Comments on: Meet Sam Simon, The Dog Nut

Morley Safer Meets One Of The Unusual Co-Creators Of The Simpsons

[mmmpancakes]

Incredible report about an incredible man. Sam is a true hero of our age; a person of intense passion, boundless generosity, and progressive thinking. I'd be interested to know if Sam has been approached by public and/or private interests who wish to use his program as a model for their own, similar efforts. Also, have any researchers/Universities come forward to collect data and measure the social significance of his rescue enterprise? His organization is fertile ground for continuing documentation of the positive impact of animal-assisted therapies and service dogs.

[niteowlett]

Your story was absolutely heart warming as opposed to real life as we know it. You are a very UN-Hollywood kind of guy. Not that Hollywood doesn't have a heart, but your's doesn't seem to have strings or aggrandizing attached!!!

My mother was in the 60 minutes episode with you. She was the first senior to lunge out and kiss the visiting dogs at the Senior Concerns center in Thousand Oaks.

I wish there were more single guys like you out there in circulation.

Donna Taylor
Thousand Oaks, CA

[hearingdog]

While many got the point what a wonderful thing it is for Mr. Sam Simon to save so many dogs%u2026I hope it will not be overlooked what a truly wonderful gift it is to the deaf and those with a profound hearing loss to have such well trained and gifted dogs as helpers!

So many sounds that people just take for granted are now brought to our attention. Many, many thanks to Mr. Simon and to his trainers for making this provision possible!

[kayl3]

Dear Sam,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful, amazing and kind beyond kind work with dogs. I have loved and adored animals since I was a child and find it imperative to protect them as they are innocent, cannot speak for themselves and yet, give 100% (and much more) pure love. I have rescued many kitties along the way, but, nothing compared to so many wonderful people in the world, to whom I so great admire and cherish their acts of kindness and heroism. You are one of those people. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful you are because I would be writing for days on end. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us and congratulations on a job well done and even more so, for being a true human being with a heart of gold. I've always said that if I win the lottery, I will open an animal sanctuary and help every single animal I possible can. You are a true example of a kind and generous spirit. Thank you!!

[justme5175]

I thoroughly enjoyed your story on Sam Simon. His kindness is truly an inspiration. In a world of so much conflict it is nice to hear about something good. I adopted a puppy from a rescue organization about 2 1/2 yrs ago and I don't think I will ever get a dog from anyplace else. I believe in the work of the shelters so much that I looked into volunteering my time at my local humane society chapter (working at adoption events and walking the dogs). I highly reccommend that everyone who has some time to spare to look into volunteering, even if it is an hour a month, it is an hour that can make a difference in a dog/cat/other animal's life. It also makes for a great activity that the whole family can participate in.

It is amazing the impact that you can have on the animals and what you get back from them.

Your story on Sam Simon was wonderful.It is just what I needed after the preceding stories. Besides the wonderful things he does for 'his' dogs and the people who benifit from them, Sam appears happier than anyone I have seen with his much money, good for him! My dog Buddy and I thank you.

Chris Craft
Bloomington,Il

[rasabaka]

Loved the Sam Simon story...what a refreshing change...wish I had the ability to rescue even half of what he does. It breaks my heart when I hear what some people do to animals.

[gatorbird3]

this is the most entertaining story I have seen on 60 Minutes or anything else in a long time. Sam Simon has the MOST infectious laugh. I found myself cracking up at his remarks on his lifestyle. It was like he was making fun of himself. The best kind of humor. Hilarious!! I would like so much talent to make that kind of MONEY!! YOU ROCK, SAM!!

[pupart]

Hey Sam,
You're the best "nut" I have seen on TV! :)
Keep up the good great! work!
You're terrific!!!
Bonnie

[glenhiller]

My wife spends EVERY thursday even thanksgiving waliking these dogs 20 below or 120 not a problem for her.she spends 8 hrs of her day working with them it helps them settle down when she comes in it's ear piercing noise cries for attetion,when she leaves you could hear a whisper from across the romm. It helps for adoption the leash training and being with other dods on walks. there is no run off drain solid waste cannot enter the old septic and the cages are 6x12 maybe and there are approx 16 of them then the little dogs are in stacked cages a little bigger then a taxi. My moter in law does the cat room 40 max cats in 16 by 20 room shelved areas where the set the beds and blankets and toys are places for enjoyment. it's not enough someone has to clean hours of cat litter cganges replacing the linnens for clean sleeeping all while cats walk on your neck and shoulder for a brush with past memories of human conpanionship. Our shelter needs to be replaced, we have a casino night in streator illinois at the knights of columbus april 14 2007, last year we raised 10,000 for a new place any autographed items cbs Sam Simon, or the general animal loving public can sapre or monetary gifts or pet suplies or baskets for raffle would be incredibly gracious. you Can send in the name of Pet Project Grand Ridge to address 2040 S. Rte 47 Mazon IL 60444. this is legitimate help and all donations should have a return address so we can send you a reciept for your tax deduction.

