Hong Kong born British citizen, primary education in the UK, secondary in Australia, bachelor and graduate degree in the US, married a Canadian.
Spent the last decade in the Healthcare industry (Preventive Medicine / Urology / orthopaedic surgery). Published 2 books, produced 3 video titles.
My wife - Silvia and I run a Multimedia Design Firm - SiliStudio Inc in Toronto Canada since 09. Our specialty includes corporate social media strategies, TV network websites and mobile app development.
Our clients include: The Globe and Mail, HGTV, The Food Network and other Shaw Media Group subsidiaries.
I am a car nut, corgi fanatic, modern designed addict and gadget freak.
Mocha came into our lives shortly after our wedding back in 2002, we soon added Vienna to keep Mocha company.
Mocha graduated with a CGC and held the position of Ambassador in conduct with foreign canine relations. Mocha was diagnosed with Stage 5 Lymphoma in April, he crossed the rainbow bridge on July 30th 2012.
Vienna received her GED from petsmart university and served as Secretary of Defence in our Corgidom. Vienna was diagnosed with stage 5 Lymphoma in August 2012, she joined Mocha at the bridge just before the last day of the Mayan calendar - Dec 20th, 2012.
We continue to foster, rehab and place rescue corgis in need.
Thank you for your dedication to both calendars. You are our fearless leader and we thank you for the months you put into the calendars, and of course for including Lucy & R/R! :)
I just wanted to say thanks for creating this website! It's an excellent resource for corgi owners and future corgi owners, as well as an excellent outlet for those who can't get enough of corgis! And also, thanks for supporting the corgis! Both the new puppies and the rescues.
Second The thanks! I love setting meet-ups with other corgis. Watching 12 of those shorties running in circles was great. Spend more time here then on facebook.
How do I get my hands on a 365 2012 Calendar? I think my two corgis are in there and I would like a copy. I haven't been able to get online as much as I would like because of a new job and so I missed out on how to order.
Huh. That is strange. I'll probably just make the closed measurement 1/2 to 1 inch less, and make the open measurement 1-2 inches larger. What color would you prefer, and was there anything else you wanted on it? I have a really neat dremel I could probably get a small name on it with. =) Also, how did you want to work out payment?
I will write his name in the best cursive I can. It might be a little small since rolled leather doesn't allow for a lot of space but we will see. I can also show you pictures of the progress as I go. =) Paypal is best. You can send payment to astara@soulrequiem.com on paypal. =) Does $45 sound fair?
Mocha's collar is finished! I hope it's okay, but I was not able to do his name in cursive. There just wasn't much space at all. It's hand-carved still. I'll be shipping it either tomorrow or Monday. =)
Let me know when you get Mocha's collar. I wasn't able to get a tracking/confirmation number for it for some reason, so I've got no idea where it's at on its way to you. XD
Yay I'm glad you like it! How does it fit? I measured it like 7564873 times trying to make sure it would be alright LOL. I'm always paranoid about the fitting! XD
Hi Sam, it's Paige with Lola, we found out that Lola had been getting into our fabric softener sheets and eating them so we suspect that was the problem. But thanks for your input.
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. I know you are being lifted up during this difficult time by the entire corgi community. We will surely keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! :'(
Oh dear i had to laugh when i read Vienna graduated with her GED..,
God bless you Sam and Silvia for all your efforts in helping so many of us corgi lovers with so many issues . I cant help but think that you will reap what youve sewn in the days ahead..... I know the Lord is helping you with these trials.
My heart is so sad for what youve gone through and are going through..
Keep on keeping on and remember were all thinking about you..
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to Mocha, and now Vienna. I know how terrifying and frustrating it is to deal with medical issues, but even I cannot yet imagine how devastating it is to lose a corgi. I've lost pets before, but it's a different kind of loss with a stumpy baby.
My thoughts are with you and your wife as you go through this ordeal, and I can only hope that when it's time for Vienna to join her buddy on the rainbow bridge, it's a peaceful and painless trip.
