A Work in Progress - Our Sammy
>> Saturday, December 4, 2010
As many of you know, Sammy came to us in late spring. He was big, doppy, and totally incorrigible. I loved him from the very beginning. So did my youngest son, Ryan. Chuck wasn't so sure. After all, our other dogs knew what they were supposed to do and Sammy didn't. On top of not knowing what he should do, Sammy did anything he wanted to do which included going into the living room (sacred area for my husband's comfort) and unloading the dishwasher, cupboards, and counters on a regular basis.
Sammy was a third wheel. He didn't know how big he was and even though Maddie and Annabelle weren't threatened by him, they had their own little niche in life. The girls more or less ignored him for most of the time. Occasionally Sammy would run over one of them and that wasn't a happy time. Spring led to summer. We took Sammy to an introductory obedience class and worked and worked with him at home. By mid-summer he was housebroken and had an inkling of what was a good idea and what was not. Chuck even began to develop a fondness for Sammy. He began to play big dog games with him and seemed to really soften up towards our gentle giant.
Now that fall has arrived (in full force) and Chuck is getting ready to retire, Sammy is included in all family events. He loves to go for walks in the park and stays right by our sides. In fact, just like Annabelle and Maddie, wherever I am, Sammy is. Yes he takes up more space but I certainly don't care. As for Maddie and Annabelle, they've taken Sammy into their little pack. Annabelle's still head honcho and puts Sammy in his place from time to time but Sammy's okay with that. After our last Newfie died I swore I'd never get another because I couldn't go through the pain. Well, I guess I will someday because Sammy's worth it. The joy he brings to my life is immeasurable
And the humor he and Chuck both bring to me just can't be said in words. Our Sammy can't always be called a "good boy" yet, but he can be called amazing...simply amazing. I sure do love him.
Sammy's a work in progress and a good retirement project for Chuck...don't you think?
16 comments:
Sammy is adorable and it's obvious he adores you all in return. So glad it's all working out. Newfies are a special dog, the term gentle giant was coined for them I think? I know I only had Simba my Newfie for a year or so but he was a special dog that gave me unconditional love and protection.
Beautifully written Jan. :-)xxx
I love the last picture: your two car-boyz, tongues hanging out. Good thing Chuck doesn't drool. Well, not as much, anyway.
Sammy has such a great life with you all.
Our Buddy is like Sammy. And after nearly 2 years with us and the other dogs, and he fits right in now. It took a while, but I don't know what I would do without him now. I think that is a wonderful retirement project.
Sammy knew from the start he'd win him over!
I mean...look at THAT face!?!
Congrats!
Hi looks so very huggable that good doesn't even seem to matter. I love how in the last picture he was imitating your husband's tongue.
Good job Sammy
Benny & Lily
Sammy looks at Chuck as if he is saying,.. "your the apple of my eye dad"
I do think that this will be a work in progress for the retirement project. Everybody needs something to do.
I love seeing how it is one big happy family,,, and there is nothing boring about your family at all. It is full of love..
Oh to be your fur babies, so many furries dream of what you all have.
I think that not only did Sammy make a difference in your lives,.. you certainly let him feel love, what a difference you made in his life.
love
tweedles
We are all projects really. I love Sammys face and gosh he seems happy to be with you two!
Sammy is such a beautiful dog! And how lucky for him to find a family like yours. How wonderful.It will be fun to watch him in future posts.
Hugs and wags, Mistaya
I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
God Bless You :-)
~Ron
I think that our "works in progress" are sometimes nearest and dearest to our hearts. Some of them will be works in progress for their entire lives (I speak from experience) - but it doesn't make us love them any less.
I think that Sammie is doing great! He makes you smile - and that's most important.
Sammy is very handsome. He is very lucky to have found you & your family and to become a part of it. Works in progress lead to some pretty great memories too. Sounds like a good retirement project. Sammy & Chuck look like they belong together. Great pic of them in the truck.
Tailwags
Ernie,Sasha,Chica
I'm so glad to see this update on Sammy. He's so beautif... er... I mean HANDSOME. Something about big, goofy, misbehaving, hairy dogs gets to that soft spot in my heart, too.
Stopping in to say Happy New Year from Bridge and Beyond and hope the year 2011 brings only good things for you and yours.
Sandy
Also hoping we're able to knit and crochet and donate more needed items in the coming year with your help.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL I HOPE EVERTHING IS OKAY.
LICKS BOBBY
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