NS.bCH. Asgard-Samson, CGC
b. September
4, 2002
sire: bCh.Ptd.
Trillium-Petra Our Ajax d'Laz ROM 
dam: NS.bCh. Asgard's Freyia of Betterways (CGC)
31 1/2" tall | Hips - Good | Elbows - Normal
Samson's Progeny 2004 :: 2006
Samson is loving and gentile with children. He is known in our social circles as a gentle giant. He also loves adults and other dogs. At a herding meeting in Davisburg, Michigan with the White German Shepherd Dog Club, the members were so impressed with Samson that they thought that he would make a “GREAT POSTER DOG FOR ALL LARGE DOGS”. Samson’s is very large and extremely athletic; this coupled with his looks and friendliness makes a very striking first impression. He is very confident and comfortable with people and he does not seem to care that they may be a little nervous meeting him. His gentle temperament wins them over. Samson loves to play and loves to make friends. Samson is a silver sabled, double plush. He is a Certified Therapy Dog and has earned his first leg toward his herding title. Our grand children climb all over him. He watches them very closely. Even when our youngest grandson first began to go up and down the stairs, Samson would go up and down with him to try to protect him from injury. He is real loveable, smart and affectionate. We love him! -Raymond
& Pam DuRussel, Michigan |
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5/11/04: Samson has a temperament which he adjusts to the situation. However he always gravitates strongly to being REAL laid back. When he was younger, we thought that he was either a soft, or medium-soft temperament. We are now convinced that he is a solid medium temperament. 98% of the time, Samson is similar to a Golden Retriever, but not so hyper. 2% of the time he is another dog. He loves to be friendly and have a good time. However, if he is challenged he will meet an aggressor in his aggression, and will insist that they back-down. Yet, 5 seconds after he has asserted himself he returns to his “let’s be friends” attitude. With children, Samson understands that they must be treated with gentleness, and care. I have seen him react when one of our grandchildren pretends to be in trouble playing under an empty big box. Samson ran over and got under the box in an instant to see if they were alright. When we walk him he greets other dogs with friendliness. We have repeatedly seen him ignore 2 or three nippy acts of fear aggression. After about three, he will advance toward the aggressor, but he gives them time to understand that he is not threatening. When we have taken him for advanced training, we have numerous times seen him lay on his side and tap a timid dog with his front paw to ease the shy dogs anxiety. We have seen him do this with dogs as small as a female Sheltie, to as large as a female Great Dane who became aggressive after she was attacked in her youth by a dog intimidated by her size. With these dogs, the owner’s are amazed and have appreciative to us and Samson for this dog therapy. The change in these dogs is something to see. The female Great Dane abandoned her aggression and became so bonded to Sammie that it was almost embarrassing to the owners. The little Sheltie would come up to Samson, happy to see him and with confidence. She ceased being skittish with the other dogs. Other dogs have learned to play, and others stopped being aggressive. A dog showing a lot of aggression toward Samson, has the effect or drawing him. He walks toward them like they are smiling. We have not let him completely play out the last scenario to see what will happen. I
think Samson is communicating to the other dog that he is not
the slightest bit intimidated. Samson would much rather have a
good time and make friends. However he is always thinking and
understands socially what we have taught him. Being a good big
easy going guy is where the rewards are! -Raymond DuRussel, Michigan
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SAMSON'S GREAT SHOWING AT 2004 HOMECOMING
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SAMSON AT THE VETERAN'S HOSPITAL Samson and I went to the VA Hospital yesterday. Every time we go, Samson seems to understand more how to interact with the needs of the veterans at the hospital. When we first started going, Samson was just curious and pleased to be there because it was something new and interesting. Samson is Mr. curious, or nosey depending on how you see things. I talk to Samson a lot and people are amazed how he responds to conversation. His lead is more of a formality than a need; it gives the people who are terrified of him a feeling of security. Some people are afraid, even when I tell them that Samson has a kind heart. He is more of a protector than an aggressor. Samson will put himself between an aggressor and the oppressed, and not let the aggressor continue. This is more his style. He is gentile and easy going. I will tell Samson, "Samson, why don't you go over and greet this person or that." Samson will walk over, give him a sniff and allow him to give him a pet. Some people Samson likes a lot, others, he has no interest. He has become so popoular that they asked us to participate in a Circus show coming to the VA in April. When I told them that we could not come on a Wednesday, they are going to see if the date can be switched to a date that Samson can make his appearance. Samson gets so relaxed in the coridors of the hospital that he will literally lay down in the middle while everyone is giving him all this attention. At times I will have to ask him to stand so that a hospital cart can pass by. Even the Detroit Police officers come by to greet Samson while he is there. One of the officers has asked me if he could walk him around. Of curse, though Samson likes people, he keeps his eyes on me and a walk with a stranger would not work, even though he might approve of the person's character. |
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