BY BILL JUNEAU
A few days ago, Chrissy and I said goodbye to our little dog, Sammismith, who was a key figure of our household for the past 15 years, and nine months.
She is missed almost beyond description. She was well known to our family with children, and six grandchildren and friends and associates and visitors. Everyone knew and bid hello to the little Cairn terrier, wheaton in color, and eager to make acquaintances. The little right paw would go up quickly as she would greet, and respond to the command of "paw" or "shake hands."
Sammi on left
Sammi actually told us that she loved her house and her family, but that the time had come and she needed to go. Maybe the story of the famous "Rainbow Bridge" is a true one, and so we can hope that she has landed there and for all time will be partaking of the warm sunshine and the green grass and the pure cold water for her drinks.
When Billy Graham was around he once was asked about the hereafter and if our dogs will be there too. Billy said that the Lord has promised an eternity with him and unparalleled happiness that will be forever. And so, opined Billy, if unfettered happiness requires the presence of a beloved pet. well then the Lord will see to it that the pet is there too.
Sammi came to our home as an eight-week old pup when we were living in Parkland, Florida. We named her "Sammismith" after a country and western singer, Sammi Smith, whose songs at the time were popular. Suffice it to say that Sammi quickly nosed her way into our hearts as she sniffed and hunted frogs and guarded her premises. She developed a big vocabulary, but at times she could be stubborn when a call from us got in the way of sniffing or chasing the small lizards known as geckos.
When Sammi was 12, she had some dental problems and lost all teeth but her front canines, two in the upper jaw, and two in the lower. We worried, but Sammi quickly adapted to the situation, and soon she continued eating with her voracious appetite. Meals were a delight to her and she actually would bounce her front paws up and down as the food dish was on its way. Treats? she was always ready to have one, and knew how to beg and ask when the moment required it.
We moved from Florida to Illinois in 2018 and Sammi handled it well. She certainly missed chasing the lizards and frogs of Florida, but otherwise was out there barking at the birds and squirrels, rabbits, possums and raccoons if they dared show their faces in or near our rear yard.
The past year was difficult for Sammi as she contended with a tumor on her abdomen which grew to an enormous size. It got in the way of her walking and we fitted her with a girdle type jacket which would hold the tumor up. But Sammi handled it well and continued to demand that she be allowed to chase her ball, and walks through our neighborhood were frequent.
We knew that Sammi's days were numbered and that she would have to leave us, and we figured--and we were right--she let us know that it was time for her to leave, and she thanked us for everything and we hugged her and said goodby.
The following is a short poem which was sent to Chrissy and me after Sammi's departure.
I was just a pup when we met, and I loved you from the start. You picked me up and took me home and placed me in your heart.
Good times we had together, we shared all life could throw. But years passed all too quickly, and my time has come to go.
I know how much you miss me, and I know your heart is sore. I see the tears that fall when I'm not waiting at the door.
You always did the best for me; your love was plain to see. For even if it broke your heart, you set my spirit free.
So please be brave without me, one day we'll meet once more; For when you're called to heaven, I'll be waiting at the door.
xxx
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