On March 26, 2003, Samson was born. One of my friends gave him as an unexpected gift. He picked Samson because he was one the runt of the litter and because of his sweet personality. Needless to say, he grew out of his runt phase and into his big feet. It’s amazing how fast he grew.
At 9 weeks, he was 25 lbs and at 6 months he was 85 lbs. I was not prepared in the least to raise a dog at the time, but you learn as you go. I was also not expecting how he would change my life. Samson has grown from the cute, cuddly puppy to the confident, intuitive, and loving best friend. He has been there to comfort my loneliness after a relationship break-up. He has been a running buddy. He has been a black horse to ride for my little nephew. He reminds me to live in the moment because all we have is right now. He has given love and happiness to my family, friends and patients.
Samson , the Human Therapist
I work for a skilled nursing/long-term care/rehabilitation center. One of the things I love about the job is being able to take Samson to work with me. It’s amazing how his presence changes the work atmosphere to one that is more warm and playful. He gives love and comfort to the patients and family members.
Mr. C is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. He had always been avid pet lover, especially dogs. His room is decorated with shelves of stuffed animals. His favorite, “Pinky”, is a stuffed pink stuffed bear that is always at his bedside. Samson also shares his love for stuffed animals. He always likes to be petted by Mr. C, but he also loves Pinky and usually tries to play with him as well. A few weeks after our visit, Mr. C started telling his sitter about Samson. His daughter was amazed that he could remember that far ago. He wanted to know if she had seen him and how is always wanted to play with Pinky. The daughter had tears welling up in her eyes, that her father knows what is going on around him at times and does have some short term memory. I am so glad Samson was able to give the gift of love to Mr. C and his family.
Samson – the Mischievous
Samson is always so well-mannered, but like kids, dogs have their moments of breaking the rules. Even though, I did not witness this first hand, it makes me laugh when I think about it.
Three years ago, my roommate had a long day at work. He was tired and definitely hungry. Working at a restaurant, he had time to feed everyone else that day, but himself. On his way home, he stopped by Subway to get his favorite foot long sandwich. He sat on the couch to rest and enjoy his meal when the phone ranged. After only a few minutes of conversation, he went back to the couch to find his sandwich and Samson gone. He looked for Samson everywhere in the house, only to find him in the closet with his head laid on a clean, empty wrapper. I know he was upset, but I could only laugh Samson’s covert operation to have his second dinner.
I have had almost 8 awesome years with him and I am not ready to let him go, just yet.
The Problem
About 2 weeks ago, I found a mass on Samson’s neck. I took him to the veterinarian the next day to find he also had a cyst under his tongue and a tumor under his right leg. Biopsies were taken and it appears so far that it’s not cancer. The tumor is a fatty tumor which can be taken care of later.
However, the salivary gland and duct need to be surgically removed. The salivary duct is damaged or has a stone that is causing a blockage. As a result, saliva is building up under his neck and mouth. Saliva has enzymes that break down tissue. This is causing swelling and inflammation. The swelling in his neck is making it harder for Samson to breathe and the swelling in the floor or his mouth is causing swallowing difficulties.
He can’t drink regular water. I am using a fluid thickener that we use for dysphasia patients (people with swallowing problems) in order for him drink fluids. I am thickening the water to a pudding –like consistency and adding a little grounded dog food to make chicken flavored water which is more appetizing. This is the cheapest solution to subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids, but it has its side effects such as diarrhea and weight gain.
Samson's Water
With the amount of water Samson needs daily, the thickener adds as many calories as 3 Liters of soft drink daily. This additional weight gain will eventually make it harder for him to walk up the stairs accelerate wear and tear on his hips, which Labrador retrievers tendency for hip dysplasia.
Samson needs your help.
Due to the gaps where I was unemployed or employed and barely having food to eat for me and Samson, my credit has plummeted from almost perfect to so low I am not able to get this surgery financed on a payment plan. This is uncomfortable for me to be so forthcoming about my financial situation and ask for help, but Samson is worth every bit of my discomfort and more. It could take a year for me to save the $2700-$3000 needed for the surgery and Samson can’t wait that long.
I would like to ask for 2 things:
1. Please give what you can to help Samson. It does not matter how much or how little. It all helps.
2. Please share this with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking sites and encourage them to share it as well.
Let’s work together so Samson can have his surgery and avoid further medical complications.
Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart.
Jeremy Fails
Less swelling is more time to raise money to help him.
