Sammy the Cocker Spaniel, Whose Story Of Abuse Drew National Attention, Has Died in Monmouth County

By Karen Wall (Patch Staff)

Sammy the cocker spaniel, whose story of abuse galvanized animal lovers throughout Monmouth and Ocean County and around the country, has died.

He was 19 years old.

“It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce that our darling Sammy passed this afternoon,” his owners, Amy and Martin announced on Sammy’s Facebook page and in a message posted on the Brick Patch Facebook page. “He was in the arms of his loving father, who soothed him and held him while he peacefully passed.”

Sammy first gained attention in March 2013, when his then-owners took him to the Monmouth County SPCA, claiming they found him moving in a garbage bag along the side of the road in Wall Township. Monmouth County authorities later charged Keith and Shauna Ewing Morgan of Brick with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect in the case, after they determined the dog was not abandoned but belonged to the Morgans.

The municipal court trial in Brick -- which experienced several delays and postponements -- drew standing-room-only crowds with supporters from around the country.

The Morgans were sentenced last November to six months in jail and fines of $1,000 each plus $13,000 in restitution to the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, where Sammy was treated for nearly a month. When he arrived at the veterinary hospital, his fur was so matted it made him unable to walk, and he was covered in urine and feces, as well as being severely dehydrated and emaciated.

The Morgans appealed the prison terms, and in March were resentenced bySuperior Court Judge James Blaney, who sentenced Keith Morgan to 90 days of house arrest and five days of community service and Shauna Morgan to a year of probation and 30 days of community service.

According to the post by Sammy’s family, the dog had a stroke recently and was having trouble walking and eating.

“Martin and I (Amy) and so many many of you will never be the same after knowing Sammy -- his soulful eyes, his sweet spirit that shone through his beautiful face. Yet in that little baby was such strength. Sammy Stong! He overcame so much then spent his last years in heaven on earth with his father. Now he will be in heaven.”

“As we imagine Sweet Angel Sammy crossing the Rainbow Bridge, please remember how his father used to hold him and sing to him, then take him out and say to him: ‘Go Sammy, go be a dog.’ “ Amy wrote. “Thanks to everyone who loved Sammy. Xoxo, Martin and Amy.”