Samson in Memory

UGO de la Morne Plaine

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden, well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you, a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place no one can ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

HD A/A, PRA clear, CSNB Carrier * full breeding confirmation in Austria * Sire of 45 children (22 boys/23 girls) in Finland, Sweden, Russia, Canada, USA, Australia and Austria out of five breedings * 18 grandchildren in the USA and 14 great-grandchildren in the USA

February 28, 1996 - March 15, 2005
Sire: Rec. DARTAGNAN des Monts d'en Crauzille, Elite A (France * born grey * Selected in France * recommandé)
Dam: Champ. NAPAL du Clos des Cèdres (Belgium * grey born black * Selected in France, Belgium, Germany * Champion France)

Samson was born in Belgium. I had wanted a grey Briard for a long time and was quite surprised to hear from Yazoo's breeders that there was a puppy in Belgium who would turn grey and that I could have him. This male would also be an interesting breeding partner for Yazoo, so I didn't hesitate long, even though I usually only take puppies once the youngest dog in the pack was fully grown – Yazoo was only nine months old and gave me plenty to do. Nevertheless, I deviated from my plan and brought Samson home from Belgium at nine weeks old. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned with his color: Samson was the only one in the litter who remained black… I didn't mind, because Samson was a wonderful boy. I was sure I'd get a grey Briard eventually.

Samson and Yazoo were inseparable from the start and became a great team. And Samson now accompanied Yazoo on our travels to dog shows. He was shown at several shows in France, Slovakia, and Austria and achieved excellent results. Since Samson wasn't the happiest dog when traveling by car or at dog shows, I stopped doing that and did what Samson really enjoyed: visiting the training grounds and doing a little obedience and protection work, as well as the occasional tracking exercise. And Samson especially loved being harnessed to the Sacco cart with Yazoo and going for rides around the area.

Samson & Yazoo

Samson enjoyed life, had lots of fun with Yazoo and his children, and was an uncomplicated dog who never once challenged Sándor's rank or tried to start a conflict with him.When Oh-Lala joined the family, she too became a much-loved playmate. The two would have been a perfect match for puppies: in terms of bloodlines and temperament, and I certainly would have gotten gray puppies from this pairing. However, I couldn't breed them because they were both CSNB carriers.

Samson, daughter Champagne (Australia) & Yazoo

On March 15, 2005 - just two weeks after his 9th birthday, far too young - Samson crossed the Rainbow Bridge completely unexpectedly. He was never sick in his life ...... he was bursting with strength and energy ...... he loved life so much. ...... Early in the morning he was still playing in the garden, then he refused his food, lay down in his spot and didn't get up again ...... on the way to the vet he suffered a stroke.

He left behind emptiness, profound sadness, and incomprehension at his untimely departure... he has gone ahead to join his parents, friends, and some of his children. Someday the day will come when we will all be reunited...

Samson, the years with you were indescribably beautiful, fulfilling, fun, and unforgettable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be with you all this time and for being such a wonderful friend and protector. You live on in all your children, but that is no real comfort—I miss you so incredibly much. ...... THANK YOU, Samson, for all the joy and happiness you brought me. I will never forget you ...... Your place is now deep in my heart... Shortly before the first anniversary of his death, I commissioned a tribute to my unforgettable Samson, a portrait drawing based on one of my favorite photos of him. This drawing is an exact replica of the original, a beautiful work by Michaela Liegle - Tierportrait.at

Samson's special success:

• On September 3, 2003, the black girl Noire Gentille Vodka de la Maison de Suzie (origin France) whelped 10 puppies (7/3 - 0/1 stillborn, 1/0 died, 6/2 raised, all black) for the kennel du Val de la Rose (Austria)
• On January 2, 2000, the grey born black girl Magnifique des Monts d'en Crauzille (origin France) whelped for the kennel de la Marquis de Sade (Austria) 11 puppies (5/6, raised 3/3 * some black and some grey born black, one male blue)
• On May 18, 1999, our Yazoo whelped 8 puppies (4/4, all black) after Samson, our E litter (de la Maison du Garde-Barrière)
• On March 14, 1998, the grey born black girl Amadea Crasna celebrita in Finland whelped 9 puppies (5/4 - 1/0 stillborn, 4/4 raised * some grey born black) in the kennel de la Petite Noblesse out of an artificial insemination
• On March 3, 1998, our Yazoo whelped after Samson 6 puppies (3/3, all black), our C litter (de la Maison du Garde-Barrière)
• January 1998 - Samson is PRA clear and CSNB carrier
• 12/22/1997 - Samson is HD clear
• Samson's Homepage - his life, photo galleries, his offspring ...
• Samson in Tribute2MyDogs