You remember Sam, right? The gentledog with a calm demeanor and the good looks who sets himself apart with a stunning white coat and his signature red bandana. He’s been living the shelter life for a while now and is ready to find his forever companion who will give him a good home to retire in.

What makes his quest for a home even more pressing is that he recently found out that he “has spinal arthritis and is heartworm positive.” So, he’d really like to get out of the shelter ASAP and get into a more cozy and comfy setting.

While Sam is quite the talker, he hasn’t picked up a pen and paper yet to write down his barks and howls. But if he were to keep a diary, I think it would read a little like this:

Dear Diary,

This weekend, I saw many dogs get adopted. And I am so happy for every single one of them who found their pawfect humans to live with. But I have to admit that I was hoping it would be my turn to be picked, too.

I tried my best to draw attention to myself and “talk” visitors into looking at me. I howled, “Over here, get to know me.” But it’s hard to compete with the younger dogs, the healthier ones, who can get around more easily and be more playful. Who don’t need heartworm treatment or medication. I get it.

I’m not the ideal dog people hope to find when they set out to meet their new family member. But I may just be what they need: a companion. A well-behaved, easy-going, calm soul who would be so very grateful for a warm spot on the couch next to my favorite two-legger. I could fill an emptiness they didn’t even know existed, drive out loneliness they didn’t realize was there. I could fill their house with talks and songs and make it our home.

Just like humans hope for others to look past their imperfections, I hope to find someone who will look past mine. Someone who will see me for the sweetheart I am and won’t define me by my medical diagnoses. I am more than a heartworm-positive dog with arthritis. I am Sam, an aspiring singer and orator. I am more than a senior dog. I am a gentle soul full of a lifetime of experiences and the wisdom that comes with them.

Soon, I hope, someone will stop at my kennel and truly see me, fall in love with me, and give me my forever home.

In the meantime, I will wait and do my best to entertain my neighbors with my stories and songs to pass the time until those destined to adopt us will find their way to our kennel doors.

With love,
Sam

PS: Yesterday, I got a nice, soft bed. It is so cozy. I hear it’s supposed to bring me a little more comfort. Bowen got one, too. I don’t know who donated these beds, but I am so grateful.

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If Sam sounds like your kind of dog, pay him a visit at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter, where he’s patiently waiting.

Shelter Stories Weatherford Shelter