Tribute appeal for beloved North Devon assistance dog who was known to so many

An assistance dog who touched the hearts of many people in Barnstaple is to be remembered in a book dedicated to his life.

Samson was always by the side of owner Ruthy Kingdon as she busked in the town centre, visited shops and businesses and went on patrol as a Street Pastor, but earlier this month Ruthy announced on Facebook the heart-breaking news he had passed away.

Now Ruthy, who lives with a neurological condition that affects her mobility, is in the midst of writing a book about his amazing life and how he went from a family pet dog to a trained assistance dog known to so many people.

She has launched a GoFundMe appeal to try and raise £1,500 to cover the publishing costs and help spread the word about her beloved constant companion of the past 10 years.

Above and below: Samson was a familiar sight with Ruthy Kingdon as she busked in Barnstaple. Credit: Ruthy Kingdon

She said: “He was really, really well known in so many different arenas. I put the notice of his passing on social media and there has been quite an outpouring of sadness and comfort to me, which was really lovely.

“He was most well known in Barnstaple as he would lay beside me as I was busking, shop around Tesco and Asda with me. People would know Sam but they won’t know me.

“In Santander bank he would go to every single person in the queue to have cuddles and lots of fuss, in the old leisure centre at the gym and generally everywhere he went.

“I have so many wonderful stories of him, not just assisting me but helping others, including adults and children who were frightened of dogs plus People who suffered so much with mental health and anxiety.”

Above: Samson accompanied Ruthy almost everywhere, including during workouts at the gym. Credit: Ruthy Kingdon

Ruthy, now 51, became ill with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) 10 years ago. The condition causes a variety of symptoms such as weakness and tremors, with mobility issues often one of the main symptoms and she has been confined to a wheelchair for many years.

Samson was then her pet dog who had arrived from Dogs Trust about three years before and he was aged four-and-a-half when Ruthy became ill.

She said: “I was in a really bad way and I decided to train him up.

“He did tasks like opening the washing machine door, taking the washing out of the machine, taking off my socks and trousers, taking off my cardigan and in the house he would bring my walker to me and would pick up things all the time for me.

“He was a very obedient dog and I rarely had him on a lead as he was so well behaved. We found a dog trainer on Facebook called Michelle Dart, she trained me as well as Samson. So for example we trained him to pick up the phone handset and then transferred that to picking up things on the floor.

“He came everywhere with me, the banks, shops and hotels.”

Ruthy also runs the Seedlings for Christ charity, helping support children and families in Gambia, West Africa and is a trustee of the Seedlings School they established there. She continues to go abroad when she can to carry out missionary work.

Ruthy recalls so many instances where Samson made a difference for people who were having a bad day – when she visited her son in hospital he also brought smiles and comfort to many other patients, as he did when they visited North Devon Hospice to see an uncle who was dying.

She said: “He was loved by so many and attracted many admirers because he was handsome and because we was such a gentle loving soul.

“During Covid I had to go to Tesco's but had only just got out of hospital with terrible breathing attacks and I couldn't talk. I knew I would be stopped repeatedly as people wanted to speak to Samson and fuss him. I didn't want to stop this but was struggling so much.

“When we got to the meat section Samson instinctively went to a woman who was suffering anxiety. He stood in front of her to calm her to offer comfort. She broke down in tears with gratitude and amazement. It was truly beautiful to see.

“Samson was a Street Pastor dog and came out for many years on patrol around Barnstaple. He also joined me weekly as I played the piano at church. He patiently waited beside me as I sang and busked in the town centre.

"He was well known amongst hundreds of people and in many different settings.”

Above: The pair were inseparable and went everywhere together. Credit: Ruthy Kingdon

Sadly, Samson’s health declined from February this year, with his hips and back legs becoming weaker and weaker.

Ruthy said: “In July they were so bad. He was not in pain, but was distressed and sad. I knew it was time. I put him to sleep on Thursday, July 10.

“Samson has by far been the best dog I have had.”

If you would like to make a donation to the appeal to publish a book in Samson’s memory, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/publish-a-book-about-samson-my-assistance-dog