Sampson the Service Dog

Sampson is the original ambassador for service dogs in science. With his handler they developed protocol for SD PPE and lab safety for handler access to science

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

INSISTENT: The Powerful Bond that Fueled a Global Fight for Inclusion

Author: Joey Ramp-Adams featuring Service Dogs in Science Sampson, Theo, and Pax!

A Traumatic Brain Injury. A Fluffy White Service Dog. A Fight That Changed Everything.

After a devastating accident left Joey Ramp-Adams with twenty-three broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, and severe neurological impairments, she lost her ability to speak, understand language, and even function in the outside world. Isolated in a world of pain, confusion, and despair, she saw no way forward—until one soft-eyed Golden Retriever named Sampson showed her otherwise.

With Sampson by her side, Joey didn’t just rebuild her life—she rewrote the rules. Determined to understand the science behind her injury, she returned to academia to study neuroscience, becoming the first service dog handler to demand full access to scientific laboratories. Faced with systemic bias, discrimination, and doors slammed shut, Joey refused to back down. Instead, she and Sampson became a force for global change.

Insistent is a powerful memoir of resilience, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond between a woman and her service dog. Together, they shattered barriers, reshaped policies, and sparked a movement that reached from classrooms to Congress.

This is not just a story about survival—it’s a story about transformation, purpose, and the courage to challenge a system stacked against you.

Joey fought for her life. Then she fought for others. With Sampson leading the way, she proved that determination—like love—never gives up.

IN all major bookstores August 26, 2025. Preorder your copy here: https://t.co/RnuRuN4mEI

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@itssuzann We are so glad she found her calling!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

Maybe you're tired of hearing about our fundraiser. We get it. 😂 So today, instead of asking first, we want to show you what you're helping make possible.

In the last few years, this little Foundation built around Sampson's legacy has helped turn “service dogs don't belong in laboratories” into real change.

Tell us, what part of Sampson's legacy means the most to you?

🐾 We advocated for the CDC/NIH clarification addressing service dog access in laboratories.

🐾 We helped universities develop individualized approaches to laboratory access instead of relying on blanket exclusions.

🐾 We completed an 8-module educational course addressing service dog access—including laboratory environments—for academic and clinical audiences.

🐾 We contributed an invited book chapter addressing disability and service dog access in research.

🐾We're now helping individual service dog teams with laboratory PPE, scholarships, resources and advocacy.

🐾 We provide scholarships for disabled students in science acandemics.

🐾 We provide financial aid and individual support, advocacy and act as liaisons, often free of charge for people with disabilities facing adversity.

🐾 We have traveled over 127,899 miles giving keynotes, conducting lab risk assessments, and often going toe-to-toe with people who think individuals with disabilities should not be in science.

And perhaps our favorite measure of progress: universities are contacting us because service dog handlers are entering science programs and need support.

That's why we're still asking.

We have two days left and $4,490 to go.

We're not asking you to fund an idea.

We're asking you to help us continue something that's already working.

Donate. Share. Comment. Tell someone why Sampson's Legacy matters to you.

One voice started this journey.

Sampson may be retired now, but he is beside me everyday, Pax travels and supports this mission. This community is what keeps it moving forward—one paw print at a time. 🐾💙

You can donate here: https://t.co/EAUL9OVRII

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@UltraMagaLinda @atensnut @brendanmjones @LoneStarChica Thank you!!!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@MarlineWil4667 Thank you, thank you!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@chaplaineliza Thank you!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@ramblinrosie57 Thank you!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

For National Service Dog Month we can’t be more proud of this accomplishment! With the help of @RepCiscomani we were able to update an outdated CDC/NIH guideline that excluded service dog handlers from science opportunities! This was a hard fought major win for a more inclusive science culture! We could not have accomplished this without @RepCiscomani and his dedicated staff!

[Congressman Juan Ciscomani @RepCiscomani]

.@sampson_dog from #AZ06 continues to remind us why we keep fighting for a more inclusive future!

Individuals who rely on service dogs should NEVER have faced this kind of discrimination. PROUD to have delivered on this priority and turned it into a reality! 🐾

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

Three days. $4,490 to go. And look how far we’ve come. 🐾

These aren't just adorable dogs in lab coats.

They represent opportunity.
From advocating for the CDC and NIH clarification that changed how service dog access in laboratories is addressed nationally—to helping individual students with scholarships and financial assistance for the PPE their service dogs need—Sampson’s Legacy Foundation is working at both ends of change.

We advocate to change the system.

Then we help the individual walking through the door that change opened.

Today, more scientists with disabilities have opportunities to learn, research, and contribute to science—and we're working to make sure even more can follow.

We have 3 days left and are $4,490 from our fundraising goal.

Help us keep paying it forward…
one scientist, one service dog, one paw print at a time. 🐾

This is Sampson’s Legacy.

Help support our mission here: https://t.co/EAUL9OVRII

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@SherrieRo2001 @EmzRaven @Patches112386 People shed but this has been an acceptable risk, the suit is fully breathable, no dogs are put at risk.

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

One voice can start a movement! Fifteen years ago, Mom was blocked from continuing her education in neuroscience because of her medical device—me, her service dog.

She made a promise then: no one else should have to face that fight alone.

For nearly 15 years, we have advocated, educated, challenged barriers, and pushed for change. And we are finally watching that change take root.

Today, we have completed an entire 8-module course with @citiprogram on service dog access and disability inclusion, including access in laboratory environments, that will be shared internationally across academic and clinical settings.

We just completed an invited text book chapter for IGI Global’s Expanding Ethical Horizons in Human Research Studies addressing disability and service dog access in research and laboratory environments.

