My Sampson

by Tonya McCartney
(Leland NC)

My Sampson started his life in my hands. I was co-owner of a female boston terrier and when she had puppies I literally delivered Sampson. I decided to keep Sampson as my payment in owning the female.

What a priceless treasure he has been to me. Sampson has been with me through the loss of my mother and my father. Sampson was with me through my recovery after cancer. When family members went back to work and school, Sampson laid beside me sleeping every day, and every step I took so did he. Sampson lived 16 full years with me and my family. I often told all of my friends and family that I didn't know what I would do if anything happened to Sampson.

I recently went on a trip to Florida and when I got back my husband told me that Sampson died while I was away laying in the sun. He was sleeping and just never got up. I really feel that Sampson waited for me to be away so that I would not have to be present at losing another loved one. I wish he would have waited.