Sam was a golden retriever and was the pet dog that Master and Missus had immediately before me.

He was a Retriever Rescue dog and lived at Mulbarton before coming to Sheringham. His owner sent with him a few notes about him, see here.

He joined the family in September 1992.  This was several years after the death of Judy.  For a few years there was not a dog in residence as garden, house and work took precedence.

Sam was a very large dog and weighed in the order of 6 stone [84lbs] I believe.  Although a large boy he was still keen to chase around the garden after toys/balls that were thrown for him.

He had a thick coat and found the south facing garden rather warm and would lie under the trees to keep cool.  Master also bought a tin bath for him to keep cool in when the sun was really hot.  There are photos of him enjoying this treat.  He loved water and when out on walks would creep off from Master and go for a swim!  A wet dog in the boot on the homeward journey!

Towards the end of his life Sam found it difficult to jump into the car and Master had to lift him in, front feet first and then back end.  Also he started having large growths appear on his mouth and possibly in his throat.  Eventually he found it so unpleasant that over Christmas 1997 he found eating too difficult.  I understand that Master offered him some cold turkey pieces and he did not stir.  He looked at him with his big brown eyes with that look of pain.  Next day Master took him to the Dog Doctor and it was decided that Sam should be put out of his troubles. [30th December 1997]

Sam was cremated and his ashes are buried under the trees that he used to shelter under.

Sam discovered the hole in the fence near the garage where a head can be poked though.  It is still there I use it daily to see next door and also pick up my early morning treat!

This was written by neighbours Betty and Harry in memory of Sam.

Photographs of Sam can be seen here.