
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 4, 1991                   TAG: 9104040381
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ASHLAND                                LENGTH: Medium

EXXON STATION MASCOT DOG WINS RETIREMENT REPRIEVE

A dog that serves as a mascot at an Exxon service station on Interstate 95 can keep his job, Exxon Corp. officials have decided.

Company officials had tried since August to have the 9-year-old mixed-breed named Sampson banished from the station. They considered him a health threat because snacks will be sold inside the station. They also said the dog, which waddles around because of arthritis in his hind legs, did not fit the Exxon-tiger corporate image.

But Janice P. Meacham, the station manager and Sampson's owner, was told Tuesday that no contract rules bar Sampson from the station, which has been his home for most of his life.

"I think they just didn't realize that something as simple as a dog would mean so much to so many people," Meacham said after she received a call from Phillipe Cordoba, a district representative for Exxon.

Cordoba originally had told Meacham that Sampson had to go.

Thelma Kennedy-Malveaux, head of Exxon's Virginia district, stopped at the station Wednesday to get gasoline and to pet Sampson.

"She said she wanted to meet `Sampson the wonder dog,' " Meacham said.

Amos H. Plante, a public affairs representative for Exxon, said Wednesday, "There is nothing in our contract that gives us clear control over this situation."

Although Exxon officials advised against having the dog at the station, the decision must be made by the dealer, Plante said.

Sampson gained fame after his plight was reported by newspapers and radio and television stations.

"A lot of people have come in asking `Where's Sam?' " Meacham said.

The extra attention, on top of his job greeting and entertaining customers, has worn out Sampson. "He was just zonked out this morning. He's sleeping late," Meacham said.

As a reward, Sampson "probably will get a new collar, and I'll dress him up," Meacham said. Sampson, who eats only Alpo dog food, refuses to eat snacks, table scraps and other dog treats.

He appeared at the station as an abused puppy who would not approach humans. He quickly mastered his mascot job.

"Just having him here is enough of a reward," Meacham said.

by CNB