Making the decision

[Barbara Surplus]

Hello, dear friends. I don't have much time to check in with you all these days what with family and work but I do think of my wonderful friendships with some of you over these past 6 years. It was Christmas of 1999 that we lost our boy, Sam, to osteosarcoma and it was then that I found this forum and some great comfort along the way from many kindred spirits. A few months after we lost Sam, we found our new boy, Sammy #2, a rescue from up in northern Alberta. He has been a dream dog - quite the loveliest, sweetest nature of any dog we've ever known. We've been blessed up to now with the fact that he's been healthy and happy.

Last week we got the news that he has a very aggressive form of cancer, histiocytosis, which is very common in Bernese mtn dogs but not so much in Rottweilers. He has a large mass in his abdomen between his lungs and heart as well as a few other tumours just behind his shoulders. We've made the decision to take him in tomorrow and let him go. There's nothing we can do. We're absolutely gutted about it but we can't let him go on like this. I thought you would like to know - you were so kind and encouraging to me when we brought him home.

There's great comfort in knowing that he's had a good life and enriched our lives immeasurably.

Barbara

[szky]

I'm truly sorry to hear about Sammy #2. Making the decision to let him cross the Bridge with dignity is one of the best acts we can give to our old and trusted friends. Godspeed Sammy. Play without worry with your namesake.

[Barbara Surplus]

Yes, wouldn't it be lovely to think that they would meet and exchange notes on who had the nicest collar and which one got to mark the most trees on the way to the park? Thank you for your kind words.
Barbara

[ElsasFamily]

I'm so sorry you have to face this difficult heart wrenching time yet again. I wish I had something profound to say, but there really aren’t any words that are adequate.

Run free of pain dear Sammy, you've mission is complete here.

[livertw]

I am so sorry. Run free Sammy #2!

[Bucky's Mom]

You have my sympathy - he was lucky to have found his forever home with you

[observer]

I'm so sorry you have to face this again... their lives are never long enough. "The Sammys" will be having a great time at the Bridge, and both of them will love you forever for the love you gave them.

[JuneyB]

So so sorry to hear about Sammy #2's cancer...this disease is dreadful for our dogs.

But if it had not been for you...as a rescue dog...he may not have enjoyed the last few years that were granted him since you adopted him.

And his spirit will remain with you always thru your memories....and meeting up with Sam #1 at the bridge....of that I have no doubt!!!! Fly with the angels Sam...and remember your RDN family is here when you need us!!

[Karyn]

It is good to hear from you, even at this sad time. Thank you for your kind words - we can empathize with the grief the loss of a pet can bring. I am so very sorry that again, you must face that heart wrenching pain of setting a Sammy free. You loved him for his whole life... There are many waiting for him at the bridge - The Rainbow Bridge Rottweiler. Net - perhaps they do discuss who had the best collar, the best bed - Take care of yourself and your heart... Sammy will be fine.

[MontanaRott]

My heart goes out to you. It is never easy letting a friend go, even when we know it is the right thing.
Godspeed Sammy.

[rottgirl]

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Take comfort in knowing you gave him a forever home. I'm sure Sam will be there to meet Sammy 2 and exchange stories.

Michele

[Dugganmom]

My whole familys thoughts and prayers are with you...we have just had to do the same thing a few weeks ago with my parents rott due to cancer...godspeed and say hello to tucker for my family!!!!

[my2rotties]

Oh Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of this. I still have the pics of Sam and Diva, when she was a baby, shortly after you brought him home. I am so glad that you shared this many years with him. I can't believe how fast it went, when I think back. Diva will be seven soon... where has the time gone?

I am sure that Sheena, Damian and Brodie(my latest angel) will see that he settles in. Your children must be devastated. Give Sam a hug for me. I wish I had have visited him one more time. He was a great boy.

You gave him such a great life. It was hard to believe he was abandoned at a kennel so long ago.

[onthedl74]

Barbara I wish you and your family courage tomorrow. It never seems it, but it truly is an act of love. Rest in Peace Sammy!

[Ninasmom]

May you and your family take strength from your act of kindness tomorrow. I am so sorry.