Food Shelf Abundance Part II

Nancy O'Sullivan and Nancy Hegland helped Karen clean out the food shelves in the barn at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue in preparation for the big delivery. Kevin Smith would be driving a pickup and large trailer with EIGHT pallets of dog and cat kibble for Red Lake and the surrounding area.

KEVIN WOLDEN & KEVIN SMITH

Kevin pulled in the next Friday afternoon with his large load which took quite a few hours to safely transport. Kevin Smith and Kevin Wolden worked hours unloading and filling the food shed. A few bags had to be placed in the straw shed because we had literally filled the food shelf to overflowing!

We want to thank both Kevins for working until past sunset filling the barn which is going to help many animals for the next months.

After unloading Kevin Smith still had a long drive back to the metro area. We commend Kevin as this is not the first load of food he has hauled for Red Lake animals.

Again, thank you all for your help in this effort.

Most of all, thank you, Samson!

Karen
RLRR

Food Shelf Abundance Part I: Samson's Story

SAMSON

Many people and groups are to be thanked for filling our RLRR food shed recently. Firstly, we thank our friend Samson a large black labrador dog. So many the Rescue blessings seem to go back to a canine or feline friend from the past. Samson was a rescue many years ago, with mange, heartworm, and malnourishment and his life changed when Dan and Maggie adopted him and he became part of their family. SEE: http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/2008/05/samson-in-his-new-home.html

SAMSON AND HIS DAD, DAN

Samson and his guardians Dan and Maggie came to RLRR shelter after his adoption with a van load of food and Samson was no longer a shelter animal but came into the cathouse as a dignitary bringing help to the animals here. He showed off his manners as he had learned to sit and shook hands. It was a very moving experience to have Samson come to help other animals at his former rescue and to learn about the great life he now enjoyed. SEE: http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/2009/01/samson-returns-to-red-lake-for-visit.html and http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/2009/01/samson-returns-to-red-lake.html

Samson and his family spent some of their favorite times at a cabin on a lake near Detroit Lakes, MN.
SEE: http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/samson-shares-about-vacations-up-north.html

SAMSON WITH DAN & MAGGIE AT THE LAKE

Sadly, a few years later, Samson passed away after a battle with cancer, but left behind an imprint on Maggie and Dan forever. SEE: http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/2013/02/samson-in-memorium.html

They have not forgotten Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue. Maggie established a relationship with Purina and organized a load of 7,500 pounds of cat and dog kibble which was transported to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue.

We want to thank Samson, the Larsons, and Purina for this great blessing!

DAN & MAGGIE, SAMSON & KAREN

Next blog post will share the story of the transport of this large load!

Karen
RLRR

Samson: In Memorium

Hi Karen,

I just wanted to let you know Samson went over the Rainbow Bridge this morning at around 10am. 

I am crying tears of grief as I write this, but we just could not let Sam suffer any longer.  We were able to manage his pain pretty well up until a few days ago.  We called our vet and he said that it was time to let Sam go.  We know that this is what had to happen, but it does not lesson our grief. 

He was such a good dog, and we loved him so much. He will always have a special place in my heart, as he was so loving and kind.  I want to thank you again for saving him.  We gave him all of the love and devotion we could, and we will miss him until the end of our days.

Love, Maggie and Dan

NOTE FROM KAREN:

Samson's story was on the blog on May 23, 2008 so you can see the background.  Samson was a wonderful dog who came back to visit Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, and on his return did not go to the kennel where he had lived, but went in as a guest in the cathouse- where he demonstrated all the social graces he had learned from Dan and Maggie. 

It is a sad day today.
Karen

Samson shares about vacations up north

Samson here, I'm originally a dog from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. Karen got a picture of me on vacation last year, and wanted me to share more about it.

I am loving life in the home and family that I am now in, and know that without Karen saving me, I wouldn't have been around much longer. The people I am with are so good to me, and judging by my weight, sometimes they are too good to me.

Last year, just as every year since I have been adopted by them, we go on vacation to a little cabin in Detroit Lakes. It's a nice relaxing time that gets me into a new environment, where I can see and smell things that I don't get to at home.

Since there is my mom and dad, and two of my sisters, we usually end up taking two cars up north. My sister and I ride with my dad, which is nice, because we usually stop somewhere to get something to eat. I am always up for something to eat.

Once at the cabin, I can relax. The cabin is right on a lake, and every year, my dad tries to get me to go swimming. I don't like to swim. he keeps telling me that being a black lab and Newfie mix, I should love it. I can swim, I just don't care to. My sister Gracie, who also came from Red Lake, and is an Australian Shepherd / lab mix loves to swim. So, I let her swim. There's been times when Dad goes swimming, and forces me to go with him. I humor him, and put up with it for a while, then I shake off, and go lay by the cabin and watch everyone else.

