my bunny rabbit

/ Off Grid Islanders

My daughter called him Sami. Sami Salo. He was my daughter’s dog until she moved away to university in 2009. He was named after her favorite hockey player. It appeared that Sami attached himself to me when she left, but really I attached myself to him. My daughter was my youngest and all three kids had now left home to go University. He was my solace. He was my bunny rabbit.

His primary mission in life was to save me from what he believed was impending doom. To that end he often greeted both friends and strangers as they approached with a ferocious bark. Let’s be honest, it was off putting. Many found him hard to like, at first..

But I think he had an inferiority complex. He knew he wasn’t big enough to fight the 6 foot monsters at our door so he compensated with his bark.

When he was young he was taunted by kids on bikes and skateboards through the fence on the pathway next to our house. For the rest of his days he was less than fond of bikes, skateboards or kids moving quickly. He was oh so gentle with wee quiet slow moving babies.

I once said to a tree faller who had met Sami on our property.. “Well, I know I won’t be murdered in my sleep” His response was disconcerting “Still might be murdered, just not while asleep.”

Five years ago, at great cost, Sami fought an otter to save me from what he thought was danger. Read here for the story. https://deergarden.me/2014/06/19/6034/

Afraid of the water, Sami wouldn’t even venture onto wet grass. But unwilling to leave my side, he came into the ocean to sit in my kayak with me as we paddled around the island.

For nine years, 24 hours a day he has been within three feet of me. On walks I was always in his sight. Watching TV? He was on the back of the couch with his head on my neck. Sleeping? Between my legs, head on my thigh. All that time with me and he never once had a problem that I was a difficult person.

But his eye never healed as it became obvious there was cancerous tumour behind it. Today, we had to let him go. My heart is broken, as this morning I said goodbye to

my bunny rabbit

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17 thoughts on “my bunny rabbit”

  4. I’m so sorry to hear about Sami Moira. He was a wonderful dog and you gave him a great life full of adventures.
    I know how difficult it is to say goodbye to them but it really is the last thing that we can do for them.
    Hugs, Wendy.

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  6. My heart goes out to you both on this sad, sad day. The joy Sami has brought to your family will never be forgotten. Every cocker spaniel you see in the future will bring back fine memories of your years with him. May he rest in peace.
    Thinking of you,
    Jan

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  7. Oh M, I’m so sorry for you, today and many tomorrow’s will be so painfu,. Try and see the many years of joy you had with Sami. Be well

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  8. He was the cutest guy ever!!! I AM SO SORRY ! It is never easy to say good bye… what a tough guy …with the heart of gold…your little buddy… so sad…xoxoxoxo sending lots of love

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  9. Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my sweet Brylie (cat) when we were living in the apartment. It was very hard, but I don’t think she would have made the transition to the house very well.

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