Page 26 - July 2020 Courier
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CONVERSATIONS WITH SAMMY
FEATURE PET: Sammy by Nancy Donner
My name is Sammy, but most people call Mom: Sam, really? Are you going to
me Sam. My Mom, Nancy Donner, calls mark every tree on this street?
me Freckle Butt sometimes, but that is
another story. I was adopted by my Mom Sam: What do you mean “mark”?
on May 13, 2017 when I was 3.5 years old. I’m reading my pee mail.
Because I had a hard life and wasn’t treated Mom: OK, pee mail, but every single
well, I bonded with my new Mom right tree?
away. In fact, she became so important to
me that I developed serious separation Sam: If you had not left me at the doggie
anxiety. I ate the door jams in her house boarding for three weeks while
trying to get out the door to go find her you traveled, I would not have so much
when she left me alone. I’m now 6 years backed up pee mail.
old and I’m getting better at trusting she will come back home when
Mom: Why do you just smell some trees but mark others?
she leaves me alone, thankfully.
Sam: Some of my emails I only read, and others require a return
My adoptive Mom is a new dog owner, so I not only needed to learn message. Mom: Oh, good grief!
about her quirks (and there are many), but I also had to train her; so,
I started talking to her. We had so many laughs that she decided to
document some of our conversations with pictures.
Sam: You must love me very much.
Sam: Mom, why do some of the Mom: Of course, I do, Sam. Why do
you ask?
grandkids call you Nana Glasses?
Mom: Because I wear glasses most of Sam: Because you pick up my poop
the time, Sam. My other grandkids and put it in this safety deposit box
every day.
call me Goofy Grandma.
Sam: No need to Mom: Sam, that is not a safety
explain that one. deposit ......... Oh, never mind. I do
love you that much, Sam.
Sam: What is this?! THIS IS
TERRIFYING !!!!
Sam: Why don’t you ever go
Mom: We’re in a car wash, Sam. You’re
anywhere anymore Mom? You’ve
OK. have not left home for weeks now.
Sam: I’m not OK and I’m gonna’ stare I am loving it. My separation
at you with sad eyes so you feel guilty anxiety is at an all-time low and no
grooming. We are both shaggy but
for putting me through this horror.
I’m happy.
Mom: The vet says you should be exposed to new experiences and
Mom: It’s because of the COVID
situations.
19 quarantine order and I’m not
Sam: He’s a quack and this is a nightmare !! loving it. I miss my family and
grandkids and my friends. It’s hard
when you live alone.
Mom: You look great, Sam. I’m so glad I
Sam: What am I, chopped liver?
got you professionally groomed.
Sam: I HATED GETTING GROOMED! Mom: Oh Sam, you’re my saving grace. You’ve been great company
and good therapy. Because of you I haven’t gone crazy staying in.
Mom: But you look so handsome, Sam.
Sam: Hmmmmm. Sammy, Behavioral Therapist - I like it. Your bill is
Sam: I know, right? in the mail and you’re welcome.
July 2020 Page 26
