Playing Again Sams of WI

09/03/2026

Okay, let’s talk.

Everyone has been sending us the latest Sammy celebrity influence—sharing the same photos and article featuring them, along with concerns about what this could mean for the breed.

So, let’s break down why it matters.

Celebrity influence, movies, and television can have a powerful impact on the demand for a breed. Those of us in rescue have seen this happen time and time again, which is why you’ll see many of us sharing helpful content and cautionary posts.

Dalmatians saw a major surge in popularity following 101 Dalmatians. Or the rise of the Frenchie after a famous pop artist was known for having hers in paparazzi photos - they eventually made their way to the cover of magazines and became known on social media for their fashionable outfits. More recently, the popularity of Game of Thrones contributed to increased interest in Husky-type dogs after the breed became widely associated with the show’s direwolves. Unfortunately, when the novelty wore off or people discovered the reality of living with these high-energy, demanding dogs, many ended up in shelters and rescues.

The concern isn’t simply increased interest in a breed. Increased demand can create a frenzy among backyard breeders and puppy mills looking to profit—and rescues are often left cleaning up the consequences years later. Not only that but we also have to be concerned about the care and conditions of the dogs being bred and the health and genetics that are being passed to their puppies.

Only time will tell what impact today’s celebrity influence will have on breed demand. But before adopting or purchasing any dog, please take the time to truly learn about the breed and honestly consider whether it is a good fit for your lifestyle, home, experience, and long-term commitment.

There are many wonderful rescues and responsible, reputable breeders who genuinely care about finding the right fit for the dogs in their care. For Samoyeds, resources such as the Samoyed Club of America⁠ can be a great place to start when learning more about the breed and finding responsible breeders.

Ask questions. Be transparent about your lifestyle and readiness. Have honest conversations about what life with that breed really looks like—not just the adorable photos or celebrity moments you see online.

The right dog deserves the right home. And the right fit is what creates the best chance for a lifetime of happiness—together.

But in the end, this is the responsibility of the purchaser (you) to not fuel the demand for breeding more Samoyeds by buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills.

If you need guidance look on our website - we have a lot of information about ethical breeding practices and ethical purchases of dogs. Or look to the Samoyed Club of America.
Not the AKC puppy marketplace.

Samoyed-rescue.com

Samoyed rescue serving WI, MN & northern IL

09/03/2026

Meet Millie!

Millie is a goofy, playful, and affectionate 2-year-old Samoyed mix with plenty of personality! She loves making her people laugh with her silly expressions, tiny howls and mumbles, and entertaining antics. When she gets excited—or spots a squirrel—she hops like a bunny!

Millie is smart, active, and loves to run and play. Balls are her favorite toys, and she enjoys zoomies, daily walks, and spending time with her people and newfy buddy. She requires a physical fence so she can continue to zoom around the yard, and be safely contained. She is gentle and playful with both people and other dogs.

Millie can be shy around new people but warms up with time, patience, and positive interactions (treats certainly help!). Once she trusts you, she is affectionate and enjoys cuddling—though she also appreciates her independence and cool floors like all Sammies.

Millie does best in a home where she will not regularly be left alone for long periods. She thrives with consistency, companionship, daily exercise, and playtime. She would likely enjoy having a canine companion, and a confident one could help her, but she could also do well as an only dog with someone who works from home or is home much of the day.

Millie has previously lived with cats and did well. She would likely do well with respectful children ages 10+ after being given time to get to know them.

Millie is approximately 95% potty trained and does best with a consistent routine. She prefers using the yard rather than going potty on walks. She also does well with grooming and tolerates nail trims nicely.

Millie is a sweet, gentle girl who is continuing to grow in confidence every day. With the right family to provide companionship, consistency, and plenty of love and activity, she will make a wonderful addition to a lucky home!

Millie (originally named Valentina) came into our rescue from the Iowa hoarding case from the spring. Her adopter unfortunately has significant allergies to her that haven’t been remedied through allergy medication or air purifiers, but she has been well loved in her home.

Apply: Samoyed-rescue.com

09/02/2026

📸 Sammyrama Photo Fundraiser 📸
Thank you to everyone who came out to Sammyrama and participated in our photo fundraiser! We were able to raise $170 that will go directly to the Samoyeds in our care!

HUGE thank you to our photographer, Tim for volunteering to capture so many beautiful Sams and their families!
If you want to connect with Tim here is his website! Jen-Chun Fang https://sites.google.com/view/tims-photo

08/31/2026

🐻‍❄️🐾 SAMMYRAMA 2026 🐾🐻‍❄️

Despite the drizzle, our hearts remained warm at this year’s Sammyrama! ☔❤️

Sammyrama is our annual picnic and appreciation event for the amazing fosters, adopters, and volunteers who make Playing Again Sams possible. It was so wonderful to see so many of our Sammy alumni thriving and to hear stories about just how loved they are in their forever homes! 🏡

We were joined by Samoyeds from so many different rescue journeys—including shelter releases, Amish puppy mill releases, and from the Iowa hoarding rescue earlier this year. Seeing so many of these dogs together, happy and living their best lives, was truly special!

This is why we rescue.

A huge thank-you to our wonderful hosts, Susan, Bryan, and Pat for preparing for our large group and putting on another amazing Sammyrama!

