Samsonite

Updated 10/13/10

Oh… happy days!!  My heartworm treatments are over and I’ve been given a clean bill of health.  That means that I’m ready to go to my forever home and be your new BFF.

Now that I have your attention, let me tell you a few things about myself that you might not know.  I don’t want to toot my own horn too loud lest you think I’m conceited, but I do have to tell you all the good stuff.  You already know that I’m pretty darn handsome.  But did you know that I love to be brushed?  I’ll lie right down and let you brush me all day if you want.  I’ll probably even fall asleep because it just feels so good.  That’s a good sign that I’m a pretty mellow guy.  I’ll sleep the whole night through.  I even sleep in the car, so no worries about me jumping around and causing an accident.  I’m really just happy to be around my people.

Even though I can be mellow, I like to do all the normal dog stuff.  I’m really good at fetching a ball and I’ve noticed that not all dogs will give the ball back to their owner.  I’m happy to say that I want to give you the ball so you can throw it again!  I like playing with other dogs too.  They can be lots of fun.  I sometimes act like I’m a tough guy, but I’m really a pushover.  I’ll sometimes even lick another dog if I think it will help when they’re blue.  I hope I’ll have another dog to play with at my new home, but if not, I’ll play with you!

Another thing I really like is going for walks.  Did you know that the Dog Whisperer recommends walking your dog for at least an hour a day?  I watched his show a few times and I have to say that he really knows his stuff.  As much as I’d like for you to give me affection, affection, affection, I think it would be better for all of us if you give me exercise, discipline, AND affection.  So I’ll walk real good on a leash and try not to zig and zag too much.

Let’s not forget to talk about food and treats, because those are some of my favorite things.  My foster mom and dad give me a Kong and also sometimes chew treats.  I have to admit that, if given the chance, I’ll steal anyone else’s treats if they leave them lying around.  Seems to me, they’re fair game if they are lying around unattended.  I’ll also hang around close to the dinner table in case something falls off or someone tries to surreptitiously get rid of their green beans.  I’m kind of food motivated because I didn’t get enough to eat where I was before.  But I think that once I trust you to feed me twice a day, I’ll probably chill out.

So, what else is there to know?  I like children, people, and dogs.  I even do OK with cats.  I’m super lovable, I have a great personality, I’m smart, and I aim to please.  I may be just a tad biased, but I honestly don’t think you could find a better dog.  So it’s your move…. Come on over and visit me soon before someone else gets here first.  Cuz I sure would like to go home with you!

Updated 7/26/10

He’s a travelin’ dog, made a lot of stops
All over the world…

Well… “ a lot of stops” is true, but  “all over the world” isn’t – because actually all of this happy dog’s many stops were in the self-same place: the local clinker, where he kept winding up after being found on the loose by animal control. A local volunteer spotted him there one Friday night and, assuming he was a stray and in danger of being put down, put in a call to our Hotline. But when we contacted the shelter first thing Monday: “Oh, yes, that’s Sam. He’s about 5 and he shows up here a lot. The family is coming to get him, so no need for you to do anything.”

The very next day, however: “The family is willing to surrender him to GRR. Please come pick him up!”

Volunteer Carolyn got in her car, GRR # was assigned, etc. Not so fast! Another call: “No, the family will bail him out after all.”

NEXT day: “OK, the surrender is on again. They do not want to reclaim.” THIS time Carolyn floored it all the way to the pound, where Samsonite (as we named him, in honor of his traveling ways, and also to avoid confusion with the many “Sams” we have already had go through Tanglewood vet clinic) was processed out in record time and whisked off to his new life.

Alas, a criminal record wasn’t the only thing Samsonite had picked up in all that wandering around the countryside. He has heartworms too. Bummer! But once that problem is taken care of, he should fly off the shelves, as we say. After all, he is:

HANDSOME! He’s a pretty blond with a great smile.
HUGGABLE! The more you pet him the better he likes it. Would love to get on your lap!
SMART! “He was a good boy taking treats from my hand and sitting for them.  He even went to the down position when I had a treat in hand and he responded quickly.  Smart boy and a quick learner.”
SOCIAL! Apparently never met a stranger. Very friendly fellow and very outgoing. Already knows how to ride nicely in the car and walk on a leash.

Samsonite will be a prize catch for the family who spends time with him and, of course, keeps him inside—just so he isn’t tempted to resume his solo traveling ways. (Traveling WITH his family, at the end of a lead, is a different story, of course!) He should be starting heartworm treatment soon—but he is available now if you would like to take him through the treatment. Let us know and we’ll tell you all about it!