SINGER-SONGWRITER AND multi-instrumentalist Donna Frost is busily promoting her 10th CD and wholeheartedly promoting the Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC). Although Frost adores all animals, a Siberian Husky named Samson, with one blue eye and one brown eye, wrapped a leash around her heart and tugged.
“Samson lived at the shelter for 12 years. They adopted him out unsuccessfully several times. The last time, he ran away and came back to the shelter on his own. After that, people [stopped] by to see him and take pictures with him. He was always there in the lobby, waiting. I first became involved with the HSSC around 2013. Samson and I became friends right away, and I would go back to see him. He was a big part of my weekly Facebook Lives. Together, we raised awareness of the animals available for adoption at the HSSC. Samson had fans all over the country and beyond. He loved everybody, and everyone loved him.”
According to the HSSC, it spends an astounding $3,000-$5,000 for veterinarian care each month and, as a nonprofit, have survived on private donations since 1974. With a “no-kill” policy, the organization successfully adopted out 537 abandoned dogs and cats in 2022.
The HSSC understands the positive mental health benefits of owning a pet, such as the comfort and companionship they offer. For the last six years, the HSSC has provided low income people with pet food and access to have their beloved pets spayed and neutered.
“In 2014, I adopted my precious dog, Eddie, and he has been my heart for nine years,” said Frost. “My involvement with the HSSC became bigger and more far-reaching when the pandemic began. Like all businesses, it affected them as well. All of my gigs were canceled because of COVID, so I went live on Facebook from my house for 62 consecutive weeks. I thought it would be great to do an online show featuring [my music] and introducing some dogs and cats available for adoption. This show has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. We have raised money and have had adoptions because of the show. We even have people watch from other cities and states. Of course, Samson was our show closer. He was a true star.”
Sadly, on May 26, 2023, Samson crossed the “rainbow bridge” and now greets others in a much bigger and brighter lobby.
“I was absolutely heartbroken, as were all of Samson’s family at HSSC and his fans all over the country. He was a very special dog who brought a lot of love and joy to everyone he met. He touched many hearts everywhere! The outpouring of love for him on my pages and those of the HSSC speaks volumes about him. My life is better because Samson was a beautiful part of it. He is forever in our hearts. It will not be the same without him. Run free, Samson. I will see you again one day,” said Frost.
Because Samson brought so much joy to others, Frost made it her mission to rename the Hendersonville Dog Park in memory of Samson. The dog park near Memorial Park, which includes a playground for children, opened in February 2014. The Lions Club raised the initial $15,000 to build the park, but the Sumner County Parks and Recreation maintains it. With separate areas for larger and smaller breeds, plus plenty of benches, the park offers a place for “man’s best friend” and their owners to socialize.
“We have people who bring some of the dogs from the shelter over there to walk. I have always loved the park. In fact, when my precious mother died in 2021, I had a special tree planted with a plaque in memory of her. It is right outside the dog park. It’s important for Samson to be remembered because he was so special and touched many people’s hearts. He was loving and sweet. He was the most famous dog in Hendersonville, and he helped bring awareness to our shelter.”
If you’d like to adopt a new best friend, HSSC says, “Adopt. Don’t shop.” With thousands of abandoned animals in shelters across our nation, the HSCC can help you locate any breed not on its website. GN
