Rest in Peace, Sam - "World's Ugliest Dog"

I was sad to find out from a Yahoo News article that Sam - "World's Ugliest Dog" recently died, Friday, 18 November 2005. As the roommate of a small dog, I can image what Susie is going through. Luckily Culo is only turning 9 in January, so I hope that means we have a few more years. You can find out more information on Sam & Susie's Blog or Sam Ugliest Dog website. I read in one of the Yahoo Message Board Posts that the funeral is next Monday, November 28th at 10 am. Unfortunately, they didn't state the location, but I'm sure it's around Santa Barabra, CA.

Part of pre-funeral eulogy from Craig Schmitman DogExplorer.com’s Big Dog:

Sam, a Chinese Crested Dog entered in our World's Ugliest Dog contest and known throughout the world as Sam, the World's Ugliest Dog, has passed away. He was fifteen. We were notified of his death during a phone call with his owner, Susie Lockheed, today.

Anyone who has spent anytime with Susie and Sam would know that she adored him, and, he adored her.

Sam helped Susie through some difficult health issues and Susie also credits him for helping her find her fiance. In addition to the love she showered on the little dog, Susie likely also saved his life when her fostering him on a temporary basis turned into an adoption.

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Meet Tater Tot

Sam's Girlfriend, his sweetheart.

For more so ugly they are cute dogs, check out: http://www.fuglydog.com/. Look for the dog with the tongue the size of a man's arm and the melting dog.

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Sam article with video at CNN, 11-22-05 Watch Sam's bizarre gait and hear him howl.

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World's Ugliest Dog Dies at 14
Tue Nov 22,12:17 PM ET - Yahoo News

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Sam, the tiny dog whose hairless body and crooked teeth earned him a reputation as the World's Ugliest Dog, has died.

The pooch died Friday, just short of his 15th birthday, his owner said.

"I don't think there'll ever be another Sam," Susie Lockheed said, adding: "Some people would think that's a good thing."

Sam won the ugliest dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair this summer for the third year in a row. The pedigreed Chinese crested had made appearances on TV in Japan, radio in New Zealand and in Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid. He also had met Donald Trump on a talk show set.

Lockheed said she initially was terrified of Sam when she agreed to take him in as a rescue dog six years ago on a 48-hour trial basis. Although she fell in love with him, his appearance repulsed her then-boyfriend and prompted the man to break up with her.

Later, however, Sam became a matchmaker by bringing together Lockheed and her current beau, who saw a picture of the two on an online dating site.

Lockheed said she had Sam euthanized after she learned Sam's heart was failing.

She said she's felt a little lost ever since, and is sleeping with Sam's favorite toy — a stuffed bear he picked up and carried home.

By chance, Susie is putting out a Sam calendar this year for 2006. I for one plan to buy one to help her out and because it's my chance to get a closer look.