thanks very much everyone for your replies means to much to me that you guys care so much about peeps and dogs that you've never even met!!
well heres the update!!!
i got home from work about 3.30 ish and as soon as i walked through the door my housemate was in the garden talking to my next-door neighbour asking if sam had turned up yet. then lo and behold he came out from the kennel in the garden! i couldnt believe it. he mustnt have been back long cos my neighbour had checked only a couple of hours earlier. he was really full of himself, no injuries he wasnt even dirty. i took him out for a quick short-lead walk and then gave him his tea, he was absolutely starving!!!
on saturday i took him to a BAA agility comp which i thought we'd never make. he was absolutely fantastic!!! we got 3 clear rounds

. i was soo proud of him
so sam will be kept on his line for the foreseeable future!