Each and every one of the Samoyeds encountered by NTSRI has left a lasting impression and a legacy of love.  This page is dedicated to the memory of those whom we have loved and lost. They have gone on to the Rainbow Bridge, but we still hold them close in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing that we were able to rescue them from abandonment, illness, neglect and abuse, and that the last months or years of their lives were full of all the creature comforts, love and devotion that each of them so richly deserved.

Andrew

Andrew came into NTSRI's rescue program at the ripe old age of 14, having been surrendered by his owners to a local animal shelter.  Volunteer and NTSRI board member Colleen FitzGerald became his foster "mom," and over the course of three months, she loved and cared for him.

Unfortunately, Andrew was diagnosed with diabetes, hypothyroidism, spondylosis and arthritis, but Colleen continued to minister to his needs with love and devotion. Through her care, Andrew was able to spend the last three months of his life in comfort and knowing that he was loved.

Sadly, his condition worsened, and he passed to the Rainbow Bridge.  We miss him, but as Colleen says, "We know that he is free and romping and playing at the Rainbow Bridge."

Chardonnay

Chardonnay was owned and adored by the Melton family for all of her almost eleven years.  Although she was first on the scene, she accepted with good grace the subsequent arrivals of rescues Bordeaux, Reisling, Snow and Tuscany. She and Snow became particularly close and ran together, earning them the nickname of "the girls." Another of her nicknames was "the Sheriff," which aptly described her penchant for keeping everyone in the household in line!

Tragically and suddenly, Chardonnay became very ill, and it was discovered that she had cancer.  Her loving family helped her to the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, January 4, 2008.  She is dearly missed by her family, but they take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited at the Bridge with Reisling and Bordeaux.

Duchess

Duchess was born on December 31, 1991.  She came into NTSRI as an owner surrender. Colleen FitzGerald volunteered to be her foster “mom,” and Duchess was her first foster dog. But she says, “I knew before I got to the first stop sign at the end of Lynn’s street that she was never going to leave my house.” Colleen goes on to say, “Duchess joined our family when Jim was out of town.  He had been home two days before he realized we had a new addition!”

Duchess loved all food, any kind, but licking the cake bowl was always the best.  She got to know the love and care of a loving family, companionship of lots of other dogs, and comfort in her senior years.  She spent six years with the FitzGeralds. When her health began to fail, Colleen helped her to the Rainbow Bridge on March 20, 2006.  As Colleen says, “My house is still full of dogs, but there will be a huge empty spot beside the sofa. Run free, my sweet Doodle Bug.”

Gracie

When Gracie found herself wandering as a stray, she had the good sense to make her way to the home of a veterinary technician.  The vet tech got her checked out at the clinic before trying to locate her owners.  NTSRI was called when her efforts were unsuccessful.

A first-time foster "parent" volunteered to take Gracie into her home, and promptly fell in love with her gentle nature and her hunger to be loved.  As a result, Gracie never made it to the "up for adoption" page of the NTSRI website; it turned out that her foster home was her forever home!

Gracie was probably about eight years old when she was rescued, and her foster-turned-forever "mom" feels very blessed that she was able to share five very wonderful years with her before it was her time to go to the Rainbow Bridge.

Lacey

One evening a few years ago, NTSRI's president received a telephone call from another rescue group.  They had rescued Lacey, only to find out that she had something very wrong with her back legs; she could barely walk at all.  The other rescue group did not have the funds available to diagnose and treat Lacey's problem, so NTSRI agreed to take on the task. 

It was discovered that the cruciate ligaments in both of Lacey's back legs had been torn, one more severely than the other.  The only solution was for her to undergo an expensive surgery on each of the legs, with an 8-10 week recovery period between the operations. 

Through the generosity of Sam Urgency, a not-for-profit organization in Michigan which specializes in providing funds for major medical expenses of rescued Samoyeds, Lacey was able to have her surgeries and made a full recovery. 

During her more than 6 months of recuperation, Lacey stole the hearts of all who came in contact with her.  She had a habit of wiggling from head to toe to show her joy, and a soft little Sammy "woo" that was so endearing!

Only one very special adoptive family could have the honor of giving her her forever home, of course, and NTSRI found the perfect one.  As you can see from the picture above, she became their pampered princess, as they lavished upon her all the love that she could ever want.

Tragically, cancer claimed sweet Lacey on August 14, 2007.  Her family and NTSRI take comfort in the fact that she is running free, now, at the Rainbow Bridge.

Lady

Lady was a brood bitch in a puppy mill who was summarily dumped when her whelping days were over.  Conditions at the puppy mill had been harsh, as evidenced by the fact that part of one of Lady's ears was missing, the result of having been eaten away by flies!

After some time in NTSRI's rescue program, what we thought was a "forever" home was found for her.  However, some months later, it was discovered that Lady had been dumped yet again - this time into a local pound, in contravention of the contract that her adoptive family had signed with NTSRI.  President Lynn Sluder once again rescued Lady, this time promising her that she would never again have to leave her home.

