George Johnson is a retired member of the US Navy. He is a decorated World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War veteran. While George was deployed during WWII, his girlfriend sent him a “Dear John” letter. which broke his heart. He only found peace because of his four-legged best friends.
George is a huge dog lover, and white German shepherds have always been his favorite. Sadly, though, Velabit, his last white German shepherd, passed away, making George lonely. Because he needed a buddy, George contacted the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. He asked if they had a senior white German shepherd that he can adopt.
The shelter’s director, Maria Dales, talked to George and told him that they did not have one. However, she said that she would watch out for one. Thankfully, a few days later, Maria found a white German shepherd in Arizona. He was a senior dog named Sam and was already scheduled to be euthanized.
Sam’s previous owner, a Navy officer, so the pup had nowhere to go. George could tell before about Sam’s background. So, a rescue volunteer drove from California to Arizona and picked Sam up for George. When they first met, Sam sniffed George a little and quickly gave his new dad his approval.
According to George, since he met Sam, the pup has made a significant impact on his life. Because of him, George has someone to love, to talk to, and someone to look after. The best part of it, as George said, is that Sam would never send him a “Dear John” letter. Sam stays no more than three feet away from George, so the fur dad knows that his pup is looking out for him, too.
George had received many medals, ribbons, and commendations as a Navy officer. However, even with all these awards put together, Sam still fills his heart more. George feels honored to look after and be Sam’s companion. George also noted that in dog years, he, who is 93, and Sam, who is 13, are about the same age.
Credit: The Petco Foundation