ADOPT 2011 CONTEST

Adoption means a lot to my family and I. It has brought us through many tough times, gave us the strength to help so many wonderful pets. We run an in home rescue and adopt out around 60 dogs a year to wonderful loving homes.
The story I want to sure is the one of how Sadie Jo adopted me, at least that is the way I see it.

It all started January 26th 2008.
Shortly after having a miscarriage and losing my marriage I was feeling alone, depressed, like I didn't want to go on. I decided to look for a companion to share my days with. I spent hours searching in shelters, online, and through papers. Then one day while looking through our local paper, the Denton Record Chronicle I found your ad.
I called right away then drove the hour trip to get you, when I got there my heart ached for you. You had a metal chain wrapped around your neck, a very short chain tied you on a concrete slab beneath the porch. Your hair was matted, you were so very skinny, no food, no water, no shelter, laying on the concrete freezing. It made me angry, sad and angry.
I gave the woman her money put you in my car and we headed home. You laid your head in my lap and wagged your tail, as if to say "thank you".
Then our journey began.
It took months to get you better, but you were a fighter. One day at your vet appointment, we ran into your Dad in the lobby. He fell in love with you and came every day to help us. That's how I got my marriage back. You made us a family again.
After you got better we went on the road with your Dad, traveling the states. You loved riding in that red freightliner.
You would sit in my lap and stare out the windows, bark at the cars trying to herd them. So many times I would sit in the floor so you could sleep in the seat. So funny seeing Dad climb up the bunk so you could sleep with me.
Our bond grew so deep.
You were my heart dog - still are.
We walked so many miles together, over 23 states. Then your arthritis started to get bad, we took you home where I stayed with you, and a new chapter in our journey began.
Neither of us liked being home, but we made the best of it. Our walks in the pasture, watching the sunsets out there. Keeping the nieces and nephews - oh how you adored them.
Every time I see a bubble I think of you and smile,you loved them so.
Our last summer was so amazing, and then with the end of it came all of your pain. The colder it got, the worse you became. We tried everything we could to help you, but it just wasn't enough.
November 12th 2009, our journey ended.
We sat together and watched the sunrise, your head placed on my lap, your tail slowly wagging as you drew your final breaths. You licked my hand, letting me know it was ok, and then you went on your next journey, to the bridge.
I sat there with you for hours, holding you.
23 months we were together, I know it's selfish but I wish it had of been longer.
We buried you out in the pasture, in the spot where we would watch the sunset every evening.
The kids still read to you, we all miss you so much.
I made Dad sell the truck, I just couldn't look at it anymore.

It was adoption that taught me to love, to trust, to live. Adoption that brought us together.
Without adoption the best 23 months of my life would never have happened.
I wouldn't have our memories to cherish, I wouldn't have my husband, or my daughter.
To the common eye, our story was just me saving you, but we saved each other.
I will never lose our memories or the happiness you brought me. Thank you for adopting me. I love you yesterday, today, and always, sweet Sadie Jo.

My names hidden meaning

SADIE

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

I am not there

We found this on google and wanted to share

487 days

It has been 487 days since Sadie Jo left for the bridge. Inside, it still feels like it happened just yesterday.

There are a lot of ways to say it,
487 days
1 year 4 months 2 days
42,076,800 seconds
701,280 minutes
11,688 hours
or roughly 70 weeks

A lot has changed in those 487 days, but one thing that hasn't changed is my love for Sadie, and the pain I feel inside since she is gone.

We went through a lot together. A lot of people thank me for rescuing her but what the majority fail to see is that she was the one that rescued me.

We were inseparable. Had a bond that couldn't be broken, couldn't be compared to anything else. She was my lifeline, my soul.

The day I went to get Sadie was my new beginning as well as hers. I was able to take her away from a life of abuse and neglect, and she was able to give me a life with happiness and love.

This is the last picture that was taken of Sadie

What I have now are the wonderful memories, the changes I've made to be a better person because of her, and the wonderful friends that she brought me to know.

I know that one day we will be reunited, and I will hold her close to me every step of the way.

I love you Bae Jo.

Missing you

Its been 9 months since you went to the bridge. I miss you everyday and still cry myself to sleep at night. You were my best friend, my hero, my heart and soul.

Its been very hard and we've all had a hard time trying to cope with you leaving us. I know that you are up there watching over us but I wish that I could feel your touch one more time. Look into your eyes again, everything would be okay.
Your sister has been lost without you, she searches for you everyday. We often find her laying out in the pasture where you would play with her for hours.

The kids all miss you, it's been hard for them to understand. We walk to your grave everynight before bedtime. They bring you a treat, and read to you.