And perhaps most importantly, we are hearing from service dog handlers entering the sciences all the time.

Two years ago, we traveled to Trent University in Canada for a keynote, laboratory risk assessment, and discussion about service dog access. Today, Trent has FIVE service dog teams enrolled in its science programs. One of those students is taking molecular biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, and crime scene investigation.

And here is one of their adorable assistance dogs, proudly sporting @rexspecsk9 and one of our custom laboratory coats—boots coming soon! 🐾🥼🥽

This is what change looks like.

What began 15 years ago as one student being told no has grown into something so much bigger. And now, through Sampson’s Legacy Foundation, we have the privilege of supporting the next generation of scientists with disabilities and their service dogs so they don't have to navigate these barriers alone.

One voice can start a movement. But it takes a community to change a culture—and make that change last.

Thank you for being part of that community. Your support is helping make this possible.

We have only 5 days left in our fundraiser: https://t.co/EAUL9OVRII

Custom lab coats here: https://t.co/xGuztOelVE

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@EmzRaven @Patches112386 Not all labs are clean zones, most humans shed microscopic dander and hair. If there is questions regarding contamination they should be risk assessed. That has always been the discussion. And lab coats for service dogs have been used for nearly 20 years.

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@opendesciorg Safety goggles, boots and a lab coat. We developed a lab coat that meets general laboratory specs. https://t.co/WzQUGqVciQ

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

Sunday morning coffee and a little reflection… ☕🐾

15 years ago: A service dog in a science lab was considered unthinkable.

5 years ago: Professors were still telling me the idea was “ridiculous.”

This year: One peer reviewer dismissed my work because, in 40 years of teaching science, “they had never encountered a request for a dog in a lab. The topic is irelevant.” That is not an appropriate peer review, that is a biased opinion. Disregarding that reviewer, the other reviewers offered constructive critique. I revised the paper and resubmitted it.

Today: We’re receiving requests for help providing service dog PPE—including requests involving five teams at one university and three at another.

That is progress.

These dogs in this video aren't an argument about whether service dog handlers belong in science.
They're evidence that they are already here.

And now Sampson’s Legacy Foundation needs your help making sure they have the equipment and support to stay there.

Our fundraiser ends Wednesday, September 30.

Every donation helps us turn 15 years of advocacy into access for the next generation.

This is Sampson’s legacy. And it’s just getting started. 🐾

Support our mission here: https://t.co/EAUL9OVRII

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@Patches112386 @dotorii_muk This isn’t about dog testing! This is about service dogs working with their handlers in science labs to assist them with their disabilities

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

A moment to remember a very special service canine. He passed in 2019 but his legacy guided us to our place here today - to our own legacy:

Never underestimate the healing power of a service dog.

I have to take a moment to pay homage to a very special canine - Tuesday the Service Dog.

The cover of this book, the face of this amazing creature, and the story he inspired is the reason I am still here. On my darkest day, moments before it was too late, I saw this face staring at me from the book on the floor of my office. Picking up this book provided a moment of distraction that otherwise would have been fatal. Reading this story gave me hope.

Since that day, I have been blessed with Theo and Sampson to guide me, I have finished a degree in neuroscience, I have helped others along their path and through their struggles, and I have built a new life. In 2013 I helped to organize an event that would bring Tuesday and Luis Carlos Montalvan in as a guest speaker. That day was the first day I stood before an audience, with Theo by my side, and was finally able to tell my story.....to share my truth. Tuesday and Luis not only set me on a path to healing but through the connection to him, I met many of my long-time friends that I otherwise would have never met. For that, I am forever grateful. I have multiple pictures of Tuesday and Theo together and debated on which to chose, but this is the photo I wish to share. It has a deep meaning.

As an advocate for suicide prevention and PTSD awareness, I was deeply saddened to hear that Montalvan took his own life in 2016 finally succumbing to the demons that he so passionately advocated against. I am not judging by this statement as I can not know what his personal demons, pain, or struggles were. After Luis' passing in 2016, Tuesday went on to continue his service work with Gordon Shafer. Sadly, Service Dog Tuesday left this world on Tuesday, Sept 24, 2019.

I am just one of the so many stories like this. Tuesday's story touched so many lives and healed so many hearts. He deserves a very special place in the universe. Whatever his next adventure may be I am certain he is spreading his amazing spirit and bringing smiles and comfort. Rest in peace and love. Travel well sweet boy.

Photo: Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

@Ax34x We agree! Are goal is to help institutions establish these guidelines to provide to incoming students!

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

We are 1/2 way to our goal with 5 days left!

Help us sponsor service dog personal protective equipment and provide scholarships to students with disabilities!

You can help us reach our goal here: https://t.co/eKrROWjpcs

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

You don’t always get to choose the obstacles you face in life. You do get to choose what you do with it.

#ThrowbackThursday 2018 AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence Service Dog

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

We just donated $137.00 as the net proceeds from the INSISTENT book sales for the fundraiser promotion! Thank you all!

Our fundraiser for service dog personal protective equipment and students with disabilities scholarships ends Sept 30.

Thank you all for your continued support!

If you would like to help out visit our merch account: https://t.co/3ZYjEusWQz

Or our fundraising account: https://t.co/EAUL9OVRII

[Sampson the Service Dog @sampson_dog]

Way Back Wednesday!

Some dogs grow into their purpose....

Sampson seemed to arrive already knowing his. ❤️

Tiny puppy. Proudly wearing his service dog vest. Ready to learn. No idea yet just how many lives he would touch, how many doors he would open, or how far those little paws would take us.

He wasn't just born for the job. He was born to leave a legacy.