Ahem…you-hoo?
Elsa: Huh? Wha…
Psst…Elsa…you awake?
Elsa: {yawn, stretches, shakes head looking around} Sam??? Is that you?
Norman: Hello there, mate.
Sam: Hi guys, good to see you.
Elsa: Wait…what are you doing here? I thought you crossed the Bridge?
Sam: I did, but I watch over you guys, especially mom. She still seems so sad that I asked the powers to be if I could drop in and have a chat to see if we could make her feel better.
Elsa: Yeah, she is pretty sad; there’s waterworks nearly every day thinking about you. She really misses you.
Norman: We do try our level best to make her feel better, but I think you must have had an extra special place in her heart.
Sam: Yeah, I was her heart and soul dog and miss her too. Ours was a special bond and I feel so badly she’s hurting now. But let’s see if, by working together, we can make her feel better. You guys in?
Elsa and Norman: {in two-part harmony} Woof, woof! Let’s do it.
Sam: Cool. Ok, first we have to take care of a few matters from my estate which was settled in probate court.
Elsa: Estate? Probate? Dude, what in the world are you talking about-you don’t own anything.
Sam: Um…that’s not entirely accurate, Ninja. I’m here to read my Last Will and Testament dividing all my worldly goods between you and uh…the new guy, what’s his name?
Norman: Uh…sir, for the record, it’s Norman.
Sam: Oh yeah, right. Where were we?
Elsa: Never mind, already taken care of it…its all mine.
Norman: She’s right, you know. She pretty much owns everything around here and is especially not very keen about sharing any of it.
Sam: Well, my Last Will and Testament will take care of that. Legally anyway. Let’s begin the reading, ‘kay?
Elsa: If it makes you feel better, but know everything is still mine.
Sam: {eyes rolling} Ahem…”I, Yosemite Sam McDonald, veteran Pet Therapist and all around Good Dog, being of sound mind do hereby leave the following personal effects to my survivors. To my sister, I leave my comfy bed from the living room, who I note for the record, bogarted it frequently while I was still around, despite having her own large comfy sofabed.
Norman: Yeah, she did kind of take over your spot, mate…although mum swears she’s seen you out of the corner of her eye sleeping in it a couple of times when the golden afternoon sunlight shines on it.
Sam: Oh good, I’m kind of new to this whole angel thing of how to send signs letting her know I’m still with her. Yup, that was me. As a Bridge newbie, I haven’t had a lot of training yet as to how to send signs to your loved ones but I have managed to pick up some tricks from watching others.
Elsa: Someone is trying to train you? Hahaha…this should be a hoot. Hope they have better luck than mom did. She always did say you were either stupid or stubborn. Personally, I always had my own suspicions but that’s another story. Either way, it’s probably a fine line in your case.
Sam: {clears throat} Well, I see you haven’t changed much, have you? Anywho…let’s get on with the rest of the worldly possessions.
Norman: Yes, please do…was wondering if there are any bits and bobs you might have for me?
Sam: Yes, bro…I thought of you as well. I hereby bequeath all my toys to you.
Norman: Jolly good, dear brother! But being a proper British bloke, I confess, I did kind of help myself to the toy basket. The little sister was none too happy with me because apparently I didn’t recognize which ones were her favorites and hers alone.
Sam: Oh yeah, I should have mentioned that before. You definitely want to avoid that hot pink slipper. And anything that squeaks. Those are her favorites and trust me dude, she’ll kick your tailless tush if you try to take any.
Norman: Right-o sir…I discovered that…the hard way. I say, good chap…who knew such a sweet face could be so…vicious?!
Sam: Yeah, you do want to stay on her good side. That’s just one of the reasons why we call her a Ninja Warrior.
Elsa: You both got that right and if you try to take my slipper I’ll chew you a new one. Got that, you gigantic British dolt?