Oh Sam, I just read about Vienna...you have been and will continue to be in our prayers. Great pictures of the kids! all those smiles! Warms the heart and gets us through these hard times. I hope we see you at the Corgi Picnic. p.s. we went to Dr. Thomson last week - he's a great Dr. - thank you for the referral. I mentioned you to him and he remembered Mocha and Vienna.
So sorry to hear about Vienna. My husband and I lost our beloved corgi, Comet in December 2011. Comet had cancer also. After oral chemotherapy treatments, Comet became cancer-free. However he was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy and relied on a cart to move about. A week before Christmas, Comet suffered from two seizures. HIs quality of health had declined so we made the humane decision to let him go. You can see his photo on my corgi page.
Hi Sam - I was very sorry to read your news. I cannot imagine how tough this time is for you and your family. My mom went through a similar experience with her two corgi's this past winter - two years apart, different breeders and they passed within 6 weeks of each other both from different forms of cancer.
In creating this site you have given so much to corgi lovers and I hope that all the thoughts and prayers being sent your way help, if even in a very small way.
Thanks, Sam. I've thought about the Canon Hack Kit before. But I don't photograph half as well as I know how already, because my camera has dirt spots on the sensor I think (can't clean them), and I shoot by the Braille Method because I can never read the LED screen in daylight (I don't wear reading glasses in the field). I may try it though. Time-lapse would be fun.
Bwah! I wanna DSLR that weighs 2 ounces!
I am so sorry about Mocha. And Vienna.
I am trying to remember every day that my two friends and I will not be together forever.
Just saw your page. Im sorry to hear of your dogs Mocha. and Vienna. Wonderful pics and they bring wonderful memories for you and your wife. Im still trying to put pics of stairs into your message. Feeling like a camera newbie myself.
Thank you for providing such a great forum for fellow Corgi Fanatics! And very sorry to hear about Mocha. Our first Corgi (a Pem) Niblick, died of Lymphoma 9 years ago. We finally got our new Corgi this past September, and Bogart is a terrific addition to our family.
@Sam and John- Too true. Wish we could be together forever, but alas, this can't be. I just found a batch of old photos of my beautiful Corgi, Emily. I wasn't expecting to see them & I felt like I was kicked in the stomach.
Hi Sam, Just wanted you to know how very sorry I am that Vienna is no longer with you. Losing both of them this year had to have been very difficult. Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way for the holiday season...
I'm so so sorry to hear about Vienna's passing. No matter how long or how short our furry kids are with us it's never enough time is it. I can't even imagine losing two within such a short time. I don't even know what more to say except I am soooo sad for you both and I hope with time the happy memories will take the place of the grief you feel right now.
I'm sorry to read that Vienna has now joined Mocha at the Rainbow Bridge. You have had a sad year and I hope 2013 brings you happier times. Thank you for providing a great place for corgi lovers to mingle, we really love to feel part of each other, happy or sad.
Blessings to you and Sylvia and healing energy to help in Vienna's gentle transition <3
Dear Sam and Family, I am so sorry for the tremendous loss you and your family have suffered with the passing of both your Corgis, Vienna and Mocha. One only has to see their photos to know how loved they were. Please accept our sincere condolences and please know that your grief and sorrow is felt by us also, as sadly we have gone through the grief of losing our beloved corgis in the past. I want to thank you for starting this wonderful website for corgi lovers. The Corgi is a very special breed of dog and until a person has one, they cannot know the wonderment of these perfectly created gifts from God. Grace, Peace, and Comfort to you and yours during this sad time.
Sam, I am so sorry to hear of Vienna's passing. you and your family have had such a difficult and sad year with losing both of your precious corgis. Your pictures tell us what a wonderful life they both had and were given by you and your family. Our hearts are with and may you have peace and comfort from all.
Sam, I am so sorry to hear about Vienna's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending healing thoughts your way. Your pictures show what a wonderful life Mocha and Vienna had. Very muched loved and a wonderful adventure.
Hi Sam, I am so sorry to read about Vienna. She is together now with Mocha. I actually dropped by to check on you guys. I am thinking about you both and will keep you and Silvia in my prayers. (((HUGS)))!!!
