This biweekly column is written by Suzanne Lawter, Director of Community Outreach for Sadie came into rescue as part of puppy mill bust. She was found chained outside in the heat of summer with her three puppies, and had dug a hole in the ground to protect them from the elements. This sweet girl was trying to her best to be a good mom, but she was malnourished with very limited resources or ability to provide for her pups. Luckily, rescue came in time to free Sadie and save her babies. All three puppies have been successfully adopted to great homes, and now its Sadie’s turn.
When Sadie first came into foster care she shut down, preferring to hide in a corner or curl up in tight ball hoping to avoid all social interaction. Her foster parents have been working with her to build her confidence and introduce new things into Sadie’s life. She now proudly takes long walks around her neighborhood, and has formed a close bond with her foster mom, Heather.
It didn’t take long for Sadie to trust Heather. When they are alone in the house, Sadie is affectionate and will gently paw Heather’s hand for rubs, and always wants to be right by her side. Sadie took a huge step last week when she noticed that Heather was by herself and curled up in bed with her for the night. We are so excited to see her connecting and reaching out for affection. Like many dogs coming from neglectful or abusive situations, however, Sadie is still very hesitant around her foster dad, Chris, and men in general. A male presence has an effect on her behavior, and she becomes more cautious and withdrawn, but this is something she will be able to work through.
We had a trainer come in to assess Sadie and help her feel more comfortable with Chris. She made major strides in just one session, and we are certain that there is a more confident Sadie waiting to emerge. One very positive sign is that she is not afraid to make good eye contact with people, and will sometimes drag her feet when challenged to experience new things, but more in a stubborn than fearful way. Sadie is potty trained, great in the car, and is also very amenable to baths and grooming. She knows how to sit for treats, and will respond to her name when called.
I met Sadie over the weekend to do her photo shoot, and initially she was withdrawn and went into another room to avoid contact. After giving her some time to feel comfortable, I approached her gradually and she allowed me to sit down next to her and pet her without any hesitation. We went outside and took more time to get to know each other, and I was able to take some close-up pictures without her running from the camera. She even did a statuesque point as she posed in the snow. I saw firsthand her ability to work through her fear and accept a stranger in her home.
Sadie is currently being fostered with two other dogs, and we believe she would benefit from having another confident, balanced dog in her home to learn from and help her feel at ease. She needs a calm home environment, and a fenced yard to allow her to explore at her own pace would be ideal. We are looking for a patient, experienced owner, and someone who wants to work with Sadie, and challenge her to experience new things. Your commitment will make a big difference in her life.
Sadie is a smart dog and such a sweet soul who has suffered at the hands of people who didn’t feel she had value. She is still a work in progress, but she’s learning, and will make the right family a wonderful, loving dog.
To learn more about Sadie, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne directly at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.