Norman: I say, dear sister. There’s no need for name calling. I’m just trying to fit into the Ranch bunk house by familiarizing myself with stuff and (so far) I haven’t destroyed any toys, even though my jaws are quite able to tear the stuffing out of any of them or you should I so desire.
Elsa: {Gasp!} You better pray you don’t destroy any of my toys, pal! Although that’s rather laughable…you might be big, but remember that I’m a Ninja so don’t even think twice about it, chump!
Sam: Okay, okay, look I don’t have all day here and I didn’t come down here to host Mixed Martial Arts. Now that we’ve taken care of the physical property, let’s get on with my lasting legacy.
Elsa and Norman: Legacy? Are you joking?
Sam: Nope, I was thinking the best way to make mom smile again is for you guys to channel my very best enduring behavior so she’ll know I’m still with her, even if it’s just in spirit. See, I was thinking…
Elsa and Norman: {in unison} You were…thinking? {raucous laughter} How could we possible replicate your most annoying enduring behavior? Mom said you were one of a kind.
Sam: I’ll have you know was a model citizen on our walks, in fact everywhere…I just displayed certain “skills” that mom found particularly enduring when she needed a smile…or something.
Elsa: “Something’ is right! I suppose you mean something like moving as far away from her when pooping…oh…and bonus points if it’s in the absolutely deepest snow you could find.
Sam: P.r.e.c.i.s.e.l.y. I know she muttered some HBO words but I knew perfectly well she thought it was ‘charming’ and know for a fact that she. loved. it, okay?
Norman: Oh mate…that’s a load of tosh! She specifically told me NOT to ever do that (among other things you used to do). Like make sure I don’t poop in front of someone’s sidewalk leading up to their front door. She was especially specific about that one.
Sam: Nonsense Norman, she loved that about me. Why do you think I did that every chance I could? Now Elsa, if you could just stretch the leash as far away from her whenever you’re crossing a street. I’ve noticed she isn’t doing enough upper body workouts and that way she’ll have to bench press you closer to her to work those puny biceps. Sheesh, I’m gone three months and the woman’s let herself go to pot.
Elsa: Hmm, I guess I could do that. I do want to do my part making her feel better so if that means channeling some of you, I’ll do it.
Norman: Right Gov…I’ll raise my leg on all your favorite spots and try to do my part on the poop parade…per your instructions.
Sam: {eyes rolling} Umm, yeah, we don’t say ‘Gov’ around the Ranch, Norman. We just say…
Live, love bark! 🐾
Oh Sam how wonderful that you are watching over your loved ones. Keep at it. Hugs to your mom.
😍 Thanks. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.
XOX, they are in our hearts furever. A
Touching and funny at the same time😂 Lovely post, thanks for sharing!☺️
Follow @everythingtips for tips and recommendations if interested! It would mean a lot to me🥺🤍
Thank you for the kind words. These guys all live deep in my heart and soul.
liked watching
Great story. I will guard over my dog while she is here and she can return the favor later.
Thank you and thanks for swinging by the Ranch. We 💙 visitors. It’s the pact we make with them when we bring them into our hearts.
Absolutely love this Monika!! Love your dogs and they sooo love you!! ((((Hugs)))) ❤❤
Thank you. They are so special and comfort my heart.
They def are and Sam is watching over you! 💕💕
Yes, I absolutely believe that.
😇
But watch out if Elsa takes his advice about pooping! 😄
They both are taking his advice.
LOL!! 😂
Hugs and love.
Thanks; we can always use more of that these days.
Beautifully written and dedicated indeed. Hugs…🤗🤗💝🙏🙏🙏
Thanks Garfield. He’s still in my heart and on my mind all the time.
Fully understand and I cried like a banshee when I lost my pet dog many years ago. I still miss her. Prayers for the little boy in Doggie heaven💕🙏🙏🥰
Thank you. They sure keep their spot in our hearts despite their earthy form. 💙
Indeed they do and I never wanted another dog after that, as the void is painful for me to start another dog relationship and lose it again. Hence, my love for my inanimate furball, Garfied.