Haven't been here in a long time. So sorry for your loss. Just lost my dog Cosmo yesterday. She was a 16yr old Rat Terrier. Nala's playmate and "crime" partner. She will be missed. A big hug for you and your wife. Thanks for sharing your love for corgis with us. Mocha and Vienna were loved.
Hey Sam! I hope you're well! My message wouldn't send so I'll ask here.
I was trying to change my accounts email address in settings and it said that the email address (the new one I wanted to change it to) was already registered, yet when I tried to sign in with that email address, it said an account under that email does not exist. Would you please help me out with this issue? The fiancé would prefer the notifications start coming to me instead so he'd greatly appreciate if you could fix this dilemma. ;) thanks!
Good to see you two are not only still on MyCorgi, but also still foster parents. This site was is so helpful; I still love it! I have the 2013 wall calendar, and also got a weekly planner for Gregg. People come by my desk just to see the new months Corgi. Will there be a 2014?
Lucy & Ricky (Wendy/Jack )
Jan 23, 2012
Sidney and Angie
may i add you as a friend?
Feb 2, 2012
Sidney and Angie
how do i get credits to get gifts?
Feb 10, 2012
Kaley and Ravioli
I just wanted to say thanks for creating this website! It's an excellent resource for corgi owners and future corgi owners, as well as an excellent outlet for those who can't get enough of corgis! And also, thanks for supporting the corgis! Both the new puppies and the rescues.
Thanks!
Mar 7, 2012
Robert and Ein Hayes
Second The thanks! I love setting meet-ups with other corgis. Watching 12 of those shorties running in circles was great. Spend more time here then on facebook.
Mar 8, 2012
Carol Godbout
Hi Sam,
How do I get my hands on a 365 2012 Calendar? I think my two corgis are in there and I would like a copy. I haven't been able to get online as much as I would like because of a new job and so I missed out on how to order.
Thanks!
Carol
Mar 13, 2012
Jody
May 17, 2012
vera miller
they are such awesome dogs,, thanks for sharing you family pictures : )
May 24, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
Yes I could make a rolled martingale. =) Would you want it just like that with the chain or would you want it all leather?
Jun 19, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
I actually just got done making a little measuring how-to page to make it easier. =) You can view it at http://cheetahswift.com/sizing.php
Jun 19, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
Huh. That is strange. I'll probably just make the closed measurement 1/2 to 1 inch less, and make the open measurement 1-2 inches larger. What color would you prefer, and was there anything else you wanted on it? I have a really neat dremel I could probably get a small name on it with. =) Also, how did you want to work out payment?
Jun 27, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
I will write his name in the best cursive I can. It might be a little small since rolled leather doesn't allow for a lot of space but we will see. I can also show you pictures of the progress as I go. =) Paypal is best. You can send payment to astara@soulrequiem.com on paypal. =) Does $45 sound fair?
Jun 27, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
Mocha's collar is finished! I hope it's okay, but I was not able to do his name in cursive. There just wasn't much space at all. It's hand-carved still. I'll be shipping it either tomorrow or Monday. =)
Jul 12, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
Let me know when you get Mocha's collar. I wasn't able to get a tracking/confirmation number for it for some reason, so I've got no idea where it's at on its way to you. XD
Jul 25, 2012
Shippo & Koga Corgis
Yay I'm glad you like it! How does it fit? I measured it like 7564873 times trying to make sure it would be alright LOL. I'm always paranoid about the fitting! XD
Jul 27, 2012
LA Stewart
Hate to be a pest. I know you are busy, but....
What happened to MyCorgi?
Was that a planned shut down? Maintenance?
I have come to depend on this site for information on Corgi Events. I have listed 3 myself in the last year. Thanks for all you do.
Lisa
Jul 30, 2012
Lola and Paige
Hi Sam, it's Paige with Lola, we found out that Lola had been getting into our fabric softener sheets and eating them so we suspect that was the problem. But thanks for your input.
