I fell in love with Sam before I even met him. That cute little heart-shaped nose. At least it looked that way to me in the photos. Little did I know he would be such a blessing to me and bring so much joy to my life. I can’t imagine my life without him. But of course there’s a story…..
In August of 2013 I decided I would bring a puppy into my life. Me with a puppy? Not even an adult dog, but a puppy? Certainly I had lost my mind. Other people felt that way too. Lori, you work too much. When are you going to have time for a puppy? Or, How are you going to travel? Or better yet, Lori, you don’t like to get up early in the mornings, how are you going to take care of a puppy? Yes. I had concerns that my lifestyle may not be conducive to caring for another living being. But people do it all the time. People have children. People have pets. They survive. And so would I. So, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and make some changes in my life. And then I prayed for the best.
But first I researched. Everything. If there was no real instruction manual (at least not one that truly prepares you) I was going to read everything I could. When I decided to get a puppy I hadn’t even decided what kind of puppy. So I took a quiz (or four) that was sure to help me pinpoint which dog breed was best for me. Each quiz yielded a handful of breeds that would be most compatible with my lifestyle. I began to research those breeds and I seemed to spend more time reading about the Miniature Schnauzer. Friendly, good with children, good for people with allergies, no shedding, didn’t need to run for miles, loyal and smart, but very stubborn. I don’t think I paid as much attention to the stubbornness trait as I should have, but I can’t say I wasn’t warned. Somehow I was drawn to the small breed with its perfect stature, bushy eyebrows and a beard.
I spent countless hours reading about the Miniature Schnauzer. Then I had to find a breeder. I knew someone with a Miniature Schnauzer and asked her for recommendations. She pointed me to her sister-in-law who wasn’t breeding at the time but spent 45 minutes on the phone with me answering any questions I had about the breed. She was so kind and helpful! She recommended two breeders. One in Pennsylvania and one in Texas. And she assured me I would be fine with a dog. Nisha Johnson, the breeder in Texas, returned my call and we clicked immediately. She was expecting a litter the first of September….. Just weeks away! A litter born in September meant I could bring my puppy home in November.
All of a sudden things became real. Nisha answered all of my questions, by text, by phone, and by email. And I had a lot of questions. I ended up choosing a male and would have first pick of the litter. I bought puppy supplies and set everything up in advance of his arrival. And when I say supplies I mean supplies– beds (yes plural), blankets, bowls, toys, treats, food, first aid, his own travel bag, extra leashes and collars. I am positive I am not listing everything (not only for the sake of brevity but also for the sake of not sounding too crazy). I would have everything I, or he, could possibly need. Ever.
Nisha sent me photos of the puppies weekly and I chose one when they were about 4 weeks old. I looked at the photos and trusted her judgment on temperament. I wanted a puppy that was not too over zealous, but still out going. This was my first time with a puppy, I reminded her. She said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the males as the females were the bullies in this bunch! So I picked him from a photo. But even from a photo I knew he was meant for me. He pranced a little. And he had that heart-shaped nose. He didn’t even have a name yet. But when I looked at that puppy I just saw a Sam. And it was done. Named after Sam Houston, a Virginian and a Texan. After all, I had to honor his birthplace.
From the very beginning I trusted Nisha and all of her knowledge, guidance and advice. Not only does she know her stuff, she is a wonderful person, too. I still keep in touch with her and send her photos of Sam as he grows. She just knew the right things to say at the right time. And always reassured me by saying, Lori, you’ll be just fine. I thank God for bringing her and her wonderful puppy into my life. Thank you, Nisha! For everything.
I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.
A. A. Milne
Sam would arrive on an American Airlines flight in mid November, a week before Thanksgiving. Eagerly anticipating his arrival, I paced baggage claim waiting for them to bring him down. And then there he was. He stood with his nose pressed against the door of his crate on the front of a large cargo cart, peering out in front of him as if he were driving. At 10 weeks old he was just under 6 pounds. He was adorable. I opened the door to put on his collar and he stepped right out to meet me, tilting his nose toward mine. It was love at first sight.
We arrived at home and took a stroll through the neighborhood, which is quite urban. Sam went from living on a farm to living in the city. And he adapted quite well. He was friendly to everyone who walked by. I swear more people know Sam than me! When we got back up to the apartment we looked at each other and I told him, Well Sam, it’s just you and me. And then he crawled into my lap, curled up, and went to sleep. There was no turning back now. I think we both knew it. And I knew our adventure was about to begin.
I write this on his third birthday. In the almost 3 years since I’ve had him he’s brought me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I love his curiosity when we walk and I love to watch him as he watches everything around him. Just taking everything in. A bird, a squirrel, a duck with her ducklings, a butterfly playfully flying just above his head. The first time he saw a squirrel run up a tree he looked at me with huge eyes as if to say, “Did you see that?” He’s kind to everyone. He’s gentle with children. He’s the constant light in my day. When he looks into my eyes it’s as if he looks into my soul and knows exactly what I need. I’ve made promises to him to keep him well and give him a full and adventurous life. Looking back I don’t know what took me so long to get a puppy. But I think Sam arrived at the perfect time. And I did just fine.
Happy Birthday, Sam! Here’s to many more adventures!
A Tourist In My Own Life ® 
