On November 2014, our lives changed when Sammy, a puppy rescue from Labradors and Friends, joined our family. We had gone to an adoption event, hoping to find a companion for Mia, but none of the dogs seemed quite right. As we were about to leave, I suggested we consider a puppy instead of an adult dog. The host immediately pointed us toward Sammy, as if they knew he was the one. Sammy passed the compatibility test with Mia, and he soon joined us at our home and they became best friends.

But as time passed, we noticed changes. In 2022, Sammy began showing signs of Cushing’s Disease and he was moving more slowly. After numerous tests, we confirmed that a pituitary tumor was growing in his brain. By 2023, his condition had worsened, and Sammy’s health took a sharp turn for the worse. He had lost his appetite and was losing weight. The tumor was significantly large that we were sent straight to oncology, but the oncologist told us Sammy had little time left, anywhere from three days to three months. We were heartbroken and felt like we had failed him.

But Sammy wasn’t ready to give up. We found a holistic veterinarian who worked with us to manage his condition, and Sammy continued to fight with everything he had. With their guidance, Sammy thrived, and we became hiking buddies. For another 1.5 years, we shared days filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Sammy was more than a dog; he was my best friend, my confidant, my constant source of joy. Sammy’s strength and will to live were nothing short of inspiring, and every extra day with him felt like a blessing. Sammy’s sudden passing in August 2024 shattered my heart. Sammy was 9.5 years old.