Sam 07-690

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Sponsored by:

Tina Peplowski

July 15, 2012

Right before Christmas of 2007 a new boy was brought into RAGOM. He had been living life with a pack of dogs who ended up turning on him. He was hurt badly, multiple bite wounds, a badly injured foot and his tail was so badly injured it didn't look good. Thanks to a wonderful vet in Duluth Sam kept his tail and made his way to the metro. Thanks to great tranport people he made it to his first foster mom. Here it was winter and she found herself with a dog that was scared of everything and every human. Even with her great pack, Sam couldn't feel safe. His foster mom kept him and did all she could for him until I could get down and get him. I was not prepared for what I saw and the dog I met.

Sam in 2007

I had Sam for over 6 months. I went back and reread all of the 'letters to Sam' that I wrote. WOW, it was a trying time for me and for Sam. He made great strides, one step forward and some times two steps back. I fostered other dogs while Sam was here and he bonded with them as that was what he knew, other dogs. Slowly he gave me some trust, and showed me a different side to him once he became comfortable enough to get on the couch and bed with me. He was this puppy full of life, kisses and a way that made me want to save him and see him live the Golden life.

After awhile I felt I had reached a plateau with Sam, that nothing I did was helping him to move forward. I was having some health issues and finally I knew Sam and my other foster, Jake, had to move on. A fellow volunteer offered to take both of them. So I gathered their paper work, Sam's Red Bird and loaded up the old 'doggie mobile'. It was one of the saddest days of my life, I felt like a failure and wasn't sure I would ever foster again. Leaving Sam behind in a new enviroment, a new foster mom, new home......I cried all the way home.

I watched Sam's updates, talked to his foster mom, Jake got adopted, my health got better and I fostered again. His new foster mom had her own dogs, she always had fosters and in time Sam became one of her pack. He still had his quirks, but he stopped pooping every time he was frightened, he quit barking for no reason, he went in and out the door to the fenced yard without issue. He grew and became more confident and learned to trust people more and more. He still was Sam and still had his quirks, but he found peace.

Forward to July 2012 and due to circumstances and not him, Sam came back to RAGOM and to me. I already had 2 fosters, but I couldn't say no to Sam and I'm so grateful to have this time with him. Faith 12-075 has her crate where Sam's used to be. As soon as he came in from the outside he went into that crate, just like he remembered that was where his crate was when he was with us. Did he? Of course it had to happen. Sam was in the crate and Faith decided she wanted in her crate for a nap. Too funny. I don't know, but he's a different boy. He goes in and out with the pack, and he barks to let us know he wants out or in:) I started off by hand feeding him for a few days. Then I put his food dish in the crate with him, and today I moved the bowl to outside of his crate. Some things don't change, like how he still gobbles his food, as if one of the pack may come and take it away. He's still a bit skiddish, and when you are standing or walking he stays clear or runs away. If you are sitting he will come for pets. He pretty much follows the pack that follows me. When letting him and out you still have to take a step back for him to feel safe going in/out.

I took Sam and Laker 12-200 on a walk the other day. I talked to them both as we walked, encouraging them to keep going. We did fine til we were walking past a neighbor's house and his underground sprinklers were on. One of them would spray the mail box and make a noise. We happened to be walking by as the water hit the box and poor Sam ducked and crouched down. I just soothed him a minute and kept walking and he came along willingly. We made the 1/4 mile walk and we all 3 were tired. Sam was glad to be back in the fenced yard.

We have made the vet run and he is up to date on everything, has a yeast infection in one ear and bacterial in the other, took care of the worms and his skin is looking better. He is older, grayer and over weight, so he came to the place where he will be understood. He needs to drop at least 15 lbs which will be a challenge as I'm not real good about helping anyone lose weight:)

OK... guess I could lose a couple pounds

First night here I let him upstairs in the bedroom and we did the in and out dance. He came in the bedroom and as I walked to close the door, he ran out. So I got on the bed, and he came in and jumped right up. I closed the door and figured soon as I got back into bed he'd run. Nope, he came over and cuddled up next to me and gave me licks and a look that said, I really like people when they are on my level. Will it ever change, his not being comfortable with you approaching him or him approaching you while you are standing? Probably not, but never say never. As long as he is willing to go out and come in, barks to let me know he has to go out and come in, doesn't have any accidents, is willing to eat and go for walks, hey I'm good with that.

