Sam and his friend Riley, at play.

Sam and his friend Riley, at play.

Sam was a rescue dog (Golden Retriever) that belonged to my son Shawn and his wife Tara. They live in Burbank, CA with their other dog Riley and their (just turned 2) daughter Annabelle. Sam was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two months ago. He was the sweetest, most patient companion a toddler could ask for. Everyone was touched by how gentle he was with baby Annabelle and how he loved his family. He was stricken with a rather aggressive tumor, and while he went through treatment, his cancer did not respond and he became sicker. He was allowed to peacefully pass on at home with his beloved family. He was everything a grand-dog should be; he touched us all in a very special way. Even when he was very sick, he was a sweet and loving dog. My son and daughter-in-law did everything in their power to try every possible solution to help him, and when they finally had to accept the worst possible outcome, they encouraged friends and family to donate to your organization, so other dogs would have a chance to fight the kind of illness that stole Sam from them. — Marianne Duffy