My family started the year off with 5 four-legged family members. The list includes a lack Lab named Sambo, a Border Collie named Sammy, a Pekingese named Gizmo, my Terrier Lilly and our cat Little Bit. Unfortunately, we will wrap up the year with only three.

A few months ago we lost our little Gizmo (pictured with my Mom). Wednesday, we said goodbye to our big baby Sambo. He wasn't the oldest of our bunch, but he was very sick. A few years ago the vet informed us that Sam had contracted heart worms and they were pretty bad. We didn't expect him to make it as long as he did, but he had the soul of a small pup.

Staff Photo
Staff Photo
loading...

Sambo was goofy, loved to howl at sirens, and he was my Daddy's bestfriend. We knew that he was hurting, but he never let it show. That is up until last week when he began coughing more, hurting a lot, not eating, and hit stomach began to swell. We knew it was the end. So Wednesday, we brought Sam to the vet so they could help him cross the Rainbow Bridge to be with his fur friends, especially Gizmo.

The vet allowed my Daddy, my little brother and me to hold Sam one last time and say goodbye. I knew that this was going to happen, but I don't think you can every prepare yourself for it. It was a rough morning for me. I have never been good at saying goodbye. However, I know that Sambo is not hurting anymore and he is in doggy heaven with an abundance of tennis balls and bones.

If your family is looking for a new four-legged member, I ask that you consider rescuing. Out of the 5 animals we started the year with, Gizmo was the only one we didn't rescue. Saving the life of an animal is more rewarding than you can imagine. The thing is, we didn't choose our animals, they chose us. And we couldn't be more grateful that Sambo chose us and for the time we had with him.

More From 97.3 The Dawg