It’s been a month since Sammy suddenly passed away from an aneurysm.
He was stolen so quickly from us, it came as a complete shock. He had been playing and chasing his toys that afternoon and when he laid down I thought he was simply enjoying the sun. Tallie let me know that something was wrong and he passed away in my arms that evening.
I am distraught and yet I know that as much as he liked Tallie and enjoyed playing with her, he was never the same after Zeus passed away. He loved Zeus and missed him so so much. Zeus was his feather, Sammy could always be brave and big when Zeus was around. After Zeus passed, he was inconsolable. Tallie’s friendship brought back moments of the old Sammy but he never really recovered from his loss.
I am grateful that his suffering wasn’t long. That he had no lingering illness. That his last day was spent playing and tossing toys around and generally making a big mess. That he was able in his last moment to know I was there and give me one last doggy kiss.
When I look at this photo, it makes me smile every time. He was so joyful and charming and stubborn and funny. And that smile. I loved that smile.
I know in my heart that in his last moments, he was at peace and that gives me peace.
But I miss him so much.
My eternal gratitude to the staff of our local Animal Emergency Hospital. They were indescribably caring, kind and honest on a horribly difficult day.
the purple dog painting blog 
I can’t “like” this. Your loss of Sammy is too sad to like. But you, and everyone who knew him, have my deep sympathy. Thank you for brightening so many days with silly Sammy stories.
Thank you so much! He was a character, I still can’t quite believe that he’s gone.
I’m so Sorry Virginia š„ Sammy is always with you as is Zeus, not doubt both of them are playing with toy’s in their other life. Big HUG!!
One of the things that has helped me is imagining how much joy they both would have seeing each other again. Even when they were separated for a brief time they went crazy happy when they saw each other..You are right, they are a part of me forever! Thank you for you kindness.
I remember the first time I saw his face plastered in purple paint. My sister in law had a Westie and a Cairn. I had a 2 cairns and I loved them to death. I cried when my dogs died, cried myself to sleep, I know that pain that so many of us suffer when we lose that cherished member of the family. So I know you hurt.
Take care, keep safe in the New Year.
I remember your Poppy, she was a gorgeous little dog! Thank you so much for your kind words and friendship.
Virginia, my heart goes out to you. I wish I had the amazing ability you possess to so beautifully express the love and grief one feels when one experiences a loss of such great magnitude. Keep sharing your beautiful art and words.
Thank you. I hope you and Dan are well.