This posted by mistake on the 14th. With this new blog format, you have to be so careful. Since I had a cute post up about Faith pondering a dog's life, I reverted to it on the 14th and changed Samson's post to today. Sorry about this.
I found all these old pictures of Samson and posted them here. Then, as I started to write about him, this wonderful dog of mine, I started to cry. Not just tear up, but cry.
I was dumbfounded, why was I having this tearful reaction? I was quiet for a while and then I knew. I'm on some deep level worried he may die. Samson will be twelve next July, a time when most of my dogs either passed on or began a downhill slide. Additionally, Samson has never been a 100% healthy dog and has been on steroid medicine, both orally and for his eye drops for most of his life.
Then I realized that because Faith is so in my face all the time, needs all my attention, is the "good" and ever so obedient dog, she gets all the praise, while I tend to nag at Samson's stubborn behavior.
I'm glad I had this insight, because from now on, for the rest of this kindest, sweetest, most self-less, most patient, most -- everything good dog's life, I will shower him with love and attention.
He will also defend me. Once when I told a trespassing, meth addicted, woman to not climb over my fences and she screamed at me and made threatening gestures, Samson lunged at her and had he not been on leash would have taken her on, he left no doubt about that. He will defend me.
(In the comments made on the 14th, Sandi wondered about the meth. The incident with Samson and the woman happened about nine years ago. A house up in the mountains was rented to people right out of Breaking Bad. This woman had no car, so she had to walk/hitch hike to town. Walking across our land was a huge shortcut. These people are long gone, so everything is calm and peaceful around here now.)
That said, instead of writing about his life, a life many of you have followed over the years on my blog, why don't you look at him below and, hopefully, he will make you smile.

I love you my sweet boy.
So very much.
Beautiful post about Samson - i enjoyed the photos. If I "owned" a house again I think I would love to paint it that beautiful orange color. I was over at Instagram yesterday and someone said and showed photos of their house painted with sunset and sunrise colors. So then I was busy yesterday googling houses where interiors are painted with orange and then I come here...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gallery of Sampson. Is he singing in the last pic? Lovely dog.
ReplyDeleteI wrote Samson. This is the third attempt to overcome auto correct. Twice it crashed me, grrrrrr.
ReplyDeleteSamson is such a great companion, I can understand why you cried. The photo gallery is wonderful, from the photos of his muddy feet to his pure white just had a bath glory.
ReplyDeleteHe is so beautiful; I love his ears. This is another good reason for blogging, the insight you have gained with this post!
ReplyDeleteMuddy paws, singing for joy, we all share in your love for Samson, and hope he is as loving as he is loved. XXXX
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful
ReplyDeleteSo handsome
This most excellent pup - KNOWS you love him.
💙
He's a sweetie!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt he would have tackled her. But I am surprised you have those issues in your area. Everything looks so serene and Away From it All.
Samson is such a beautiful boy. His age does not show.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! My favorite is of him sitting with the sun on his back. He is so gorgeous and photogenic!
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of Samson sitting in the flower pot.
ReplyDeleteSamson is a beautiful, sweet and loyal dog. I know you treat him with loving kindness and if somehow it is possible to do more than that for him I'm sure he will be in doggie heaven on earth. xx
ReplyDeleteoh beloved Samson.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had an epiphany about him and will truly treasure each day with him now.
but I'm sure you've treated him with love his whole life or he wouldn't be so happy!
just his smile always makes me smile. these pictures of him are wonderful!
XOXO
What came to mind as I read your post about Samson, Beth Middler's song came into my mind, Wind Beneath My wings. With Samson being in the shadow and Faith getting all the glory. I hope that Samson will be at your side for longer than expected.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and well.
Hugs, Julia
I love sweet Samson. I hope he has many years left for you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome boy. It's great when you have naturally white hair, no one sees the grey:) Cute how he appears to be singing us off.
ReplyDeleteHi Inger - so pleased to see more of Samson - he is one special dog ... he's been around since we've been friends via this internet world! These are great fun photos ... they are so tiny when they start out - and all have different characters ... wonderful - lovely post - take care and stay safe ... Hilary
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