Sam Lewis

Sad News 24 July 2023

Sam’s dad said, “It is with deep regret and sadness that I must inform you that Sam, whom we adopted from you in May 2019, has now passed away today 24th July 2023.

He collapsed and was diagnosed with DCM in September 2022. He was in heart failure mode and has been heavily medicated since that date. Unfortunately, in recent weeks his digestive system seemed to have been affected and during his last few days his ability to walk and stand also deteriorated. It was with much regret we decided, with veterinary advice, that he should be euthanased.

We have had a very happy four years with Sam and he has turned out exactly as described by yourselves. We could not have chosen a better and more appropriate dog. He has enjoyed the sea, water and all the other things that such water dogs enjoy.

Sam was very much an outdoor dog and loved the water. It took 45 minutes to get him out of the water on our first beach visit!

This photo was taken on holiday last month when we really wanted him to enjoy the water and sea as we felt that his time was limited. He really enjoyed that day but tired himself out.

This picture was taken immediately before today’s vet visit when he was just ‘resting’ in his favorite outdoor places. We will miss him. 

History

Sam is a 9 year old Golden Retriever. As usual, he was vet checked and rabies vaccinated to meet the legal requirements to enter the UK where he was fostered in Scotland by Lynne

According to his owner, with whom Sam spent his whole life, he was rehomed because of his resource guarding which had become a worry with children in the house.

FOSTER ASSESSMENT

Sam is a lovely happy, friendly boy, lhe loves people and is good with most other dogs.

He is a super boy in every other way being friendly, obedient, cuddly and happy. Sam loves being brushed and, even more, loves his walks.

HEALTH

Sam has put on a good few kilos and I now feel comfortable to brush him. He does have dry flaky skin and is, frequently, seen nibbling his front paws.

Sam has been through a lot in the last 5 weeks. He is coping very well without 3 of his lower front teeth. The gummy gap is filling in well and he is happy to take harder chews.

HOUSETRAINING: He is fully housetrained.

TRAVEL: He is happy and content travelling in a vehicle

BASIC TRAINING: Sam is well socialized and trained in basic commands

LEADWALKING: Sam walks`loose lead’ with a slip lead

SEPARATION ANXIETY: Sam shows no signs of separation anxiety

RESOURCE GUARDING: Sam’s resource guarding is very minimal. He will happily pick up a toy and carry it through the other dogs with no problems. I can only presume that, due to his previous family having issues with him around food, he has learned to associate food with being given a row. He is, therefore, uncomfortable and nervous around it.

He is now sitting with my dogs (albeit at the back) and taking his treat nicely. He is still uncomfortable if one of them gets too near but he simply turns and leaves the room. He does

not growl, lunge or bite. If I was to sum it up, I would say he has mild resource guarding issues that are well on their way to being manageable if not sorted.

ADULTS: He is very friendly

CHILDREN: Although he, previously, lived with children, Sam prefers peace and quiet so it would not be advisable.

DOGS: Sam is very inquisitive with new dogs. He is cautious but not aggressive.

CATS: Sam is untested with cats.

SAM’S DREAM HOME

Sam simply wants an adult home with understanding people. Another dog would probably be of benefit to him to help him settle.

MAY 2019

Sam has gone to live in his Forever Home.