SILVER SPRING, Md. — An Adventist family’s dog named Samson has developed some unique habits.
The Johnson family of Silver Spring first noticed something was up when Samson began to sit quietly with bowed head before eating his food. “At first we thought he was just sniffing the food intensely,” said owner Jared Johnson. “But then we realized his paws were folded and his eyes were closed. He was clearly praying.”
Even more remarkable, the Johnsons report that on Sabbath, Samson refuses to fetch a stick or ball. “He used to love playing fetch,” said family matriarch Wanda Johnson. “But on Sabbath, he just gives us a disapproving look if we throw a ball, as if to say ‘The Sabbath is a delight, not a day for chasing after worldly things.'”
Samson also gets excited when the Johnsons sing hymns on Friday evening, joining in with melodic howls. He even seems to quiet down when Ellen White is quoted.
Local Adventist pastor Vern Goodman says it is not unheard of for animals to exhibit spiritual traits. “We are told that even the stones would cry out the truth about Jesus if people failed to do so,” Goodman noted. “So it’s no surprise a dog could learn to honor our Creator.”
The Johnsons say they have not forced any of these behaviors on Samson, though they do take him to church. “We’re just so proud to have a dog who shares our faith,” said Jared. “Though we’re still working on his potluck etiquette. He has a bad habit of eating other people’s Stripples when they’re not looking.”
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