21/09/2025
This is the post I never wanted to write …..
Yesterday we had to have our beautiful Sam put to sleep. He was the most loving, kindest, gentlest, sweetest dog and our hearts are breaking. He would have been 9 next week.
He had been struggling with his breathing and unfortunately the vet found a massive tumour on his lungs, there was nothing they could do for him and the kindest thing was to let him go. We didn’t have the option to bring him home and cuddle him for hours and feed him all of his favourite treats. Instead Steve and I went to the vet’s and cuddled him while he took his last breath. When the vet asked if we were ready for him to go I told him I’d never be ready and I wasn’t. But the kindest thing we could do was be there for him when he went, we were both cuddling him and he had his head on my lap.
Seeing Steve and Ben sobbing has broken me and watching George wandering around looking for Sam and then sitting in all of Sam’s favourite places is also destroying me.
Most of you know we rescued Sam at 7 months. I know he had the best life with us, he couldn’t have been more loved, not just by us but by everyone who knew him, humans and dogs alike. But Sam did more for us than we did for him. He was Steve’s first ever dog, he’d always wanted one and what an amazing first dog he’s had. The business was set up around Sam and it’s because of him that we do what we do and we’ll always be grateful for that. For Ben, he was almost like an assistant dog. When Ben had a horrific time at the beginning of the year Sam stuck to his side like glue. They were always friends but since January they’ve had an even stronger bond, Sam has always known when Ben needs him. For me, Sam has been my constant. When I lost my Dad, when I’ve had operations and he hasn’t left my side, through all the happy times too, Sam has been there. I’ve spent more time with Sam over the past 8 and a half years than anyone else in my life and I honestly feel like a part of me is gone. The pain is actually physical and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get over losing him. I feel scared to sleep because when I wake up I’ll have that second when I’ve forgotten my Sam has gone.
If love could have saved Sam he’d still be here. He was definitely my favourite hello and the hardest ever goodbye and the saying is so true … he loved us for his whole life and we will miss him for the rest of ours.
I’ve only had the energy to message a few people but want to thank those I’ve told for the incredibly thoughtful and kind messages you’ve sent. I can’t explain how much it means to us all.
Run free now my beautiful boy, I know you are with my Dad and will be barking at sticks and eating steak. Thank you for blessing us all and for being such an incredible pup that makes saying goodbye this hard. We will love and miss you forever 💔🐾
