Name: Sampson - 5-ish y/o
Family Members: Heather, Matt, Jet (son) - 6 y/o, & Mia (kitty)- 10 y/o
How long has Sampson been in the family? Sampson officially joined us in March - 2018 (a much awaited present for(Heather’s birthday!)
Profession: Heather: Chief Marketing Officer, LifeLine Animal Project
Matt: Digital Analytics Consultant, CNN/Turner Broadcasting
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Nicknames: Samps, Goober, Goobs
5 words/phrases that best describe Sampson?
Handsome
Gentle
Soulful
Incredibly food & treat motivated
Alternates between looking absolutely “pitty”ful (when waiting for food) and absolutely adorable
What makes Sampson unique? Every night around 7:30, our old man tucks himself into bed. He walks into his crate, spins around a few times, adjusts his bed, blanket; then curls up & goes to bed (& he SNORES – so does the cat and hubby so it’s quite the choir at night.)
Regal + Drool = Adorable
Rescue Story: Sampson was found by a pizza delivery person in Oakhurst. He was in really bad shape with cuts on his face and protruding ribs and spine, but in good spirits. A neighbor took him in and quickly posted his adorable mug on NextDoor before taking him to the DeKalb County Animal shelter. A dear friend of mine saw his post and quickly decided to foster him. She spoiled him with kindness and love to make up for all the hard times he must have experienced. She nursed him back to health as he went through months of heartworm treatment and recovery. She would rub coconut oil on his skin and helped him gain back 20lbs! She would invite me over to visit and each time I fell deeper and deeper in love. He was great with kids and cats which was the kind of pup I was looking to bring home. My husband doesn’t love barking and Sampson wasn’t a barker. My 6-yr-old just wanted a dog that wouldn’t “lick him like a lollipop.” Fast forward to now, my son complains that he doesn’t get enough kisses from Sampson. And although the cat might tell you otherwise, I saw her arch up and rub against his big chest the other day. When they think no one is watching, they rub noses. Basically, he was and is perfect for our family.
His Nextdoor post that led to his forever home!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? We’ve started hiking together and it’s so neat to see his confidence and energy when he gets into the woods. Sampson loves to lead the way, especially if that path crosses water. He loves to get his paws wet. We acquired a book of 60 hikes in Atlanta and hope we can do all of them together! In fact, we made it a family challenge this past weekend after we crossed Bear Creek Falls off our list.
What is life like since you rescued Sampson? Sampson came into my life at a time when everything felt chaotic. We had moved into a temporary apartment during a home renovation project that was not going smoothly. Work demands were high, and challenges were everywhere. It was not the best time to add more stress and responsibility to my own plate, when I was working so hard to keep it all together gracefully.
Into the chaos, walks this 65lb lug with the biggest head and even bigger heart. It was the universe intervening on my behalf. Sampson gets me up each morning with a smile and a wagging tail. He teaches me to stop and smell (or water) every flower, I mean he literally waters every bush on our walk to take my 6-yr-old son to school. He tells me when it’s time to take a break from the computer and get fresh air. He shows me how to be silly when he tosses his favorite bear high up in the air and catches it and shakes his head with glee. And every night at 7:30pm, he walks into his open crate, spins around and buries himself beneath his favorite blanket and lets me know it’s time to close my eyes, breathe deeply (or in his case, snore loudly), and start fresh the next day.
Every day he faces judgement as a large bully breed dog. People often stop me and say one of two things: “What a good-looking dog!” or “Is he a pit bull?” And then I watch as he defies stereotypes as people who say either of those two things see his gentle spirit and ask to rub his big, soft head. He looks so kind, they say. Sampson is not an American Pit bull Terrier; he is part American Bulldog, part Staffordshire Terrier. But, he is also part Boxer and even funnier, Boston Terrier. He is shy of other dogs but loves children and people in general. He hides behind me when a 4lb pug puppy walks by, but he wags his tail and play bows to the cat. He marches to his own drum and I try to honor who he is and what he needs. He’s an ambassador for all shelter dogs, for bully breed-type looking dogs, but he is so much more. He’s the best thing I never knew I needed.
Photographers Notes: I can’t say enough good things about Sampson. He is the sweetest, quietest, most gentle dog. Then on top of that he is just beautiful and really one of the best dog models. I barely had any outtakes from his shoot, because he is just an amazing poser. He will do anything for treats, minus a little drool (which I am so glad I actually captured in that photo above) he is really perfection.
I so love what Heather said about how Sampson helps her appreciate the important things and to take time to breath, relax & enjoy. I think anyone with a dog can appreciate those benefits. In return, this family see’s him as an individual, regardless of how he looks or his quirks and gives him what he needs. That is the best example of a reciprocal relationship that I can think of and what we should all strive for with our pets!
Now get this dog an agent! He should be in advertising!!!