Jul 30, 2012
LA Stewart
Thanks for your time.
I was relieved to see that MyCorgi was up again today.
Jul 30, 2012
Laura Jones
Thinking of you all.
Jul 30, 2012
Kara with Dasiy & Scout
Jul 30, 2012
Ingrid & Ein
So sorry to hear about your beloved Mocha. Thank you for all you do for corgis and corgi owners everywhere.
Jul 30, 2012
E
I am so sorry to hear about Mocha. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Aug 1, 2012
Florence
Dear Sam, thinking of you.....
Aug 1, 2012
Mandy and Lori
I am so sorry, I just keep crying about Mocha and Vienna. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.
Aug 1, 2012
Marie Ploof
I want you to know that my thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Aug 1, 2012
JENNY & COBY
I am so sorry to hear that..
You and your family on my prayer's list...
Aug 2, 2012
Priscilla, CARLY, and Frankie
Oh dear i had to laugh when i read Vienna graduated with her GED..,
God bless you Sam and Silvia for all your efforts in helping so many of us corgi lovers with so many issues . I cant help but think that you will reap what youve sewn in the days ahead..... I know the Lord is helping you with these trials.
My heart is so sad for what youve gone through and are going through..
Keep on keeping on and remember were all thinking about you..
Priscilla
Aug 2, 2012
Asia
Thank you, Sam, for the warm welcome back.
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to Mocha, and now Vienna. I know how terrifying and frustrating it is to deal with medical issues, but even I cannot yet imagine how devastating it is to lose a corgi. I've lost pets before, but it's a different kind of loss with a stumpy baby.
My thoughts are with you and your wife as you go through this ordeal, and I can only hope that when it's time for Vienna to join her buddy on the rainbow bridge, it's a peaceful and painless trip.
Aug 2, 2012
Mickey
Oh Sam, I just read about Vienna...you have been and will continue to be in our prayers. Great pictures of the kids! all those smiles! Warms the heart and gets us through these hard times. I hope we see you at the Corgi Picnic. p.s. we went to Dr. Thomson last week - he's a great Dr. - thank you for the referral. I mentioned you to him and he remembered Mocha and Vienna.
Aug 2, 2012
Tracy & Sir Bentley
So sorry to hear about Vienna. My husband and I lost our beloved corgi, Comet in December 2011. Comet had cancer also. After oral chemotherapy treatments, Comet became cancer-free. However he was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy and relied on a cart to move about. A week before Christmas, Comet suffered from two seizures. HIs quality of health had declined so we made the humane decision to let him go. You can see his photo on my corgi page.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Tracy
Aug 2, 2012
Billy
Hi Sam - I was very sorry to read your news. I cannot imagine how tough this time is for you and your family. My mom went through a similar experience with her two corgi's this past winter - two years apart, different breeders and they passed within 6 weeks of each other both from different forms of cancer.
In creating this site you have given so much to corgi lovers and I hope that all the thoughts and prayers being sent your way help, if even in a very small way.
Aug 2, 2012
Laura Jones
Saw this and thought of you guys
Aug 13, 2012
John Wolff
Thanks, Sam. I've thought about the Canon Hack Kit before. But I don't photograph half as well as I know how already, because my camera has dirt spots on the sensor I think (can't clean them), and I shoot by the Braille Method because I can never read the LED screen in daylight (I don't wear reading glasses in the field). I may try it though. Time-lapse would be fun.
Bwah! I wanna DSLR that weighs 2 ounces!
I am so sorry about Mocha. And Vienna.
I am trying to remember every day that my two friends and I will not be together forever.
John
Sep 13, 2012
Chloe's parent Liz
How is Vienna doing?
Sep 18, 2012
Pamela
Just saw your page. Im sorry to hear of your dogs Mocha. and Vienna. Wonderful pics and they bring wonderful memories for you and your wife. Im still trying to put pics of stairs into your message. Feeling like a camera newbie myself.
