Ten Simple Lessons Learned from Sam the Dog
My sweet Pastor husband and I recently put down our dog. Sam was a 14-year-old border collie who we called Grandpa. We knew the day was coming when the tumors he had all over his body demanded we act and give him relief. The day came and I don’t think we were prepared.
I’ve cried many tears over the loss of my furry companion. I am very grateful for the years we had with Sam. As I processed my grief, I realized Sam has taught me a number of significant lessons. This week, in honor of my dog, allow me to share ten lessons I’ve learned from Grandpa Sam.
Lesson1: Greet and Welcome everyone.
When Sam was a puppy, he tried to howl. It wasn’t much of a threatening bark and we found it delightful. Every time we walked in the door, he responded with a woo-woo-woo-woooo. However, we made the mistake of howling back at him, reinforcing his behavior.
Sam did learn to howl and bark. And due to our inadvertent training, he greeted everyone loudly. Thankfully, Sam’s greeting wasn’t scary, because it came with a wagging tail, a wriggling body, and happy eyes.
People respond well when they know they are wanted in your space. An obvious, and distinctly lively greeting makes others truly feel welcome.
Lesson 2: Show your enthusiasm when you see your friends.
In the last several weeks of Sam’s life, we happened to take him to the church. Sam has visited the church often. We even called him The Church Dog! Sam was especially fond of all the ladies in the office. They were his favorites.
Even though Sam was old, and didn’t move well, when he saw one of those ladies get down on the floor to greet him, every ounce of puppy still in him burst forth. His whole body was excited, and he threw himself into welcoming arms. She was delighted, he was thrilled, and they both received what they wanted and needed.
Their interaction that afternoon reminded me how good I feel when a friend’s face lights up as she sees me. Sam’s reaction underscored to me how we all need to know we are wanted and loved. Sam needed it that day, the secretary needed it, and I’m convinced we all need to know as well. Every. Day.
Lesson 3: When you want attention, go close.
Sam was a mooch. Once anyone petted him, he continually asked for more. He would lay his head on a person’s leg or nudge their hand. If my sweet Pastor husband or I were not demonstrating enough tender loving care, Sam would demand our attention.
I admit I often got annoyed with this particular Sam-trait, but I appreciated his openness. There were times I even envied his willingness to be needy. Others aren’t always aware when we need a listening ear, a hug, or a helping hand. They don’t reach out to us because they don’t know what we need. If you require what another can provide, get close, and make yourself known.
Lesson 4: Don’t hesitate to chase after what looks fun.
Sam loved squirrels. We have a small township of squirrels in our backyard. Sam would chase and bark at the squirrels whenever he caught a glimpse of them.
Sam’s fascination with squirrels became humorous to us. We would look out the back door and then ask, “squirrel?” Sam would get all excited, barking and anticipating the chase. We would slide open the door and he would tear out, careen around the edge of the deck, and sprint down the stairs to the yard. Serious entertainment.
Sam exerted energy and focus to chase squirrels. He never earned a reward or a prize for his endeavors. Grandpa Sam didn’t make friends with the squirrels, nor did he ever catch a squirrel that I know of. Sam just enjoyed the fun of chasing them.
How often do we talk ourselves out of something fun because we have more pressing activities to accomplish? We get busy with things that must be done, and we forget there is a fascinating world waiting to be enjoyed. Sam reminded me to take time to chase fun.
Lesson 5: Take naps and enjoy the sunshine.
Sam was like most dogs, and he lived the enviable Dog Life. He was often found napping. Sam most often found a space to sprawl where the sun was shining brightest. He napped on the stairs, in the center of the living room, and on the rug in the kitchen. However, he most often laid right outside the back door, roasting in the heat, and soaking up the sun’s rays.
I’m not very good at napping or choosing to just sit in the sunshine. I’m afraid if I take a nap I won’t sleep well at night, which leads me to worry the following morning could be difficult. In addition, I get too hot when I sit in the sunshine. However, Sam’s lesson is still viable.
There are days when a nap is necessary, or we spend the succeeding days apologizing for being cranky. When your body requires additional rest, you shouldn’t feel guilty for relaxing.
It’s scientifically proven our bodies require what sunlight supplies. Sunshine helps us generate vitamin D, plus it supports bone health, lowers blood pressure, and promotes good mental health. Without knowing the science, Sam chose a healthy lifestyle.