You’re braver than me; I couldn’t survive without a dog even knowing their lives are too short.
🤗🤗💝💝🐕🐩🐶You are the brave one. Garfield hugs! I chickened out😘
🥰
Bless precious Sam and his gorgeous angel wings. For those of us who’ve got to know you both through the blog, losing him came as a huge, almost unbelievable shock because they sort of gain a life beyond reality on here and can seem immortal. I don’t know whether there are windows in heaven or paths where we can connect, but I’ve had a few experiences which have made me wonder.
We lost Bilbo about 3 years ago now I think. I’ve lost track of how long it’s been because I don’t want to think about it. However, I know it was the 26th of June.
I don’t know if you’ve seen those books you can order with your facebook memories inside, but we order one and it arrived last week. I’d posted a series of photos of him when he passed and they were part of it. It really took me back. Of our three dogs, they each have their own personalities but Zac is most like Bilbo and comes on lies on my lap every night and doesn’t mind the keyboard on top of him as I tap away. There have been times lately with all the virus stuff goin on, where I’ve really needed him and he’s available 24/7. That’s what I love about dogs. You can always wake them up for a cuddle and they’re only too happy to see you.
Best wishes,
Ro
So very true. While I suspect the isolation of the pandemic has contributed tremendously to my heartache, Sam and I has a loving, close partnership with our hospital therapy work. The dog had the keenest ability to know who exactly needed him in a room and always went to them first. Often times it wasn’t the actual patient. Eventually he made the rounds to everyone in the room but he seemed to know who was most needy. And when it came to the mental health patients, I marveled at how he was able to connect with folks who had those unseen health issues. He taught me so much about people and how to connect with them and is so incredibly missed. Your Bilbo is probably making the Bridge/Earthly World connection with your recent thoughts. They stay in our hearts long after they’ve left and I’m beginning to see the sighs, at least as I perceive them. Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your memories of him-they’re like little healing hugs to our hearts.
Well, had to put this one down and try again later. Now that I can see, I have to say, Sam, your wings are lovely, and I am quite aware you earned them here on earth.
I’m not real sure, though, that your Mom will think fondly of you when Elsa or Norman try to pull her arm out of the socket on walks. It was also quite interesting to find out why Elsa got the nickname “Ninja.”
And just know, Sam, that your Mom’s gong to be a mess for a while longer. Letting go of a heart dog is the hardest thing a person will ever do.
Love, Amy, Lucy and Xena
I’ll always be a mess where Sam is concerned. It seems inconceivable of ever letting him go. 💔
I know, you’re right. I’m right there with you.
We both know how this story goes.
Well, dog toys is more than I get left to me whenever a relative dies…
Norman seems more than pleased now that the ownership question has been ‘legally’ resolved. Whether Elsa abides with it remains to be seen. She’s taken to trotting them into her hidey space in my studio. Silly girl.
OMD, that was the bestest postie! I have to admit, I took some notes so I could do my part in making sure Sam’s legacy is remembered by Ma! BOL! I especially like the poopin’ in front of the walkway….I will try and do just that! ☺
You are the best Angel Sam!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Thanks Ruby. Yes that legacy thing…the two are doing a remarkable job carrying on his Knuckleheadedness. I have to smile they picked it up so quickly from the most unassuming dog I’ve ever known.
Oh! My! doG! You two Earth Angels had me laughing and crying at the same time! I can just imagine the conversations between Ducky and her Angel Sisters and Foster Brother! But her channel them, ever? NO WAY! She is her own dog, always. But she makes me laugh, especially when I’m missing them most.
They fill our hearts with such joy and love, don’t they? 💙
From Foley: Sam, I have had many angel visits with my sisters and they never listen. I wish you better luck than I had. You told a delightful story. Plus, I think when our parents write about us it keeps us with them.
He was the one who was the most passive yet he seems to have managed to get the others to take on his traits. A truly remarkable dog here and from across the bridge.