He needs a fenced yard and another 'normal' dog to follow around. He needs a pack as it were. He has lived with dogs all his life, and even after his original feral pack turned on him, he still feels that safety and kinship with them. He is sweet, quiet, follows me and the dogs usually, unless I say we're going out to potty and he doesn't have to go, he'll just hang back. His 2 favorite places are one of the crates upstairs or the doggie basket bed in the family room. He'll come to the lower level when I come down to go on the computer and find a place, be it on the couch, under the desk or just laying out on the floor watching the other dogs wrestle and rough house. I can walk over to his basked and get down and pet him and he's fine, same in with him in his crate. We all need a safe place and these are Sam's.

What Sam needs:

  • A fenced yard
  • Another socialized dog
  • A family that will understand his quirks and just lets him be Sam
  • An understanding that he is a flight risk in the sense if he gets out, getting him back is difficult.
  • Help him to lose weight

Sam is Sam, he made great strides in his home, yet coming here he has made himself comfortable and seems to fit right in. He loves to go out in the yard or on the deck and hang with the gang. He doesn't like it when the other dogs go outside of the fenced yard to go to the field for their runs, and paces waiting for them to come back. Faith ran into him the other day and he gave her what for and she slinked away with hackles up, so he's not afraid to let the pack know when he's not happy with them. But he is not player or fighter, but just a sweet boy who would like to find that furever home and just be loved and accepted.

Faith, Sam and Laker
Laker and Sam giving chase

If you are an approved applicant and think Sam might fit in with your family and crew, let your placement advisor know. Once you meet Sam you fall in love.

Foster Mom and the crew:

Jax
Cousin DD
Faith 12-075
Laker 12-200
and
Sam 07-690

At a Glance #07-690

Mixed Breed Born: December 2005
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:

Tina Peplowski

July 15, 2012

Right before Christmas of 2007 a new boy was brought into RAGOM. He had been living life with a pack of dogs who ended up turning on him. He was hurt badly, multiple bite wounds, a badly injured foot and his tail was so badly injured it didn't look good. Thanks to a wonderful vet in Duluth Sam kept his tail and made his way to the metro. Thanks to great tranport people he made it to his first foster mom. Here it was winter and she found herself with a dog that was scared of everything and every human. Even with her great pack, Sam couldn't feel safe. His foster mom kept him and did all she could for him until I could get down and get him. I was not prepared for what I saw and the dog I met.

Sam in 2007

I had Sam for over 6 months. I went back and reread all of the 'letters to Sam' that I wrote. WOW, it was a trying time for me and for Sam. He made great strides, one step forward and some times two steps back. I fostered other dogs while Sam was here and he bonded with them as that was what he knew, other dogs. Slowly he gave me some trust, and showed me a different side to him once he became comfortable enough to get on the couch and bed with me. He was this puppy full of life, kisses and a way that made me want to save him and see him live the Golden life.

After awhile I felt I had reached a plateau with Sam, that nothing I did was helping him to move forward. I was having some health issues and finally I knew Sam and my other foster, Jake, had to move on. A fellow volunteer offered to take both of them. So I gathered their paper work, Sam's Red Bird and loaded up the old 'doggie mobile'. It was one of the saddest days of my life, I felt like a failure and wasn't sure I would ever foster again. Leaving Sam behind in a new enviroment, a new foster mom, new home......I cried all the way home.

I watched Sam's updates, talked to his foster mom, Jake got adopted, my health got better and I fostered again. His new foster mom had her own dogs, she always had fosters and in time Sam became one of her pack. He still had his quirks, but he stopped pooping every time he was frightened, he quit barking for no reason, he went in and out the door to the fenced yard without issue. He grew and became more confident and learned to trust people more and more. He still was Sam and still had his quirks, but he found peace.

