Between Maps and Meaning

Today we lost a pet named Sadie. She was the sweetest little herding dog, and it hurt to see her go. I want to take a moment to highlight her life!

Sadie had rough start to her life. She grew up on a property that hoarded animals, particularly horses. It was a bad case and she was eventually taken to the local county pound. She was completely a mess, and all the staff were afraid of her. They believed she would bite and she days away from being put down. My parents opted to bring her home. She got a chance for a new life on our family ranch.

Sadie didn’t transition easy, she would tremble at the site of anyone. She had a strong fear of men and outside myself and a younger brother wouldn’t even want to be in the same room as other men. I’m sure she suffered great trauma to feel that way. First, she grew close to my mom and one other woman in the house. Then she grew close with our dogs, other farm animals, and eventually the rest of our family. Even then she still had road blocks. One day coyotes were going off near the property and it spooked poor Sadie. She escaped from her pen and was missing for 3 days only to popup one night as I was sitting with a friend enjoying a summer firepit. She looked so scared I remember. I’ve never seen so much fear in a dog. That was a turning point for Sadie though she knew then we loved her, and despite her past experience with humans she knew we wouldn’t harm her.

She would suffer monthly seizures, but in-between those seizures you couldn’t find a happier dog. She loved to herd! If we let her she’d chase our goats and sheep until she couldn’t move. She was so kind! Once my bunnies got loose and most of my dogs I’d imagine would have chased or eaten them, but sweet Sadie alerted us about their escape. In her final days she was loose with baby ducks everyday, but she was a sweet protector. Our cat Ultima and her would have the purest morning cuddles every single day. To think I will not see that again, makes me cry.

It’s good that I mourn her though. All this grief was created due to the endless joy she brought into my life. I’m so grateful she got to taste the joy of being loved. I can’t imagine if she would have just been put down at the pound. She deserved a home and she got it. What a life she lived and every tear is how impactful she was. What an honor it is to grieve her!

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10