Sampson Poodle & Bichon Frise Mix Somerville, MA

Size: 14 pound poodle-mix | Age: 5 years -approx. | Gender: Male

Meet Sampson, a survivor who’s earned the right to be called a hero! We decided to name him Sampson because he survived whatever he went through for as long as he did. He was brought into a veterinarian’s office as a stray; a filthy bag of bones, his coat soaked in urine and matted with feces was stuck to his skeleton of a body. They brought him to the shelter where was evaluated and started on fluids and small meals, unsure if he would survive. He weighed 6 pounds then and they thought he was about 14 year old. He managed to gain 3/4 of a pound in a short time and the shelter reached out to PRNE. We picked him up yesterday, drove directly to the vet where they determined that Sampson wasn’t as old as originally thought. He’s estimated to be about 5 years old.

Speed ahead 6 weeks and now Sampson's been neutered, had a dental where he lost 9 teeth AND he's doubled his weight, weighing in now at 14 pounds! We thought something was going on with his tail because he would begin to chase it while crying out but nothing showed up on x-rays so we had an MRI done to see if Sampson had anything neurological going on. The MRI results showed no structural lesions in the brain, spinal cord or elsewhere to explain these episodes. There is still a possibility that it could be partial seziure activity but the neurologist doubted this was the case and given Sampson’s condition in which he was found, thinks it's more likely behavioral.

We're now ready to begin accepting applications for Sampson. He's a charmer! He loves his foster family - his moms and his foster siblings. He is learning to not mark in the house and has made great strides since coming and since being neutered. He knows to go outside to do his business and comes rushing back in to do the "poodle-zooms" throughout the house! Sampson loves meal time just about as much as he likes to snuggle! Sampson also enjoys a nice cup of coffee now and then so his humans have to be mindful of that!

Sampson's new home will require a securely fenced in (not underground or electric) yard with direct access from the door leading into the house. While he's learning to walk well on a leash, he prefers to do his business in his own yard and enjoys exploring and wandering around. We're looking for a home with someone around during the day since that's what he's now accustomed to. Sampson would also like another well behave dog (or two) who he can play with. Sampson is being fostered in Upstate NY - about 1/2 south of Albany and a 2 1/2 drive from Boston. Interested applications will be required to visit Sampson in NY once a home visit has been done.

If you're interested in adopting Sampson, please submit an application. Visit our website to apply online. Sampson's adoption fee is $400.