–Sam
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone. They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since. A PURR-FECT MATCH How a Kitten Helped Samson Unleash His Inner Pup
“It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco.
Cat’s Seafood Delight Inspired by TrustedHouseSitters.com
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup canned tuna, drained • 1/4 cup cooked salmon, flaked
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice • 1/4 cup cooked carrots or peas, mashed • 1–2 tbsp fish oil DIRECTIONS 1. Combine tuna, salmon, quinoa or rice, and veggies in a mixing bowl and toss lightly. 2. Add fish oil, then mix well to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed. 3. Serve a meal portion to your hungry feline friend, and save leftovers in the fridge for another meal.
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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