Jackson on Samson

This week we made the decision to say goodbye to Samson, the Chinese crested hairless wonder dog. He stuck it out 13 ½ years and led a full life, but his health was rapidly declining over the last few months and most pet owners understand when it’s time.

We talked with JP the night before to let him know Samson wouldn’t be coming home from Dr. Jeff’s clinic. After a brief, teary eyed explanation from mom and dad, he relates it to Peggy, my sister’s pup who left us a few years back. He seems comfortable that Samson is going to play with Peggy. So comfortable that he abruptly ends the conversation with, “ok, I gotta pee,” and runs to the potty. We just look at each other and laugh; oh the perspective of a 6-year-old.

The next day, I picked JP up from school. As he does most days, he goes out back to play basketball. His Little Tykes goal had blown over from the wind the night before so I walk out to stand it back up for him. As he dribbles around he asks, “So, is Samson dead yet?”

At bit stunned by the directness of the question, I reply, “Uh, um, yeah, in fact he is.” I continue, “We rode over this morning and mom went in to play with him a few minutes and brought him a couple treats, then after that, Dr. Jeff gave him his shot. He’s feeling better now.”

“So he’s playing with three other dogs right now,” he says, listing Peggy and two others from kids at school who had recently been through the same ordeal.

“Yep, he sure is.” I mention Daisy, my German shepherd he never met.

Still dribbling, he says, with excitement, “That’s four dogs Samson is playing with.” He is genuinely happy for Samson.

Then he adds, while taking a shot, “He’s probably playing fetch with Jesus!”

I can’t stop the smile that overtakes my face. “Yeah, he may be.” I walk it, leaving him to his game; love that kid.