Just being able to communicate, even if it is one way, keeps him safe in my heart.
A touching post. Our furry family are sent from the heavenlies. Hugs and love to you and your furry family. 🐾 🐾 🐾
Thanks. They’re only on loan for much too short of time.
Which I do not like. It is never enough time.
Indeed. Such a cruel reminder by the universe.
I definitely believe that their spirits linger, watching over us. <3
In this case, I see him in the behavior in much of what the two others are doing since he left us. Ironic, since they didn’t do that while he was still here.
Mew mew mew ‘angel’ Sam it iss wunderfull to see you again!!! Wee all have bin missin you so much! Yore Last Will an Testyment was pawtastick!!
Miss Monika mee an LadyMew reelly hope Sam’ss vissit cheerss you up…..wee <3 love <3 you!
**purrss** BellaDharma an {{huggiess}} LadyMew
I see Sam in the other two dogs every single day. Funny how they’ve picked up some of his mannerisms, especially considering he was the least assuming dog I’ve ever know. When I see something they’ve picked up, I see that Sam is still giving to me from beyond the Bridge and my heart smiles through its sadness.
Sam iss all wayss with you inn heart an spirit Miss Monika…
All wayss….
**purrss** BellaDharma
How wonderful to hear from Sam! Thinking of all of you!
Thanks, Noodle. I think he’s definitely channeling himself through Elsa and Norman.
As Sam well knows, HBO words are simply the scenic route to describing one’s charms.
Blessings, hugs and love to you Monika
I think he heard them all his years with me-they kinda lost much impact on behavior. 😊
Hahaha! One of a kind, he was indeed.
Hahaha!
What a beautiful post creating both tears and smiles…how nice of Sam to make sure his siblings carry on his “legacy” 🙂
They truly are following his directive, too! On the one hand it irritates me but on the other, I smile and think he’s smiling down on us.
This is so sweet and creative! What a thoughtful boy he is.
🥰
See, we always knew Sam was so special – how nice of him to visit!!! We would love one or all of our Angels to visit too, and how we wish we could visit with Misty:(
Woos, Lightning and Timber
I can’t begin to fathom how hard it must be not visiting Misty must be for you. 💔Sending hugs and tail wags your way.
Wow, a visit from Angel Sam! What a visit to. He got all the legal crap done with. We are waiting for Norman to start visiting patients in the hospital…
Tyebe and crew
We hope that’s some time in the near future but certainly won’t occur before the lockdown is finished. I think he will be a good candidate so for now we just practice with normal commands and try doing some tricks. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Big hugs to ya’ll!! We know it’s hard when you loose your brofur & your heart dog. Although Mama loves us beyond words her heart dog was Angel Ginger and her still goes out to her grave and cries. Pawrayers dat you can feel your Angel Sam all around you efuryday 🙂
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda
Thank you. He’s with me every minute I’m awake (and even walks through some of my dreams too). 💙I cannot imagine being alone right now, the other two dogs fill some of emptiness, but it still beats in that spot he occupied in my heart.
Oh, how good to see you Angel Sam and what a wonderful conversation you had with your siblings. It’s good to hear that you’re watching over your mom and furr-family and having a good chat with them all. We always talk to our Angels too, even if we can’t see them, we know they’re still here with us, just like you, sweet boy. Soft Pawkisses to you all and a big hug for your mommy🐾😽💞
Yes, they stay deep in our hearts ‘fur-ever.’
What a lovely post! Sam is taking care of everything also behind the Bridge, even your workouts.
Many, many hugs!
Kosmo and Kristiina
Kiitos, Kosmo and Kristiina. Halauksia from us all. 💕
Your Finnish seems to be very fluent! The most difficult language, outside Asia, is Russian, the second is Finnish. Finland is Suomi on Finnish. If you know Spanish, the pronunciation is almost the same in Finnish.
