She ran all around my feet and jumped as if she were trying to reach for the stars. When I picked her up she kissed my face and in that moment she stole my heart… that was our first meeting over thirteen years ago. Our bond grew stronger with each passing year and we grew to understand each other. She could sense when I was feeling sad and would sit next to me or jump on my lap. Just being with Sammie lifted my spirits and I think she knew that. She travelled with us everywhere from the park to the lake and to Ireland when we moved there for a year. She has played on American soil and felt the green grass of Ireland beneath her paws.
As Sammie grew older her hearing started to go and she lost sight in one of her eyes. She slowly started to get other ailments and could not enjoy walking around the block as her legs got tired from arthritis. Last week we had to say goodbye to Sammie and I held her paw as she passed peacefully in my arms. Yesterday, I picked up her ashes and read the beautiful poem which accompanied her called “The Rainbow Bridge.” Although it made me cry it also comforted me knowing that she is in a peaceful happy place now where she is in no more pain.
I am grateful for all the years Sammie was with our family and for the love she brought into our lives. I believe that everyone who comes into our life does so for a reason and to teach us something along the way. Sammie gave us the gift of unconditional love and filled our hearts with joy. She showed us true friendship and loyalty. We will miss Sammie but we will never forget her!
“Thank you Sammie for being the beautiful soul that you are… until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge my friend!”
Looking Inward with Lily 
My prayers are with you. It is truly difficult losing a loved pet. I’ve been down that road a few times. Pets bring so much love into our lives.
Thank you for your prayers. Yes, our pets bring so much joy and love into our lives. She was a beautiful dog and we will always remember her dearly ❤
I am very sorry for your loss….Sammie sounded like the perfect dog.
Thank you… we were very blessed to have had Sammie in our lives. The poem gave me great comfort and I know we will meet again on The Rainbow Bridge someday.
It’s so hard to say good-bye to a family pet. They are a member of the family, and there is a hole left when they are not there. I still miss my Ruffles. It was strange being at the house yesterday without Sammie. We will miss her.
Thank you for the willow tree Angel of Friendship ornament. Sammie was a true friend ❤
Oh my goodness, I’m so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like she had a great life, though and I know she felt the love she gave returned to her twice over! It’s not easy to say goodbye to such a big part of your life, so I’m just going to send you good energy while you heal.
Thank you for your kind words and positive energy Kate. I really appreciate it! 🙂
I know that you posted this a while ago, but I just had to add my condolences. The Rainbow Bridge (although it makes me cry) is one of the most beautiful things I’ve read, and it brings me comfort when I think of the two furkids I’ve lost . And what you said about the pawprints is a comfort as well (my vet’s office gave me a little cardboard plaque that said their pawprints will dance on our hearts forever, along with my furkids’ pawprints in clay and their names). Sammie was as lucky to have had you as you were her, and I’m glad you found each other and had that joy.
Thanks Lauren. It was very hard losing Sammie and I miss her dearly. The Rainbow Bridge poem was very comforting and anytime I get sad thinking about Sammie I remember the words of the poem and know we will meet again. My condolences to you also for the pets/family members you have lost. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog and for your kind words!