A Special Day

March 10th is a special day. On this day in 1987 Sammy a Golden Retriever was born. From Megan and Rambo two champion canines. Sammy and his sister Josephine, also a champion, were the only two reds of a litter of ten. The rest, four males and four females were all blondes.
Sammy had an understanding vocabulary of 1,000+ words. He also knew when I was using profanity. Whether it was to him or someone else. He would just give several low soft growls. Sammy and I would go every where together. The front passenger seat, designated "shot gun" was his seat. When he was regulated to the rear seat. He'd voice a disapproval when laying down by letting a loud breathy grunt.
Otherwise his head be happily rested in my lap while I drove. Sammy and I did have a occasional problem to who was driving. He always entered the car from the right front door. Before I could get in to the drivers side. There he be sitting in the drivers seat. Chin resting atop the steering wheel looking towards the hood. Refusing to give the seat up. Sometimes a brief discussion issued. expounding the necessity of a valid license plus insurance. He'd acquiesce and seat shot gun. Though every once in awhile refuse to budget and start arguing with me. When push came to shove and me putting my shoulder into him. Then and sometimes not. Plop over to his side. With that low breathy grunt just as he laid down. Showing me disapproval.
Sammy has a lover of children especially those 5 and under. He instinctively knew these children needed him. And would gladly suffer poke, prods, pulls and pinches just to be with the children. Also big favorites was socks, rocks,swimming, swimming while chasing ducks, walking in the rain and through ever puddle. When no rain puddles were around. He'd find water from irrigation, car washing and other run-off. Being sure each paw had an equal amount of wetness on them. Than Sammy was happier and always look back to see if I'd be watching.

Sammy passed away December 18, 2000. He was, 13 years, 9 months and 8 days old when drawing his last breath.
I will Post a photo of Sammy soon.

Miss you Bones.

Sheilah Say