Kristiina 🇫🇮
Oh dear. In that case I’m doomed! 🤣
No, no! You have already a good start. Today’s word “sade” means “rain”. A like in a Spanish word “gracias” and e like in a word “left”.🌟✨🌟👍
Finnish is a bit like German (where the e would also be pronounced). Picking up words here and there is the easy part…the grammar is what undoes me. Even still with German (my native language a million years ago). Now I couldn’t carry on a conversation with a German if there was a gun to my head. I could probably understand some of it but the grammar and idioms and the speed by which a speaker talks gives me a terrible “päänsärky!”
Now it is easier to tell you how we pronounce vowels, because they are almost the same as in German, and our “r” is the same, not rolling like in English. You seem to be as old as me, many things have happened a million years ago.
🇫🇮
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When get on my soapbox, as happens from time to time, the Alpha Japanese Female is quick to say, “Too bad you’re not in charge of the universe since you already know all the answers.” Well, OK, but if I were in charge, one of my first actions besides free beer for all would be to make the length of dogs’ lives match our lives. No matter how long they are with us it is always too short and their loss in so painful for so long.
As I read the story I wondered what voice is in your head for each of the pups? For some reason, I read Sam’s part with a Matthew McConaughey accent. Allrite, allrite, allrite. It was a toss up between him and Sam Elliot. As for Stormin’ Norman I defaulted to Michael Palin but any of the Monty Python characters would have worked, too. Elsa was a toughie…the Frozen character of the same name wasn’t quite right. I thought Maleficent’s voice might be too imperious so I ended up voicing The Ninja as Jessica Tandy in Driving Miss Daisy. 🙂 Thinking of you guys!
It could be such a comfort to know they’re with you longer then again, the pain might even be more acute. Luckily he’s still deep in my heart. Sometimes I think Elsa’s voice is very Jersey like (she is one tough cookie) but then she might be Lara Croft. Tough but tender at times. Being Angelina Jolie like wouldn’t be the worst comparison. Norman reminds me of the natty butler in Family Affair. Thanks for the kind thoughts. 💙
Very clever – loved it!
Thanks. I find I miss him more with each passing day. He was such a comforting rock for so many years.
Very clever!!
💖
I laughed while my tears ran over my face, but that was a super sweet post…. so full of love….
As you know the love remains even when they leave us. 💙
🐬Thanks for another very special post🐬hearing the sweet music of Sam’s voice again🐬as he tutors Norman and the Ninja in the nuances of love.🐬I miss him every day♥️🐬
It was lovely having Sam visit the ranch, Monika. Thank you. I know this was not easy to write. Hugs.
Thanks for the kind thoughts, John. It was a hard post to write with countless tears shed in the hundreds of edits.
I can imagine. I think it was very brave of you to do it.
Hopefully at some point it will become more cathartic, right now the surface is still very raw.
From experience it will be a while. When I wrote the eulegies for Bailey and Coco I was a mess for a week. Be kind to yourself and make sure you take your time. There will come a time when the memories are welcome gifts rather than a repeat of the pain.
Intellectually I know it’s a process, a long one. We spent such a life together. The memories are always welcome since he did such good while he was here), but they do pinch my heart just a bit to remind me of the pain of his loss. These special pets really do touch our souls in unexpected ways.
They do for sure. 😊 That pinch is why they love you as well.
Exactly! 💖
❤️
This made me both cry and smile. It also made me think of our precious Little Bit. We love and miss her so.
Have a woof woof day. Big hug to your wonderful mom. ♥
Some pets really touch our hearts in such deeply and profoundly impactful ways. They may be gone, but never forgotten.
That reminds me of Irving and Sadie, an older couple who made a pact. The one that passed first comes back and tells the survivor what it is like to be dead. Irv has a fatal heart attack. A month later Sadie is in bed and hears “Sadie, Sadie”.
“It sounds like Irving-what’s it like?”
“I get up in the morning and have sex. Then breakfast. Then sex. Then lunch. Then sex. Then a little running followed by sex. Dinner followed by sex and then to sleep”.
