“Sammy M the Wonder Dog” was created for the first virtual art show, The Artist's Best Friend, sponsored by The Canine Art Guild. “In this show, members of the group are free to express through their art and stories, the love they've had for certain special dogs in their lives.” I believe Sammy M’s story is a fitting first post.
Abandoned at a gas station in NYC, Sammy M was rescued by the animal shelter where I volunteer. This once homeless Australian Cattle Dog mix had a renewed outlook on life and was full of energy.
The first time I saw Sammy M his antics made me laugh. All I could see were his very large ears as they appeared and reappeared over the frosted kennel door! He was jumping in excitement higher than any dog I had ever known.
Sadly, an aggressive degenerative bone disease had infected his front leg and the shelter’s medical team made a tough decision to amputate. Sammy’s recovery was nothing short of inspiring. Aside from getting tired quicker than before he seemed un-phased. During playtime he was jumping as high as ever and he would even police his friends, breaking up any rude doggie behavior. Sammy M was also an intelligent student and flew through obedience school mastering all tasks and commands.
Shortly after graduation Sammy M was adopted. My last day with Sammy M ended in the same way it began - giggling. His body wiggling and tail wagging, Sammy M very cutely raised his shoulder and stump moving it up and down. This was his adaptation on the commands "shake" and "wave bye bye"! Sammy M was only part of my life for eight months, but his survival and success influenced my own outlook on life.