Sep 18, 2012
Suzi, Zeus & Valentine
thank you Sam for your kind words
Oct 16, 2012
Bogart the Cardigan
Thank you for providing such a great forum for fellow Corgi Fanatics! And very sorry to hear about Mocha. Our first Corgi (a Pem) Niblick, died of Lymphoma 9 years ago. We finally got our new Corgi this past September, and Bogart is a terrific addition to our family.
Nov 23, 2012
Lucy & Ricky (Wendy/Jack )
@Sam and John- Too true. Wish we could be together forever, but alas, this can't be. I just found a batch of old photos of my beautiful Corgi, Emily. I wasn't expecting to see them & I felt like I was kicked in the stomach.
Dec 7, 2012
Bev Levy
Hi Sam, Just wanted you to know how very sorry I am that Vienna is no longer with you. Losing both of them this year had to have been very difficult. Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way for the holiday season...
Dec 20, 2012
Stacey
I'm so so sorry to hear about Vienna's passing. No matter how long or how short our furry kids are with us it's never enough time is it. I can't even imagine losing two within such a short time. I don't even know what more to say except I am soooo sad for you both and I hope with time the happy memories will take the place of the grief you feel right now.
Dec 21, 2012
Linda Bickford
I'm sorry to read that Vienna has now joined Mocha at the Rainbow Bridge. You have had a sad year and I hope 2013 brings you happier times. Thank you for providing a great place for corgi lovers to mingle, we really love to feel part of each other, happy or sad.
Blessings to you and Sylvia and healing energy to help in Vienna's gentle transition <3
Linda & Cowboy in the hills of Massachusetts
Dec 23, 2012
Sandy Bond
Dear Sam and Family, I am so sorry for the tremendous loss you and your family have suffered with the passing of both your Corgis, Vienna and Mocha. One only has to see their photos to know how loved they were. Please accept our sincere condolences and please know that your grief and sorrow is felt by us also, as sadly we have gone through the grief of losing our beloved corgis in the past. I want to thank you for starting this wonderful website for corgi lovers. The Corgi is a very special breed of dog and until a person has one, they cannot know the wonderment of these perfectly created gifts from God. Grace, Peace, and Comfort to you and yours during this sad time.
Dec 25, 2012
Brian Neff
Sam,
Our deepest empathy for your family's loss of Vienna.
I hope that this Christmas has been a good one despite both of your Corgis passing this year. Our hearts are with you, always.
God Bless,
Brian & Christine Neff
Dec 26, 2012
Rebecca
Dec 29, 2012
Rebecca
Sam, I am so sorry to hear about Vienna's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending healing thoughts your way. Your pictures show what a wonderful life Mocha and Vienna had. Very muched loved and a wonderful adventure.
Dec 29, 2012
Mandy and Lori
Hi Sam, I am so sorry to read about Vienna. She is together now with Mocha. I actually dropped by to check on you guys. I am thinking about you both and will keep you and Silvia in my prayers. (((HUGS)))!!!
Jan 8, 2013
DR, Nala & Simon
Haven't been here in a long time. So sorry for your loss. Just lost my dog Cosmo yesterday. She was a 16yr old Rat Terrier. Nala's playmate and "crime" partner. She will be missed. A big hug for you and your wife. Thanks for sharing your love for corgis with us. Mocha and Vienna were loved.
Jan 15, 2013
Mike, Susan, Wally,Oliver & Eva!
I was trying to change my accounts email address in settings and it said that the email address (the new one I wanted to change it to) was already registered, yet when I tried to sign in with that email address, it said an account under that email does not exist. Would you please help me out with this issue? The fiancé would prefer the notifications start coming to me instead so he'd greatly appreciate if you could fix this dilemma. ;) thanks!
Susan
Feb 12, 2013
Mike, Susan, Wally,Oliver & Eva!
Feb 12, 2013
Sam, Gregg & Poopdeck
Good to see you two are not only still on MyCorgi, but also still foster parents. This site was is so helpful; I still love it! I have the 2013 wall calendar, and also got a weekly planner for Gregg. People come by my desk just to see the new months Corgi. Will there be a 2014?
Oct 1, 2013