We found Sam at our local pet store where we would buy fish supplies. We had one cat Buggs (d2001) and was not looking for another. He had been left in a box with his litter mates in the morning before the store opened. I saw his little yellow body, big ears and I was in love. I was so happy when my new husband told me that night to go back the next day and get him if I wanted him. I remember driving there with my best friend Susan and picking his name on the drive home as she held him. We had wonderful years with Buggs in our first apartments in Va Beach and then our first home in Norfolk where we got Lucky our lab in 1995! I still remember that first incounter with 2yr old Sam and our new puppy and cherish the pictures. It broke our hearts when Buggs died in 2001 just before we moved to No. VA. We enjoyed many years romping around our townhouse, chasing & playing up and down the stairs. Long naps on the couch and finding you most days cuddled under the bedspread all warm & cozy. We moved to Manassas in Feb 07 to a one level house and felt good that both Sam and Lucky could not get around better with no stairs. With in months we noticed the growth on his shoulder. The vet diganosed a vaccine induced sarcoma. After doing my research we decided aganist surgery because of Sam's age (14) & everything told me once diagnosed time was less then 6 months. I spent every moment of the summer I could with you Sam and took lots of pictures. I still cant bring myself to look at all your younger pictures in the albums and cry over the pictures I have on the computer. Days after you lost mobility in the leg and could no longer get into your litter box and move more then a few steps at a time. I was glad we could be there holding you when you left us in the vets office. I really felt you were telling us it was OK to let you go. I felt guitly because you left the day before we went on vacation but I feel better knowing you were not home in pain. We had a wonderful vacation Sam. You know we dont vacation often and this one was long planned and long needed. I think you wanted us to have a good time. I thought of you often & the hardest part was comming home to your empty room. Kristi said Lucky was very down the first few days. Not only had we left but his kitty was gone to! She said he would sniff around your room and our bedroom looking for us all. After a couple of days and some long walks his stress was better and he enjoyed being with her. I call your name and Lucky still looks around to find you and lick your head. I miss you and Buggs (& Molly to) so much. Our hearts break for you and we miss you dearly! You are forever in our heart & thoughts!! We love you Sam!