One thing I look forward to is our yearly trip to the flea market. I don't need any fleas, but it's fun to walk around with Mom and Dad while they look at things. I like it, because while I am getting out for a walk, complete strangers constantly compliment me, and want to pet me. Sometimes, I meet other dogs when I am there, but we never see each other after that.

One thing I love is getting out in the boat. I will ride in the boat anytime. So, when the weather is nice, Mom, Dad, and I will go for a ride in the boat. It's not a big lake, but we go around it a couple times, and that's always fun. I never get to drive, though. Oh well.

Now that it's nice out, I know that in a few months, I will get to go on vacation again, and that is my favorite part of summer.

Thanks to fosters & adopters of RLRR animals!

Here is an update on Samson, black lab from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue adopted by D&M from Animal Ark several years ago. Samson was rescued from the projects in Red Lake where he was suffering malnourishment and mange. We are so thankful that Samson now enjoys the good life with D&M who are great blessings to Red Lake animals. [Samson and his family have been featured a few times on the blog, so you can search the blog to learn more!]

They are now fostering Mosey, a chocolate lab juvenile, also taken by the Ark. They have also fostered other Red lake animals.

Karen

SAMSONThought you'd enjoy this picture of Samson lovin' life on vacation. This was last Labor Day weekend in Detroit Lakes.

Enjoy!
D&M~

BACKGROUND ON MOSEY:
Mosey was brought to the shelter in early November by a local farmer. Apparently Mosey was a stray dog who discovered this man's "doggie door" and would make visits to his house when he was not home, making complete mayhem of his house. So- the man called and said if he did not find a place for Mosey, then he would have to shoot him. Well we took him at RLRR shelter where he made his home the next few months until Animal Ark took him where Maggie and Dan became fosters. I have attached pics of Mosey at the shelter.

Karen

MOSEYUPDATE FROM ANIMAL ARK FOSTER HOME:
We are doing well. Mosey is just a doll. He is now housebroken, knows how to sit, stay, kennel up. We are working on the "shake", which he has not quite figured out yet.

MOSEY & FRIENDS AT RLRRWe also have him on some pain management meds, as a few times during play with the other dogs, he has fallen on his side (his poor little hips) and started to cry in pain. Even though he has a bad "back end" he is full of pep, and runs around chasing balls. He loves to fetch.

He loves Dan, and loves to sit on his lap when we watch TV. For some reason, all of our foster dogs want to sit in Dan's lap and chew on kongs, or toys of some sort. We haven't figured out why they insist on sitting on Dan, rather then next to him.

Love from D&M, Samson, Phoebe and Gracie, and of course, Mosey!

Samson returns to Red Lake

Here is an update from Samson's adopter's following their visit to RLRR.January 25, 2009:
A couple years back, Karen Good found a gentle giant of a dog named Samson. He was being terribly mistreated, and was starved nearly to death. She took him from what would have been a sure death in a short time, brought him to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, and slowly nursed him back to recovery. His survival, for a while at least, was uncertain. But, with tender care, and love from Karen, it looked as though Samson would slowly make a recovery. Once he was able, he was transported to the Animal Ark in Hastings to continue his care, and hopefully find a home.

Soon, we found Samson at the Animal Ark, and knew we had to have him. We adopted him, and immediately, Samson found himself in a good home. He had gone from a starving dog, with many problems, to a 108 pound, loved, spoiled family member who now has two little sisters, also adopted from the Animal Ark. Seeing as how it was humans that mistreated him, Samson would have an excuse for being mean toward humans. But, he is the most loving, gentle creature one could ever imagine, be it toward humans, or other animals.

Fast forward a couple years. We started e-mailing Karen, giving her updates on Samson, and soon decided that along with the pictures we’ve sent, perhaps Karen would like to see Samson in person. So, a date was arranged, and on January 10th, we, along with Samson, and our foster dog, Reilly, embarked on a road trip to see Karen. Prior to our trip, we had asked Karen if there was anything she would like us to bring. Karen had said that there was about 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food at the Animal Ark in Hastings that could come up if we had a vehicle that could do it. So, on the Thursday before the trip, we went to the Animal Ark, and loaded up our small pickup with about half of the dog and cat food. That night, I had asked my boss at work if there was any way I could use the company van for such a purpose, and as soon as she heard what the nature of the trip was, she was more than happy to let us take the van. So, Friday night after work, we headed back to the Ark, and loaded up the rest of the pet food.

Bright and early the next morning, we, along with Samson, and Reilly started our trip. It was about 3:00 in the afternoon when we reached Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue. After visiting for a while, the pet food was unloaded, and there was more visiting, until dark. Then, we headed back to our hotel in Bemidji, only to return the next morning, to transport three adult dogs, and five newborn puppies back to the Animal Ark.

