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Doctors say Simcoe Sam suffered minor stroke

2018-01-17 Simcoe Sam
Simcoe Sam Facebook photo

A beloved canine fixture in the window of a downtown Barrie shop faces rehabilitation and physiotherapy after doctors in Guelph determined he suffered a minor stroke. 

Simcoe Sam has been greeting customers of Simcoe Print Solutions at Dunlop St. East and Mulcaster for about three years.

Sam appeared to have a bad fall on Jan. 13 while out walking with his 'dad' Rob McCormack, owner of the print shop. 

McCormack says Sam was examined by doctors in Guelph Wednesday morning who determined the pet had a minor stroke. 

"What they're saying its not a death sentence. With some therapy and stuff like this he might be able to regain more of his use of his back end," said McCormack, getting emotional as he spoke of his close companion. "Hopefully we get somewhere with some therapy and don't have to make a decision for the worst anytime soon." 

Sam is not in any pain, said McCormack, finding small comfort in that news.  

"That is a good thing. I wouldn't want him stumbling around in pain. The doctor said let's wait a week and see what we got."

Sam has already regained a little bit of mobility because he's been on steroids and McCormack is lining up Reiki massage.

The nearly 13-year-old pet was adopted as a rescue by McCormack 8 years ago. 

"He's very stimulated by people that come in the shop. That kind of stuff maybe will be reactivate his brain," said McCormack, adding his special dog has many friends.

"People that take him for swims in the summer and walks in the winter. He's got quite a community of support around here.  Some of the homeless people come in an sit with him which I allow because everybody deserves to have a pet."

McCormack set up a GoFundMe page to pay for Sam's care.  The account already raised $1,485 of the $5,000 goal.  Once Sam has his therapy and whatever other treatments he requires, McCormack will donate any leftover funds to charity 

"For just sitting in the window of a shop for three years he's got lots of fans," said McCormack.  "He's got a lot of people downtown that love him. He had 50 visitors come in the shop yesterday just to see him."

 

 

 


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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