Have you ever met a dog who’s just a little bit awkward?
Well, let us introduce you to Samson, the lovable Golden Retriever who sometimes doesn’t quite fit in with the other dogs.
Imagine going to a dog park where all the dogs are running around, playing fetch, and having a blast. Then, there’s Samson, sitting quietly in a corner, watching everyone but not really joining in.
But one day, something magical happened. Samson met someone who would change his world forever.
Who was this mysterious new friend? And how did they help Samson become the happy, playful dog he is today?
Keep reading to find out!
Samson’s Awkward Nature
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-1-1024x621.jpg.webp)
Samson, our hero Golden Retriever, was always a bit different from other dogs.
While other pups played and ran around, Samson would sit quietly in a corner, watching but not joining in.
You see, Samson had a very important job as a Medical Response service dog.
He took his job very seriously, so much so that even during playtime, he couldn’t quite let loose.
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-2-1024x621.jpg.webp)
“Samson joined our family to be trained as a Medical Response service dog, but he takes it a little too seriously sometimes,” his owner shared.
”Even when he gets time off to play he has a hard time understanding when he can just be a dog.”
But, little did they know that something incredible was about to happen.
The Aha Moment
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-3-1024x621.jpg.webp)
During a family trip, Samson spotted a kitten through a window and immediately wanted to play.
This was a big surprise because Samson usually didn’t show much interest in other animals.
“It was definitely an aha-moment, seeing that he can make very deep social connections; it just has to be the right animal,” his family realized.
Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Samson and a random cat?
Welcoming Cleo Into The Family
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-4-1024x621.jpg.webp)
A few months later, the family brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo.
As soon as they placed Cleo’s backpack in the living room, Samson’s reaction was priceless.
He sniffed eagerly, and when Cleo was finally let out, Samson couldn’t contain his excitement.
“We weren’t expecting he would be so excited that he couldn’t even control himself anymore. It was so heartwarming to see him just come out of his shell,” his owner recalled.
Right then and there, Samson and Cleo’s incredible bond was born.
It was clear he had found a special friend.
Best Buddies Forever
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-5-1024x621.jpg.webp)
From the moment Cleo entered the home, Samson treated her differently than any other animal.
From that day on, Samson and Cleo were inseparable. Samson wanted to be with Cleo all the time, treating her like she was the most special creature he had ever met.
Cleo was a catalyst for Samson’s transformation from an introverted to an extroverted pup!
“Samson treated Cleo differently than other animals in his life. He immediately wanted to be with her at all times,” his family observed.
As days turned into weeks, Samson’s transformation became even more apparent.
He began to play more, not just with Cleo but also with his human family.
Adventures Await
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-6-1024x621.jpg.webp)
Their adventures together were just beginning.
Samson and Cleo started going on all the family’s outdoor trips.
Cleo quickly became a little hiking buddy, though sometimes her tiny legs got tired.
On one hike, Cleo started dragging her feet and meowing.
The family wondered, “What if Cleo rode on Samson’s back?”
They gave it a try, and Cleo held on with her claws, enjoying the ride.
“She seemed to really enjoy herself. Now when she gets tired, we place her on Samson’s back, and she just enjoys the view from up there,” the family shared.
Samson proudly carried his little sister, looking after her every step of the way. How adorable!
Friendship Knows No Bounds
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-7-1024x621.jpg.webp)
Samson used to feel out of place, but with Cleo, he found joy and companionship.
Watching Samson and Cleo, it’s clear that their friendship is special. Samson, a big Golden Retriever, and Cleo, a tiny kitten, show us that friendship doesn’t care about size or species.
Cleo helped Samson explore the world in new ways, bringing out a side of him his family had never seen before.
“When I see Samson and Cleo, I see two very different animals who love each other and trust each other,” their owner noted.
The Cutest Family
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-8-1024x621.jpg.webp)
Samson and Cleo’s story is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. In their home in sunny California, they are surrounded by even more love and joy.
Léa Hendey, their loving owner, also takes care of two adorable Labrador Retrievers and has two kids who adore all their furry friends. Together, they make the cutest family, full of fun, love, and countless adventures.
Imagine how fun their days are! Samson and Cleo playing in the yard, the Labs joining in on the fun, and the kids laughing and running around.
![Shy Service Dog Turned Into A Playful Pup All Because Of A Kitten](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shy-Service-Dog-Turned-Into-A-Playful-Pup-All-Because-Of-A-Kitten-9-1024x621.jpg.webp)
Well, you can follow their heartwarming adventures and see all their adorable moments on their Instagram page.
There, you’ll find a treasure trove of pictures and stories that will make you smile.
Watch as best friends Samson and Cleo, along with their Labrador buddies and two little baby sisters, share their love and happiness with the world.
It’s a family full of love, and they can’t wait to share it with you!
![iram gladan breed atlas](https://breedatlas.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iram-gladan-breed-atlas.jpg.webp)
Meet Iram, a devoted veterinarian, passionate dog lover, and current Ph.D. candidate at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Seamlessly blending her roles as a vet and content writer, Iram channels her love for dogs into heartfelt narratives.
Since childhood, Iram nurtured a dream of becoming a vet, a passion that runs deep in her family. Having now fulfilled that dream, she’s eager to share her acquired knowledge. In her writing, Iram not only explores the emotional bond between humans and their canine friends but also integrates her veterinary expertise, offering readers a holistic understanding of their beloved pets.