Help Samwise the Stray Begin His Next Journey

Help Samwise the Stray Begin His Next Journey

This morning, on my way to pick up my new car, I passed a small dog lying dead in the road. Her littermate was darting between her and the shoulder -- panicked, heartbroken, and dangerously close to being hit himself. She was already gone.

I had a narrow window to get to the dealership before someone else bought the car (this has happened to me before), and I couldn’t take a terrified stray into a showroom. I told myself that if he was still there on my way home, I’d stop.

On the drive back, I didn’t see either dog. I hoped maybe they belonged to someone who came for them. I met Sihya back in town for dinner in the evening, and as I was headed home around 7:30, I slowed down and scanned the shoulder again -- just in case. That’s when I caught a glimpse of a small white head in the tall grass.

He was still there. Still sitting with his sister. Someone had moved her body off the road, but he hadn’t left her side.

I picked up Sihya (who had beaten me home), and we returned together. It was hard to spot him in the tall grass, but finally, we saw him. He was lying beside his sister's body, exhausted, starving, and still keeping watch -- NINE HOURS LATER

When we approached, he growled and cowered between us and his sister, torn between fear and loyalty. He was skin and bones. Sihya stayed near him while I went home to get food, a towel, a crate, and a leash. When we gave him food, he let out a soft, heartbreaking whine -- something between gratitude and grief. He didn’t want to leave her, but he wanted to come with us.

He let us leash him, wrap him in a towel, and bring him home without a fight. Once he was safe, he followed us everywhere, wanted to be held, and gently tucked his head against us for comfort.

We’re calling him Samwise because like Tolkien’s Sam, he stayed by the one he loved, no matter how hard or hopeless it seemed.

Samwise is sweet, gentle, and so clearly wants to belong. Before we could stop her, one of our dogs greeted him at the car, and they touched noses. No growling. No fear. We’re keeping him safe in a crate on our front porch for now, where he can see our dogs through the glass. He watches them quietly, head tilted, taking it all in. When we give them treats, we go out and give him one, too. He wags his tail and takes it gently. Even after all he's been through, he doesn't seem food aggressive.

We can’t keep him. We already have three dogs and three cats. But we have someone willing to foster (and maybe adopt) him if we can get him healthy enough to transport. That means a vet visit, tests, vaccinations, meds, and food.

We’re estimating about $500 to get him the care he needs.

If you can help, even a little, you’ll be part of giving a deeply loyal dog the new life he deserves. Samwise waited with love and patience. Now we just want to make sure he doesn’t have to wait anymore.