animal nation | Everybody Loves Sammy

Remy is a Miracle

Posted on February 19, 2017 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

We have a very special story tonight. Please say hello to Remy, a beautiful sweet Schnauzer. The story of Remy is truly a story of miracles.

Remy belongs to our great friends, Deb Dun Magathan and her husband, Larry, both retired now living on the Jersey Shore. They were originally from Pennsylvania

Deb and her family are big time animal lovers. Over the years they have had many many dogs and several kinds of other animals too, including a pig named, Miss Higgins. They always had mini schnauzers up until their last angel passed about a year ago.

One night, Deb’s daughter, Samantha, excitedly texted her about a mini Schnauzer she saw on Facebook. When Deb saw the dog she immediately showed Larry and they immediately knew they had to have him in their lives.

Here’s where it got a little Dicey. Deb had no idea Remy was in Korea and the post had been 12 hours old already. There were many people who wanted Remy.

Deb quickly reached out over FB messenger to Patti Kim in California. Patti works with Jindo Love Rescue for Korean Dogs and Patti could tell how bad Deb and Larry wanted Remy, and picked them.

From there, on January 13th, 2016, Remy flew 19 hours from Korea to JFK International in New York What a little trooper this little fella is.

Remy had a rough life before he was rescued by Jindo Love Rescue. He was being physically abused by the owner’s boyfriend. She gave him up to a kill shelter. This kill shelter sells the dogs to the meat traders in Korea. This is not against the law there in Korea. Jindo Love goes to these places, rescues the dogs and finds homes for them. Deb mentioned that Remy is such a happy lovebug, you’d never know he’d been abused. Animals are so grateful like that.

Sammy & Family has written about the dog and cat meat trade throughout Asia many times over the years. Had this miracle not taken place, Remy was either going to be put down, or worse off, end up circulating in the dog meat trade destined for a horrific ending. An unspeakable ending.

Quick mention on Jindo Love Rescue.

In order to facilitate these rescues from Korea, Patti Kim out of California and their point person in Shanghai China, Su, coordinate with their fosters in Korea and miraculously bring dogs to the states for a brand new life.

Jindo Love is not a nonprofit or registered organization. They are a group of individuals who pool their own money to rescue dogs from the dog meat trade and high kill shelters.

Sammy & Family wants to thank Deb and Larry for making the world a better place several animals at a time.

We also want to thank Patti Kim and Jindo Love for their tireless commitment towards getting innocent dogs out of Korea and into loving families and homes stateside.

In a world with so much pain, thank God we have incredible people and organizations like this on the front lines for animals everyday.

None of us can change everything, but everyone can change something. A random act of kindness may not change the world, but it changes the world for the recipients of that kindness.

No lives will go in vain. No pain will go unnoticed. Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Kristin to the Rescue

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

We have a very special visitor tonight. This is our great friend, Kristin, and her rescue, Jaqen. — Kristin actually rescued Jaqen and his brother, Jon, who is not in the picture. They are 8 months old now and were raised by a foster after their mother died.

These two cats were graced with two miracles. Firstly, with their foster, and secondly, when Kristin took them in permanently. The worst is officially behind them.

Sammy & Family met Kristin a few years back while she was visiting NYC. She’s a big time animal lover.

I really love this picture. I found it very moving. Animals are so healing. They really have a calming affect on people

One night Kristin wrote a story for our friends from around the world called, “No thanks, I’ll sit with the dog” — The story is about a person who had social anxieties and took comfort in sitting next to a dog at a house party one night.

Kristin, thank you for sharing this picture with us. More importantly, thank you for making the world a better place, two rescues at a time.

None of us can change everything, but everyone can change something. And Kristin did just that by offering Jaqen and Jon a great life.

Friends, if anyone ever wants to share their pet’s or family’s story with us, we would be happy to write about it and post it throughout our platforms. We also would be honored to write prayer requests for animals and people in need. We also do really nice tributes for lost loved ones, both animals and people again.

As many of you already know, we’ve been writing across these topics for years. I personally find it very healing and humbling writing prayers and tributes. The people requesting the prayers and / or tributes have always found it soothing as well.

I hope everyone had a marvelous New Years Day. Signing off from Puerto Rico, Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Prayers for Spunky

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

This little Pomeranian, Spunky, is fighting for his life right now. He’s 15 years old and his fighting heart disease and his kidneys are failing.

Spunky is member of our friends Don and Cindy Volz. Don is in this picture post with Spunky. Don had a pretty serious accident two years ago and Spunky never left his side when he came home from the hospital. Cindy even smuggled him into the hospital while Don was recovering. Spunky was big part of Don’s recovery and became the family hero.

