Sam Lykins

Sam Lykins of Oakville, Indiana, a 13-year-old Yorkshire terrier of Rita and Verle Lykins, passed over the Rainbow Bridge just before midnight on Sunday, March 22, 2026. 

This sweet little terrier was found wandering alone in an abandoned house. He was picked up and taken to the local animal shelter in Muncie, Indiana. Sam was officially adopted and became a member of the family. 

He fit in perfectly with the Lykins family. Verle recalled that what they loved the most about him was “He was the sweetest and gentlest dog that we had.

The family shared their fondest memory of Sam: “He would take his head and keep putting it under your hand so you have to keep petting him.”

His family described his personality as “sweet, loving, and a joy to be around all 13 years that we had him.”

Verle shared, “Sam did not enjoy being given a bath, but he would let you give him one without any trouble.” and "Sam also didn’t care much for riding in the car. He was a homebody."

Sam, whose family also lovingly referred to him by the nicknames of “Sammy” and "Samual," favorite treats were cheese and dog treats.

What his family felt he valued the most in life was that "he loved us as much as we loved him. and he loved all the other dogs and loved running around the yard playing.”

Sam shared a close bond and loved both Rita and Verle. Verle shared, “When he wanted his belly rubbed or some attention, he would come to me. But when he got scared or didn't feel good, he wanted my wife.”

Rita and Verle are heartbroken by the loss of their beloved Sam and relayed, “We'll always have a place in our hearts for Sam. May God bless him.”

In addition to his human parents, Rita and Verle, also mourning the loss of sweet Sam are his fur siblings Spankie, Astro, and especially Bengie, who came to them at the same time Sam did.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Sam Lykins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sam Lykins, please visit our floral store.