Sammi was adopted from King County Animal Control on November 10, 1999. She was 10 weeks old. When I first saw her I knew she would be coming home with me. She looked at me with those big yellow-green eyes. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. She was so tiny. She meowed at me and melted my heart. She was coming home to be a companion and sister to our kitten Barni (she was adopted 6 months earlier). Barni didn’t take to her right away, but eventually they did become “sisters”. Barni always let Sammi know who was first in the family. Barni was daddy’s girl and Sammi was mommy’s girl. I was amazed when Sammi was about 1 year of age. During the winter her fur would grow longer than normal and she had the most gorgeous fur collar. She had the most beautiful grey and beige fur. Whenever I came home she was there to greet me at the door. She would always follow me around and meow “mommy” until I picked her up and put her on my left shoulder. That was her favorite spot. She was very happy there. I took advantage of that time to pet her, kiss her and hold her close to my heart. Sammi would stay with me in the bedroom to make sure I was taking it easy. When I was sick, she was always with me. She would lay on my chest and I would pet her and give her a kiss on her little brown nose. She would return my kiss sometimes with a wet one. A French kiss – ooh la la. She would sleep with me every night lying next to me or on my pillow. Sammi was 13 years old when she became ill with liver disease. It seemed like it happened so quickly. The doctors at Sacajawea Health Care for Pets did everything possible to help her. She just couldn’t hold on any longer. She wasn’t eating and slept most of the time. She tried very hard to be herself when I was at home. The morning that she went to sleep for the last time, I could see she wasn’t doing well at all. I phoned the doctors and explained what I had noticed. My worst fears were confirmed. She was dying. I knew what I had to do. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I came home and found her asleep in the closet. I picked her up and held her in my arms and rocked her. I gave her some treats and brushed her. I told her I loved her and how precious she was to me and then I took her to the clinic. Sammi was wrapped in a pink blanket and I held her in my arms and told her I loved her so much. God blessed me with her and I returned her back to him on January 24, 2013. I’ve never felt so much pain in my life. There are no words to express the love and companionship she has given me or the love I feel for her. She will be in my heart forever. Sammi’s passing is a tremendous loss. My heart is broken. My arms ache to hold her. The tears won’t stop. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow. Rest in peace my little pooh, my sweet pea. Mommy loves you. Meow

I am especially thankful to Sacajawea Health Care for Pets for their gift to this program in Sammi's honor. The doctors and staff have shown me the utmost compassion and support during this most difficult time. I am truly grateful for the love and affection they’ve given me and Sammi.

Christie & Dennis H.