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February, 2004 Sam - Northridge, CA ESRA # 2003-681CA Age: 2 years Gender: Male Color: Liver/White Weight: 40 lb. Variety: Field-Bred

Here is Sam. Sam's age is around 2 years. Sam is blind. He seems to have some daytime sight and gets around pretty well. Sam went to the Eye Specialist today. Sam has lens subluxation in his left eye and juvenile cataracts in both eyes. He also has a retinal detachment in his right eye. The doctor says at one time this might have been easily treated but is not now a new injury. He says some Springers do have this type of hereditary eye disease.

Sam has the most perfect Springer personality and charms you in about 2 minutes! He gives great hugs and kisses. Sam is smart, too! He learned to use the dog door in one day, and can follow the sound of your voice across the house. He loves everyone, including the other dogs. He really learns his environment fast. He even figured out how to climb the stairs and cuddle up in bed with his foster mom. He is learning his house manners and is gaining confidence by the hour.

Sam needs some other eye exams, and there is a chance that surgery may help restore some of his vision. The doctor feels there is some hope for surgery in one eye with a lens implant, and he may be able to restore some vision. The opthamologist will know if that is possible after another exam which will cost $375.00 including general anesthesia. Surgery would cost $2400.00. Sam will need eye drops for life, with or without surgery.

Here's a picture of Sam playing with his best buddy, another Special Needs Springer, Maxx.

Update, January 19, 2004: Sam had another eye exam under general anesthesia, and there is too much damage to his eyes to do surgery. He has no function from his retinas.The opthamologist says that Sam will need eye drops for life to prevent any chance of Sam's developing glaucoma. He will visit the opthamologist again in 3 months. He will continue to learn about fun dog stuff in his foster home. We bought him a ball that talks to him and he is having a great time with that. Thanks to all of you who prayed for his surgery. He will continue to need your love and support until he finds his forever home. Sam is really going to make someone a great pet.

Are you looking for an almost-perfect new family member? If not, will you please consider sponsoring Sam and help us raise the funds for his vet bills?

Update, February 12, 2004: Hooooray! Sam has found his Forever Home!

Here are Sam and his new mom leaving for their trip home to Arizona. Sam has a new brother, too, a 12 year old adopted Springer named Charlie.

Update, February 13, 2004: For all you who sponsored Sam, here is a letter from his new mom:

Here's a picture to show you how Sam is. He cryed a little as we pulled away. Then he grabbed onto my arm and slept the whole way. He is soooooooo good! We stayed at a Motel 6 in Fontana last night. Charlie has already adapted to his special needs brother, he hides behind a chair when he wants to be left alone. There hasn't been any growling or fighting. We are all very tired from our exciting trip and glad to be home. Charlie has taken Sam for 2 walks, one to poop and one to the mail box. I hook their leashes together and it works out really well.
Thanks for everything. I have got to get a seat belt for him.

We'll be in touch.
Shirley, Charlie and Sam

Contact: Caryn Pola rescuespringers@hotmail.com

SAM'S GENEROUS SPONSORS, THAT MADE ALL THIS POSSIBLE. SAM WANTS TO SAY THANKS!
Cordelia & Florence Steinacker	In honor of daughter Florence, and Rose, our Springer
Vicki Wingo
Katrin Owen	My rescue, Gatsby, has PRA and is the BOMB!
Stefanie Jacob	In memory of Whimper, and a gift for Buddy. I miss you both!
Beth Sanfillipo	In memory of Little Boy Sanfillipo
Barbara & Roger Allison	In honor of Wagleigh
Elizabeth Farnham	In memory of Randy
Charlotte Lingel Dunklin
Randy & Barbara Garis	In memory of Arbie, Bogie, & Charlie
Cathryne Slaughter	From Maggie, with love
Leanne Powers	With best wishes from Punky!
Steve & Lori Griego	In memory of Snoopy
Bob Knell	To help with Sam's surgery, in memory of Samantha, Rose & Brady
Dianne Shanley	In memory of Milo and Nigel Shanley
Lucia Mccamey	In memory of MacGyver
Ronelle Dietsch	In memory of Dutchess
Patty Mann
David Dean	In memory of Chris & Bandit
Renee Kempler	In memory of Bovine
Kim and Carroll Hudson	In memory of Chelsea Pup and all the other Special Springers
Lesley Blyth	In memory of Sydney, my second special Springer
Denise Ehner	In memory of Springer Max Dakota, age 2
Paul Alberon	In memory of Duncan
Kathy Raidt	For my husband, Bernie, who supports my work with ESRA.