Saying Goodbye to Sam

It’s a tough day for the MH Turf department as we had to say goodbye to our Border Collie, Sam.

At the age of 14, his health had slowly been slipping away from him, with neurological deterioration of his back legs and subsequent seizures that finally took him. Those that own dogs, know how difficult it is to say goodbye. Today is harder than I thought it would ever be.

Midland purchased Sam in 2004 from North Carolina to fix a serious goose problem. At the time, we were battling up to 400 geese during the migratory times of the year and most years there were up 100 geese that stayed on property the entire golf season. The golf course was riddled with goose droppings, and the annoyance of the geese took away from enjoying the serenity of the property. I’ve been told that Sam quickly changed all of that, he was highly trained, did his job well and loved every second of it. More importantly, he became a part of the experience of playing golf at Midland, and became our mascot.

When I started in 2010, Sam was still chasing geese each spring and fall. He refused to get in my cart, instead would demand that he run along side of me until he was exhausted. Not long after that, the endless miles he’d ran on property, being out in the elements, started to show. He would often look at me, look at the geese, then decide if he was motivated enough to chase. As time went on, he lost interest in chasing all together. I couldn’t blame him. However, the one thing he never lost was his excitement for coming to work. My alarm would go off at 4:30 am and he’d be sitting there waiting with his tail wagging and ears perked. If I took days off, he’d give me that look of disappointment and boredom. I realized no one loved coming to Midland more than he did. How could he not, his entire life was spent running freely on a golf course, it was a dog’s dream.

 

Over the past few years, Sam’s role was more mascot than goose dog. His calm demeanor and love of seeing members at the club, laying in the golf shop entryway, getting spoiled by the office staff became his role. He loved naps. I could never figure out if he had a favorite spot on the course to take a quick snooze, but he loved every corner of the property to nap on. I was always jealous! Each morning during our staff meetings, Sam would make his way around the room to greet everyone. Although they might not have noticed, I saw Sam’s morning greeting help start their day off on a calm and positive note. For myself, being with him literally 24 hours a day, it was a unique experience. He was my sounding board, my shadow, my buddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He became a big part of my family, especially with my two daughters, who loved to dress him up in ridiculous outfits, take him for walks, throw his frisbee and nap with him on the floor.  He became very attached to my oldest daughter, often “herding” her at bedtime, laying at the foot of her bed until she fell asleep.

Sam was a companion for our family dog, Emma who is almost 14. My family always joked that Sam and Emma were the old couple that grew old together. We gave him nicknames; Samboy, Sambookie, Mr. Oreo, Mr. Roboto, Old Man, Buddy.

Sam will be greatly missed, all dogs are unique and he was no exception. He was exceptionally intelligent, funny, affectionate and kind.

 

 

We’ll miss you Samboy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 Replies to “Saying Goodbye to Sam”

  1. Dan Kelly says:

    A beautiful, beautiful tribute, Mike. Thanks so much.

    Rest in peace, good dog.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Dan, he was the best!

      Mike

  2. Anonymous says:

    Good by Sammy and thank you for everything.

  3. Sue Sheridan says:

    Thanks Mike for the great pictures and nice article. Sam will be missed!!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Sue, missed indeed.
      Mike

  4. Greg Amer says:

    Mike,
    What a wonderful tribute; My wife Diane is tearful.
    We know what it is like to say goodbye to a dog who has become part of the family.
    You have our sympathy.

    Greg and Diane Amer

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Greg and Diane, I appreciate that.

      He will be sorely missed.

      Mike

  5. Paul Kirkegaard says:

    That is a beautiful tribute to Sam, Mike. Thanks for giving us more insights into the Midland family.

    Best regards,
    Paul Kirkegaard

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Paul, he was definitely a big part of Midland. Was a blast to have him around.
      Mike

  6. Pat Gray says:

    Thanks Mike for the great tribute to Sam. We know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a family friend. It sure looks like he was loved by your family and cherished by everyone at Midland. I’m sure his spirit will be running around the golf course forever.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Pat. No doubt his spirit and memories will live on!

  7. Ron Sternal says:

    Mike,

    Your beautifully written tribute to Sam hit home. As you stated: Those that own dogs, know how difficult it is to say goodbye. I knew Sam only in passing, but having recently lost our 14 year old Labrador, please accept my condolences .
    Sam joined Midland shortly after I did and immediately had a positive influence. I can attest to his work ethic, his professionalism, his effectiveness and his dedication to you (and MHCC). I’ll miss seeing him.

    Here’s to Sam,

    Ron Sternal

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Ron. Sorry to hear about your Lab. If they could only live as long as us!
      Mike

  8. Anonymous says:

    Thanks for sharing all the pictures and story. Sam will be missed.
    Greg and Cheryl Hoban

  9. Dave Sellergren says:

    Extremely poignant memorial. We , too, had a Sam dog,a Springer , in our family. Her loss was our loss. Great photos! Sorry to hear of Sam’s death.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Dave, family dogs are tough losses!

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