Forward to July 2012 and due to circumstances and not him, Sam came back to RAGOM and to me. I already had 2 fosters, but I couldn't say no to Sam and I'm so grateful to have this time with him. Faith 12-075 has her crate where Sam's used to be. As soon as he came in from the outside he went into that crate, just like he remembered that was where his crate was when he was with us. Did he? Of course it had to happen. Sam was in the crate and Faith decided she wanted in her crate for a nap. Too funny. I don't know, but he's a different boy. He goes in and out with the pack, and he barks to let us know he wants out or in:) I started off by hand feeding him for a few days. Then I put his food dish in the crate with him, and today I moved the bowl to outside of his crate. Some things don't change, like how he still gobbles his food, as if one of the pack may come and take it away. He's still a bit skiddish, and when you are standing or walking he stays clear or runs away. If you are sitting he will come for pets. He pretty much follows the pack that follows me. When letting him and out you still have to take a step back for him to feel safe going in/out.

I took Sam and Laker 12-200 on a walk the other day. I talked to them both as we walked, encouraging them to keep going. We did fine til we were walking past a neighbor's house and his underground sprinklers were on. One of them would spray the mail box and make a noise. We happened to be walking by as the water hit the box and poor Sam ducked and crouched down. I just soothed him a minute and kept walking and he came along willingly. We made the 1/4 mile walk and we all 3 were tired. Sam was glad to be back in the fenced yard.

We have made the vet run and he is up to date on everything, has a yeast infection in one ear and bacterial in the other, took care of the worms and his skin is looking better. He is older, grayer and over weight, so he came to the place where he will be understood. He needs to drop at least 15 lbs which will be a challenge as I'm not real good about helping anyone lose weight:)

OK... guess I could lose a couple pounds

First night here I let him upstairs in the bedroom and we did the in and out dance. He came in the bedroom and as I walked to close the door, he ran out. So I got on the bed, and he came in and jumped right up. I closed the door and figured soon as I got back into bed he'd run. Nope, he came over and cuddled up next to me and gave me licks and a look that said, I really like people when they are on my level. Will it ever change, his not being comfortable with you approaching him or him approaching you while you are standing? Probably not, but never say never. As long as he is willing to go out and come in, barks to let me know he has to go out and come in, doesn't have any accidents, is willing to eat and go for walks, hey I'm good with that.

He needs a fenced yard and another 'normal' dog to follow around. He needs a pack as it were. He has lived with dogs all his life, and even after his original feral pack turned on him, he still feels that safety and kinship with them. He is sweet, quiet, follows me and the dogs usually, unless I say we're going out to potty and he doesn't have to go, he'll just hang back. His 2 favorite places are one of the crates upstairs or the doggie basket bed in the family room. He'll come to the lower level when I come down to go on the computer and find a place, be it on the couch, under the desk or just laying out on the floor watching the other dogs wrestle and rough house. I can walk over to his basked and get down and pet him and he's fine, same in with him in his crate. We all need a safe place and these are Sam's.

What Sam needs:

  • A fenced yard
  • Another socialized dog
  • A family that will understand his quirks and just lets him be Sam
  • An understanding that he is a flight risk in the sense if he gets out, getting him back is difficult.
  • Help him to lose weight

Sam is Sam, he made great strides in his home, yet coming here he has made himself comfortable and seems to fit right in. He loves to go out in the yard or on the deck and hang with the gang. He doesn't like it when the other dogs go outside of the fenced yard to go to the field for their runs, and paces waiting for them to come back. Faith ran into him the other day and he gave her what for and she slinked away with hackles up, so he's not afraid to let the pack know when he's not happy with them. But he is not player or fighter, but just a sweet boy who would like to find that furever home and just be loved and accepted.

Faith, Sam and Laker
Laker and Sam giving chase

If you are an approved applicant and think Sam might fit in with your family and crew, let your placement advisor know. Once you meet Sam you fall in love.

Foster Mom and the crew:

Jax
Cousin DD
Faith 12-075
Laker 12-200
and
Sam 07-690

Updates

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Did you know stars bark?...you have to be real quiet and listen close to
hear them.  Last night I heard them and when I looked up I saw my big
brother PD.  He was telling me to be good.
Yes, I will be good big brother.  Thanks for being my best friend and my
best teacher.
Miss you PD.
Your little brother...Sam.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Not a chance Sam, not a chance....forever mom.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Musings by Sam 07-690

Dreams...some are bad, some are good and some are different. I had a different dream last night. "Yeah Sam, Go Sam Go" was all I heard. The only sounds I've heard in my dreams before were the squeaks of my squeaky balls and the shrieks of the rabbits and squirrels as I chase them down their road of demise. When I asked my big brother, PD, about my dream he said it's the sound of my foster mom, Joyce Nelson, cheering me on. He said she cheered me on before she went to the 'Bridge' and that she isn't going to stop now. I suppose my foster mom heard my blood check for my thrombocytopenia problem was normal and there's no need for anymore blood work. My vet was happy, my forever mom was happy and my foster mom was happy.

