Sadie

Sadie is the first dog Trav and I have had together. This beat up black lab mutt wandered into our yard in January 2002, with scratches about her body and a big gaping chest wound. Our first thought was to call animal control to get the poor animal some help. After all, we really did not want a dog. So we called them, and they said they would come get her. Figuring the animal would be picked up soon, we decided she should not have to be to uncomfortable while she waited for her ride. So Trav put out a big bowl of water for her, and ran to the store and bought a small bag of dog food, figuring while he was at the store, there was always the chance she could be picked up by animal control while he was gone. When he got back, she was laying where he had left her, only Emmy had given her an old packing blanket to lay on, and a little bit of ham to tide her over. We put out food and left her for the night, looking out now and then to see if she was still around. She stayed all night, and animal control had not shown. The next day we went across the street and asked the neighbor if she had seen the dog before, since the neighbor has been here for 20 years and seems to know a lot of people in the neighborhood. She didn’t know… but she agreed with our worst fears that the dog would probably just be put to sleep by animal control. At that point, Trav crumbled, and gave Emmy his own doggy eyes which of course caused Emmy to crumble! We took her to the vet, as yet unnamed due to not wanting to get too attached until we knew if she would survive. After the vet checked her out, he told Trav they would have to keep her for the night, and perform surgery, but she would survive, so start thinking of a name. Everybody at the vet’s told us what a sweet dog she is, and they were right! We named her after Sadie Hawkins, because she chose us.

She’s a wonderful dog, and here are some of the things we love about her, in no particular order:

• She takes us for a daily walk.
• She gets so excited when she smells something on the path.
• She likes to be a “hunting dog,” pointing out and tracking different creatures in the park.
• She’s very sweet.
• She would never hurt us.
• She’s totally dedicated to Trav.
• She loves a good game of “Where’s Dad?” at the park.
• She happily cleans up the cat puke.
• She used to have a habit of looking so forlorn when Emmy was sitting where she wanted to be… so pathetic that often Emmy would give up her seat to Sadie.
• She loves to deliver Dad’s socks in the morning so she can get a “sock treat.”
• She eats nuts every day on the way to the park. One of each type given by Mom (1/2 of a brazil nut, walnut, almond), then two cashews from Dad.
• Her muzzle has turned gray over the years.
• She lets us know when it’s time to go to bed.
• She was Stripe’s begging buddy – they made a great team, nearly always getting a taste of whatever was being prepared.
• She’s a good traveler.
• She’s a great inside dog, not eating or drinking much while we are away from home, so she doesn’t have to go out until we get back.
• She’s a quick learner – she knows sit, lay down, turn around, wave, go back, crawl, roll over, and bang (play dead).
• She can turn around counterclockwise, but not clockwise.
• She raced the neighbors going up their driveway – and would always win.
• She loves to wander the yard with Mom.
• She always wants to be close to us, indoors and out.
• We never have to worry about her running away…. even if the gate gets left open, she only goes into the front yard.
• She loves to accompany whoever is getting the mail or taking out the trash.
• She likes to help take care of her pack, licking and cleaning our hands.
• She understands the hierarchy of the pack… Dad, Mom, her.
• She acts as guard dog, warning the pack if someone unexpectedly comes near.
• She’s an active dreamer. We hope she’s having good dreams, chasing rabbits and whatnot.
• She’s just the right size for cuddling.
• She’s the perfect dog shape.
• She’s tolerant of Jester’s swats and swipes at her.
• She was George’s girlfriend (Trav’s Mom’s cat).
• On a hot day, she’ll drink out of Trav’s cupped hands if she gets thirsty during the walk.
• On the walk, she would always be “leader of the pack.”
• During the winter, she’s a good snuggle buddy to help keep us warm.
• She can pee on command… “Go if you’re gonna!”
• She doesn’t like to get dirty.
• She was very confused by thick northern grass… touching it very gingerly with her paw the first time she encountered it.
• She loves being dried with a towel.
• She’s very tolerant of us doing anything to her… putting a shirt on her, trimming her nails, etc.
• She stays still when we step around her, trusting that we won’t kick or step on her by accident.
• Trav could make her go apeshit, running around in circles like a crazy dog.
• She’s demented about her food. Not sure why but maybe something in her puppyhood.
• She likes to drink out of the bird bath.
• She knows where all of the good stands of grass are in the park.
• She brings us all the prizes she finds in the yard (doves, baby bunnies, etc).
• Her bark will transition from “Who’s here?” to “Hey, I know you!”
• The bank ladies love to see Sadie, and they give her a treat when she goes with me to the bank.
• She has perfect doggie ears – velvety soft and oh so expressive.
• One of her favorite treats is to share bread and butter or toast with Mom.
• We can leave a plate of food within her reach and not have to worry that she’ll eat it.
• She loves to lick the plate clean, sometimes putting her foot on it so it doesn’t slide around too much.
• She’s very enthusiastic and excited during the whole morning routine… from sock delivery, to going on the walk, to getting home and having a Beggin’ Strip for a treat.
• She is very careful when taking food from your fingers, never biting or hurting.
• She loves us no matter what. And we love her, too.