Sadie's Story

[LG & Sadie]

Sadie's story begins with a very naive Canine Mom. After my partner and I decided a Goldendoodle was the breed that most fit us....I began looking online. A non-existent woman named Debbie responded very quickly to a post I had written which basically said I was in Connecticut and wanting to buy (bad word to use) a Goldendoodle puppy. Knowing myself, I knew I would fall in love quickly and once in love...my decisions might be skewed...so, I asked the questions I knew to ask-but in retrospect I was uneducated on puppy mills and the horror that was out there in the lives of innocent animals. This was a horrible and rude awakening.

So as not to create undo stress, my Sadie is well and happy... but not without her share of daily challenges. So, over the course of a week or two my partner and I decide we want to see the two doodle pups this woman who said she was a breeder had. In another not great twist; I pretty much profiled this woman since the address she gave was one in West Hartford CT I assumed good things-not a racial profile but rather a fiscal one. I didn't check the address she gave us beforehand or do any of the things a wise person might do. We headed off to West Hartford blindly believing in this person.

We pass this place that looks like an actual Pet Store several times turning around at least twice to check the number etc. We end up pulling in, and I go in and it's not a good place but ask at the counter if a breeder named Debbie works at this store. I am glad I didn't turn and run, but, if I had good sense I most likely would have. A man asked what dog I was there to see....I was confused....but answered then went out to the car to get my partner. Oh my were these two puppies sick. The male was sickest, and I would have "purchased" him too if I had had the money, and his story has an awful ending. There was no way I would leave this place without at least one of the Doodle puppies, so the stoic girl who was equally as unwell came out with us after we gave a Puppy Mill in MN a little over 1K, I have shame about it. I was a bad, bad Canine Mom.

With Sadie in my arms we drive while calling the Vet.....stopping first at home to get what can only been described as loom top soil off of her in the tub....her ears were packed with dirt as well and it was obvious she couldn't hear well. 6 hours later I was signing a form for Sadie to undergo surgery and having her pulled from my arms to go into surgery I was thinking, "How can I live without her?". A day earlier I didn't know her, and now I am thinking I just have to have her in my life. Her sweet precious soul is just amazing! This first surgery was to suction both lungs she had a most likely deadly bilateral bacterial pneumonia the culture later showed it was ecoli bacteria in her lungs. The shortened version of how this happened is that she was transported in a truck of manure in early March from MN to CT (she would have been about 5 weeks old)

Sadie survived the surgery, but was still in a lot of trouble, she had a high fever, several rib fractures as well as a left front leg fracture and, her ears needed serious under anesthesia care. She had ghiarrdia as well as a lesion on her uterus that would require she be spayed earlier than the age of 6 months. She had quite a road ahead of her. Her amazing spirit prevailed, and she has triumphed! She is now a fairly healthy three year old with a well managed seizure disorder, and some moderate anxiety-hypervigilance issues. She has some great relationships in her life both canine and human, and I would call her a happy girl. My friends and family lovingly call her my 6 million dollar baby. And, they are not all that far off. But, there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for Sadie.

For rescue folks curious....I initially tried to contact the owner of the storefront operation....and, you would not believe the rude arrogant horrid person I encountered....but, had he been polite maybe I would have had poor follow thru on reporting him. I involved the State of CT and was truly impressed by the results! A Dog Officer was at Sadie's Vet routinely getting documentation of her ongoing health issues, the store was fined on a bunch of charges including knowingly having sick animals in the general store population, selling a sick animal, misrepresentation of age of an animal, and the biggest charges were for violations of State statutes of animal care, improper disposal of Sadie's brother-litermate, animal cruelty etc. I learned from my experience, and have educated myself as to how to go about buying a puppy, finding a reputable breeder etc. and how to become involved in animal rescue. I wish for Sadie's sake that such horrors never happened on this earth, but recognize that they do. Sadie is a treasure-who endured what none of God's creatures should ever have for her first 4 months of life. I intend to make sure all of her remaining time on earth is spent in the arms of unconditional love and respect.

[cheryl & oliver]

Sadie is absolutely adorable...thank you for saving this wonderful animal...And her story like has been said is only one, it is just sooo sad...But each one that we save or help is one less to suffer...Bless you and your partner for all you have done to protect these poor animals...And yes it is amazing how much we love our pets, and I can totally relate to her helping you thru those difficult days after back surgery...These wonderful souls do so much for us, and ask so little in return...Bless you my friend, and wear those angel wings on your shoulder very proudly...Thanks for sharing your story,,,

[Carolyn Robbin]

That picture of her is beyond adorable!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thank you for sharing this! I know how much you must love Sadie - to share her story only helps spread the puppy mill word.

[LG & Sadie]

Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback everyone! I truly feel I am the lucky one and that in many ways Sadie saved me! I have had two back surgeries this past year-and she has been the bright spot always by my side. I will attach a picture of her eating her brush this morning! Again-many Thanks! Leane

[Carolyn Robbin]

OMG this is totally heart wrenching.....and this is just one story....it's happening as we speak. Sadie is very lucky that she has you. You are her angel. I have no tolerance for animal cruelty. If you want, can you email me privately and tell me the "pet store" in W Hfd? Thanks for sharing the story....Carolyn

[Anna and Achilles]

It was meant to be. Thank God you didn't run for Sadie's sake! If there were more people like you we wouldn't have this problem. I'm glad the authorities responded.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I truly cannot believe anyone who calls themself a human being could treat a poor little animal the way your little Sadie was treated. Sadie was so lucky to have found you. May only good things come to you, Sadie and your family. Thank you for following ypur heart and for being Sadie's guardian angel. I have goosebumps reading this story. Sadie is beautiful and I am sure she brings as much joy to you as you do to her.

[Kathy Spyker]

Thank you for sharing and thanks for saving Sadies life. I hope she has a long wonderful life with you.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

What a wonderful out come for Sadie. You are definitely her guardian angel.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you for telling Sadie's story. I am hoping it will help others. I am also so grateful that you didn't give up, and that you involved the State to ensure that justice was done. You didn't just walk away, and you could have. You have given Sadie the life she so deserves. Sadie surely found you...and your heart was open.