An update on Sammy

Usually when I adopt a new dog by month six, seven or eight we are preparing for our Pet Partners evaluation. Let me tell you about Sammy. We discovered very early on that Sammy has spinal and other health complications. We have wonderful veterinarians and have him on a course of treatment that minimizes his pain and mobility issues.  Sammy is the sweetest dog and loves Buddy and Charlie and is stuck to me like glue. However he most probably will never be suitable for therapy work. He is the greatest pet and that is his purpose. We share his story and photos with the teens we meet with. As they pet Buddy or Charlie they learn about Sammy. They learn that it is my responsibility to give him the best life possible and I tell them about YAYABA (You Are Your Pet’s Best Advocate). I tell them that stress may not be his friend and it is my job to provide love and care and as stress free a life as we can. He loves getting his laser treatments and is so cute in his goggles! He can now wag his tail and walk without limping. He can enjoy baths and grooming. And I can pick him up to cuddle. But when I share his story with the kids and show them photos of Sammy they ask the most searing questions: Why don’t you just return him? Why keep a dog that is broken? Why keep him if he can’t live up to your expectations to be a therapy dog? I tell them no, I would not return him, he is not broken and while he may not become a therapy dog, he is not a disappointment. Our goal for Sammy is that he lives up to his potential and be a happy dog.  Through this little dog’s story they learn that they too are not broken and not a disappointment.  And every life is worthy. So while in all likelihood you will never meet Sammy he may be the greatest “therapy” dog for all of us.