A PURR-FECT MATCH How a Kitten Helped Samson Unleash His Inner Pup
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.
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. “It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
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.
While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
How a Rescue Dog Changed a Veteran’s Life THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT THE KENNEDY CENTER!
Thank you to those who attended our Ambassador Program Event on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Kennedy Center. We had a lovely afternoon filled with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, mingling, and music from the National Symphony Orchestra. We look forward to next year’s event. We will see you there!
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