Surely one of the greatest joys of childhood is having a pet. And perhaps the most heartbreaking event in a youngsters life would be the loss of his “best friend,” should the pet die. Such was the case with the small girl in Barbara Walsh’s touching story.
The girl, who remains nameless throughout, has a hound dog named Sam, Sammy to her. Her Dad said Sammy was the best hound dog in the whole world, but as she puts it, “All I knew was that I loved Sammy and Sammy loved me.” His skills didn’t matter - only that he played with her, slept by her bed to keep her safe at night, and made her laugh. She believed that the two of them would be pals forever.
However, the day came when Sammy was taken ill and the veterinarian told them nothing could help. It is at this point that the author helps youngsters to understand how to cope with death. The girl’s Dad said, “We’ve got to love Sammy as much as we can because he’s not going to be with us much longer. Her mother explained that when Sammy died, “...his body would be like an empty shell but his spirit will be everywhere - in the clouds, the fields, and the woods. All the good things about Sammy will be yours to keep forever.”
Through the voices of Dad and Mother the author beautifully expresses the thought that Sammy will be with all of them forever in memory, in their hearts. Jamie Wyeth’s frame-worthy watercolor paintings perfectly capture the story.
Highly recommended.
- Gail Cooke
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