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I got Sam when she was just 5 weeks old from some good friends in Colorado Springs. I brought her home in the front seat of my car and she cried the whole way home. Once we started to bond, she was my best buddy. She and I lived in five different cities, took a lot of good naps together, went on countless walks together, fetched sticks and balls, she cheered me up during some rough times, and was such a great companion for almost thirteen years.

A few days ago she stopped eating and all tests pointed towards pancreatitis, something that is treatable and an issue that most dogs pull through. After many visits to the vet, I finally took her to South Paws Veterinary Hospital where they discovered fluid around her lungs and a few small tumors, nothing to do with pancreatitis. Even though she was coherent and lifted her head when I left the room, it became clear that she was in a lot of pain and wasn't going to pull through this. It was a tough decision to put her to sleep today, but it was the best thing for her. She's at peace now.

She lived a long, fun, full life and I'm going to miss her so much. I'm happy that a few of you got to meet Sam and I know that some of you will miss her too.

Sweet dreams, old girl. I hope there are lots of squirrels to chase and fields to run in where you're at now. You're the best dog anyone could have asked for.

She has it down to a science.

This picture basically took itself.