Samson

• Gentle, quiet companion with a golden heart
• Good house manners, walks well on leash, easy to handle
• Has an incurable, but not painful, disease that can be helped with regular exercise and management
• Available as a Permanent Foster if you live within 50 miles of Homeward Bound; the rescue supports his medical and special needs for life
• Accepting of other nice dogs but doesn’t care to live with one; May be OK with a cat; Kids 13+ who can understand his needs OK

I’m a great dog with bad genes! I am Samson, a four-year-old Golden boy with something called degenerative myelopathy. It’s progressive, incurable, but not painful – and it can be slowed with exercise, supportive care, and medications. It’s not my fault if I have occasional accidents. Gradually, I will also lose strength in my legs. It’s something I can live with, and you can help me manage until the day that we finally can’t.  I’m hoping that is a long way away. I’m not asking you to feel sorry for me…heck, we all have something – or we will! At least I know what mine is and Homeward Bound is committed to staying by my side and yours too. That’s why they made me available as Permanent Foster. It means that they will ensure my medical care for life including any special foods, accommodations, and medications. Besides, I have a lot more living to do! So that’s the bummer stuff. Here’s the good stuff: I am a super chill, easy to handle, and handsome boy whose flowing feet make me look like I am floating on air.  I have been to foster and am good in the home, although I do get nervous in the car. I’m independent but still grateful for your companionship and attention. I don’t demand a lot and am quite content to go for daily walks (exercise and swimming are good for me) and then lie at your feet. I don’t know or care much about toys or balls, so save your pennies. I am tolerant of other dogs but would prefer not to have to live with one. On days when I’m not feeling well, they are just a bother. I pretty much ignore cats, so we might be able to have one of those around. I’m a perfect match for a single person or couple with the physical ability to walk and support me when I need a little extra care. It took a LONG time to understand what my medical diagnosis was and I have waited SO patiently. Homeward Bound says I can stay here forever, but what they want most for me is a chance to be home. Me too.