I know you are in a better place, and that your spirit will always be with us, but we miss you Sadie girl. You will always have a place in our home and in our hearts.

I love you sweet girl.

ADOPT 2010 CONTEST

First I'll start off with how I came to my forever home.

My name is Sadie Jo. My first owners were very nice and I lived with them for six years.I had a mom and two human girls that were my life. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer which was really scary. In may of 07 their were a lot of floods in Gainesville, TX where we lived. Mom and our girls got trapped in the house and I did my best to get them out. I managed to get Mom and our girls out of the house and ontop the roof. We were seen on CNN on-top of the house. When the people came to rescue Mom and our girls I was left behind. Before mom could rescue me she passed away. I then went to live with my moms sister who didn't treat me so well. I was kept outside 24/7 with no shelter at all. I was chained up all the time on a 5ft leash that was wrapped around a porch post 3 times. I had very little food and many times I went a few days without water. I guess the lady got tired of me being in her yard so she put an ad in the newspaper that read "free to good home, an old an ugly female BC- she has no manners but has shots and is spayed - get her today or i will put her to sleep". So that's how I met my new mom. She read the ad and rushed right over. She says it was love at first sight. Mommy says I am beautiful and not ugly. My hair was very matted and I was covered in fleas. I only weighed 13 pounds almost all of my teeth are missing. And my legs were so weak from being on the chain that I could barely walk. Mom has been very good to me. She got me this medicine called osteo-guard so now my bones feel a lot better, and I can even run again. I have to eat puppy food since I was so malnourished. For a while after Mom adopted me, I could only eat canned food. Well, now I am 32 pounds "and Dad still thinks I look skinny'. I live everyday like I'm a queen. Even though my past was so hard, I still show my mom everyday how thankful I am that she rescued me. I am very obedient now, and it only took mom a week to teach me the basics - she says I'm the smartest girl she's ever known. I will do anything for my new family, even tolerate the puppy biting my ankles all the time. I never smiled when mom first adopted me, but now that is all I do. Mom has even started calling me "happy" and "smiley". It's great to be adopted. If it wasn't for the kindness in my moms heart I probably wouldn't be living right now.

Now, Moms life mission. RESCUE & why she holds it so close to her heart.

When Mom was a little girl her 1st dog was a rescue. She had been found after being hit by a car. Mom was 8 years old. This dog "believed to be a shepherd chow mix" came to be known as Makia (ma -kya). Makia survived and taught Mom many things. The first and most important was that of love and devotion.
When Mom was 17 Makia passed away - and that is when Mom decided that she should be more involved in rescuing and fostering.

Texas Charm -
Charm was technically moms 1st rescue. A young chow mix pregnant, starved, and beaten.
Charm was found roaming around in Moms pasture searching for food. She was so skinny that her ribs were showing - so pregnant that she was leaking milk, her coat had been burned and she had a gash in her neck.
Mom took Charm home and cleaned her up. Gave her a nice meal and a soft bed.
Mom continued nursing Charm for a week. Then the puppies were born. Charm had 9 beautiful babies - but only 4 survived.
A few days after Charm gave birth - a man knocked on Moms door asking if she had seen his dog and showed her a picture of Charm chained up with a tow chain and wearing a muzzle.
Mom said no and shut the door. A few days later Mom saw the man beating a dog with a baseball bat. She called the police - but all they did was send the pound to get the dog.
One day while Mom was taking Charm on a walk the man happened to see them.
He told Mom that he wanted the dog and reched for the leash - out of fear Charm snapped at him.
That night while Mom was giving the puppies a bath and Charm was out in the backyard playing - Mom heard a gun shot.
She ran outside - only to find Charm laying on the ground surrounded by a pool of blood.
That man only served 5 months in city jail. He took away so many innocent lives, abused and neglected way too many of our kind, and all he had to do was a tiny 5 months in jail.

In Moms adult life she has rescued and fostered 73 dogs, puppies, cats, & kittens each one a different story. Why breed when so many animals need homes not just the ones in shelters the ones off the street as well. And please if you EVER see a case of animal cruelty or neglect PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE report it as soon as possible.

Rescuing is very rewarding. They are so grateful and so loyal. Its an amazing feeling when you can take a dog or a cat - or any other animal that is starved or beaten or in many cases both, feed them and give them love, and they become your shadow your best friend and before you know it they are the ones saving you.