And thank you to our photographer, Tim, for generously volunteering his time to capture special memories for our fundraiser! 📸 His photos will be shared on Tuesday! Stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our entire Playing Again Sams family for giving these incredible dogs the love and second chances they deserve. We are so grateful for you all! 🐾

We had 21 Samoyeds this year plus a couple other breeds that joined their Sammy siblings!

08/30/2026

Sammyrama was a success! 🐻‍❄️
Thanks to all of our volunteers, adopters, and fosters who came out to join us!

More photos to come tonight!

08/27/2026

Thistle practicing her AROOOs

08/26/2026

🐾🎉Get your RSVPs in for Sammyrama!🎉🐾
This event is to celebrate our love for Samoyeds and bring us all together! Whether you’re a current or former adopter, foster family, or volunteer, we’d love for you and your fluffy Sam to join us for an afternoon of fun!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 29, from 12:00–4:00 PM for Sammyrama, Playing Again Sams of Wisconsin’s annual Samoyed picnic!

📍 Location: Sun Prairie, WI
(address will be provided at time of RSVP)
A HUGE thank you to Susan and Bryan Lanier for once again opening their beautiful 10-acre, fully fenced property for this special event!

🫶 Fundraiser:
• For a $10 donation receive two professional photos with your Sammy! Cash or check.

🌭 Provided:
• Chicken sliders & hot dogs
• Plates, cups, napkins & utensils
• Kiddie pools for the dogs
• Playing Again Sams merchandise

🥗 Please bring:
• A dish to pass
• Your own beverages
• Lawn chairs
• An EZ-Up canopy (if you have one to share note in your RSVP)

📸 Schedule:
1 PM Picnic starts
1-2 PM Fundraiser photos
2:00 PM – Group photo & rescue announcements
🐻‍❄️ Group walk immediately afterward for anyone who would like to participate.

📧 RSVP: Please RSVP on our website under “events” Samoyed-rescue.com let us know:
• How many people will be attending
• How many dogs you’ll be bringing
• The dish you will be bringing to share
• Let us know if you have an EZ-up canopy to bring

We’re hoping to fill the backyard with a sea of fluffy white Samoyeds for an afternoon of fun, friendship, and celebration. We can’t wait to see familiar faces, welcome new ones, and make more wonderful memories together!

*Please note this event is largely off leash with Sammies running free - if your Sam doesn’t do well around a lot of dogs, or needs space, please join us without your Sam.

See you at Sammyrama! 💙🐾

08/26/2026

🌅 Thistle’s Beautiful Life!

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year and a half since Thistle found her forever home! 🥹 And what an incredible life shes living, so very loved in her home vs. a mill, and now with two humans and her best buddy Gwen the yorkie!

Her adopter recently shared a wonderful update about how much Thistle has blossomed. They shared that she has gained so much confidence—going on neighborhood walks, getting zoomies in the yard, meeting new dogs, and even welcoming new people into her world. 🐾

When Thistle first arrived, they shared she was timid - even reaching a hand in her direction could scare her. Today, she proudly claims her spot on the loveseat and flops over the side asking for pets—even from new people! She’s learned to trust, and her sweet, sassy personality is really shining through. ❤️

She’s even developed her own version of fetch, enjoys running with her dog friends, has become more playful with her family, and gives them an awoo every morning. 🥰

This is exactly why rescue is so incredibly rewarding. Watching a dog slowly discover that the world can be safe, that people can be trusted, and that they can simply be themselves is something truly special.

Thank you to Thistle’s amazing family for giving her the time, patience, love, and security she needed!

Keep blooming, sweet Thistle! We couldn’t be happier for you! 🐻‍❄️

08/24/2026

🧬 As Promised Mia’s DNA Reveal! 🐾

Remember sweet Mia, who found her forever family this spring? 💕 Her new family decided to have a little fun and find out exactly what makes this beautiful girl so special!

You shared your ideas for what her breed(s) might be and now the results are in… 🥁

🐻‍❄️90.8% Samoyed
🐺9.2% Siberian Husky
🥰100% Perfect

So, basically… Samoyed with just a little extra Husky spice!

It’s fun when families discover a little more about their new family members. We thank her family for sharing her results with us and giving her a loving home! We’re so happy to see Mia thriving with her family! 🏡💕

08/19/2026

Adoption Update: Mia!

Back in February, Mia was one of the puppies rescued from a heartbreaking hoarding situation in Iowa. While her start in life was anything but easy, seeing updates like this reminds us exactly why rescue matters and what a incredible feat we pulled off thanks to our volunteers!

Here's the update from her family:

*"Mia is doing great! She's been the best addition to our family. She's a complete firecracker—a high-energy, strong-willed extrovert who just wants to be friends with everybody!

*Recently, we decided to do an Embark DNA test on her just for fun, and we got quite the surprise!

*Thank you again for allowing us to adopt her and add her to our family. She is fully our baby now!"

We absolutely love watching these puppies grow into happy, confident family members. From a difficult beginning to living her very best life, Mia's journey is one we'll never get tired of celebrating.

‼️Now for the fun part... We know Mia's DNA results, and let's just say they surprised us!

🧬🐾Take a look at her photo and tell us in the comments: What do you think Mia is mixed with? 🧬🐾

We'll reveal her Embark results on Sunday!