Today is my grandsons birthday , he is eight years old and having a party at home over the road, our dogs included ( thinking chaos ! ) When we had Sam , at nine weeks old, my grandson was three and a half , they bonded immediately as Sams breeder had children so he was well used to them . At this time, my grandson was a troubled soul , often refusing to speak after a traumatic event in his young life . I used to care for him a lot when my daughter was working, often here at our home , times were difficult when he wouldn't speak or even want to play, but gradually , a change could be seen as the bond between puppy and little boy began to grow . We became aware that he was talking to Sam , more than to anyone else , Sam became his confidant , his listener and of course , never judged but was patient and gentle with our little grandson . Slowly , confidence grew as Sam became ever more the one to share secrets , troubles and woes , we all began to notice far more laughter and smiles , to the point that he would cry when we took him home, not because he didn't want to go home, but that he didn't want to leave his best big black pal . Sometimes , he would stay over and ask that Sam sleep on his bed , the latter being only too happy to comply with this request ! Now, my family live just over the lane from us and the bond continues to exist between them , my grandson is doing fantastically well at school and for two years, has not needed any help with emotional issues but is a well balanced, happy and sociable little boy . I cant say that Sam can take the credit for all of this, but he has certainly made a massive difference and played a supporting role in helping to heal wounds , aren't our dogs just wonderful ? Sorry if I am being too soppy, but on this birthday, it lifts my spirits to see one happy little boy x
Oh, that is just so lovely, Kate! Bless Sam and bless your grandson - and, of course, many happy returns to him, too!
A lovely post Kate, warms the heart and brings a tear to the eye all at the same time. Sam is a very special for helping your grandson overcome his difficulties when he was such a young dog himself . Hoe Sam enjoys the party and that your grandson has a lovely birthday
Happy Birthday to your Grandson Kate and a big hug for Sam from me for being a lovely special boy. xxx xxx
You are not being soppy at all, it is a lovely thing to read that Sam and Silas have such a bond. Silas could reveal his real feelings to Sam and Sam accepted him and returned the compliment. x
Such a lovely post to read, it's given me a lovely warm cosy heart to hear of this special relationship Happy birthday to your grandson and I bet his best friend Sam loved the party.
That's really wonderful. We all gain so much from the relationship we have with our beautiful dogs...
I hope you had a really super day Kate and Silas enjoyed his tea party with all his friends ,especially his special VID (Very Important Dog ) guest xxx
Such a lovely story Kate. A little boy should have a big black labrador to talk to. There's no better listener that's for sure. It is amazing at how intuitive dogs, in our case labradors, are. Murphy was a big lab just like Sam. When I got murphy I still livid with mum and dad and my nan lived in what is now my house attached to the farm house with a connecting door. Murphy liked to go and visit nan. He'd sit/lie by her leg quietly. Even when he was a rambunctious teenager as soon as he went into nan he was calm and careful. He never jumped up at her when he was going through the lets jump up at everyone phase or barged passed her. He was the perfect gentleman out of choice. I hope lots of fun was had by all at the birthday party.
Thanks for the lovely comments Glad to say that Sam and Millie enjoyed the party almost as much as the little boys enjoyed their company . Sam was a massive hit, playing at hide and seek , mainly because he didn't mind being the " finder " over and over again . My daughter didn't need to hoover after tea either
This post just made me cry Kate, but happy tears. What a beautiful bond they have. It's amazing how much dogs can help children overcome difficulties. I'm glad they all enjoyed Silas' birthday party
Only just read this Kate. No, you are not being soppy, you are celebrating a wonderful relationship. What could be better than that.
