Meet Sam Simon, The Dog Nut

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

(CBS)  In the show biz realm, Sam will take on small projects from time to time: most recently, a radio soap opera with yet another mad dog, Howard Stern.

But invariably he says there’s something about the pressure in broadcasting that brings out the worst in him. "Listen, work made me crazy," he admits. "I was tough to get along with. I didn’t have the skills to handle something like that. And I still don’t."

Trying to find a life outside television, he entered the boxing world. For eight years he managed Lamon Brewster, the one-time world boxing organization heavyweight champion.

"Some of the happiest nights of my life were nights that he gave somebody else a concussion," Simon remembers.

"You have this wonderful feeling about animals, about dogs particularly... and you’re perfectly happy to see one man go into a ring and beat somebody unconscious," Safer remarks.

"Yeah. Boxing should probably be banned. But until then, I’m a big fan," Simon says.

He can hold his own at the professional poker table as well. Indulging visitors in a high stakes game that also include comedians Norm MacDonald and Drew Carey, plus world series of poker champion Jamie Gold and actress Jennifer Tilly, Sam's ex-wife, who won the ladies’ poker championship in 2005.

They’re the best of friends these days. Their divorce settlement gives Jennifer a slice of Sam's slice of the revenue from the Simpsons, a show she tried to talk
him out of.

"'Cause I didn’t see the idea of a half hour show of people, you know, with yellow faces. I didn’t see where that would be really successful. And it’s really good that Sam doesn’t listen to me," Tilly tells Safer.

Sam Simon has his art, his house, his own pack that follow him around, nine Emmys and two divorces. He’s currently single, and looking to the future.

Asked what he plans to do with the rest of his life, Simon says, "I mean, that’s part of the reason for the foundation."

"There’s an hour a week when I come here and they bring out some two little dogs that we’ve adopted from the shelter. It's the best hour of my week. It makes me really happy," Simon says.

One of the dogs is Riley, a stray and recent graduate from Sam’s foundation. He started a new life with Barbara Goldman, who’s deaf. Barbara gets a friend, protector and shopping companion. Riley gets to lead, well, the life of Riley. For this wonderful union, let the credit read: Produced by Sam Simon.

[seejayd]

I had no idea Sam Simon had a dog rescue program; especially a hearing dog program; which I support a thousand times over! I have been a fan of Sam Simons since I got involved working on his cells. Currently I have a hearing dog from another program, and he has changed/enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. When its time to retire Mr. Hobbitt, I will most likely support this program for my next call. Thank you! Cindy

[cindirh]

Sam, You are extraordinary, I'm so glad for people like you. Keep up the good work, Spaying and neutering is the solution, and your making a difference. Your one of my heros!

Regards,
Cindi H.

[daavi-2009]

Sam, what you are doing is extraordinary. We thank God for you. However, can you help us, DAAVI, to house orphans in Sierra Leone, Africa that are living in deplorable conditions? Thanks for your comments.

Rachel

[mswolfestock]

What a great story - Sam the Saint to Abandoned Dogs. I love his spay and neuter-mobile idea. I hope that other animal lovers can make this idea work in other places. Spaying and neutering are the only hope we will ever have for reducing the number of abandoned animals.

[reddybrand]

I'm in love with this story. I'm in love with the "Dog Nut".

I wish more people had this type of love in their hearts. This would be a better world for all, if they did.

God has blessed you for a reason, Sam. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Love,
Melanie

[reddybrand]

I'm in love with this story. I'm in love with the "Dog Nut".

I wish more people had this type of love in their hearts. This would be a better world for all, if they did.

God has blessed you for a reason, Sam. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Love,
Melanie

[cheinc]

I am profoundly deaf & would like to find out more about Sam's Foundation for "Hearing Dog"

[ppruter]

Dear Sam,
What a wonderful story. I'm a Dog Nut too. But, what you're doing is such a Gift!! A Gift to the Dogs and a Gift to the people who receive the special Dog to help them have a complete life. I don't know if you have a website. If you did, I would love to send you a picture of my Shasta. Shasta is a German Shepherd mix and looks just like your "LONO". May you have a wonderful life doing all that you do for others and for you. Life is short; Each Day is a Gift. ppruter

[petparent]

Sam

You are a God send to these homeless animals. You do what I can only dream about. I'm 42 and my children are dogs, 3 of them adopted from rescue agencies and shelters. May God continue to bless you.

There are so many people who have the ablility you do to help homeless animals but choose to blow their money on monetary things and give it to human causes that are a waste of good money that could save homeless animals.

[gemeni52]

Sam,

I think you are an angel for saving all the dogs. I lost my little dog on my birthday this year. I said I would never have another dog until I say your little white maltese/poodle on 60 Minuetes tonight. I use to have a maltese until he was hit by a car. If you ever want to find a home for it please consider me. I have degenerative spine disease and it is getting hard for me to get around. If you could find it in your heart to share one of your dogs with me, I would be forever grateful.

[deedee7771]

Sam:

You are an amazing person, may you be blessed over and over again. I have that same heart. I live a breathe animals, especially dogs and cats. I wish there was a law to stop all the pet population, and stiffer penalties to animal cruelty. I have 2 dogs, and 3 cats. I love them all so much. They are the joy in my heart. I found the cats, or should I say they found me. All but one wild one have anot had spade, but we are working on becoming friends, so hopefully she will trust me as her family. I wish I had the opportunity to do the same. Thank you for all you do!!!

[rysheron]

Hi Sam,
I was so very happy to see Harvey, He is looking great! You to :). You are doing such great work I am so proud to know you. I will keep you and Harvey in my Prayers, and Will get Harvey a new sister as soon as one comes along. Thank You for the call.

Harvey's Grandma, Cheryl

[tvirtue-2009]

sam simon + tarita virtue = a very happy life!

the second i saw sam on 60 minutes, i said, "mum, dad...this is your future son-in-law...he is as nuts for dogs as i am."

sam - i'm looking forward to your call...

www.taritavirtue.com

[cornholio622]

I have one dog nut and one regular!

[sassypooinms]

I, too, am a dog nut! Thank you for saving each and every precious "bambino" you do. I have stage 4 cancer in both lungs and I tell my family and friends that I want to be in charge of all the puppies when I get to Heaven. I would adopt every puppy I could if I had your resources and I'm so glad you do the good work you do. You're a man in a million. Good luck to you and yours!

[sdsproud]

What a wonderful, wonderful person you are, Sam! This brought happy tears to my eyes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I am sure the shelters, the dogs, and all of the caring people who work so hard to find loving homes for these animals are very, very grateful, too, not to meniton the people you are helping. GOOD FOR YOU!

[g63n00]

Loved the story about Sam Simon. If he ever considers any other areas for his rescue organization, believe me that there are plenty of strays in the Birmingham area of Alabama that need to be saved.

[francesneal]

What a truly wonderful and heartwarming story. Sam Simon, you have a heart of GOLD!!! The world needs more people like you...you will be rewarded for your efforts. God bless you and the animals!!!
Frances

[katsanctuary]

If there were only more people like Sam Simon that would help shelter animals. I wish we had a mobile surgery in our county like Sam has provided, many unwanted animals are just put in sacks and dumped in the river. Does he have a fund for helping other areas inthe U.S.?

[jO aNN FITZGERALD]

Dera Sam I think it's great what you do to help dogs. I really love dogs too. Dogs are alot smarter than alot of people I know. I think a dog could even run the white house it would be better than what we have now. Keep up the good work.Jo Ann