When a shaggy rescue pup named Sammy stumbled into Ruth Gentry’s life, little did she know he’d become her family’s greatest teacher — with the lessons aimed at strength, giggles, and the magic of never giving up. And in the end, it would be the dog’s best friend that would remind everyone that “forever” means exactly that.
After losing their two senior dogs in quick succession, Ruth and her son Roan felt a quiet house was simply too quiet. “Our older geriatric dogs died within three weeks of each other. It was traumatic for both of us. They were 15 and 17, and they were very bonded. Unfortunately, one went, the other one went,” Ruth said.
Roan hugging his dog, Sammy. Photo courtesy of Ruth Gentry
For Roan, whose childhood had always included a dog-shaped shadow, the grief was profound. “That was really difficult because Roan has always been bonded with dogs. Our black Lab slept with him and everything. So when she passed away, I could tell he was struggling a lot,” she adds.
Their search for a new companion led them to Sammy, a fluffy Great Pyrenees/Lab mix whose online profile promised he was “great with people, kids, and dogs.” The moment sealed itself when Sammy trotted out to meet them.
He walked out and kissed Roan on the face. We played with them for a good 30 minutes. We both fell in love with him,” Ruth said.
Before signing adoption papers, Ruth turned to Roan with a gentle warning: “If we decide to do this. This is a big decision and a lifetime commitment to this dog. We got to take care of him for the rest of his life. And he’s a puppy,” Ruth said. But puppyhood took an unexpected turn when Sammy’s playful romp left him with a limp.
Two failed surgeries and $11,000 in debt later, Ruth faced agonizing choices. “Sammy couldn’t do anything. After the surgeries, he couldn’t put any weight on his leg,” Ruth remembers. As friends urged her to reconsider, Roan’s words echoed: “Mom, you’re the one who said that once we get the dog, that rescue is forever.”
Roan and Sammy. Photo courtesy of Ruth Gentry
A visit to UC Davis revealed Sammy’s diagnosis: floating kneecaps. “The reason he had this ligament tear is because he has a luxating patella in both back legs, not just one. They’re also called floating kneecaps. The condition causes the kneecaps to go in and out of the joint,” Ruth explains.
Vets suggested a wheelchair, which was a huge turning point for the family. With his new wheels, Sammy rediscovered joy — and so did the family. “Once he got his wheels and we could get out of the house, it really changed for Sammy, Roan, and me.”
It changed everything because we were stuck in this house with a dog that couldn’t do anything for three months. It was like a new life,” Ruth said.
When Roan was diagnosed with dyslexia, Sammy repaid the loyalty, snuggling during tutoring sessions. “Roan says one of the things he loves best about Sammy is that he is a big cuddler. He’s a big cuddler because Sammy’s 90 pounds,” Ruth said. The pair became study buddies. “I think Sammy learned to read, too. That was our joke at the end that Sammy learned to read,” she laughed.
Their journey inspired even Sammy’s rescuers. “We love each and every animal that comes through here, and they always have a special place in our hearts. Sammy getting in the situation he did, I felt awful,” CAPS director Julia Ameil said. “It’s really good seeing him now and doing well in his wheels… I wish more people put in the effort that Ruth did. It’s definitely inspiring.”
