December 2007- When SAMA, Inc. learned of Sweetie we could not help but jump in with the community of Pleasant Valley, New York, to aid 12-year-old Sweetie who was diagnosed with leukemia- a a type of cancer that results from the proliferation of cancerous blood cells in the bone marrow.Though chemotherapy is not a cure for the disease Sweetie can benefit from the treatments.  

The Poughkeepsie Journal ran an article on December 27, 2008, about Sweetie.  Her family was calling out for help from the community as they are unable to afford the cost of her treatments.  Once again we saw a community pull together, this time to help a sweet precious little girl named Sweetie!  Staff at Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital told us "people were just stopping in emptying their pockets to do whatever they could to help the family."  SAMA is located approximately 100 miles from where the article ran, so we only learned of Sweetie and her family's story from a random email.  After tracking down Sweetie's doctors and family we once again saw how powerful & magical the human/animal bond can be as Ron, Sweetie's dad, divulged his devout love for 'his Sweetie.'

He explained his morning rituals that consist of giving Sweetie plenty of kisses from head to toe, not to mention reminding Sweetie how beautiful she is.  As Ron shared stories with me from days gone by I could not help but reflect back to my own scared & helpless feelings when I found out that the health of both of my beloved babies' was failing.  Because we have been blessed with our own "sweeties" and because we remembered all-too-well the horrific feeling of never wanting to let go SAMA reached out to attempt to take some stress from this wonderful family in need. 

Update on Sweetie April 2008 On Easter weekend we planned a road trip to Pleasant Valley, NY to meet darling Sweetie. Upon our arrival Sweetie greeted us with her grand smile, sloppy kisses, and ever so happy love for life!

I must say visiting Sweetie is by far the biggest highlight for me since the establishment of SAMA Inc., in 2007. While I set out to make a difference in just some small way in a senior animals life- it was only through meeting Sweetie up close & personal that I saw how significant our mission is in the life of senior animals!!  Helping precious creatures like Sweetie is the utmost humbling experience I have ever felt in my life.  Watching this precious creature & her love for life brought tears to my eyes. Sweetie showed her appreciation for the small part we played in her therapy by giving me many kisses and hugs! Sweetie's dad, Ron and mom, Gabrielle were just as welcoming. They opened their home to us with much gratitude and hospitality. We sat, we talked, we shared laughs & tears. We watched Sweetie and our very own Hooch lay about basking in the warmth & happiness of Sweetie's home.  Sweetie remains in great spirits even though she is experiencing some difficulty with walking. She does however, enjoy her little red wagon that all of you helped purchase. She sat on her wagon with pride beaming from ear to ear.  Just knowing this precious little creature named Sweetie will be a constant reminder of the importance our mission and the ever so important human/animal bond.