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Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 10:36
by Glenys
Hello Glenys

I know that you do a fantastic job at labrador rescue rehoming so many dogs and our little boy Sam was one of them. (His picture is under Now Rehomed 9 March 2007 @ 11:56am)



( Sam when he came to rescue)

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Sam is 7 today and has celebrated with a cooked mackerel which he very much loves. His 'brother' Bailey has also had one (never let it be said that a labrador missed out on anything!)

We wanted to send you some photos to see the gorgeous boy that he has become.

Sam's story was such a sad one. He had had a very unfortunate life for his first three years coming to you very under weight, fearful and neglected. He was then rehomed and returned three times and it seemed that no-one wanted him because he was so afraid that sometimes he growled and hid and he needed a lot of TLC and understanding. We saw his picture on your site and melted. We knew that he was going to be 'our' dog and that we were going to be 'his' family. After numerous telephone calls we arranged to come to you from our home six hours away to pick him up. When we saw him our hearts melted and our love for him was instantaneous. He came back to Hampshire with us that day and has been 'our boy' since.

Life had its ups and downs. Sam needed to learn to trust again and to understand that all humans were not going to desert him and treat him badly. My husband and I, our two grown sons and our other rescue Bailey loved him, cared for him and showed him that life could be good.

Four years on and Sam has learnt to swim (in the local ponds with his four legged brother), loves his walks, adores people and most of all loves his red ball which he carries with him on his walks. He has the sweetest nature, is incredibly loving and no trouble at all.

Life has not been easy for him however. He has elbow dysplasia and arthritis in his two front legs and shortly will be going for elbow replacement surgery. Nevertheless he is still incredibly active and for those that do not know it would be impossible to tell that there is anything 'wrong' with him.

When we first got him he was a little over 23 kilos and his ribs stuck out like piano keys. Today he was weighed at a very respectable 31 kilos, his coat is shiny and his smile is as wide as the grand canyon.

Sam was considered a 'true' rescue. One that would need time, care and enormous patience to bring him back 'from the brink'. For anyone that is considering a rescue I cannot recommend them enough. Once you have put in the hard work and time, shown them that you love them and will be there for them there is no greater love you will ever experience with another sentient being than the love of a rescue.

He is "our Sam" and we would not swap him for anything.

Sam sends his love to everyone at the rescue centre and to Sam and Kathryn also who were there when he was.

Matt and Joulia Prothero-Thomas


Sam now happy in his lovely life a big thank you to his family for helping him to trust again .

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Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 11:34
by jackiem
Early start for the tissues.
That really is a heart-warming story Glenys and it's what the Rescue is all about.
If ever you are feeling low, just remember lovely stories such as this.

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 11:52
by kayj
Tissues out here.

Lovely update on a very much loved boy.Thank you .
:love3: :love3: :love3:


Kay.xx

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 11:58
by barrovia
What a beautiful letter and update Glenys :love2:

I am going to have to stop sneaking a look at the site while at work, moist eyes is not a good look behind reception :1962:

Mandy x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 12:15
by Glenys
Its a fitting tribute to Matt and Joulia for taking this boy into their hearts there are some wonderful people in the world.

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 14:00
by Diesel Kate
So very very heartwarming. What a wonderful family took Sam to live with them. :love2: He looks adorable. :love4:

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 14:06
by warrengl
:cry3:

What a lovely update! :1973:

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 14:46
by JoanG
Thank you for letting us share this heartwarming update. You are obviously the right family for the gorgeous Sam :love5: , he looks like a different dog in your photos, the happiness shines out of him. It just goes to show how these abused and rejected dogs can and do blossom with people like Matt and Joulia (and their family) who give them the time to regain their trust in people. It's also clear to see that this is not a one sided exchange, Matt and Joulia have gained a loyal and fun loving family member.

Well done.

Joan x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 14:48
by mollymunch
Just wonderful :love2:

Alison x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 15:00
by carolb
Its stories like Sam`s that keep us going when times are tough :thumbright:
Thank you so much to his family for sharing his story with us. :bighug:

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 04 Mar 2011, 21:02
by Lins
What a lovely letter and update on the story of Sam. Just read it with a smile on my face, and dewy eyes at the same time. Lovely. :love2:

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 05 Mar 2011, 11:18
by LabLover
What a lovely update on Sam, he looks adorable and it sounds like he's found a wonderful family who love him so much :love2: .

All leaky eyed now.


Amanda Jim Milo & Zak x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 05 Mar 2011, 11:55
by rhoda4
Wonderful update and lovely pictures. :love2: What fantastic people. :love3: :love3:

Ann, Paul & Zac x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 05 Mar 2011, 12:34
by jackie
I so enjoyed reading that, what a wonderful story, he really has blossomed and it does prove that dogs can change with the right family.

Jackie x

Re: Heartwarming Story of Sam

Posted: 06 Mar 2011, 23:50
by Melliott
Just beautiful to read, thank you :love2:

Love Michelle X