I drove back to our vet clinic in Helena today to pick up some animals we'd left there last week, as well as to take blind Helen for her latest chemotherapy treatment. One of the dogs who came home was blind Samantha, who'd been to the clinic for a dental and to have a growth removed on her side. The growth appears to be benign, fortunately.
When the vet tech was bringing Samantha through the surgery suite in the back of the clinic, Sam heard my voice and just about jumped out of her skin with excitement. She whirled and twirled and jumped up and down, pulling the vet tech with her as she made her way towards me. Her eyes lit up and then came that famous smile of hers. I don't think I'd ever seen her as happy. But then I realized this was what happened before with blind Madison, too, and others who have been left at the vet clinic for the first time since coming here: they wonder if they'd been abandoned again. And hearing our voice is the first indication they get that they're going home.
As you can see from the photo above, Sam was just as excited when we got back to the ranch. That's her greeting Alayne after getting out of the truck. For an older girl, she's still pretty spry! (Sam, that is, not Alayne. Though Alayne is pretty spry herself. As for her age, well, I'm not saying a thing.)
---
Still No. 1!
Please keep voting for us every day in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest. Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Please ask your family and friends to vote, too. Thank you!
Wow, This is Great post and Awesome and fascinating work. This is so sweet picture. I like this type of home.
Posted by: curcuma | November 02, 2009 at 02:10 AM
Yeah Sam!!! You sweet older lady!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | October 29, 2009 at 10:33 PM
So glad that Sam is back at home! She is so relieved to be home with her mom and dad and is able to sleep in her own comfy bed! Yayyyyyy!!!
Posted by: Nina | October 27, 2009 at 08:51 PM
This "young lady" is jumping for joy to be home!! WOO HOO!
Posted by: sharon | October 27, 2009 at 03:14 PM
As Dorothy Gale taught us all, there's no place like home !!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | October 27, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Isn't that a misty-eyed thought thinking about an animal feeling it's been abandoned, again. That's painful to imagine let alone feel it like the animal does! Don't you just wish there was a way to impart the concept of I-will-be-back to ease their fear or sadness? And they must feel it because you see the joy when they know they haven't been dumped. Wow.
Posted by: Miranda | October 27, 2009 at 11:46 AM
What a wonderful picture and smiley dog! Thanks you two for all you do!!
Posted by: Taz | October 27, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I love it! Just to think how excited they must feel when they know for certain they have not been abandoned & the promise you made to them you kept shows in that one shot of Samantha & speaks volumes!!
Get well soon, sweet girl!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | October 27, 2009 at 09:30 AM
I bet Sam feels fantastic this morning; all safe and snuggled in at her home. Animals can cover up a lot of pain and concern but they can't hold back their joy...thank goodness!! Otherwise, we wouldn't have great pictures, like these!
Glad you're back home sweetheart.
Posted by: boundforglory | October 27, 2009 at 09:18 AM
I know she is thrilled to be back again....those "Hi, mom...I'm home" greetings are the best, aren't they?
Posted by: Debbie | October 27, 2009 at 07:35 AM
"Wise man" indeed!;-)))
Welcome home, sweet Sam!
Isn't it great to see our furkids that happy?:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | October 27, 2009 at 03:21 AM
AWWWW - such a sweet picture. Home sweet home and home sweet Mom and Pop - I think I'll put myself a picture of Smilin' Sam on my desk too, like the poster above.
Posted by: Angela | October 27, 2009 at 01:06 AM
smilin', jumpin, drinkin' Sam! what a busy girl! welcome home Sam!
Posted by: Kate and Luke | October 27, 2009 at 12:12 AM
aaaah, to be home in your own bed with your own toys..and your 2-legged people. home is the best.
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | October 26, 2009 at 11:25 PM
"As for her age, well, I'm not saying a thing."
Wise man.
I have a picture of Smilin' Sam on my desktop at work and it always makes me smile to see it! Do you still hear from her former mom (the trucker)?
Posted by: Lynne Parker | October 26, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Welcome home Sammy! Who could blame you for being so very happy to go back to the special place and special people that are RDR!!
Posted by: Marla | October 26, 2009 at 07:27 PM
I can sure understand her excitement. Yay! Just hope she doesn't jump out of her stitches. I'm certain she'll sleep more soundly & heal up fast back at the ranch!
Posted by: Margaret | October 26, 2009 at 07:16 PM