Thank you

Its been 4 months

Its been 4 months since you went to the bridge. I still remembered that day as if it was yesterday and still have nightmares about it. You were my heart - and still are. I
miss you more than an amount of words could ever say.
She She still waits at your door for you to come out and play. She's getting better though.
I remember the day I brought you home and how we gave life to one another.
You gave me strength when I had nothing left.
I don't know what I'm doing without you.
Watch over us Bae Jo - keep an eye on your pals and keep them safe.
I love you sweet girl

Watching over all of you

To all of my wonderful pals ~

I'm writing to let all of you know that on my birthday, November 12th 2009, I went to the bridge.
My human doesn't understand why it happened but is thankful that I don't have to suffer through this coming winter. You see, my arthritis was getting very bad ~ and even with all that Mom and the vets tried, there was still times that I couldn't move.
Mommy misses me but knows that I'm happier now and in a better place.
I love you all, and I am watching over wasch and every one of you.

*hugs*

Sadie Jo

This is why............ (warning - grab a tissue)

I know a lot of you that think my Mom is crazy for having so many animals. Well, she isn't. I wanted to write here and let you all know why my Mom does what she does, how it all started.

The beginning -

When Mom was a little girl her 1st dog was a rescue. She had been found after being hit by a car. Mom was 8 years old. This dog "believed to be a shepherd chow mix" came to be known as Makia (ma -kya). Makia survived and taught Mom many things. The first and most important was that of love and devotion.
When Mom was 17 Makia passed away - and that is when Mom decided that she should be more involved in rescuing and fostering.

Texas Charm -
Charm was technically moms 1st rescue. A young chow mix pregnant, starved, and beaten.
Charm was found roaming around in Moms pasture searching for food. She was so skinny that her ribs were showing - so pregnant that she was leaking milk, her coat had been burned and she had a gash in her neck.
Mom took Charm home and cleaned her up. Gave her a nice meal and a soft bed.
Mom continued nursing Charm for a week. Then the puppies were born. Charm had 9 beautiful babies - but only 4 survived.
A few days after Charm gave birth - a man knocked on Moms door asking if she had seen his dog and showed her a picture of Charm chained up with a tow chain and wearing a muzzle.
Mom said no and shut the door. A few days later Mom saw the man beating a dog with a baseball bat. She called the police - but all they did was send the pound to get the dog.
One day while Mom was taking Charm on a walk the man happened to see them.
He told Mom that he wanted the dog and reched for the leash - out of fear Charm snapped at him.
That night while Mom was giving the puppies a bath and Charm was out in the backyard playing - Mom heard a gun shot.
She ran outside - only to find Charm laying on the ground surrounded by a pool of blood.
That man only served 5 months in city jail. He took away so many innocent lives, abused and neglected way too many of our kind, and all he had to do was a tiny 5 months in jail.
Texas Charm was buried in what will soon be Moms animal sanctuary - located in Valley View Texas.

So - to carry on Charms legacy and her memory - Mom has devoted her life to rescue. To helping those in need.
Telling the stories of the ones who can't speaking up for those who have no voice.

You may think she is crazy or as some have said "weird" but to the animals she has saved, the children she has given so much to, the rescues she has donated to, the lives she has given hope to, she is a hero, a wonderful person.

I will have a picture of Charm posted in a day or two (as soon as we can figure the scanner out).

I want to thank all of you for reading this, for understanding my Mom, and for being such wonderful friends to us. We love you all.

*hugs, kisses, and best wishes*

Sadie Jo

Success Story No 3 - Gabby

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

When Shandy Iden and her boyfriend, Jay, came across Gabby in Ohio’s Stark County Dog Pound, the shy, not-so-cuddly Lab/shar-pei mix was barely a month old and had a bad case of ticks. “When I saw this scared little girl in the back of her cage,” says Shandy, “I didn’t care if she had two heads and one leg. I couldn’t get her out of there fast enough!”

Curled up on her new parents’ laps on her first day home, it appeared as though Gabby would be a very calm lap dog. But it only took an hour of being alone with her new baby for Shandy to realize this would not be the case. “Once Jay left the house for work, everything changed,” Shandy recalls. Her cute little puppy was suddenly ripping and racing through the house, chasing the cat, hiding under chairs and shredding tissues.

“Jay came home to a house in shambles,” recalls Shandy. “The couches and chairs were all turned over, there were tissues, cat hair and brand new chew toys torn to shreds all over the floor―and there was Gabby, sound asleep. We both looked at each other and laughed. How could such an adorable creature cause so much havoc?”

It's been over a year now, and Gabby has calmed down―a little. “She cuddles up on the couch with me after work and watches TV,” says Shandy, “but she still always has something in her mouth―a ball, a toy, and yes―tissues. I guess you can’t win them all. I look back on that first night and think of our life with Gabby as a Marx Brothers movie. She started off making me laugh and I haven’t stopped yet. She’s the love of my life.”