Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 30, 1991 TAG: 9103300356
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ASHLAND LENGTH: Medium
But if Exxon Corp. officials get their way, the mixed-breed dog could lose his "customer relations" position.
Sampson showed up at the gas station as a puppy nine years ago. Employees put food and water at the edge of the parking lot until the dog trusted them enough to be petted.
They named him Sampson because "he has a broad chest and little stocky legs and looked very strong," said Janice P. Meacham, the station's manager and Sampson's owner.
Meacham has battled with Exxon since August to keep Sampson, when the company decided it would add "enhanced conveniences" to the station next month to attract more customers.
The move will mean prepackaged snacks, now sold in outside vending machines, will be placed on racks inside the station.
Exxon officials regard Sampson as a sanitary threat that does not project a proper corporate image, Meacham said.
The franchise contract with Exxon does not prohibit keeping animals on the site, Meacham said.
"I've asked for documentation. There has been no documentation on why we can't keep him," she said.
"Sam doesn't even eat the junk in our snack machines," she said, adding the dog eats nothing but Alpo dog food. "He's very picky."
The latest flap between Meacham and Exxon occurred Monday, when Philippe Cordoba, the store's territory manager, told her to "get rid of the dog," she said.
Telephone calls to Cordoba Friday were not returned.
The station is the only home Sampson has known. He sleeps on an old carpet strip beneath the cash register counter.
"He's a very laid-back dog. I can't believe they want to kick him out of his home now," Meacham said.
On a recent morning, Sampson gently sniffed the feet of motorists and wagged his tail as they waited in line to pay for gas.
He also rolls over and shows his teeth when asked.
"He's greeted customers from coast to coast," Meacham said.
by CNB