Sampson

His Gift to Many

 

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we cross paths with a person or persons that feels like a divine intervention.  These insightful people most often are humble and unassuming yet make a profound impact on a life.  This holds true for Sampson.  He is that chance, divine intervention. 

 

Sampson and his brother Moe were the product of circumstances that could have given them a life very different from the one each lives now.  These dogs were found as young pups basically left to their own devices before being rescued.  Sampson and Moe are known as “Sholly’s”, or, half Shepherd and half Collie.  Each got the incredible drive to learn and serve like a Shepherd, with the kind and gentle soul of a Collie.  Moe is a graduated service dog for a female veteran located in Rochester MN and Sampson, he is now a Facility dog for a police department in Minnetonka MN.

 

Sampson began his training journey with three separate veteran handlers. He was a quick study and very happy to learn with the intention of becoming a service dog. What separated Sampson from most dogs, his innate ability to read emotions and react and respond to chemical increases such as cortisol. Unfortunately when working with mental health diagnoses, relapse is all too common and it can lead to mental health spiraling to the point where the dog can no longer remain with their handler.  This was the case for Sampson not once, but three times..

 

During his time with the veterans, Sampson was an exceptional dog at training.  His biggest obstacle was controlling his impulse to love everyone.  Basic obedience and the skills for the Canine Good Citizen test came easily to him.  He had been working with a diabetic and was keying on blood sugar fluctuations before he was trained to detect them.  The more excited the trainers were with him at task training, the faster he learned.  He was a natural at checking in. His veteran handlers were the only reason he did not become a graduated service dog.

 

Unfortunately, as previously stated, more often than not, a team failing is the handler either not prepared for the riggers of training, or their mental health issues exacerbate and the “victim” mentality rears its ugly head.   But, Sampson was destined to serve.  After 100’s of hours of training and his ability to transition, he was the perfect candidate for our Facility Dog pilot program.

 

Timing is everything and about the time Sampson had to be pulled once again from his veteran handler, I was contacted by a detective from the Minnetonka Police Department. They were interested in having a dog brought into the department to assist the staff with the stressors of their line of work.  Our team met with the detective lead and the chief of Minnetonka and it was clear this would be a great opportunity for their department as well as for Sampson.  Our pilot program for Law Enforcement was up and running.

 

After much discussion and several meetings, a process and contract was created for Sampson and the department after the City Counsel approved Minnetonka’s request for a Facility Dog. It was time for Sampson to meet what could be his future family.  He brought his best self forward and was an instant hit.  

 

Training began with Ashley by bringing Sampson to the department for meet and greets with the staff.  Sampson met the officers, detectives and office staff.  He spent time orienting to the various spaces within his probable home.  Samantha Thompson easily slid into the role of handler while Sampson was there.  Her calm demeanor made Sampson comfortable and at ease.  It wasn’t long before an immediate handoff was given to her.  Each session progressed and Sampson won over even the strongest opposition.  Once again, his desire to serve and de-escalate tension was straightforward and accepted by all.

 

On September 7, 2023 Sampson was officially transferred to the Minnetonka Police Department to begin his life serving as their Facility Dog.  This handoff delivered a host of emotions within our team.  We were so excited for Sampson to showcase his abilities that we knew he possessed from day one.  We knew he would soar in this role and be the gold standard for Facility Dog’s to come.  And it wasn’t long before the images of his interactions began flooding our cellphones. After learning the day to day of law enforcement and the stress of the job, nothing pleased us more than the image of an officer wrapping himself around this dog. Watching him engaging with staff and bounding the halls as he greeted his “people”  are embedded in our hearts. 

 

Since then, Sampson has expanded his role to engage with the community in addition to serving the department.   The staff of Minnetonka recently suffered the loss of one of their own as well as two officers and a firefighter/paramedic from another department.  These tragedies have continued to weigh heavy on the hearts of these officers and staff.  Sampson was called to action throughout these challenging events.  He supported staff at the Medical Examiner’s office as well as the funeral for the officer at Minnetonka. 

 

Our pilot program is no longer.  It is instead a tried and true addition to the men and women who serve our communities.  Sampson has set the bar high but it is the standard that will go on to assist other Police Departments to improve their mental health as well as the communities they serve.  His love and loyalty for his people and their love and loyalty is simply undeniable.