Rainbow Bridge:  Sam the Standard Schnauzer

​On the morning of Friday, August 19th, 2016 dear Sam told us he was too tired to go on.  The cancer had finally caught up with his body, and he was ready to move on to the next stage.  Sam was a handsome boy who was given a second chance at life when he came to SROMN at the age of 12 in October 2014 after his owner passed away.  It was shortly afterward, on screening radiographs, we found a solitary lung tumor.  Towards the bottom of this page you can read the beginning of Sam's story, and how his life progressed throughout the last 2 years.  But, for now, please reflect on the great dog he was, and the two lives he forever changed - his fosters turned parents.  Sam was kept labelled as SROMN dog while he lived out his life in hospice care under the supervision, care, and love of Kathy and Tom.  The purpose of keeping just one thread attached to SROMN was for close monitoring of his health status, but by all means, he belonged to Kathy and Tom.  Below is their story of their beloved Sam, the dog that forever changed their hearts and will forever remain a part of them.

~Sam's Story, as told by Kathy~

Over many years, we have lived with and fostered many mini schnauzers, but when a handsome, dark-faced standard schnauzer, named Sammy first arrived as a foster, we had no idea how special he would be to us. Sam's cancer was soon discovered and a decision was made to have him remain here in hospice care.  By that time, we already knew how easy it was loving this senior dog, however we had to accept there was inevitable heartache that would likely come all too soon.  How lucky for us this strong boy would surprise everyone and prove he had other plans and more life to live!

After Sammy settled into a quiet routine as the only resident doggie, I was delighted he quickly bonded to me and became a devoted companion who followed me everywhere.  Sam never played with us, or had any interest in toys, but he was a lovely dog with a super sweet personality and he absolutely adored people.  Meeting and greeting people of all ages was what Sammy was all about.  He was always very content to be outside in the warm sunshine, with his eyes closed and nose held high facing a nice breeze.  It was a familiar pose of pure bliss that made us smile.

Sam happily lived with us for almost two years before he passed peacefully in his home.  He was a gentle dog, who we not only cared for, but fiercely loved.  He was a good dog, who for most of his life lived with another, but in the end became ours.  We will so dearly miss him.

~Run free our sweet Sam, until we meet again...

~Sam's Medical Story~

Sammy was diagnosed with primary lung cancer in November 2014.  His lung tumor was watched closely, and in January 2015 it was re-evaluated.  Unfortunately, he had grown several new tumors.  At this time, it was decided that it would be in Sammy's best interest to stay with his foster family in hospice care until he was no longer comfortable.  Sammy was started on Deramaxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.  This was recommended by a veterinary oncologist as a way to slow down the tumors growth.

In April 2015, Sammy's radiographs were rechecked, only to find that in 4 months NOTHING had changed!!!  Sammy was maintaining his weight and loving life!  His foster family is so in love with him and wanted to share this with everyone on May 15th, 2015:
'It's been some time since it was determined that Sammy has cancer and would need hospice care, but he is still a very content and comfortable doggie! He is eating like a champ and like spending evening TV time curled up on the couch with us. Sam was so happy being part of the large schnauzer pack on the walk a few weeks ago and he had a good spring in his step! He was feeling good and had a great day....and he adored all of the attention too!!!'

​​***August 2015 Update:
Sammy continues to amaze us all!  He is starting to slow down some, and is not able to do stairs as much.  We rechecked his chest and abdominal radiographs, and things have not changed significantly for him since January.  Sammy loves it when his foster mommy cooks for him!  He had a visit with a chiropractor recently.  Hopefully this will help him move better.

​Thank you Sammy's loving foster family for giving him what he truly needed - a loving environment to call home!​

***December 2015 Update ~ From his foster family:
Sammy had a wonderful summer!  He is a super friendly dog who adores greeting people and he insists on visiting all of our neighbors whenever he sees them outside.  He likes to flash his toothy grin and wag his stubby tail until they laugh and tell him how handsome he is! 

Sam is a sweet companion and continually entertains us with his cute growly way of talking.  He enjoys his daily routine which includes following his foster mom around, sniffing for squirrels or bunnies in the yard, and napping on the couch.  While his pace may have slowed a bit, his health has been remarkably stable and we can tell he thinks life is good!  We love having this standard boy in our home!

***May 2016 Update:
Radiographs were rechecked for staging purposes.  Sammy's lung tumors have increased in size considerably.  At this time, we know our days with sweet Sam are numbered.  On the outside, he continues to do well and be vibrant!  We will take it day by day, week by week, and eventually Sam will let us know when it is time to say 'until we meet again'!