Thanks again foster mom, Joyce---no more bad dreams for me. I'm on the fast track to a Golden life.


Sam... just musing

Monday, December 24, 2012

Hi Santa, it's me PD.  I know you remember me because you've been to my house for the last eleven years.

Santa my new, little brother, Sam, doesn't know how to use the computer so I told him I'd help him out.  Sam got a disturbing letter from one of your elves the other day.  It seems Sam might not be getting any presents for his first Christmas home.  This isn't right Santa...Sam has been doing naughty things because he's been sick with secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.  Poor guy was a real sick pup in November but now he feels good (maybe too good--I don't like to play much anymore).  He's taking the medication prednisone every day and you know what that means, don't you Santa?...eat, drink, pee, eat, eat, drink, drink, pee, pee, pee and then pee some more.  Please give my brother a break and bring him some presents.  He wants one of those GPS tracking collars--not for himself but for our forever mom.  I told him don't worry she always comes back but he still thinks she's a flight risk.

Oh and don't forget to bring a present for my new sister Carrie (12-064). She likes anything 'prissy'--if you known what I mean.  I'm sending a pic so you'll be able to reconize my brother and sister.  Sam is on my right and Carrie is wearing her Christmas earrings.

Your long-time friend, PD

Of course I remember you PD.

Apparently Eddie #259387 has made a terrible mistake.  A sick dog never gets put on 'The List'.  Don't worry your brother Sam will get his presents.

I think Eddie will be demoted to packing and wrapping.

Merry Christmas,

Santa

Sunday, September 23, 2012

A Poem  About  Home

By Sam 07-690

I had only half a heart until today.

You see, I am a rescued stray.

My heart is whole now that I’m home.

I’m safe and warm.  There is no need to roam.

Even though I’m old and a bit worn,

I’m happy.  I feel like I’ve just been born.

I‘m told “I am yours and you are mine.

For today, for tomorrow, for the end of time”.

To die in loving arms is an old dog’s wish.

I know I’ll go to the bridge with a kiss.

I’m grateful to all who helped me get where I am.

Thank you, thank you, thank you--Love Sam

 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Sam has found his furever home!! He has a mom and fur butt brother and sister. He is living the life of Riley on a beautiful farm with his family, keeping watch and warning of any thing amiss. The lady who adopted him has been a RAGOM adopter before, and knows the needs of a dog like Sam. Sam is happy and is already giving kisses to his new mom. The best thing, next to Sam having his furever home, is that he's not far away and I have visitation rights:) Sometimes when things seem the most hopeless, you are rewarded with your foster finding that PERFECT home.

It is quiet in a different way with you gone, Sam, but that silence is a sweet one knowing you are 'home'. I'll see you in a few months once you have settled in.

Love FM and the crew


Monday, August 27, 2012

To say we have been busy the last month is an understatement:) But with time comes great rewards, and Sam has been making strides this past month. As soon as we leave a room he follows, and once we are seated, he comes into the room. He is getting braver about going in and out the door with me standing closer to it. Last night I laid down on the couch and the next thing I knew, here was Sam jumping up to lay on the couch with me and letting me pet while he cuddled up. He also didn't mind that Laker 12-200 was at the end of the couch and resting his head on Sam's butt:) He still doesn't really play, but loves to run around the yard with the other dogs, and if one barks he is happy to join in. He is more relaxed around FD and will come up and sniff him while he is in his chair watching T.V. His favorite spots are: crate in the kitchen (his or Faith's 12-075), dog basket bed in the family room, couch in the lower level and the human bed or Barney's bed.

I was cleaning last week and the weather was perfect, all the windows open, laundry on the line and 4 dogs outside. I don't think Sam was real pleased at first when he realized they were all to spend the afternoon on the deck or in the yard. When I took a break I would go out on the deck and hang with the kidz so he knew I was still around:) He finally relaxed enough to lay in the sun with the other fur butts. He was, however, more than happy to come in by day's end.

