2/3/2012 – 12/30/2022
On December 30th, 2022 we had to say goodbye to the dog that literally saved my life, SAMPSON. I say we, because he brought our family together as he taught me how to live again. So we, huddled into too small of a room, hugged and held our SAMPSON, and said goodbye with all the love we could give. To say that I am devastated would be a massive understatement. The life that I have now is because of his work and his unconditional love for me and those close to me.
In July of 2014, as everything I knew was slipping away, SAMPSON crawled into my lap in a crowded room in Hampstead, NC. My instinct to flee the situation was thwarted by a 70 pound yellow lab that decided my lap was the most comfortable place in the building and I had to stay right where I was. He kept me in the here and now. While that may not seem like a lot, it was everything to me. When things went awry and I was too far into my head, if my body would react to something I didn’t understand, or if my thoughts got so jumbled I couldn’t get the words out; SAMPSON was there. He was there with a sense of calm that let me know things would be alright. From panic attacks in bookstores, meltdowns in farmers markets, and surviving a flashback caused by a barrage of flower pot grenades, SAM, was my rock. Yet, he did so much more.
As a single parent with full custody of my girls, he gave them the same unconditional love that he gave me. He held us all up and when it came to taking a risk, because of him, I would. We ended up moving up to Northern Virginia, where the girls had more friends and was probably as close to a home as a military child could have. I took the risk to start a new job in an entirely new field because of him and what he showed me I could be for others. He helped me learn more about myself and I was able to find and hold on to an amazing relationship. He gave me the confidence to be able to go back to school. Given the way I changed after injuries attending school on campus and in person was a must, I couldn’t have done that without him.
SAMPSON was with me for a Bachelors, and again for a Masters. He was there for the struggles and the triumphs. Leaving a job for the time to complete an intensive graduate program with two years of internships. Full-time student, part-time internship, and then another part-time job to make ends meet. SAM was there through it all. At my feet, under a desk, in my lap, by my side, watching my blind side, letting me know I could do it and that he always had my back. We tackled a high profile research fellowship and flew out to a conference where a passion to make impactful change was ignited. He was with me as I received academic and service awards, and when we walked across the stage as I received a Bachelors and then a Masters degree. Then I was able to be with him when he received an Honorary Masters Degree and as he was recognized as Service Dog of the year in 2019.
As I took on new challenges at a different level in a new career, SAMPSON continued to show me that growth in my recovery and personal life would be a constant. He provided a silent confidence as I started a new role, new programs, and brought a change in mindset to how behavioral health services could be provided with a recovery first, recovery always approach. As he slowed down and let me know that it was time for him to retire, he continued to stand by my side as I learned how to work with PEYTON, his successor. He even taught PEYTON a few things about me, and then in turn, taught me a few things about PEYTON.
He was there supporting us all through major transitions and milestones. Merging two households and families together. Three high school graduations. Moves to college. College graduations. Purchasing a home. Countless renovations, celebrations, gatherings, vacations, travel, time spent together, time spent apart. He always gave a comforting nudge, asked for a pet that did more for us than him, and gave free tail wags, kisses, and smiles a plenty.
As SAMPSON fully retired he continued to do so much more than just soak up the sun on a nice day. He always met us at the door, he brought laughter and smiles, he challenged us to make sure treats were stored in “Retired Service Dog” proof areas… that last one extended to the groomer who is still baffled by SAM’s ability to open things that are child proofed. In the end, he taught us what love and kindness truly are. Our hearts are broken, but they will mend, and we will always be grateful for what SAMPSON has given us over the years.
You will forever be missed my beautiful boy. We love you.
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