View allAll Photos Tagged Sam
I met Sam in Bideford, Cornwall recently. I was sat in a cafe having just ordered food and saw him standing beside his old honda motorcycle, he appeared to be waiting for somebody.
He looked very relaxed and at ease with himself and having spotted this alley a few minutes before I nipped over as he made his way to a cash ATM. I introduced myself and the reason I was speaking to him and despite being in a bit of hurry Sam agreed to a picture.
Sam was an intriguing character, he noticed small details like the fact I was using a manual lens and we had a discussion over the pros and cons of this, I asked if he was into photography and he said he liked gadgets, not being drawn further.
He has lived in Cornwall since 2002 and before that "various places" including time at boarding schools.
Sam gave me his card which describes himself as a 'Specialist in the non specific" and was titled "Erratic Static", and on the back an image of St Jude the Patron Saint of Lost and Impossible Causes. I wish I had had time time to find out more.
This picture is 77 in my 100 strangers project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
We did another little shoot yesterday. Too cold to be outside without being bundled up now, and I didn't think anyone would prefere Sam bundled up to unbundled. : )
This image is protected by copyright, no use of this image shall be granted without the written permission from Yaman Ibrahim.
Sadly, after spending 14 years in Sam's company, we have decided the kindest thing to do is have him put to sleep. His health had been declining since before Christmas, although he had still been eating well and following us around most of the time. He has been a wonderful companion over those years, but the last couple of days he has hardly been able to walk, and the whole family agreed taking him to the vet would be the kindest thing. Just got back now - I think it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do!
We adopted Sam from a rescue centre in 2000, when Sam was about 2 (Matt was 10 and JJ was 6). We fell in love with him at first sight when we saw him across a field! Apparently his previous owners had taken him to the police asking him to be put down, as he had bitten someone, but his owners had been drunk and sat on him - so you would be tempted to bite someone in those circumstances!! Sam has never bitten anyone willingly since - he has been the most gentle dog you could have.
I have put together a collection of photos from over the years we have had him, from the time we rescued him up until this week, as a tribute. I hope you enjoy it.
It was hard to find music to accompany these photos and videos, but I decided on "Oh What a Life", but the American Authors, one of my fave bands at the moment.