Samson D2009309
Adopted 15th January 2010
Having lost one of our much loved dogs to cancer, we visited the RSPCA Chesterfield branch to find a suitable companion for our remaining dog called Shadow. Our initial choice was a youngish dog, but she proved too dominant to get along with him. As we were leaving we spotted a beautiful , very old dog who was being looked after in the kitchen, his name was Samson. He’s a rough collie x German shepherd, built like a Shetland pony, and the family nick-name for him is ‘bear’ because he lumbers up to you like a brown bear cub. Samson was getting on (15-16 years old), had health problems and was finding it hard to adjust to having been given up in to care. Our initial thoughts were that it was sad, but could we take on the care of an old boy who probably only had months to live and whose health could deteriorate? However we decided to introduce Shadow to him and the pair got on famously.
Samson is a very friendly, laid back dog who doesn't get aggressive or upset about anything. He is perfectly house-trained, doesn't chew things up like a younger dog, doesn't pull on the lead and is very easy to look after. He loves his food and being cuddled, he is content to sleep a lot of the time, but enjoys being out in to the garden and going for short walks to sniff the exciting scents! He always looks for other dogs to greet when he is out and if he is off the lead, will sprint up to them so we have to run to catch up! You’d never have thought he’d have it in him. He especially seems to love little dogs and is very playful around them. We have got to know his character over the months and it is amusing how he has started to ‘talk’ to us to let us know what he wants.
So, if you’re thinking of adopting a dog, especially if it is for the first time, give the old boys a chance! You will probably find that they are easier to manage than a young dog, and could give you years of love and companionship. The youngish dog we lost to cancer we’d only had for 22 months. Our thoughts with Samson are that every week that goes by is a blessing, and we hope to give him a wonderful life for his ‘sunset’ years. Don’t we humans want the same? We’d certainly adopt an old dog again, they are very loving and seem to appreciate you taking them on. Samson is in fine fettle, we haven’t had any major vet’s bills with him and he appears to be thriving in a loving family home.
