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Remembering Samson: A Heartfelt Tribute to Our Beloved Family Dog

Our dog, Samson, unexpectedly entered our lives, and for thirteen extraordinary years, he filled our home with boundless love, laughter, and companionship. Even now, after saying our final goodbyes, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for every moment we shared with this truly special furry family member.

While the trend of deeply personal blogging might have shifted since the early 2010s, when I first penned a small list about our family dog, Samson, I find myself compelled to update and republish his story. Why this return to such personal reflections? Because recently, after 13 incredible years as a cherished member of our family, we had to say a heartbreaking goodbye to Samson. Although the pain of his loss is profound, we find solace in knowing he was finally at peace, resting from the physical discomfort that had become his daily reality.

This decision to share our grief and celebration of Samson’s life stems from a deep understanding that many of you, dear readers, are also pet parents. You know the unique, unconditional love a dog offers, and you understand the immense void left behind when they cross the rainbow bridge. Our canine companions become so much more than just pets; they are family, confidantes, and sources of unwavering joy. This tribute is for Samson, and for every dog owner who has experienced such a profound bond.

Samson wasn’t just a part of our personal lives; he was also an integral character in the story of AOC (An Oregon Cottage) from its very inception. He frequently made guest appearances, sometimes starring in articles that detailed his unexpected journey into our family, or sharing the spotlight in posts like this one, which highlighted how much turmeric helped alleviate his hip pain when he was around six years old. The impact of this natural remedy was so significant that we even produced a follow-up video three years later, showcasing how remarkably puppy-like he still appeared, even at the ripe old age of nine! These articles weren’t just about pet care; they were about sharing glimpses into our life with Samson, demonstrating how his well-being was always a top priority for our family.

Of course, living with a beloved family dog like Samson also came with its own set of “adventures” that sometimes tested our patience. He was, after all, a dog, and like many dogs, he occasionally caused a bit of playful chaos, leading to a few moments of “hair-pulling” for us. There was the memorable incident of him “doing his business” on my brand-new jute rug – an unexpected decor choice, to say the least, and a moment that perfectly captured his mischievous side! And who could forget the time he utterly trashed the delicate plants I had meticulously started from seed, transforming a promising garden into a scene of canine-induced anarchy. These moments, frustrating as they were at the time, are now cherished as humorous anecdotes that perfectly encapsulate his spirited, sometimes clumsy, personality. They are reminders of the unpredictable joys (and challenges) of pet ownership.

Samson’s knack for making his presence known wasn’t limited to our home; it extended seamlessly into our digital content creation. It became a running joke between Brian and me that if we were filming a video for the blog, Samson would inevitably find a way to become part of the production. Whether he was patiently waiting (and hopefully begging for treats) while I demonstrated a natural peanut butter stirring hack, or even cleverly maneuvering himself onto the video thumbnail itself, Samson ensured his charming face was seen. He wasn’t just a background prop; he was a silent (and sometimes not-so-silent) co-star, endearing himself to our audience just as he had to us. His cameos added an authentic, heartwarming touch to our videos, showcasing the reality of life with a beloved furry companion.

This desire to be seen and loved was a defining characteristic of Samson, not just for our immediate household, but for our entire extended family as well. My brothers, sisters, moms, dad, and countless other relatives and friends all adored him and his remarkably sweet, gentle disposition. He was more than a pet; he was a furry ambassador of joy, a source of comfort, and a constant companion whose calming presence was felt by all. Samson has been an absolute treasure and an undeniable blessing in our lives, and while our hearts ache with his absence, we will forever cherish the beautiful memories he left us with. He truly taught us the meaning of unconditional love.

To truly understand the journey of our beloved Samson, I’d like to share what I originally wrote about him back in 2010. These initial observations capture the essence of his early years with us and highlight the charming quirks that made him uniquely Samson, our extraordinary rescue dog.

Our Dog Samson: 20 Unforgettable Facts

Let me tell you a little more about our amazing family dog, Samson, through these 20 facts, originally penned when he was a younger, albeit still magnificent, canine:

