RIP Sam Dog

In this hyper connected world we live in, I received notice, indirectly (Facebook, actually), that my ex-husband Troy had to say goodbye to his (our) dog Sam today. I'm not sure of the circumstances, because I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. I called, and left an incoherent blubbering message....not sure if he'll call back any time soon. I'm sure he's hurting.

We adopted Sam in April 2002 from the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (Grrr), shortly after we moved into our very first house in Henderson, Colorado. It was pretty much love at first sight when we went to meet him - even though he had some severe hip issues (from an accident, we were told, not displaysia) and was going to require expensive surgery. We adopted him, cared for him, rehabbed him and he, I think, was so very grateful :)

Yes, he was a great dog. Sweet, snuggly, and mischevious. He once snagged an entire pot roast off of our countertop. Oh, and the raw chicken he ate from the trash in our temporary Ann Arbor apartment. Yeah...the aftermath of that was fun.

He loved frolicking in the snow...sticking his nose in it and snorting away. He loved soft plush toys to hold in his mouth, as long as they didn't have a squeaky. If they did...he would destroy them in 2.2 seconds. Despite his 95 pound frame, he was petrified of Milo the cat (the big fat orange boy)....but really wanted nothing more than to be buddies with both kitties.

During our separation, we decided that it would be in Sam's best interest to stay with Troy here in the US, while the kitties went with me to Mexico. Sam was already an old boy, and although he traveled well, we both knew that international travel would be pretty tough on him. My heart hurt when I had to say goodbye to my big dog.

I did have the opportunity to see him on a couple of occasions since then - and Troy was always pretty good about letting me know how he was doing. Last time I spoke with Troy, he said Sam was still in good spirits, but definitely showing signs of his old age. I guess he would have been 13 years old this year....That's pretty darn good for such a big dog!!

He hasn't been "mine" since 2005, but he was always mine in my heart. So I say goodbye, and shed a few tears....but know he lived a good life. Goodbye Sam Dog. Someday, I'll see you again.