“Wow-you never did that while you were alive, what made you change?”
“I came back as a rabbit on a golf course.”
Thanks for the smile. Too few of those lately.
wonderful. Just how it would go. I miss Sam too…. so much has happened since he left us. You know I saw, and felt, Cole after he left. Unmistakable. Once something happened and Drew and I both turned around quickly thinking he was there. He was so special.
In their way Elsa is too… like the queen of everything. Norman is turning out to be a personality fit for the ranch too. Sam…. he was the comfort to all he met wasn’t he? angel…
Elsa and Norman occupy a different space than Sam. Not sure if the pandemic has shaded my grief or if it’s really that pronounced in my heart. I swear that afternoon with the golden sunlight pouring in on his bed that I could see him all curled up like he used to sleep. It was a bit unnerving.
What a beautiful way to remember. Now I must go and clear this blasted lump in my throat x
Ohhhhh….Monika….how I LOVED this! It made me cry both happy and sad tears!!!!! I sooo know what it’s like to think that you are seeing Sam, I was like that with Bobo (and even all these years later I am still like that). I truly believe that when you THINK you are seeing them………..you ARE “seeing” them……..I deeply believe that. Their spirit is there and they are communicating with us. This was charming, adorable and so deeply touching………now…..I think you should write a humorous book with all three……….just sayin………………..(I promise…you’ll thank me later). Sending LOTS of love!
I have no doubt Sam’s spirit will always be with me and I have toyed with the idea of a book. It’s just so raw that it might be too difficult. Time will tell. 💔
Oh my…….you let that Angel “tell it like it is” and he is among other things making it CLEAR he will ALWAYS be your boy. I feel my Angel Sammy every day in amazing ways – you absolutely have that boy Sam with you forever. Such a sweet post………sending you a big hug……
Love, Pam (and Teddy too)
Thanks for the hug. Those of us who’ve lost a special pet know they remain with us every day.
With tears in my eyes: what a wonderful post! 🙂
My heart is with you all,
Pit
Thank you. It took dozens of edits and rewrites. Sam has stayed in my thoughts every day and suspect he will for a very long time, if not forever. He was truly a gift.
You’re welcome!
I’d say he will stay in your heart forever. Even if it’s now nearly 11 years that he disappeared, he has not been forgotten. I just need to close my eyes and I “see” him.
Take care,
Pit
Yup, some of those extra special pets stay with us forever-they just appear as angels instead of in person.
🙂
This is wonderful, Monika. A great way to keep Sam around, for sure. I have found that writing through the tears brings comfort.
Hope so. So far the writing hasn’t helped as much as I had hoped. 😓
Awww… Give yourself a chance. It’s only been three months. 💝💖
In some ways, it seems like years and on other days, like it just happened. It’s all still very raw in either case.
I do know what you mean, my friend.
🥰
❤ Well, that opened up the waterworks! Yep, I’m sure that’s exactly what happened.
It was a brutal post to write and hoped by writing it, the waterworks might diminish. Alas, not so much. Tears through smiles still haunt me.
I’m in that pit too and it takes time. Lots of time.
Yup, a pit indeed. Hope yours is shallow and your heart will smile soon.
I love Sam’s visit, but it made me cry – good thing I am alone in the office. Now I can’t wait to get home and hug my Alex!!! Hugs to you and The Ninja and Norman!!!
I truly do think I see him out of the corner of an eye. He was such a special part of my life. He is so badly missed. Hugs to Alex from us.
Oh, your lovely boy…always with you.
It’s a fact, he may be gone, but he’s always in my heart.
Awwww! That was the funniest, sweetest, and saddest thing I’ve ever read. Some Dog-Mom is awfully creative, even when she’s sad.
He’s still my muse even through tears.
As usual Sam you are much too humble about your healing powers. I’m sure you have this angel thing nailed down over the bridge. Because, you were an angel on earth to so many including and especially to your mom. ❤️
He is definitely the gift that keeps giving-every single day. 💔