This is Samsom. He was rescued in 2015 by my friend and fellow dog photographer Audrey who lives in San Diego. I met Audrey in 2016 at a pet photography workshop in Spain. I met Samson for the first time in 2018.

I really do love all of the dogs I meet but some of them just get to me. Samsom was one of those dogs.

It’s like I could really see him and he could see me. It was his eyes. I wish I could find the words to explain it better.

He’s a mastiff. The breed can be protective and he was at times. Whenever anyone new was meeting him, Audrey explained the best way to do it. I’m fairly dog savvy but I always listen to any owner’s advice because they know their dog best.

Audrey said I basically needed to ignore him and let him approach me. I did and within two minutes we were friends and I immediately loved him.

I loved his size. He was huge and for those who know me, you know I love giant dogs.

I loved him because he’s a fighter and the odds weren’t really in his favor. At the age of 5-6, he’d already developed hip problems. When they happen earlier in the dog’s life especially with big dogs, you kind of know he’s living on borrowed time.

I saw him for the last time in December in Oregon which is where I took these photos of him. I knew most likely this would be the last time I saw him.

Saying goodbye to him was hard. I cried as soon as I got in Audrey’s car on the way to catch my flight home.

Samson had 4.5 great years with Audrey. Know you’re loved and missed big guy.