September 4, 1980 - March 28, 1998
Beloved pet of Dan, Linda, Greg & Tim Cunningham
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September 4, 1980 - March 28, 1998 Beloved pet of Dan, Linda, Greg & Tim Cunningham |
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Sam was born in the home of Howard Bullard, Fayetteville, NC to unwed parents (mother, Cocker Spaniel, and father, Scottish Terrier). He was immediately put up for adoption. We adopted him at a sunday school social at Howard's home shortly after moving to Fayetteville NC from Asheville NC. Sam really helped ease the ajustment of the move for our sons, Greg and Tim, ages 11 and 7.
Sam was always full of joy and energy. He lived to chase a tennis ball and would do so until he dropped. He even had the meter readers trained to throw the ball for him as well as neighbors. He liked for the neighbors to mow, he would push the ball under the fence so it would be waiting as they made each turn. Neighbors, adults and kids alike would come a get Sam to play.
Tim invented "dog ball." He would bat the tennis ball, if Sam caught it or retreive it before Tim got to base he was out. Sam usually won.
Sam's favorite was always Greg. He was his constant companion and invaluable in the moves to Jacksonville NC and Lenexa KS when Greg was 12 and 13.
Sam opened his heart and home to Beethoven, an orphan, that Greg brought home when he returned from the US Airforce.
We miss Sam each day; but count our blessings for him being our friend. We are better for it!
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me to learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And,
my friend when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, haring
and sight, do not make heroic effort to keep going. I am not having any
fund. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this
earth know with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in
your hands.
--Anonymous