Samson’s Story
When Samson was first examined there were a lot of unknowns about his medical condition. A cursory exam zeroed iIt is that all too familiar story. A senior dog is owner surrendered to animal control. The dog is usually suffering from some age related condition. Having served his purpose as a lifelong companion and protector of his family, when it is his turn to need aid and comfort he is abandoned. Perhaps the family could not afford the medical care necessary, but surrendering a canine to the shelter with a serious medical condition carries with it the possibility that the pup’s life will end in the shelter. Shelters are not equipped, nor have the staff or budget to provide extensive medical care and rehabilitation to a senior dog. Their only hope is the intervention of a rescue. In this case, the pup surrendered was named Samson. A gorgeous German Shepherd with a beautiful coat and not nearly looking his ten years of age. However, time had appeared to wear down this gentle giant.
The road back to health for Samson might have been a long one and was full of uncertainties, but he deserved a second chance. Without a full diagnosis by the rescue’s primary veterinarian, all options were on the table. Would he need water therapy, injections to lubricate his joints, meds to manage his pain, and possibly wheels to ease the burden on his legs while giving him mobility?
We always say things happen for a reason and bringing Samson in was no exception. Samson was the kind of dog that everyone immediately fell in love with because of his stunning appearance but after a few minutes with him, his personality is what would truly shine. Not only did Samson unconditionally love but also he was an incredibly sweet and a true gentle giant.
Despite multiple vet visits, lots of love and proper medications, Samson’s legs appeared to be getting worse. He was anxious and unsettled. Something beyond his suspected arthritis was going on. We needed to know for sure. It was then that we brought him in for a completely sedated X-ray so that the vet could get a better look. The result would be the worst news possible. Unexpectedly, the vet discovered Samson had bone cancer in this hip that was causing him extreme pain and had likely spread to other parts of his body. Every rescue dreads the day they’re faced with this kind of decision. The choice was between extreme measures that would cost him his dignity in his final weeks or months, or give him the love and freedom from the cancer eating at his body. The choice was painful and full of tears, but in the end it was clear. Let Samson run free and healthy across the Rainbow Bridge.
Although Samson was only in the rescue for one month he will always be a part of the You and Me Furever family. On his last night, Samson’s foster brothers and sisters all laid around him and even held his paw. We believe that dogs know when another is in need and they were all there to comfort him until the very end. Earlier today, on November 23rd, Samson crossed that Rainbow Bridge and now is free of pain.
In his short time with the rescue he knew he was loved and cared for and that everything was done to give him the best chance of a long life. Not every rescued pup’s story has a fairytale ending, but we are comforted by knowing that Samson was a part of our lives, but more importantly that he knew he was loved in this final weeks and moments. We were there to help him on his final journey. With tears flowing we said goodbye and long for the day we will see him again. Thank you to everyone that thought of Samson and supported his journey. Like so many pups, he touched us all.
