Sweet Snuggly Sam
Sunday, May 20, 2012
By: Sheila Page

I had my eyes on Nina, but God had His eyes on Sam. Thank you, God!

Last summer (2011), I decided to adopt a dog after falling in love with my boyfriend's (now fiance's) schnauzer, Champ. I needed a furry friend of my own. I went to the NHS and picked out a precious cairn terrier named Nina. However, I wanted to evaluate my apartment and see what adjustments would be needed before bringing her home. I phoned NHS the next day and found that she had been adopted to a family with children. I was happy for Nina and her new family, but sad to have missed out on her. That Monday, I saw a newly-eligible, adorable shih-poo named Sam on the website. He was unbelievably cute so I knew he would be adopted soon. I drove from Lincoln to Omaha that night to meet him. When I met this precious, jumping, soft little guy, I knew he needed a mommy to take him home and I was thrilled to do it. We bonded quickly and I took him to obedience school at PetSmart where they taught me about his behavior and how to read his cues so that we could more easily live and love together. E.g, they recommended a harness and when I used one, Sam and I both felt much more secure and our walks are so pleasant. Also, I found that when he scratched at the blinds, it meant "Open them! I want to be your guard dog and I need to see out the window!" Now I never leave the house until I know Sam can see out several windows. Most importantly, I learned what all of Sam's jumping meant: "Pick me up! I want to be held in your arms!". I taught him how to "ask": he sits for me and then I scoop him up. He loves to be held and snuggled; I can't believe I was so fortunate to get such an affectionate dog! NHS, please tell Sam's first family that he is very healthy and happy! He loves walking around the apartment lake several times a day and eats very well (a little bit of water mixed in and heated up please!). Once I get married, Sam will have a large fenced-in yard to enjoy. He already loves it there when we visit my fiancé and Sam's "step-brother", Champ. He is such a loving, special dog. He is a gift every single day. Sam's first family: thank you for raising him and loving him enough to give him a new family. He is more than loved. He is adored.