The Artist's Best Friend

Colleen Lodge

Abandoned at a gas station in NYC, Sammy M was rescued by the animal shelter where I volunteer. This once homeless Australian Cattle Dog mix had a renewed outlook on life and was full of energy.

The first time I saw Sammy M his antics made me laugh. All I could see were his very large ears as they appeared and reappeared over the frosted kennel door! He was jumping in excitement higher than any dog I had ever known.

Sadly, an aggressive degenerate bone disease had infected his front leg and the shelter’s medical team made a tough decision to amputate. Sammy’s recovery was nothing short of inspiring. Aside from getting tired quicker than before he seemed un-phased. During playtime he was jumping as high as ever and he would even police his friends, breaking up any rude doggie behavior. Sammy M was also an intelligent student and flew through obedience school mastering all tasks and commands.

Shortly after graduation Sammy M was adopted. My last day with Sammy M ended in the same way it began - giggling. His body wiggling and tail wagging, Sammy M very cutely raised his shoulder and stump moving it up and down. This was his adaptation on the commands "shake" and "wave bye bye"! Sammy M was only part of my life for eight months, but his survival and success influenced my own outlook on life.

Sammy M the Wonder Dog
by
6 1/2" x 4 1/2" Pen and Ink on Vellum
Available - $150 - Inquire

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