His Owner Had to Go Away
The man was deployed in the Navy and realized he had no other way than have his best friend put up for adoption.
No matter the situation, Sam was an old abandoned dog, and nobody ever thought that he’d get a new owner.
Sam's Story Gets Better
When his owner abandoned Sam, he lost all hope of ever finding happiness again. He was old, alone and no one wanted him.
That changed when someone, surprisingly like Sam, appeared and changed his life forever!
The Beautiful German Shepherd
The thirteen-year-old German Shepherd lived a good life with his family until the day that his owner was deployed in the Navy. Sam was left lonely and frightened and experienced severe anxiety and depression… He was left alone, without a home and the attention that he desperately needed.
Then something terrible was about to happen!
The Shelter
When Sam was abandoned, his previous owner left him in a shelter. The shelter did their best to provide for him, but given his age and health, they realized that Sam might have to be euthanized…
But his story was only beginning!
Only Days Left
Days were passing by and the dreadful day of Sam’s euthanization was approaching…
The senior dog had lost all its hope and nothing could save it but a miracle. And a miracle did happen, right on time!
Nobody Wanted to Adopt an Old Dog
People were coming in and out of the shelter adopting cute and young puppies, but no one wanted to bring a senior dog home, knowing that it was a huge responsibility…
Then something amazing happened!
The Shelter Received A Call
A couple of days before Sam’s euthanization, the shelter received a call from a senior looking to adopt a German shepherd. The man didn’t care about color or age; he just wanted to bring home a German shepherd…
Could this man be Sam’s guardian angel?
A Navy Veteran Wanted to Adopt Sam
The man that wanted to adopt Sam was a 93-year-old Navy veteran named George Johnson. Ironically, while Sam was abandoned because his previous owner was deployed to the Navy, his soon-to-be owner was a Navy veteran.
But why did he want to adopt a dog?
He Needed A Friend
George was very old but still in shape to take care of a dog and provide it with love and care.
His previous dog —also a German Shepherd— had just passed away and George desperately wanted a friend.
He Was Looking For Sam
The finding Sam was no accident. George wanted only to adopt a German shepherd as he loved this particular breed and when he heard about poor old Sam, his heart melted.
Here’s what he said about his new best friend…
Meant To Be
It appears that Sam and George’s meeting was meant to be. They were so much alike… both seniors but with joy and compassion left to give.
After the confirmation call, George departed to meet his new friend in the shelter.
Love At First Sight
When the two soon-to-be best friends finally met, it was obvious that it was love at first sight.
Sam knew that this man had just saved him from the worst and George was inspired and happier than ever to have a best friend once again.
Award-Winning Match
Petco Foundation somehow learned about Sam and George’s story and decided to award the shelter a $25,000 cheque for their incredible match.
But Sam and George had something waiting for them too!
Gift Cards
George had also received a gift card with a generous amount of money to redeem on goods.
He finally had the opportunity to buy everything that he’d dreamed of Sam.
Finally Home
When Sam arrived at George’s home, it was obvious that this was the place that he’d always dreamed of.
George had already bought all the essentials and the two of them were set to spend the best days of their lives together.
Two Old Dogs
“So I say this, two old dogs together, old sea dog and an old German shepherd and we’re going to hang in there as long as we can,” he laughed.
I love that dog in a hat! He's just the cutest.
Only An Eighty Year Difference
George noticed a fun fact about his and Sam’s age.
Sam was thirteen while he was ninety-three. Only a difference of 80 years!
The Same Age
George also stated that if you calculate his age in dog years, you could find out that he and Sam were just about the same age!
As a general rule, 15 human years equal the first year of a medium-sized dog's life; after that, each human year would equal approximately 5 years for a dog.
Lucky To Find Each Other
Sam and George were fortunate to find each other. Both of them being at such an age, one could tell that their social lives were pretty much over.
That appeared to be wrong, after all.
Great Impact
After a while, George said that Sam had already made an enormous impact on his life.
Sam helped him to maintain his mental health and offered him all of his love. George, of course, did the same thing!
More Than Medals
Even though George seems to have acquired many titles and won many medals as a veteran, as he said, Sam is the best thing that happened in his senior life.
“Sam has made a tremendous impact on my life… I’ve received a few medals, ribbons and commendations during my Naval career, but this dog fills my heart more than all of them put together.”
Proud To Be His Owner
“I am honored to be Sam’s caretaker and companion, and I don’t know what I’d do without him,” added the veteran.
It’s safe to assume that Sam and George’s lives drastically improved after they met each other. They’ll surely live the rest of their lives happier than ever!