Dear Dr. Forslund,
Samantha was unlike any of our animal family members.
Samantha, our beautiful chocolate lab, was not a pet. I have loved and held her since I was twelve years old. I was selected to raise her to be a guide dog and thought our time together would be only a few short months before she would have to leave to help someone in need. She was ultimately here on this earth to save me. I was in a hit-and-run car accident that left me in a coma for two years and paralyzed me as well. I fought hard to live and return, and all the time, Sammy was right there with me. She waited patiently for years, before I could say her name or pet her again. She was not afraid of all the machines keeping me alive at home. She was not afraid of my wheelchair and my struggles to speak and breathe. She accepted me with her big brown eyes and gentle soul. She somehow knew I could not pick her up again in my arms and swim with her in the pool. Yet she continued to be my best friend. The accident made many of my human friends leave my life. They could not handle my situation. Sammy meant so much to me.
Dr. Forslund, you are not like any of the veterinarians that we have met either. You drove a long way to help us help our most valuable, precious Sammy, now fourteen years old. We were able to pray together and you made us feel like you too were our family and not a stranger. You perform a valuable service to families. Your strong compassion for animals showed as you validated my Samantha and allowed our grief to be one that is filled with knowing we did our best to help her in her last days. Your help was to give her a passing that she deserved filled with love and comfort, as it has been since the day we brought her home and into our family.
Dogs and cats are our family members, our best friends, and offer true love. They have managed to never falter in their love for us throughout their whole lives. They make happiness bloom in our hearts. It is only right for owners to provide respect and love for them in their last moments. Samantha’s last moments were peaceful. She was able to find her final rest in our home, with kisses and love surrounding her for her journey that is unknown, and hopefully one that will lead us back together again.
Our loss is still so painful. Our hearts are still in such mourning. However, we do know we gave her the best by having you manage her discomfort so Sammy could sleep and smile one last time. Thank you so much for thinking of us even after her passing. Her paw prints are in my heart forever and in my home treasured.
Love,
Ariana Sandoval
Dear Dr. Forslund,
The pictures hopefully show how much we love her. The picture of Bella lying on the dog book with a cover of a chocolate lab was shortly after Sammy left on her journey. I believe we are all connected: animals, plants and people. They make our world so beautiful. . . it is hard to say goodbye.
Thank you so much for your warmth and attention to our Sammy and our family. When you walked in and Sammy wagged her tail and got up from the bed, it was as if she knew you were an Angel to come save her from distress. We are all still missing her so much. I have such admiration for the work that you do. From all of our hearts to yours, thank you.
I would love to see a picture of your mom's art, and of your greyhound too. I will get the book A Dog's Purpose for my daughter, Ariana. She loves to read and it will remind us all of how special you are and how you helped Sammy take her journey to the beach.
With our deepest appreciation,
Patricia, Ariana, Angelina and, of course, Bella
Indian Wells