In the heart of our close-knit neighborhood, you’ll find the Campo family, a joyful and active bunch who have called this community home since January 2014. Martha Nemer, her husband Adrian Campo, and their three boys, Nicholas, Daniel, and Sebastian, not only bring energy and warmth to our streets but also share their home with two extraordinary pets: Sam, a 14-year-old mixed-breed dog, and Batman, a 7-year-old cat with a superhero persona. 

Sam, with his beautiful hair color and playful demeanor, has been a beloved member of the Campo family since 2010. Adrian recalls the day they found Sam vividly: “We were at Stater Brothers, just out for some groceries, when we saw a box with six puppies for sale. Among them was Sam. We fell in love with him instantly and brought him home.” Since then, Sam has become a loyal and loving companion, adapting seamlessly through the family’s three moves within the neighborhood. 

Batman’s entry into the Campo family is a tale of rescue and love. In 2017, Adrian, working with local neurosurgeons, learned from an employee about five newborn kittens found under debris at a construction site. The Campo boys chose one and named Batman, inspired by his unique mask-like markings. Despite a rough start, Batman found a safe and loving home with the Campos, though he remains an indoor cat, wary of loud noises and new people. 

Sam is the epitome of a happy-go-lucky dog. He has a peculiar talent for sleeping on his back, a sight that never fails to amuse the Campos. Whether he’s lounging in the living room or snoozing in the bedroom, Sam’s belly-up sleeping position is his trademark. 

Batman, on the other hand, is the quintessential feline with a twist. Always alert, he prefers high vantage points, often climbing furniture to watch over his domain from the tallest point in the house. Despite his cautious nature around strangers, Batman is the undisputed alpha between him and Sam, and his climbing antics add a touch of adventure to the household. 

The Campos have their share of funny and heartwarming stories about their pets. Adrian chuckles as he recalls the time Sam got confused after their move from one house to another within the same neighborhood. “Our old neighbor called us because Sam was at the door of our old house. We had to go back to the old house five times before he realized it wasn’t home anymore!” 

Batman, with his knack for finding hidden spots, had a particularly nerve-wracking adventure as a kitten. At just three days old, he managed to crawl into an opening under the bathroom sink and ended up inside the walls of the second floor. “It was scary, but luckily Batman found his way out, and we immediately closed up the opening,” Adrian says with relief. 

There’s no doubt that Sam and Batman are pampered pets. They feast on special food and sleep next to the Campos every night. Sam, ever the social butterfly, hates being alone and stays close to the family at all times. Batman, while he enjoys his independence, often snuggles with Sebastian at bedtime, finding comfort in the company of his human brother. 

For the Campo family, having Sam and Batman enriches their lives in countless ways. Adrian appreciates the love and loyalty Sam brings and Batman’s playful yet cautious nature. Living in our vibrant neighborhood, filled with social activities like Bocce, Bunco, Pickleball, and Golf, the Campos enjoy the sense of community and the joy their pets bring to their home. 

“Our pets are part of what makes living here so special,” Adrian reflects. “Sam and Batman have adapted so well to our moves and the neighborhood, it feels like they belong just as much as we do.” 

A heartfelt thank you to the Campo family for sharing the delightful stories of Sam and Batman. Their experiences remind us of the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives and how they become an integral part of our communities.