Lady spent several happy years with the Sluders.  Her favorite thing in the world was food, and she would do anything in the world to get it.  She even liked the green beans which were part of her regular slimming regime!

When old age finally overtook Lady, Lynn held her gently as she crossed to the Rainbow Bridge.

Lucky

When Don Taylor's son contacted NTSRI about getting a Samoyed for his elderly, recently widowed father, NTSRI President Lynn Sluder did not think that Lucky, a rescue from a local D/FW shelter, would be the right one.  "He was huge and powerful," Lynn said, "I thought Lucky was just too much dog for Don."  A visit to Don's San Antonio home only made Lynn more apprehensive.  "There were covers on the dining room chairs with little bows on them, lots of knick-knacks and feminine touches from Don's late wife.  I could just see Lucky plowing in there and wreaking havoc," says Lynn.  But the persistence of Don's son, who begged Lynn to let his father have the dog, won out, and Lucky came to live with him.  Lynn now admits, "It was the best decision I ever made!"

Lucky and Don hit it off immediately!  They started taking long walks together, and for the first time, Don met his neighbors and the neighbors would greet them on their regular rounds.  When Don felt that he could no longer keep up with Lucky on the walks, he bought a motorized chair, so that their daily "constitutionals" could continue.  Also, Don and Lucky enrolled in a variety of different training and obedience classes.  By the time Lucky graduated from these, he was a Certified Therapy Dog.  The dynamic duo then began regular visits to nursing homes and senior citizen centers in the area, becoming a much-anticipated and regular sight.

It eventually became necessary for Don himself to enter a retirement center.  Normally, this would have meant that a wrenching decision would have to be made to separate him from his beloved Lucky.  However, because of Lucky's status as a Certified Therapy Dog, he was welcomed into the retirement center and resided there with his best buddy, Don.

"Having Lucky extended our Dad's life and gave him a reason to live," say Don's children -- proof positive to NTSRI that our rescue efforts not only save the lives of deserving Sammies, but also enrich the lives of those who adopt them!

Sadly, on November 9, 2007,  we learned that Lucky passed away, at what we believe to be the ripe old age of 12 or 13 years. Don and Lucky had 7 beautiful years together, and he is very much missed - by not only Don himself, but all of the residents of the assisted living facility who had grown to love him.

Nadia

Nadia was found running, terrified, on a busy freeway in Dallas.  A kindhearted individual stopped to rescue her, then called NTSRI.  She had badly matted hair (which her rescuer shaved) and a case of heartworms (which NTSRI immediately had treated), but Nadia was remarkably uninjured by her harrowing experience dodging freeway traffic.

A very caring couple, who had adopted two other dogs from NTSRI, volunteered to foster Nadia, and under their loving care, she blossomed. Her unusual coloring became obvious as her coat slowly grew out, and we realized that she was probably part Malamute, as well. 

Nadia's beautiful personality soon stole the hearts of her foster "parents." On Valentine's Day, they realized that Nadia was already an integral part of of their family, and they officially adopted her.

After much too brief a time, Nadia suddenly felt the call of the Rainbow Bridge.  Her heartbroken family cherishes the many happy memories that they were able to make with her, and NTSRI is forever grateful to them for ensuring that she was loved and very, very happy.

Ripley

Ripley, a five-year-old Sammy, came to NTSRI from Oklahoma. His owner surrendered him to rescue, rather than having him destroyed, after the owner’s girlfriend accused Ripley of killing her cat.  (It was later proven that Ripley was innocent of that crime, however.)

Ripley enjoyed the most loving of homes and the very best of care, with his family in Garland, Texas, for approximately six years. As often happens with older dogs, he did develop arthritis and had some difficulty moving, but his parents were faithful in seeking every treatment available to improve his mobility. It came as quite a shock when he passed away suddenly at the age of approximately 11 years.  We feel the pain of his family's loss, but we know that Ripley is probably having a wonderful time playing at the Rainbow Bridge.

Sally

A loving couple in Weatherford, Texas adopted Sally, who was rescued from death row at a local animal shelter, from North Texas Samoyed Rescue, Inc. a few years ago. Later, they also adopted Trooper from NTSRI. 

Sally was extremely fortunate to have been loved by her forever family!  She had the best of care, lots of attention, and the added perk of accompanying her "dad" to the golf course, as seen in this photo.

Unfortunately, both Sally and her dad have now passed on, but we are certain that the reunion at the Rainbow Bridge was a joyous one.

Sam

Sam arrived in NTSRI rescue in July, 2003, at the age of 14-1/2 years.  His owner had become homeless. Although the owner's sister agreed to keep the dog, she unfortunately didn't have a clue as to the needs of Samoyeds in general, and an elderly gentleman like Sam in particular.  She shaved him, thinking that it would help to make him cooler out in the back yard that he now called his home. And, in deference to the heat, she tried to make him more comfortable by putting wet towels on his newly-shaved skin.  The results were disastrous: Sam developed a staph infection, along with ringworm. Coupled with the arthritis that was now slowing him down in his old age, Sam was a very sad sight indeed when he arrived at NTSRI.  In fact, his foster mom was not sure he would make it through the night.