We found the trip uplifting for many reasons. First, we got to meet Karen, who saved our dog’s life. Then, Karen got to see Samson, and immediately saw first hand that her tireless efforts are not in vain. Karen told us that after the dogs (or cats) leave her care, she never sees them again, and only occasionally will get an e-mail with any kind of update. I think Karen getting to hang out with Samson did her spirit good too. It was also very rewarding for us being able to help out by delivering food, and transporting dogs back to the Animal Ark. We look at it as a way of giving something back to someone who has given us so much by saving Samson when he needed it most.

We are positive that this trip back to Red Lake was the start of a good friendship, and surely not our last trip to Red Lake. God bless you, Karen!
-D & M, and Samson

Samson returns to Red Lake (for a visit!)

Dear Denise:

I wanted to share the wonderful experience of having Samson revisit Red Lake Rosie's Rescue on Saturday and Sunday, Jan 10 and 11. This time it was he who brought the gifts of dog and cat food for all his friends at the shelter.His mom and dad, D & M brought a larger van full of goodies, and transported out 8 dogs/pups to Animal Ark.

I had butterflies all week as I wondered if Samson would remember us and how he would be after being adopted the past 2 years. He far surpassed what I had expected. What a beautiful and wonderful animal!! He was the perfect gentleman.

He did some exploring around the shelter, and spent time in the cathouse while we visited and exchanged stories about Samson. He knows how to shake, catch, sit and roll over.It was a perfect weekend and made me happy to know that we do have the success of getting a new life for many animals. If anyone had deserved this great life- it was Samson after all the suffering he had endured. It made it all worthwhile. Thank you D & M for loving and caring for Samson.

Karen and RLRR

Samson update

Karen...
I am not sure if you are the one to write to, but about two years ago, my wife and I were the lucky people to get one of your rescue "success stories".

The dog that we got is Samson, a newfoundland / black lab mix. I don't know if you remember him, but we are so fortunate to have him. Some think that he's lucky to have us, but as cool, and sweet as he is, I know that we're the lucky ones.


I am proud to say that the dog you rescued from a terrible, abusive life is so loved by all who meet him. In fact, we were on a walk and started talking to a lady, and when we gave her his story, she was surprised to see that my Samson is the same Samson that she transported from Red Lake to the Animal Ark in Hastings. He had come that far in his new life, and is no longer the mange-ridden, heartworm infested, starving dog that she transported, unsure of how long he'd survive.


He is now a 108 pound, healthy, happy dog, with many more years ahead of him. His disposition is so sweet and loving that one would never dream of what kind of past he had had. Although he is 108 pounds, he still thinks he's a lap dog, and takes up a big portion of our king size waterbed, where he sleeps with us each night.

We would love to send pictures of Samson, if we can, and if you would like..

We would also like to thank everyone from Red Lake Rosie's group that does so much to help animals that need it so much.

Thank you for all you do.

Happy Holidays...

Dan & Maggie Larson, and Samson

Samson in his new home

Samson is a large black lab who was rescued 2 years ago. He had no hair from severe mange and the owner said she was trying to kill him by withholding food, but he would not die! The kids in the household threw rocks at him.

Now look at him- he is so beautiful and has a GREAT life. Makes it all worthwhile.

Karen


Here is the update on Samson from Animal Ark:

05/22/2008 - Samson update
Posted by Mary S
Updated on 05/23/2008

One of the dogs we have rescued from Red Lake in the past was Samson. He found a great home and today I received some photos of him and an update! I just had to share his "New life" with all of you, it warmed my heart & I'm sure it will warm yours too.

The following is from Samson's new mom:
When Sam first came to us, he would cower everytime we would raise our handaround him, and would cry in his sleep almost every night. The abuse he suffered must have been terrible. We are so glad the Animal Ark found him,and took him out of that terrible situation. The fact that Sam is probably the sweetest dog on the planet is a miracle, considering what he went through.

He is 108 pounds of pure love. He would sit there and let you pet him for hours. All he wants is love and gentle words, and of course, treats!He loves walking, playing fetch at the dog park, and going for rides inthe car. He knows when it is Thursday. Dan and I go out to Peking restaurant on Thursday's, and he comes along for the ride. He waits patiently in the car because he knows he will get a chicken strip for a treat. He loves to go anywhere in the car. He doesn't much care where, or if the car is even running. One day, I had to go out to the garage and he must have followed me out there. When I couldn't find him, I went back out to the garage, and there he was, sitting in the car (he jumped in thru theopen window), in the dark, almost as if to say "You won't be going anywhere without me".

He hangs out on the couch watching TV with us, and likes to sleep with us for about an hour each night. Then he hops down and goes to his own bed. He is not a "morning" person, and in fact he acts more like a second shift person. When we get up in the morning we let the other two dogs out first,and Sam just lays there on his bed. If you talk to him, he will crack one eye open and look at you, as if to say "just 5 more minutes, please".

All of our friends just love his mellow disposition, and after they hear his story, tell us how lucky Sam was to find us, when in fact, it is the other way around. We are the lucky ones to have found Sam.