Sam's Story

Sam's Story

Believe it or not, we have all encountered some event or chain of events where we can't help but wonder if fate has lent a hand. As volunteers for Labradors in Need, we invest a huge amount of emotion in the dogs we help. In the midst of this, sometimes we witness the pure magic of man's best friend.

Back in April, little miss Aggie organised a beach walk. True to form, she was completely disorganised and even got the tides wrong! We didn't expect much of a turn out as the South isn't a LiN stronghold, but we weren't the only ones to turn up so that was something at least! However, we were joined by a family on holiday nearby and that was the start of something magical.

As the dogs chased balls into the sea and we got talking, Anne explained that her dad had always had labradors and used to enjoy working them in his younger days. Brian didn't talk much about his labs but did pass comment about his age and that he wouldn't want to foster. There was a sadness is his demeanour but I knew very little about them. I explained that we have people in their 80s who have adopted from us but Brian said he wasn't ready. I thought it was a shame as the family dogs were well loved and well cared for, and a huge part of the family unit. As we said our goodbyes, we spoke about meeting up again in June.

Last week, we met up again. This time Fiona brought Anya who couldn't come before as she was in season. Anne brought Quest, her spaniel, and her Mum and Dad brought Tammy, their basset fauve. They also brought two new additions: a black labrador and a huge smile on Brian's face!

Not long after meeting Brian, we were asked if we would help an ex working lab who had been retired by the owner. They wanted him moved ASAP so we managed to arrange transport and asked one of our fosters, a lady called Sam, if she could take him in.

So Sam arrived at Sam's house and the task began with finding him the right home. Except that a home check application came in with a name on it I recognised. It was the first person who came into my head when I read Sam's details, but I had no idea he would apply. That name was Brian.

Sam was in foster with Sam. That amused me. But here's where fate played a hand. Sam lives in the general area of Birmingham and guess who else does? Sam came from Devon and could've gone to any other foster but he ended up in an area where Brian wasn't so far away.

So when we saw Brian last week, he was proudly accompanied by Sam, who was the reason for his smile. Every movement Brian made, Sam was watching him. The bond they have forged in a matter of a few weeks was truly magical. As was Brian's smile. Sometimes, our rescue dogs rescue us right back even when we don't know we need it