Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Life Well Lived

On the three hour drive home from the airport in May of 2002, eight week old Samba and I bonded for life. That night she crawled under my bedside stand to sleep and never willingly left my side during the following ten years.
This was a dog who did everything I ever asked of her. We tried it all, obedience classes which she aced and dog shows which she won.

She showed us from the beginning that she was a true water dog.

And she loved the water in any form it took.
She could be naughty on occasion. She was an expert counter surfer, once scoring a whole roast turkey, and she taught her skill to her puppies.
She did everything with gusto and loved chasing a ball or chewing on a stick. But her favorite toy was her spotted frisbee and she shared it with her pups.

She and Morgan were best friends and she  tolerated Fudge's silliness.

She and I were partners in the parenting experience. She would spend her time with me as long as we checked in on the puppies every ten minutes and I had to sit beside her as she nursed them. She seemed to be telling me that she had produced them for me and I had to share the responsibility. That was fine with me. She was a great mom and taught them to be perfect little Porties.



Mainly she was my constant companion and partner. She was beside me during good times and bad times. She never left my side. Now there is a terrible emptiness but I have so many wonderful memories. She taught me a lot about loyalty and acceptance and I'm a better person for having had her in my life.

42 comments:

gMarie said...

::cry::

g

Lapdog Creations said...

What a beautiful tribute to an amazing friend. My heart aches for you Sue... much love & hugs.

Matilda the Boxer said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog. Samba will never die as long as you can remember her.

Samantha @OTSam said...

Aww! So sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have some other pups to surround you during this tough time.

http://msrileysblogdog.wordpress.com/

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Sue, that was a wonderful tribute. We know that there is a huge hole in your pack. But she had a wonderful life and gave back loads of love.

XXXOOO Daisy, bella & Roxy

Marjie said...

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. I hope her pups can help fill the vast void in your heart.

Mad about Craft said...

She fought the good fight!!

Molly the Airedale said...

What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Samba, Sue. My heart hurts for you. Samba's memory will live on forever.

Anonymous said...

I know how raw that empty place feels. I'm so very sorry.

Nanina

Two French Bulldogs said...

What a beautiful tribute
Benny & Lily

SissySees said...

I'm choked up enough that both fur-girls came to check on me. They'd come check on you too if they could, but I'm guessing Samba's pack is taking care of you as they adjust to life without her too.

They leave pawprints on our hearts, don't they?

Anonymous said...

Thats a wonderful story and tribute to Smaba, may she live in your heart furever!, Like Goose says, sometimes Gods grace comes from unexpected places, and Samba did her part!

Your Pals
Susie & Bites

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so very sad at the passing of Samba. You say she had a life well lived. We might add it was also a life where she was so very well-loved.

Hugs to you.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Sue, what a beautiful tribute. In reading it, it's caused me to feel that ache that I know you're feeling. I feel almost as if Samba was everyone's dog because you shared her with all of us. Thank-you for that, and letting us know this amazing dog. There's a well known saying, 'Death is never sad, if the gift of life has been well used'. While I know that her life was well used, (and wonderful!) I feel very, very sad. I hope you continue to find comfort in your memories of Samba and in knowing that you will see her again one day.

Jo's World said...

Thanks for this lovely tribute to Samba. A beautiful girl with a heartful of love for you.

We are just so lucky to be blessed with our pups and kitties, from the time we are little kids until we are old, they provide so much of the life-joy. A little heart break too, sometimes, but the biggest part is the love and pleasure they provide.

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

Ruby said...

That was a lovely, lovely post Sue. You know how my heart breaks for you. It was heartwarming the fight you fought along side Samba.
Know she is running pain free and strong with her furiends, and you will see her again someday.
My paws are still crossed for Skye, and I will continue to send AireZens your way.

Kisses,
Ruby

rottrover said...

Sending hugs to you, Sue.

The Life of Riley said...

Precious memories. A lovely tribute to your wonderful friend.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Sue, I know you will forever have Samba-sized holes in your heart, but she experienced love and gave love and I know she would want you to have that loving experience again. It is so hard when our "soul-dogs" leave us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rob and your pack.

xo
Lynn

How Sam Sees It said...

I'm so sorry. Sending you hugs and love. Rest in peace, sweet Samba.

Sam

Golden Samantha said...

We are so sorry to hear about Simba - what a beautiful tribute to her - we ache for your loss and send our condolences.
With big hugs from us all xxx
Sammie, Avalon and Mom

Unknown said...

Samba
Somehow we never crossed bloggie paths but Mango Momma informed everyone so we came to say farewell. You obviously had a full life of fun! You certainly will be missed.
Norwood

Stacey said...

Oh gosh I am so sorry!! All my best thoughts are being sent your way!!

The Heartbeats said...

Beautiful. It's such a blessing to be able to say that you are a better person for having her in your life. I feel the same way about my dogs.

Samba was a good girl.

Mamma Heartbeat

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom and I came over from Casey's blog. We came over to say how very sorry we are to read about Samba's passing. What a beautiful lady full of love and grace.....run free Samba and hugs to your Mom
Madi and Mom

Pink said...

A wonderful tribute... I am so sorry for your loss :(

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can look on your memories with her and smile.

Life with Wrigs said...

Thank you for sharing Samba's story and those beautiful images. She had a full, amazing life with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Susan

Murray's Mouth said...

So sorry for your loss. A beautiful tribute post.

The Boston Lady said...

This is my first time visiting having seen the sad news on Dexter's blog. What a beautiful dog Samba was, both inside and out it seems. She sounds like she was the perfect companion, an excellent momma and a presence that will be missed. Good memories will keep you strong, I hope. Ann TBL

Cinnamon said...

Run Free Samba.


xo Cinnamon

KB said...

I can tell that Samba was truly a special one and your bond with her was deep and lasting. You and she had an amazing life together. I send you my heartfelt condolences.

The Island Cats said...

We were visiting Dexter and read about Samba. Even though we didn't know her, we are sorry to hear she has gone to the Bridge. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts and hope the good memories you have of her helps you through this sad time.

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

You never really die as long as there is someone left alive who remembers you with love. Samba will live on in your hearts and in ours. And Tsar is watching over her and keeping her company across the Bridge.

We are keeping our paws crossed as tight as we can for Sky.

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Sue,
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful and faithful dog. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP sweet Samba.

Blessings,
Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soulmate. I'm so sorry for your loss. Its hard to lose someone as special as Samba. Our deepest sympathies from all of us. Warm kisses from Juno and wags from Loki.
-Julie

TimberLove said...

We came to paw our sympathy and offer comforting husky woooos,

RA, Isis & Nanük

parlance said...

Samba enriched my life, too. I feel as if she still lives in the memories I have of her over years of reading about her full and rich live.

Anonymous said...

You gave her a beautiful life. May you be consoled by the many wonderful memories you have of Samba.
Run free Samba - até nos encontrarmos novamente (until we meet again in Portuguese).

Hugs,
The Roo Family

Donna said...

Me sorry. :( Rest in peace, Ms. Samba.

soulbrush said...

Haven't been around for a while and I return to see this. I have a lump in my throat the size of a golf ball I am so sad for you all. Sending my loving thoughts across the pond. xxxxx

booahboo said...

I am so very sorry to see this so late Sue. My apologies. A wonderful life you had with her. Such a beautiful tribute to a great friend.
My heart is with you.

*hugs*
anny+dommy