[bink5of5]

Amazing story about an amazing guy with a great heart. Thank you, Sam, for all you do for our four legged friends. The world is a better place with people like you in it.

[lisemarch]

Dear Sam:

Just had to stop everything and write to you to express my sincere gratitude.

Thanks very much on helping these lovable dogs, there is to much animal abuse today and it just feels great when we hear of a story like yours.

I am also an animal lover, I have given a home to a poodle, a mature cat at the SPCA, and just recently adopted a 3 month now 5 months kiddy cat. The SPCA is overcrowded, and cannot find homes for all, I wish I could help out more.

So thanks again Sam for doing this out of your great heart. Nice to see wealth being used this way.

Remember "when you give, it will be returned to you in some way".

So on behalf of all the dogs in need of care out there, Thank you (Bow Wow).

Sincerely,

Lise
NB
CANADA

[mprzewlo]

I'm a dog lover, too, but am aghast at the story here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?o=3&f=/c/a/2007/03/04/MNGC7N6Q3M1.DTL&type=printable. Can Sam Simon do something about all these folks that will no longer have a public library? I'm a dog lover first, but a librarian second.

[lieber1881]

You might be a typical Hollyweirdo, Sam, but you've got the heart of a true mensch.

How about a foundation for cats too - not to mention our animal treasures on the plains, the Buffalo, Elk, Antelope, and American Bald Eagle? If you build it, I will come.

[jetlagsa]

thank you so much sam. i am a dog nut also.
you are a true american hero. you earn and you give back. god bless you.

[dearcami]

Dear Readers, I am one of the lucky people who adopted a Sam Simon "career change" dog - a little Sheltie/Golden Retriever mix who was a bit too spunky to qualify as a certified hearing dog. I want to emphasize that Sam Simon and his staff at the foundation not only save dogs, they bring invaluable assistance and companionship to people. My dog is half-trained, and I am half-deaf. What a perfect match! She is always alert to my surroundings, and makes me feel so much safer and in touch, despite my hearing disability. Thanks to you all at Sam Simon.

[dogs4ever1]

I wish I could do as much as you have. One great and amazing thing I would like to do is meet Sam Simon. I grew up rescuing dogs on my own, but had no place to take them, and truly admire what Sam has done. Mr.Simon, if you ever read this, Please know there is no BIGGER Simpson / Dog fan in the world!
If you ever get a chance, please
give me a call. It would mean everything in the world to me, my birthday is April 16, and it would be the best birthday present ever.
Thanks - Paul Nichols
[e-mail]
559-736-2206 Visalia CA

[mrself1]

Sam Simon is not a 'dog nut'. He is a Dogsend. The world needs more Sam Simons.
Over the years I have worked with a local animal shelter in Houston, taken in strays, abused and dropped-off dogs, etc. and have benefited from their presence in my life.
Not only does Mr. Simon give the dogs he saves a new lease on life, but he also contributes to a better life for people in need of their companionship and aid.
Bless you Sam Simon,
E. Blaschke
Houston, TX

[cerassie]

I watched the episode on Sam Simon tonight and the show about Oprah Winfrey's Academy for Girls the previous night. It is so refreshing to know that there are people out there who, although fabulously wealthy, still know how to spend their money wisely. Thanks...Oprah!

[banditsspeci]

Sam, YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!! I wish that more people were as sympathetic as you are towards animals, as I am also. I cannot stress how much I wish our community would have someone such as yourself, with the funds to help our dogs here. I live in a small town in Ohio in which our Animal Shelter puts down anywhere from 8 to 15 dogs every week, it holds 40 dogs & sometimes they are doubled in the kennels. The worst thing about it is the people who work at the shelter really do not care.

Thank you for helping so many dogs! And for also helping the people who cannot afford the spay/neuter that you provide for them, since this is a lot of the pet populations problem.

Thank again,
Mindy Hunt
Heath, Ohio