Grab a few tissues for this one. This story is guaranteed to warm your heart and maybe even bring a tear or two.
Sammy, a rescued Lab mix from Nevada, has become an inspiration to everyone who meets him. His story is one of perseverance, love, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog.
Even when his health began to fail, Sammy never lost his spirit — and in the end, his strength brought healing not just to himself, but to his human brother too.
A Family’s Promise To Their New Best Friend
Ruth Gentry and her son, Roan, were devastated after losing their two senior dogs, aged 15 and 17, within just three weeks of each other. The house felt painfully empty, and no amount of comfort seemed enough to fill the void.
Then, Ruth came across Sammy.
While browsing rescue listings in search of a companion for her son, she spotted the Lab mix at the Churchill Animal Protection Society in Nevada. Something about him felt right.
She and Roan went to meet him in person, and from the moment Sammy greeted them with a kiss, it was clear they were meant to be a family.
Roan had found a loyal friend, and Ruth had found a reason to smile again. They promised that Sammy would always be cared for and loved — no matter what.
But soon, their new beginning took a heartbreaking turn.
During a playful moment, Sammy slipped and began to limp. The vet initially suspected a simple injury, but the truth was far more serious.
“I took him to UC Davis and they found out he has congenital patella luxation (floating knee cap) in both legs. This probably predisposed him to his injury in his left hind leg. Sammy,” Ruth wrote on Facebook.
The diagnosis was crushing. Friends suggested that Ruth consider rehoming him because the treatment would be long, expensive, and uncertain.
But Ruth and Roan never gave up. They enrolled Sammy in the UC Davis veterinary program, where specialists monitored his condition closely.
After two failed surgeries, the vets decided that the best plan for him was ongoing physical therapy combined with a wheelchair for support.
Sammy adjusted beautifully. He learned to move again, and more importantly, he learned to enjoy life on his own terms.
A New Purpose And A Healing Bond
Over the next two years, Sammy thrived. His wheelchair didn’t slow him down; if anything, it made him stronger. He loved cuddling, going on gentle walks, and spending every moment he could with Roan.
He even received custom knee braces to make moving around easier.
When Roan was later diagnosed with dyslexia and began a tutoring program, Sammy became his constant companion. Every day, he positioned himself next to Roan, offering quiet encouragement and comfort through each lesson.
“Everyday Sammy is at my son’s side for his tutoring. When he comes exhausted from school and needs to lie down for a bit Sammy is there,” Ruth shared on Instagram.
Even without any formal training, Sammy naturally knew how to help. His calm presence soothed Roan in ways no one else could.
“Sammy has a way about him that calms my son like nothing I have ever seen. This is why I know Sammy will make a great therapy dog someday maybe his mission is to work with kids,” Ruth added.
For now, Sammy’s mission is clear — to love, comfort, and support his best friend every single day. Together, they’ve built a bond that nothing can break.