Lesson 6: Protect the ones you love.
I’m not sure how protective Sam would have ever been. Thankfully, I never encountered a situation that would have answered that question. But I was always thankful for Sam’s presence when my sweet Pastor husband was out of town.
Sam wasn’t normally allowed on the bed. However, when my sweet Pastor husband wasn’t home, Sam slept in his spot. I knew if I heard a strange sound, I just needed to glance at Sam. If he heard it, but it was a normal sound, he calmly laid his head down and went back to sleep. If Sam heard an unusual sound, his ears perked up and he became alert. I relied on what he heard, over what I heard.
Scripture tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to help those who are weak, and to build each other up. Sam may not have known any of the verses, but he expressed his love for me by protecting me. It seems a simple thing to do, to let others know when you see or hear something out of the ordinary that could be dangerous in their life. And it is a gift.
Lesson 7: Leave a bit of yourself everywhere you go.
One of the reasons we picked Sam to be our dog was because he didn’t have a lot of hair. We believed some insane idea that he wouldn’t shed much. We were wrong. The hair he shed didn’t come out in clumps, but my sweet Pastor husband often said he thought he vacuumed an entire dog when he cleaned the vacuum.
We knew when Sam broke the rules and climbed on the couch when we weren’t home. He left a distinct grouping of black hair on my yellow couch every time. Consequently, we started leaving something across the front of the couch so he couldn’t easily jump up.
Always sweeping up dog hair wasn’t a fun family activity. However, we were consciously aware we had a dog. I don’t have to sweep the kitchen as much anymore, and it makes me sad. I would rather have Sam and have to Swiffer more, than be without him.
I believe it’s significant to leave a bit of yourself with others, so they are reminded of your presence. People shouldn’t always have to clean up after you, but you should leave a feeling, a memory, or even a smile with others. Your family and friends should be aware they’ve been with you.
Lesson 8: Help clean up other people’s messes.
The night after we put Sam to rest, I made a mess in the kitchen. I grated cheese and it ended up all over the floor. In the past I wouldn’t have perceived that as a problem. I would have whistled for Sam, and he would have cleaned my floor with great delight. Instead, I grabbed some paper towels and cleaned a section of the floor.
I’m sure Sam was never aware how helpful he was. He didn’t ask to clean, and he definitely didn’t ever scour the floor for me. But he provided just enough assistance to make my tasks easier, and my day better.
We can do that for others. We may not take over and fix every problem someone else has. Yet, there are so many small things we can offer to those we love that will make their tasks easier, and their day better.
Lesson 9: Exercise keeps you young.
For years, my sweet Pastor husband and I took Sam on evening walks. We didn’t go every night, but if I tied on my tennis shoes after dinner, Sam became unable to contain his joy. He would bark and run to the door. Then he’d run to me or my sweet Pastor husband. He’d announce he was ready to go. We struggled to put his collar and leash on because he was so excited!
After Sam had blown out both his back legs (due to squirrel chasing), the walks eventually petered out. He just couldn’t go very far. His heart wanted to go, but his legs couldn’t manage it. He would walk slower and slower, then begin to limp. So, we quit taking him out.
When the walks stopped, Sam slowed down even more. The walks invigorated him. He saw more of the world. There were scents to track down, and adventures around the corner. Sam’s world became smaller.
It’s true for humans, just like it was for my dog. We need to see the world. We have adventures to discover, so we must keep moving.
Lesson 10: Presence is everything.
The number one thing I miss about Sam is his presence. There’s no welcome when I come home from work. When I sit to watch TV, there’s no sweet face looking to see if I’m going to share my popcorn. When I work in my office, there’s no furry companion sitting under my desk.
Sam was present with me. A lot. He wanted to be where I was or where my sweet Pastor husband was. He belonged to us; he was a part of us. He didn’t have to do anything, or give anything, he cheered us up with his presence.
Our presence means something to others. So, show up and help a friend clean her house. Invite a neighbor to run errands with you. Propose a last-minute potluck with close friends and have everyone bring what they had planned for dinner. Gift who you are to others.
We may get another dog someday. My son threatens to just show up at our door with a puppy. He knows me well. For the time being, our house is quiet. The dog bed and bowls are put away. My house is cleaner, and a bit lonelier. And I am a better person because of a border collie we named Sam.
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