Saying Goodbye to Sam: A Bond That Lasted 18 Years.
I’m so sorry to share this, but Sam passed away two days ago at the age of 18, from natural causes. His decline was sudden and swift—less than ten hours from being perfectly fine to the moment he left us. The cause was fluid around his heart, something that had crept up on him quietly, but when it reached a critical point, his body simply couldn’t cope.
Just two days before, Sam was still himself—playful, lively, and full of curiosity. He was chasing his ball, wagging his tail, enjoying the little joys that had filled his life for so many years. On the way to the vet that day, we even stopped at the dog park, a place he had loved for over a decade, and then grabbed a final cheeseburger, hoping to tempt him with one of his favorite treats. But he wouldn’t eat it. Watching him look up at me, I knew I had to try everything I could, to give him a little more time, even if it was just to find answers or comfort in the final hours.
I decided to have the fluid around his heart drained, hoping it would buy us a little more time for tests, for moments together, for the chance to say goodbye in my own way. The procedure was quick, the vet team efficient, and I barely had time to finish paying before the rush came. The vet burst out of the room to tell me that Sam was going. The procedure, which should have helped, had not been enough. His body simply couldn’t hold on any longer.
Even in that moment, there was something profoundly peaceful about how it happened. He didn’t suffer much. He fought until the very end, with the same determination and spirit he had shown all his life. I had made the choice not to resuscitate him—not because I didn’t want him, but because I knew the kindest thing I could do was to let him go with dignity, without putting him through the ordeal again. After 18 years together, it felt like the right decision for both of us.
Sitting with him in those final moments, I felt a quiet sense of closure. We had loved each other fully, fought for each other, and lived through countless shared joys and challenges. He had been my companion, my friend, my constant presence in a life that sometimes felt overwhelming. And in those last hours, I could see that he trusted me completely, as he always had.
I will miss Sam terribly—every morning without his wagging tail, every walk without his eager enthusiasm, every quiet moment without the comfort of his presence. But I am also filled with gratitude. Grateful that we had so many years together, grateful that he left peacefully, and grateful that we both found the peace we needed at the end.
Sam’s life was long, full, and beautiful. His spirit remains with me in the memories of every ball he chased, every park he explored, and every gentle nuzzle he offered. Saying goodbye is never easy, but I take comfort in knowing that we did it together, with love, respect, and understanding.
Even as the ache in my heart is sharp, I know that Sam’s story isn’t just one of loss—it’s a story of loyalty, devotion, and the extraordinary bond between a person and their dog. That bond doesn’t end with death; it carries on in every memory, every lesson, and every moment of love that remains.
