Hi, my name is Sammy. I am now 14 years old. I adopted Bonnie Feb.3, 2017. I was rescued by Alive Rescue in Chicago. I was taken to Animal Control and most likely they would have killed me because of my age and I was really sick with severe pancreatitis. At first I was afraid of people and could not look at them. Bonnie fostered me for a few months and then I had to move to a nice couple who adopted me. I was afraid, and pretty sick at the time, so I cried a lot. The couple took me back to Alive and I went back to Bonnie’s.
I felt good there and hoped I would not have to move again. She always tells me that no one will ever hurt me, and that our home is only one of love. Another family wanted me, but Bonnie said I could stay with her. It was then that I adopted her. She says I rescued her (which makes me feel good). Not sure if I told you that I live in a Convent! She even had an adoption party for me and people brought me gifts. A brown truck stops at the Convent at times and I still get boxes which I love to open.
Bonnie writes about me in a journal she calls “a simple love”. I read the journal one time, and this is what I read,” If someone was to tell me that my life would be so exceptionally different when Sammy came, I most likely would not have believed it. It all began when I got the call from Alive Rescue that they had a foster for me.
10/13/17- Today made the day for three woman at LH(senior apartments). Two women were sitting on a bench, both looking very sad. When the one saw Sammy she smiled. He actually went up to them for them to pet him. Sammy sensed their sadness. They kept thanking him in their broken English. Later in the evening as we again walked the same route we met a woman from LH who was walking with her walker. She asked where we have been, then went on to tell us about she is staying in her room because of not feeling well. Sammy again surprised me and went up to her, and she stroked his neck. Another smile, another example of a simple love.”
I think I know what Bonnie means now about this love. We don’t have to do anything, it just is. I wish all my other buds could adopt people and experience this love. Even though I am a senior with bad legs, I can still make her and others happy. I just want to thank Alive and other groups that give us seniors another chance at living, at loving.
On Nov. 9th Sammy died like he lived, on his own terms and with dignity. I took him to the Vet for oral surgery. He walked in, like he had never done before. In the past he planted all four feet on the ground, and I had to drag him in. He walked in like a warrior to fight. He went up on the scale, and I handed him off to the Vet Tec. I received a phone call a few hours later. The tumor that was the size of a pea a month earlier had encapsulated his whole mouth. I could not let him suffer. He had suffered for too many years at the hands of others. I held him, blessed him, and he peacefully slipped with the help of medication.
Shared by Sister Bonnie Boilini
Our Very Good Girl Gracie
What a simple story that tells so much truth. Love is everything. Run free, Sammy.
It really is such a simple but beautiful story.
It sounds like they gave Sammy a really great last few years of life. I could not imagine giving my senior to a shelter, but sadly it happens. I am glad that there are people willing to adopt older dogs and give them a chance!
Definitely sounds like Sammy had a great life, and I can’t imagine ever surrendering an animal to a shelter either. It seems like more and more people are considering adopting an old dog which is wonderful.
Like human beings, four-legged friends also need attention and love. As we age that need become stronger. Thank you for sharing. Deb
Sammy and Sister Bonnie are so blessed to have saved one another. Having adopted seniors that no one wanted, who are sick, and need a lot of love – people think you are doing all the giving, but you aren’t. You receive way more than you give – it changes you in a deep, real way. I’ll keep the Sisters in my thoughts and prayers, and be grateful for the time that Sammy had to know true love!
It’s truly a wonderful feeling, saving the life of an old dog and knowing you’re giving them a wonderful life for however long that may be. I know Sister Bonnie has rescued other seniors since Sammy which is amazing.
Dear Sister Bonnie, thanks for sharing Sammy’s wonderful story of love. He was and always will be an angel, and we are blessed to have know him. Remember when he gently let little Lucy, our 16 year-old blind Toy Poodle, rest on his comfy cushion when she visited? : )
This is one of those “all the feels” stories! I’m grateful that Sammy and Bonnie had each other, and I am sad for the loss of Sammy.
Bonnie gave Sammy an incredible life, and she’s fostering more seniors!
Awww RIP Sammy. I am so happy you received so much love in your golden years.
Sammy was a lucky boy.
I love how Sammy “adopted” Bonnie! What a beautiful boy. So happy Sammy found such happiness with Bonnie…such a heartwarming story. Simple love is the best kind of love. So happy Sammy found it, and lived it. Thank you for sharing his story with us. <3
I love these personal stories, they’re so heartwarming.
Dogs bless our lives in so many wonderful ways.
What a beautiful story! It was heartwarming to read. Blessing to Sammy and Bonnie – she gave him a wonderful life for the time he lived with her.
I agree it was such a beautiful story and it sounds like they had a great life together.
What an amazing dog and amazing rescuer. I’m holding back tears, this is such a tender story, both Bonnie and Sammy were blessed. Sammy lived a purposeful life in his later years. What a beautiful dog.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I find these stories so heartwarming, even more so because they were written by people in my group so there’s more of a personal connection.