But Sam was made of stronger stuff! With the right medications and lots and lots of love, he got better.  Slowly, his hair began to grow back.  And, although he would never exactly gallop around the yard, he did move around on his own, without assistance.  He thought he was really moving on out!

Sam was a flirt, too!  It became very clear that, in his younger years, he must have been quite a ladies' man.  He had a certain sparkle in his eyes, even at his advanced age, that hinted at the rogue he no doubt was in his youth.  Many was the time that we wished we could have known him in his prime!  His personality was one in a million, and everyone who came in contact with him grew to love him.

We never tried to place Sam.  We felt that, in reaching his venerable age, he'd earned the right to enjoy whatever life he had left without the trauma of yet another change of residence.  Besides, we were all very attached to him!

Sam held court at the monthly meetings of North Texas Samoyed Fanciers for the better part of a year.  He entertained us by trying to catch the light from a laser pointer; he "talked" to us with his uniquely Sammy "wooing"; he presided at our garage sale fundraisers; he "inspected" prospective adoptive families of the other rescued Samoyeds that came and went in the rescue program. 

All too soon, though, Sam's body began to fail him. It became clear that, although he would fight to stay with us if that's what we wanted of him, he was now suffering, and the best gift we could give our loyal friend was to let him go.  Almost a year from the day he became a part of our lives, he slipped peacefully toward the Rainbow Bridge in his foster mom's arms...but he's still very much a part of our hearts.

Sheffield

Sheffield was adopted from NTSRI by Helen Gustafson back in March, 1998, after she had lost her husband of fifty years.  Sheffield and Helen soon became a regular sight at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center in McAllen, Texas, where they made weekly “therapy” visits to the residents.  Helen and Sheffield became quite well known for their therapy work - even being featured in a newspaper story at one time!

After many happy years together, we received the very sad news that Sheffield’s health had been deteriorating, and Helen had to make the painful decision to let him go to the Rainbow Bridge.  Our sincere sympathy goes to Helen. Thank you for giving Sheffield such a wonderful, loving home, and a life with purpose.

Slyder

Slyder was NTSRI President Lynn Sluder's third rescue ever.  He came into her life in April of 1993 and spent more than twelve years as a much-loved part of the Sluder household.  It gives all of us "failed" foster parents much comfort to know that we are not the only ones who have taken a dog in "temporarily" and ended up making them a permanent part of our families!!

After successfully battling cancer a few years ago, old age eventually caused Slyder to experience ever-increasing health problems, and his pain had gotten so bad that the medication was no longer helping. Lynn and her brother Howard  held Slyder as he passed over to the Rainbow Bridge.  Run free, sweet Slyder.

Snowball

Snowball was one of three senior Sammies that were surrendered by their owner in Oklahoma.  NTSRI volunteer Sharon Wilson took them in, got them the veterinary care they needed, and loved them.

“The Girlz,” as Sharon called them, had been up for adoption on our website for over a year.  But it takes a special person to adopt a “silver Sammy,” knowing that they may have special needs, and that the family’s time together may, necessarily, be short.

Snowball, the oldest of the three, was approximately 14 years old. Her health began to fail a few months ago.  Finally, in March, she “told” Sharon that it was time for her to go to the Bridge, and Sharon saw her on her way.  She is much missed by Sharon, Shasta, Skeeter and the other dogs in the Wilson household.

 Suzy Q

Suzy Q did not have the easiest of lives before coming into the NTSRI rescue program.  Even after her rescue, she battled some health problems and had to undergo two eye surgeries prior to being adopted.  But finally, Suzy Q was healthy and ready for a forever home, and luckily for her, she got one!

Suzy Q knew the love and devotion of her adopted family and had the life and love she so richly deserved.  Unfortunately, just after Thanksgiving, she was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed over the Rainbow Bridge in early December.  Suzy Q will be much missed by all of us at NTSRI, but most especially by her loving adoptive family.

Tuscany

Tuscany started out in the NTSRI program with the name "Stevie Wonder." He was discovered by a realtor, abandoned with another dog in the back yard of a house where the family had moved out, left with a pile of moldy food and brackish water and nothing else.  If this wasn't bad enough, the situation became even more tragic when it was discovered that he was blind! 

Despite his blindness, he proved to be a happy boy who was quite adept at getting around his foster home, where he spent 13 months before the perfect "forever" parents claimed him and gave him his elegant name, Tuscany.  We are so grateful that Tuscany was able to spend several years in a home full of all of the love and luxury that he so richly deserved. 

On March 19, 2008, Tuscany decided it was time to take the trip to the Rainbow Bridge and be reunited with his adopted "sister," Chardonnay, and the others who had gone before.  He will be missed so very, very much, by the family that loved him so, and by all of us at NTSRI.

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Last modified:05/17/2008