Sam & Accordions

To the Editor:

Thank you so much for the wonderful stories and photos in the August 2026 edition, “Animals Are People, Too!” Senior News is always a treat.

The article about Mary and Samson at Timber Ridge [Joanne Fornes, “Bacon and Stuffies — Mary & Sam, a Love Story,” page 23] was especially near and dear to me. As part of an accordion trio that plays at Timber Ridge, I see Mary and Samson twice a month. Samson always comes over and greets us and then takes a snooze at our feet, falling asleep to the music. Of course, the treats don’t hurt either. He’s a gentle soul with the warmest brown eyes.

Thanks again for the wonderful articles.

Bobbi Bartscht, Eureka

Editor’s Note: With great sadness, we learned as we went to press from Joanne Fornes, who wrote the Mary & Sam story, that Samson, Mary’s beloved 13-year-old golden retriever, has gone on to that great dog park in the sky. All our good thoughts to Mary and all Sam’s fans. Woof.