Sammy Dize

2007 - 2026

Sammy was adopted at about 5 years old. In 2012 he was tied to the fence outside Barcs by unknown persons, and the staff took him in and found him a loving home with us. When I first saw him, I knew he was my boy. In 2014, he suffered a ruptured disc in his back and had emergency surgery. He survived this, but developed an infection after the emergency surgery that left him partially paralyzed. He used a wheelchair to get around until about 2022, when he could no longer move well enough and had to switch to a stroller. Over the course of his life, Sammy survived a ruptured disc, a near septic post surgery infection, glaucoma that resulted in the loss of an eye, two strokes, and a seizure. Over and over Sammy beat the odds and survived when everyone said he would die, earning the nickname ‘Miracle Dog”.

Despite all the things that were taken from him over the course of his life, he never let it impact his attitude. He was just happy to be around his people and never stopped loving with his whole heart. A heart so big, we started to believe it would never stop beating.

When Sammy came down with cancer and stopped eating early in 2025, we thought that was it, but miraculously the tumor shrunk, for no apparent or discernible reason, and once again he was gifted with more time. He started eating again and gained weight. It seemed once again he would beat the odds, despite his advanced age. He was prescribed painkillers and puppy food to increase his calories and give him the best chance to extend his quality of life and his time here with his family.

On March 10, 2026, Sammy finally rested, and universe willing, went on to a better place, at home, with his head lying in the lap of his adoptive mother at home. This dog always prioritized his love for others over his own needs, so it is no wonder he chose a moment that would be easiest for his family to accept to depart this world. This dog was a miracle in every sense of the word.

We can never repay the love this dog gave us. We would do it all over again, the pills, the endless vet visits, the costs, the end of life care, it was all worth it. Every single second. Sammy was worth it. Sammy was there for us whenever we needed him, over the nearly 14 years he was our boy. There are things we could not have endured without him.

That dog was a miracle, in every sense of the word. Thank you Sam, for everything. We love you.