Sweet Samantha

Sam is a Chocolate Lab who came to our rescue when our vet called and asked for help. Sam's caretakers wanted to euthanize Sam because she had ongoing skin issues and was having accidents in the home.

As Sam was only 4-5 Years old, and just the nicest dog in the world, our vet felt that she deserved better - and we agreed.

After running extensive tests on Sam, we discovered that there was nothing physically wrong with her other than food allergies. To keep her coat in good condition - Sam requires a grain free diet. The accidents in the home were the result of a steriod shot that her previous caretakers had given her in an effort to relieve her skin issues. Steroids are hard on a dog's liver and kidneys and a large dose makes a dog drink excessive amounts of water - which in turn makes them need to relieve themselves frequently.

Once in foster care and on a high grade diet - Sam stopped having accidents and showed no signs of her previous skin issues.

We were surprised at how many prospective adoptive families for Sam fought us on the condition that she be fed a grain free diet. Many felt that the cost of the food was prohibitive to adoption. As we feed all of our rescue dogs high grade food, we know that spending a little more on food, greatly decreases vet expenses - as lower grade foods can cause countless health problems such as allergies, hot spots, ear infections, urinary tract infections and even cancer.

After a month of screening applicants for Sam, we found the perfect family for her! Not only are they giving Sam the food that she needs to stay healthy - but have switched their other dogs to the same diet. Sam is now living in Edgecomb, Maine with two other Labs, cats and a family who loves her. She spends hours chasing balls and swimming. Here is the latest update from Sam's new family:

We really could not be happier with our trio of dogs. they do so well together and are such a joy to have in our family. Sammy completes the canine aspect perfectly! Sammy has decided that she likes to sleep with emmy (our older dog) on the couch downstairs at night. emmy really seems happy to have the company.

Everyone is GREAT! Sammy is SOOOO sweet and we are very happy to have her! Sammy and Emmy enjoy naps together and she and Lilly are ball-chasing buddies. I've tried to take some good photos, but whereas the dogs are always pretty busy, they come out as yellow and brown blurs and when they are sleeping (as you can see) Sammy appears as a brown lump!!!

Anyway, here are some pictures and a short clip of a "fetchfest" with the spunkier 2 of the girls.