This little hero needs our prayers now. Sammy & Family is really pulling for this little soldier. We need a big time miracle.

Keep up posted Don and Cindy. We’ll be praying for Spunky. Hang tough. Anything can happen on any given day.

Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Rest In Peace KoKo

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Tonight we pay tribute to a fallen angel named, KoKo. As many of you know, KoKo was a member of Janice Knecht Kolb & Family. He was one of four Poodles and is now survived by Mahlee, Kwinn and Kleiner.

This was a very tough day for the Kolb family. This morning in the very early hours KoKo had a seizure. Janice took him to the vet and returned home with Kolb by 9 am. Hoping to see improvement and watching him closely, KoKo remained disoriented. By 10 am, there was still no improvement. He was very uncomfortable, breathing heavy and kept getting up and moving to other spots all the while staying within Janice’s sight.

At 11 am, he slowly wobbled over to the office room and laid down. It was here when KoKo stopped breathing. Our dogs have incredible courage and loyalty. Even in their demise they think of us first. KoKo didn’t want to Janice to see him die. He decided to go into another room and spare her the pain.

Dogs know what to do when its their time. Vanessa has told me several times dogs do not fear death. They only fear hurting their human families.

Koko will be cremated on Monday. He will join Savannah (Pom), Tinkerbelle (Yorkie), and my 2 Dobies, Kassie and Kyzer on my bookcase. He would have been 10 on Feb. 26, 2017.

When Janice and I spoke today, she said life will never be the same without KoKo. We can all relate to that. Janice is very grateful to still have her other 3 poodles to console her.

Sammy & Family wants to thank Janice for making the world a better place, several animals at a time. Janice has been a big time friend to animals her whole life.

No lives will go in vain. No pain will go unnoticed. Amen. Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Bailey and Charlie lead us out tonight

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Say hello to Bailey and his new sister Charlie. They belong to our great friend Linda Richard-LaBrot. Linda was kind enough to chime in on Poppy Rocky Tuesday with all the hope and possibilities that surround us.

We have shared the story of how the Pops and Rocky got off to a very rough start in life, and thanks to Hope and possibilities, miracles took place.

Tonight we share a miracle names Charlie. Charlie is the dog laying on the couch in the back. She started her life out on the streets and now is part of a loving family and home. It reminds us humans that when we rescue an animal, they rescue us. We call that a Win Win. We like those.

So Linda, this one’s for you for making the world a better place, one animal at a time.

No lives will go in vain. No pain will go unnoticed. Amen. Dr. Harp Seal for Sammy & Family.

Pippin will lead us out tonight

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Tonight, a Pomeranian named Pippin leads us out. This is a very moving story. Pippin is a member of our friend Ruth and Family. Normally our friends send me some information and I will put a post together for them, but in this case, I really love how Ruth spoke of her little angel Pippin.

So here’s what Ruth had to say below;

“This is my sweet Pippin. She was on death row when my Son adopted her. She was so timid that it took her 2-weeks to even bark. Her first Thanksgiving with us, when we sat down at the table, she cowered and ran down the hall yelling. I think her previous Owners “mistreated” her when she got too close to the table. My Son went down the hall and sat with her until she calmed down. We have had her now for about 6-years. She is such a happy and loving dog now, although there are times when her “past” makes her fearful again. For example, I sometimes pick up the fly swatter or paper to swat a fly and she runs and hides. I guess she must have been pretty beaten up in the past and those things bring back bad memories. When that happens I just love on her and let her know everything is okay. She’s such a good girl and all she wants is to be loved. I love her so much. I can’t imagine anyone abusing such a beautiful animal! I am so happy and thankful that I have my sweet Pippin! She is such a blessing”

Earlier this afternoon when Ruth and I were corresponding, I was telling her that Pippin reminds me of our Jeffrey in terms of his fears from the past too. Jeffrey, like Pippin is a very happy dog now, but the emotional scars run deep.

Ruth is a perfect example of how one random act of kindness may not change the world, but it changes the world for the recipient of that kindness. And that recipient was Pippin. When we rescue animals, they rescue us right back. We can all relate to that I’m sure.

Ruth, thank you for sharing this powerful story with Sammy & family and our friends from all over the world.

No lives will go in vain. No pain will go unnoticed, Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Savannah and Frankie

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

We have a very heart warming story tonight. Say hello to Little Savannah. Her mother Jennifer reached out to us to share her daughter’s story. Savannah has Pervasive Developmental Disorder, also known a Atypical Autism. It’s a form of autism that she developed as an infant which causes her to be significantly impaired socially and with communication.

As Jennifer did learned more about Autism, it has been said that autistic children bond well with animals. Jennifer started taking Savannah to the animal shelter several times a month but still not much of a connection with any of them.

