Old Sam Cannon

WE WILL ALL MISS OLD SAM

It is with great sadness we report that Lorraine’s much loved 15 yr old rescued Golden Retriever Sammy has recently gone to Rainbow Bridge. This endearing and incredibly stubborn geriatric reprobate puppy became such a very special & unique much loved member of the enviable ‘Cannon Clan’ in his autumn years.

At 11 yrs old Sammy was surrendered to IRR as his owners emigrated. We all clearly remember falling deeply in love with the adorable and stunning Sammy when he first came into IRR’s care, with everyone desperately wanting to adopt him. However, we all fondly remember Sammy had Lorraine’s name invisibly imprinted on his forehead from Day 1, so Lorraine (albeit unfairly) eventually pulled rank by adopting Sammy, having lost her beloved Darcy some months before.

Without doubt upon arrival Sammy had Lorraine sussed out instantly, proceeding to wrap ‘Numpty Mam’ all the way around his each and every big furry paw, teaching her EXACTLY how to jump instantly to rescue him from every bit of mischief he so often found himself trapped in!

At Mam’s home Sammy very quickly established himself as Monster Martha’s beloved, adored and inseparable companion (no mean achievement) in his final years. As many IRRians will remember, Sammy had such enormous presence, always leaving highly hilarious and incredibly fond memories of his amazing agility wherever he went with his adoring Cannon Clan (surpassed only by his very stubborn & extremely mischievous antics)!

All at IRR send their deepest condolences to Lorraine and her family at this very sad time – we will all truly miss you Sammy, so much more than words can ever express. Sammy gave so much to so many people who had the very good fortune to cross his path, even briefly, hence us being blessed with some very special memories of Sammy’s incredibly mischievous, truly unique & strong loving spirit.

A VERY SPECIAL MESSAGE

IRR would like to take this opportunity to thank all past, present and future carers of all older and ‘special needs’ rescues. As Lorraine (our Founder) so bravely demonstrates, it undoubtedly takes such tremendous courage and strength to take on such a special pet, along with all the expense, special care and heartbreak that this entails, knowing full well from the onset that their beloved charge will not be around for nearly as long as they would hope or wish for, with their days on this earth being numbered right from the start.

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS

HISTORY

Sam is an 11 year old Golden Retriever but, although a tiny bit shaky on his back legs occasionally, he’s generally in good health. He was handed in to the rescue by a family who were emigrating and who decided it was better for Sam if they didn’t take him with them. He was a great hit with all Sandie’s visitors (but especially Lorraine) when he was staying with her before making his trip across the water.

Who could possibly resist that very sad face and those wonderful, soulful eyes?

He came over from Ireland with Honey, Bunny & little Millie and went into foster in the Midlands, being spoilt rotten and loved to bits by Andy & Val.

FIRST REPORT FROM ANDY

Andy says “Sam’s doing just fine. He’s settling in well after being a bit bewildered initially, and is enjoying the fuss and attention he’s getting (and this was with Val, the cuddler-in-chief, away on holiday for a week).

He’s eating well, and so will hopefully gain a little weight, as he’s such a bag of bones at the moment.

My former neighbour is collecting him every morning this week and taking him home for the day, and I collect him on my way home from work. He’s having regular, but short, walks, which he loves, and he enjoys playing with his toys in the garden.”

SECOND REPORT FROM ANDY

Andy says “Well, Sam’s been here for a week now. He’s as lovely as ever, and a pleasure to have around. He was quite thin when he was handed in, but a healthy diet of good food and the occasional treat has started to change that.

Sam loves his walks, and playing on the lawn with his toys. He’s housetrained, fine to be left on his own for an hour or two, and is great on the lead. He travels well in the car, is fine with other dogs and loves meeting new people, including small children.

In short, Sam is a super old boy, who is a doddle to look after, and just needs somewhere to settle down for his last few years.”

SAM HAS GONE TO HIS FOREVER HOME

Lorraine collected Sam to look after him for a while and after only one day decided to keep him, thus joining the elite and ever growing ranks of failed fosterers.

SAMMY UPDATE – MARCH 2011

Firstly, Old Sam???? I think I was had under the trades description act, this geriatric reprobate maybe old on paper but nobody has told the old codger that he is 14 and a half years not months!

On a sunny June day in Ireland, I clapped eyes on this beauty and fell head over heels in love (maybe apparent in the photo!!)! Unfortunately, a case of right dog, wrong time…. I had my old gent Darcy at home that needed all my time and care and it wouldn’t have been fair to introduce a new boy, so I reluctantly allowed Andy to foster this precious boy. I think that maybe my fighter had been waiting for his moment, knew that his Mam would need “somebody” to help heal her heart and this was him…. only a few weeks later, he left me, knowing that Sammy was still looking for his home…………

And indeed he found it, thanks to a little underhand convenient holidaying by our dear Andy who asked if I would have him for the week 😉 Within an hour, it was certain it would be no week, it would be life!

It’s now been 2 and a half years, and what a couple a years! He has most certainly helped mend a broken heart and never ceases to raise a smile, even through the last very difficult year.

Sammy is no Darcy, he’s no gent, he still tries to hump the monster, nicks anything he can get his teeth on and routinely empties the contents of my house into the garden, ensuring that he rolls on everything first to get them as muddy as possible!!

He is the eternal puppy with no brain, during Christmas at Jan’s he managed to wear the Christmas tree, a water bucket on his head and a table and regularly gets stuck in bushes!! At no point does he try to save himself, just looks blankly at this numpty to go and save him! And of course, I do!

A month or so ago, we did have a worrying week with him following a stroke but he bounced back quickly and my eternal puppy lives on….. I would like to say it was thanks to my TLC but I think it was the delivery of his new memory foam bed from his favourite fairy godmother, Mad Jan!! I have no worries that this reprobate is going to leave me any time soon, he won’t leave that flaming bed……….