**A Reluctant Beginning:** Honestly, I never wanted a dog. My vision for our family life didn’t include a furry, four-legged creature taking over the house. However, when we decided to move from the bustling city of Portland to the peaceful serenity of the countryside, a promise was made to our children: they could finally have a dog. Little did I know, this promise would lead us to Samson, and forever change my perspective on pet ownership.
**Searching for the “Right” Fit:** Our initial search was for a specific type of dog – one that was small to medium in size, capable of thriving primarily outdoors. We envisioned a companion that would enjoy the open spaces of country living, perhaps a smaller breed that wouldn’t overwhelm our home. Our dream dog was a neat, tidy, outdoor canine.
**Expectations vs. Reality: Size:** As fate would have it, our dog is decidedly *not* small to medium-sized. Samson arrived as a substantial, majestic presence, immediately challenging all our preconceived notions about the “ideal” family pet. He quickly grew into a truly impressive, large dog, full of character and affection.
**Expectations vs. Reality: Indoors vs. Outdoors:** Despite our initial plans for an outdoor companion, Samson quickly established himself as an indoor dog. His sweet demeanor, love for comfort, and undeniable need for companionship meant he preferred being right there with his family, transforming our home into his cozy haven, much to the delight of the children (and eventually, me!).
**A Providential Rescue Story:** Samson’s journey to us was truly providential. He came through my dad, who discovered him wandering aimlessly through their neighborhood in the high desert of Central Oregon. He was a lost soul, clearly needing a home and a family, and my dad’s timely intervention brought him into our lives, a true rescue dog story.
**A Thanksgiving Arrival:** Our incredible rescue dog officially joined our family on Thanksgiving weekend in 2006. It felt incredibly fitting for such a blessing to arrive during a time dedicated to gratitude and family. His arrival made that holiday season particularly memorable and joyful, marking the beginning of a beautiful chapter.
**The Name “Samson”:** We named him Samson, a name that perfectly captured his strength, robust build, and powerful presence. He carried his name with a quiet dignity, a gentle giant in every sense of the word, living up to the strength associated with his namesake.
**A Mighty Presence:** At approximately 90 pounds, Samson was indeed a powerhouse, a solid and comforting presence in any room. And true to his impressive size, he shed hair like mad! The name Samson, signifying strength, was certainly appropriate, but we often joked it should also signify “shedding machine” – a small price to pay for such a loving companion.
**Mysterious Origins:** Since he was a rescue dog, Samson’s exact age and breed remained a delightful mystery throughout his life. We could only guess, based on the vet’s assessment that he seemed to be about a year old when he found us. Our best guess for his lineage was a charming blend of Swiss Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever, a mix that perfectly explained his robust build, gentle nature, and intelligence.
**The Legendary Chewing Phase:** The first year Samson was with us, he embarked on an extensive chewing expedition, targeting practically everything in sight. And I truly mean *everything*. From the sturdy wood molding along our walls to delicate flip-flops and even those supposedly “weather-resistant” planters, nothing was safe. This relentless chewing habit certainly cemented our belief that he was indeed a young, energetic dog, likely around a year old, as the vet had suggested – a true puppy phase!
**Unwavering Loyalty:** Samson was the epitome of loyalty. He never ventured far from our side, never ran too far ahead during walks, always keeping us in his sight. There was one unforgettable instance when he managed to dig his way out of our backyard. But instead of running off into the great wide world, he simply dug *right back in* when he couldn’t find us. We arrived home to find him waiting patiently at the back door, covered head to paw in mud – a muddy testament to his devotion that remains etched in our memories forever.
**A Burst of Energy:** When Samson decided to run, he was a blur of motion, incredibly fast and powerful. His enthusiasm was infectious, but his speed could be surprising! He could easily knock you over with his energetic bursts of speed and playful lunges, a habit that taught us to be quick on our feet (and sometimes resulted in a comical tumble!).
**Brian’s “Master”:** Without a doubt, Samson’s “master” was my husband, Brian. Their bond was truly special and undeniable. Samson absolutely adored Brian, following him like a shadow, his eyes filled with unwavering affection and devotion. It was a beautiful thing to witness, a testament to the powerful connection between a man and his dog.
**A Pillow for All:** While Brian held a special place in his heart, Samson extended his immense love to every member of our family, allowing us all to use him as a giant, furry pillow. His soft fur and warm presence made him the ultimate comfort object. This loving act helped soften the initial blow to our daughter, who had initially believed that the new dog would be exclusively *her* dog. Samson, in his wisdom, ensured there was enough love (and pillow space) for everyone.
**Kooky Comfort:** Samson had a unique way of expressing his comfort and contentment. When he was truly at ease, often after a long walk or a good meal, he would contort himself into the most wonderfully kooky and amusing positions. These hilarious postures were a clear sign of his relaxed nature and always brought a smile to our faces, showcasing his quirky personality.
**The “Super Dog” Pose:** One of his most iconic and memorable antics was when he would stretch his front legs out so incredibly straight and stiff, almost like a superhero in flight, preparing to soar. Brian affectionately dubbed this particular pose “Super Dog,” as if he was “flying through the air with the greatest of ease.”
**An Audience Favorite:** Any newcomer fortunate enough to witness Samson performing his famous “Super Dog” pose would invariably crack up with laughter. It truly was a sight to behold, a moment of pure, unadulterated canine comedy that perfectly showcased his playful spirit and unique personality, making him an instant favorite among guests.
**The Frugality Question:** Having a dog, particularly a large one like Samson, is definitely not a frugal endeavor. I recall financial gurus like Dave Ramsey subtly suggesting that one might consider foregoing such expenses for financial discipline. While dogs bring immeasurable joy, there are indeed significant costs involved, from quality food and regular vet bills to various accessories and unexpected needs.
**Worth Every Penny and More:** Despite the financial considerations, Samson absolutely wormed his way into all our hearts – yes, even *my* once-reluctant heart. He became an irreplaceable part of our life, and we would gladly give up other things, make sacrifices, and adjust our budget to have him with us, thank you very much, Mr. Ramsey. His companionship, loyalty, and love were priceless, far outweighing any monetary cost.
**The Enduring Joke:** Even after years of loving him unconditionally, the running joke remained: during “poop patrol” duties, a less glamorous aspect of dog ownership, I would playfully remind everyone that, originally, “I didn’t even want a dog.” It was a lighthearted way to acknowledge how far my heart had come, from a reluctant owner to a devoted dog parent, embracing every part of the experience.

**2019 Reflection:** And now, as I revisit these cherished memories, penning these very words with tears in my eyes, I can wholeheartedly say I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again. Every chewed item, every muddy paw print, every early morning walk, every single vet visit – all of it was worth it for the profound love and joy Samson brought into our lives. His memory continues to be a guiding light, a reminder of the precious, irreplaceable bond we shared. Our beloved family dog, Samson, will forever be in our hearts, an enduring symbol of loyalty, happiness, and the unexpected blessings life brings.

In loving honor of Samson, November 2005 – November 2019. Your paw prints are forever on our hearts.