I hope you will ‘Paws’ for just a moment to read my story……
My family and friends have amazing children and I have watched them grow up through the years. I have scrolled through my Facebook feed smiling because I can see the abundant joy in their lives through their children. Although I have never had children of my own, I have actually been sharing my personal ‘joy’ with all of you. Countless stories, pictures, videos, and posts of big dogs, little dogs, funny dogs, sleeping dogs, dogs being dogs, and my dogs……
My story began on Christmas day in 1999. I was 25 years old, had been living on my own for about a year and half, and the last present I opened was this tiny eight-week old chocolate colored fluff ball. She was so sweet but what on earth was I getting myself in to. I mean, I talked about getting a dog, but could I be a responsible pet owner? Was I really ready for that? Well, she was sitting at my feet looking up at me and probably just as concerned about the situation as I was. I reached down and picked up Sophie and we headed home. One thing always stuck in my mind. She didn’t have a choice in who cared for her. But I did......
I bought her everything she needed. Her house, a bed, food, bowls, a leash, a collar, and lots of toys. I took her to training. I was hooked. Little did I know that Sophie and I would only have nine short months together. The devastation was almost too much to bear. Because of her, my life was no longer the same without a dog. Two months later, my heart and soul would be changed forever. He was four months old, sitting at my feet looking up at me. I picked up Sam and we headed home. Just like Sophie, he needed someone to care for him. He didn’t have a choice in who that was. But I did.....
Although I could see he was scared, hiding on the floor board in the back seat, he just had to trust me completely. How could a creature, so vulnerable and so dependent, trust me that much without even knowing me? At any time, I could change my mind, I could take him back, I could drop him off in a field somewhere, I could leave him tied up somewhere, and I could give up on him. And he would have no choice. But I did.....
When you read the rest of my story, you will know just how much impact one dog can have on someone’s life. My Sammy and I were inseparable for almost 15 years. The greatest joy in my life was taking care of him. How could I not? Because I worked during the day and Sam needed a job too, Jack came into our lives just a few months later. What an amazing eight and half years we all had together. Every story out of my mouth started with ‘Sam & Jack’ and we went everywhere together. Then on July 23, 2009 we lost Jack to cancer. Sam and I laid on the couch for 3 straight days together, getting sick, crying, and broken-hearted. Finally, we both held our head up at exactly the same time. I knew he was thinking the same thing as me. Jack didn’t have a choice. But we did......
Soon there was Andy, then Wil, then Maddie, then Mason…..and every night for almost six years, Sam and I would pray right next to my bed asking God to take care of all those dogs out there without a loving home. As I watched my Sammy growing older, I was continually overcome with emotion because there are so many older dogs that are let go or discarded when they are no longer playful or have too many health issues. They are usually the ones in shelters the longest or euthanized first. All at a time when they need us the most. I made sure Sam knew every day that I loved him and that I would never give up on him. He saved my life in so many ways and was truly my best friend. I lost my Sammy on May 22, 2015 and there is not a day that goes by that I’m not thinking of him.
For many years, there were no rules or laws on how people should treat animals. To this day, there are stories after stories about an abused or neglected dog. Many states are just now enacting laws in their states making it a criminal offense for the mistreatment of animals. I believe God put dogs on this earth to test our character. You may have heard that God spelled backwards is Dog. Well, I truly believe that although we do not physically see Him in our everyday lives, He is actually watching us through a dog’s eyes. Watching how we are treating these animals …….and each other. Thousands of dog rescues and animals shelters have been created across the world, big and small, all with the same thought in mind. These dogs do not have a choice. But we do......
If we choose to get a dog, we are that dog’s whole world. They need you to take care of them when they are young AND when they are old. Things do happen and sometimes we can no longer care for them. That dog’s life is still in your hands. Always choose a path that is kind, caring, and compassionate for any dog. I am not here to say that everyone needs to have a dog. I am only here to help people understand that dogs do not have choice. But we do......
Sammy has taught me so much about myself and has helped me to believe that all things are possible through Christ. Initially, we bought a five acre piece of ground with the hopes of starting a rescue someday. After about a year of planning, my dream was seemingly shattered when there were issues with building lines and some other matters related to restrictions. We refused to give up. I began my search again for what would become a loving home, a forever home, for many dogs. You see…..Although we had to go through some disappointment, I knew God already had a plan for us. Within months, we were able to sell the 5 acres and we were blessed with 20 acres. And the best part, it had a 48’x75’ pole barn just waiting to be turned into an amazing rescue.
First step, what was I going to call this 'soon to be’ forever home for so many dogs? And then it happened! I brought my Sammy back to life! I am proud and honored to officially introduce you to ‘Simply Amazing Mutts Sanctuary (S.A.M.S). It is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) making any donations to the organization tax deductible. We have turned the pole barn into something very special. S.A.M.S will be a forever home for many senior dogs. And when their time should come, they will be laid to rest right next to my Sammy, my heart, and the soul of S.A.M.S.
I want to thank my brother Jake for creating a logo in memory of my sweet Sammy. I am so grateful and blessed to have been able to keep my promise I made to Sam for all those years. And the best way I could keep my Sammy alive was to be able to share him with all of you reading this now. Please share my story with your family and your friends. I ask each one of you to keep your faith in God, as He will continue to bring so much joy in your life. Any donations made to S.A.M.S will be helping to continue my story and will help save the lives of so many dogs that did not have a choice. But you do.....
