We found Samson one morning as we searched the beach after one of the worst storms in recent years. He was tangled up in a fishing net and his mother was nowhere in sight, probably washed away in the sea's tumultuous waves. He mewled as we approached him and as he looked at me with those huge searching eyes, my heart melted. We had rescued many over the years for the sanctuary, but there was something about him that was different, he was like no other seal we had ever rescued.



Over the months we found that despite his tough start, he had a quirky sense of humour, always so playful and loved nothing more than a cuddle after eating his hearty, fishy meal. The longer he stayed with us, the harder it would be to say farewell. We had released so many and each one was hard, but Samson would be the hardest. We called him Samson, not because he was strong, but because of his determination. He was determined to survive his traumatic experience. He persevered with each little challenge before him coming to me each time he succeeded, sticking his nose up in the air as if to say,'' So there!'' Nothing deterred him. Nothing phased him, except one thing.



Much to our surprise, we found that Samson had a mortal fear of the open sea. We took him own to the beach and tried to get him into the water time and time again, but he would just hump his way back up to me and lean against my legs waiting for me to stroke his head like a puppy.



Some time past and a new arrival came through our doors, the prettiest little girl we had seen for a long time. We called her Delilah since Samson seemed to take to her immediately and it seemed the most natural name for her. They were inseparable, Delilah got stronger and stronger each day and they romped a lot together until exhausted they would lie, her sweet little head upon his back and he would sigh and snuffle contentedly,



I couldn't help but worry though, Delilah would soon have to be released, on the beach she was drawn more and more to the sea, but would always hold back because of Samson. I knew it was only a matter of time though. I felt that Samson knew this in his heart too.



One early summer's day, we all trundled down on the sands again with our charges. Delilah seemed to be more restless than usual. the sea was like a looking glass shimmering in the early morning sun with rippling waves kissing the shore. Delilah of course was as usual frolicking around in the shallows ,looking back at Samson every now and then. Further and further she went, Samson watching her intently swaying from side to side next to me. Suddenly, she was gone. Samson forgot himself and humping his clumsy form to the sea's edge he entered, deeper and deeper he swam looking for his mate Then in the distance, we saw them swimming and leaping together in the foam. A huge cheer echoed around the beach as we yelled ''Go Samson!'' A tear rolled down my cheek as I saw his head pop up and look over at me, his eyes speaking to me in silent thank, then turning to his beloved Delilah, they sped off together in the distance.

''Go my boy'', I whispered softly, ''Swim until you can't see land''