Then about two years ago, then went to the shelter again and Savannah was drawn to a big black fluffy dogs with pointy ears. Jennifer and Savannah adopted this dog and named him Frankie. Savannah would reach out to pet him, hug him and kiss him. Things she would never do before. She had a real soulful connection with Frankie. After reading this post, please see the video link to witness how much this dog Frankie, lifted Savannah’s spirits.

Sadly, several months ago Frankie developed some strange symptoms: mainly scratching the air near his head, and his legs would give out on him randomly. After a visit to the vet, it was determined that he has syringomyelia. It is caused by a partial blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. As a result, pressure builds and the fluid is pushed into the spinal cord where it forms fluid pockets called “syrinxes”, damaging the spinal cord. Affected dogs can suffer significant pain, weakness, incoordination and even paralysis.

Jennifer spent thousands for an MRI, steroids, anti-convulsants, medication for pain and swelling, and all of the vet follow-up visits. However, Frankie is getting worse. He is in dire need of a surgery which will cost approximately $7500. Jennifer has come up with $3500 dollars but is still $3900 dollars short. If anyone can spare any surgery funds for this little trooper, your money would go very far.

Jennifer does not want anyone donating for her, only donate for the sake of her daughter Savannah and Frankie. Here is the link if you would like donate; https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/savannah-and-frankie

If you cannot donate, please keep Savannah and Frankie in your thoughts and prayers. The video of this larger than life friendship is right here; https://www.facebook.com/frankieandsavannah/videos/228782390826504/

And just below is the Video link, a must see; https://www.facebook.com/frankieandsavannah/videos/228782390826504/

Poppy Rocky Tuesday evening on May 10th, 2016

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Thank you for stopping by. We hope everyone had a nice Poppy Rocky Tuesday. Life was good today on May 10th, 2016.

In continuing the spirit of Poppy Rocky Tuesday’s, we will stay with the theme of Hope and Possibilities. I really have come to love Tuesdays. Hope is an incredible resource in this life. Let’s take a closer look at why Hope is so important.

When someone feels down and out and in total despair, they feel hopeless. They don’t see a way out. And yet another person, with the same circumstances, feels hopeful. So its no surprise whose life is on the upswing and whose is not.

How do you get hope if you feel hopeless ? That is the million dollar question. The answer can be many things. But to name a few; a great night sleep can do miracles for your perspective. Reaching out to family or a friends can lift someone’s spirits. Just a few key words or phrases from the right person can changes a person’s thinking in an instant.

Taking it slow until you feel grounded again. Nobody needs to make life altering decisions when we feel so down. When we realize that, it takes the pressure off of trying to rebound to quickly. Taking a walk helps. They say when we move muscles, we can change our thoughts. Also is important is take deep breaths.

Small tweaks, big gains. All of these tools are actionable, doable and effective.

We will see you in the morning. Day 477 in Puerto Rico and day 167 since we rescued Rocky. Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.

Pigs Lives Matter

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Dr. Harp Seal here. We have an important message tonight. While I know this will not influence everyone, I sure hope it influences some.

Please consider giving up Pork. None of our appetites are important enough to inflict such suffering on animals. Please try Soy Dogs. They’re very tasty and more importantly, you will be sparing these beautiful animals from such pain. Pigs are as sweet, intelligent and loyal as dogs. Try to think of it those terms because that’s how it really is.

None of us can change everything, but everyone can change something. Leaving Pigs alone would be a great place to start. Let’s remember, all lives matter.

The Path to a better world flows through the Humane treatment of all animals. Without that, we have nothing.

Sincerely, Dr. Harp Seal for Sammy & Family.

Picture from ‪NaturalGeographic

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Easter Evening and Animal Welfare

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Dr. Harp Seal

Good evening friends.

Thank you for stopping by. We hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. Sammy boy came to say to goodnight.

Sammy hangs his head with humility this evening. He knows that too many animals don’t have a warm and safe place to sleep. Many years ago I told him about the plight of the animals and that it was Not all Rose Gardens for them.

As a result of those conversations we used to have, Sammy is very conscientious and in tuned with Animal Welfare issues.

A lot of life can be just random luck. Take Rocky for example, I decided to take Sammy, Henry and Patrick for a walk, and next think I know this stray dog just decided to walk with us. When we stopped, he stopped, when we walked, he walked.

How many animals get that lucky ? The answer is not enough of them. Nobody can change everything, but everyone can change something.

In the lyrics of the late great Micheal Jackson in 1988; ♫♫♫ Make that change ♫♫♫

No lives will go in vain. No pain will go unnoticed. Amen. Dr. Harp Seal.

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