Sam is a sweet gentleman, gets along with all the dogs, leaves the cats alone and is happy to hang with the group wherever we may be. He loves it when I take him out in the yard on the long rope and let him wander and sniff. Life's most simple pleasures are what Sam wants/needs/deserves.

You know where we are. If you are an approved applicant, please feel free to contact your placement advisor.

FM and the zoo

Sam 07-690
Faith 12-075
Laker 12-200
and resident Jax the cocker

Sam waiting for his forever home!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

FM said I could/should do my own update, so I'm gonna give it a shot. I found out I had fleas!! Imagine my embarrassment over that. So FM and FD have been busy with the cleaning of the house and getting me flea free. Luckily the other troops had their frontline on, but even after 2 weeks they found fleas on me and so we had to resort to another treatment. Laker 12-200 got a flea bite and had a reaction to it and so when I had my check up and they found fleas yet, our vet gave me and Sam a free tick and flea bath. We neither one really enjoyed it, but by next check up we were both good to go. Meanwhile all fur butts had another treatment of Frontline. FM found out from talking with an exterminator that a neat trick when dealing with fleas is to put talc, like baby powder, in your vac bag or if bagless in the receptacle. When you vacuum up fleas they can't get out and the talc kills them. He said vacuuming vibrates and brings the flea/eggs to the surface, so vacuuming is the most important part of getting rid of fleas, eggs and the stage where they are like a butterfly in a cocoon, only not so nice!! So after lots of vacuuming and spraying we are officially flea free!! Yet another GREAT reason to keep Frontline on your furry friends.


This IS the dog couch, right?!

 

I'm now on low cal kibble but I get a little beef broth on it to tempt me. FM puts my dish outside of my crate so I have to come out to eat. If I happen to sneak into Faith's crate then I get to eat in there cuz it's too scarey to eat outside of that crate. I like the safety of my crate or the big dog basket in the family room. Best place is on the people bed at night cuz then I give kisses and get loved up. I'm really pretty good about going outside as long as the foster parents take a step back from the door opening. I like to run around in the fenced yard, but if the other dogs get out to go for their run in the field I will run around and bark until FM tells me to be quiet. I just want to be a part of the group, but FD has to do the walking in the field cuz FM can't walk out there anymore. Faith 12-075 goes out on a harness and that pretty much takes up FD's attention, so I have to settle for a walk, and between the heat and the house cleaning, there hasn't been many walks. I think someone should talk to FM about that!! I like to walk with Laker 12-200 and I think someone should get their priorities in place.

So the foster parents are heading to Texas, like it's not hot enough here!! Guess when they decide to have a conference in Texas they don't realize MN people aren't fond of coming in 100+ degrees of heat. So there is a family member coming with her lab, that crazy cousin DD, to stay with the troops here but I'm going to another foster's house while my family is gone. FM feels I will be better off with Cyd, as she is experienced and has 2 fur butt boyz that I will follow around so I will be fine. No worries!!

FM says no one has inquired about me:( I guess no one wants a dog that only comes to you when you are sitting or lying down huh? I'm sorry but having been a feral dog I just am more comfortable when you are on my level. I do need a physical fence cuz if I got spooked I'd run. Having another dog or two to follow around and be part of their pack is important to me, so yeah I do need a home with another dog. I don't 'play' so they don't have to be a young roudy thing like Faith 12-075 here. I do like walks, but prefer a quieter environment for walking. I'm doing fine here at the Zoo with all the other dogs and the comings and goings. This week end I had to share the bed with Callie and Cruiser the Cavs and a little puppy mill guy that makes me look social. But hey we all got along, though FM said I stayed in my crate too much and she made me go out sometimes when I didn't think I should have to. My foster parents treat me like a 'normal' dog, they don't coddle me and they walk by me and act like I'm one of the pack. So I am getting used to that more and more.

Well, I think that about covers it. It's almost bed time which means treat time!! So if you think you could love a special guy like me, give your placement advisor a call. I'll be back in touch after my mini vacation.

Sam


Sam with Lake and Faith


People beds are just fine