap out of the other puppies if they messed with him. Truth be told I dont think he even liked me that much when I picked him up as the others were totally playful and wanted our attention.....but there was just something about him. So that is the one we took. We named him Samson......and he grew to be a very healthy smart dog over the years.......he even saved my sons life from a coyote who wandered out onto the playground while I wasn't looking and he was in one of those child swings.....Samson leaped a 6 foot fence and chased the coyote back into the treeline tearing him up all the way. He was also a great dog to hitch a sled up to and pull the kids around in the snow. As he got older....he got hip displasia which got increasingly worse over the years.....he sold signs of losing it over the past couple of weeks and we knew it was about time. The day before yesterday his body gave out on him and he could not get up....overnight he got 50 percent worse health wise. We carried him to the vet yesteday morning. As we carried him into the vet room he lifted up his head and looked at me with that certain look he would give me from time to time to get my attention......he was saying goodbye. I love you Samson....go find my mom she is waiting for you. I'm so sorry, John. We put down our stray cat Wallaby, who we picked out of the snow 15 years or so ago, this last week. The usual chronic kidney failure that afflicts felines at that age. Your decision was right - it's hard, but it is what one must do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyemike Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I'm sorry for your loss, John. Pets become part of the family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 John I am sorry to hear about your dog.I love my GS and he is also great with my kids. They really do become part of the family. I hope it is not to difficult for your son either. I hope I am not out of line saying this , but my German Shepard also has papers and good bloodlines(probably not as good as what your dogs was, but still good). Anyway he is a good dog wieghs aboiut 120 pounds and is 2 1/2 years old. I think I would like to stud him out for pick of the litter. If I can find that opportunity I will be willing to give you the puppy as I could not handle two dogs that size. I have been trying to decide for a while between getting him fixed or studded out. Anyway it may be too early for you to think about it, but the offer is on the table if you would like. I appreciate the offer I really do....I also have others who are trying to give me dogs as well....... I actually have too many animals for my residence so I am going to pass......I still have 2 other dogs (akita and another young German Sheapard) and 2 cats........ They have big shoes to fill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Coli Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry for the loss of Samson, John. I had to put down a pet last year. Pretty tough thing to do, but it's the last great thing you can do for your friend. I'll quietly knock back a beer for your friend this evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In space no one can hear Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss John. I lost my much loved basenji, Nigel ,last year at the age of 17 and can tell you Samson will always be with you, as Nigel is with me. Just remember: "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." From The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Here is a link to a poem that Jimmy Stewart read on The Tonight Show after losing his beloved dog Beau. CLIP Peace be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bmwolf21 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Didn't handle it very well....I was a blubbering mess...I'm pretty sure I will be also. That makes three of us. Sorry for your loss, John. FWIW, I really like this little short story/poem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry, man. Really, I am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry to hear it John. It's tough to let go of a good dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry about your loss. I'm not a big dog person but there is only one type of dog better than a black lab. A german shephard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Do something to honor his memory and adopt a shelter dog. It might take some time to take that plunge again. In the meantime, a great casue that is close to my heart. Canine Companions for Independence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiew Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 So sorry for your loss John. I know very well how it feels. Cry all you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Sorry about your loss. I'm not a big dog person but there is only one type of dog better than a black lab. A german shephard. There's no better type of dog than one's own dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMadCap Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bmwolf21 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 There's no better type of dog than one's own dog. Nailed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bills_fan Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author Unknown Very nice man. John, I'm sorry for your loss. My Malamute mix was the only dog to survive when my buddy's dog gave birth. The dog became mine from its first moment of life. That was 8 1/2 years ago and I really don't know how I'm going to deal with it when it comes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ans4e64 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Hey John, sorry for your loss. I had a GS when I was a young kid. The only thing I remember was that damn tail that always wacked me in the face, as I was a perfect foot and a half tall I have a Golden now who's almost 17 years old, and her time is quickly fading. I know its going to be hard for all of us, she was here for what seems like so long. Its good that you still have 2 other dogs, though. Good luck to you and once again, sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author Unknown I really loved this when i read it. Samson was in so much pain and truthfully has been in pain for the last couple of years. He couldn't run around like he used to.......you could just see it. You know who is taking it the hardest out of my animals? My fluffball cat phantom (has a phantom of the opera type mask I rescued him from a shelter for my daughter) He LOVED Samson and would get out of the house and go lay on top of him.....that feline is more cat then dog I think. Phantom has been hanging out at the patio window he can see phantom from and is not moving from there except to eat. Its tough man....tough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 There's no better type of dog than one's own dog. That is very true however as I mentioned I don't have a dog so I have to just go with my feelings when I meet someone elses dog. Also when I see a great sheppard I say to myself "if I had a large yard and wanted a dog, THAT'S the kind I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewPort71 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 John,,,sorry to hear about your loss.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjeff215 Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I got him back when my son was 3 years old.......I will always remember that day as I was in the military....flat broke.....and my wife wanted me to get a puppy for my son. I traded about 200 dollars worth of computer software and worked on a project in his yard to pay for a GS puppy with championship blood lines from his mother Sadie (a championship show dog in Mass where were were stationed at the time) I remember going down with my 3 year old into their basement to pick out a puppy......we ended up taking the one was over by himself and beating the crap out of the other puppies if they messed with him. Truth be told I dont think he even liked me that much when I picked him up as the others were totally playful and wanted our attention.....but there was just something about him. So that is the one we took. We named him Samson......and he grew to be a very healthy smart dog over the years.......he even saved my sons life from a coyote who wandered out onto the playground while I wasn't looking and he was in one of those child swings.....Samson leaped a 6 foot fence and chased the coyote back into the treeline tearing him up all the way. He was also a great dog to hitch a sled up to and pull the kids around in the snow. As he got older....he got hip displasia which got increasingly worse over the years.....he sold signs of losing it over the past couple of weeks and we knew it was about time. The day before yesterday his body gave out on him and he could not get up....overnight he got 50 percent worse health wise. We carried him to the vet yesteday morning. As we carried him into the vet room he lifted up his head and looked at me with that certain look he would give me from time to time to get my attention......he was saying goodbye. I love you Samson....go find my mom she is waiting for you. Sorry to hear that man. My mutt of 9 years died last Saturday AM. The night before, she was acting odd and having trouble getting up. She hadn't been eating very good. I went to take them out after I got up and she was just laying there curled up, only she wasn't sleeping. Hard stuff to get over. She was almost like a member of my family. My wife and I got her shortly after we were married. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cantankerous Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 RIP Samson. He's in a better place now though. Sorry for your loss John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 God speed Samson. My Tex is not far behind you. Find the treat jar for her. "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkAF43 Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 John, sorry for your loss, it's a sad day......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjeff215 Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author Unknown I hate that poem. Every time I read it, I get a bit choked up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMadCap Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I hate that poem. Every time I read it, I get a bit choked up. I know, but it's a nice thought, isn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjeff215 Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I know, but it's a nice thought, isn't it? Yeah. Like I said, I just went through the same ordeal last week, so I'm a still a bit on the girly side about the whole thing. It is a very nice thought, quite honestly. There's another out there about making the decision to do what Mr From Hemet had to do recently that's equally as "bad." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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