Sadie (fostered 4/09-7/09)

Final 7/8/09: I took my foster Sadie into U of Penn ER tonight and let her go. She was in pain and very uncomfortable. It's been coming for several days now but I was (obviously) reluctant to let her go. Tonight she couldn't stand up without help and couldn't get in the car without help as well. She's been restless and unable to settle at night for the last 3 nights, and it took her about 10 minutes to lay down because of pain in the leg with Osteosarcoma.

Sadie loved the wind on her face and ears, she would run to the car every time we were near the driveway in the hope of a ride. She liked to stand on the deck and check out the neighborhood, and she loved to go for walkies. She'd gently pull me around the block just a tad faster than I was interested in going, looking around with interest and enjoying the sun.

Sadie was so excited to see other dogs, she would imitate a pogo stick, jumping up and down in delight and pretty much making the other dogs wonder about her sanity. She played hard and well with Drake when he was here, and she quite liked him following her around. She was happy to meet new people and would just stand in front of them, quietly demanding pets.

It was an honor to foster such a lovely girl, and a blessing to share my life with her these last 2 months. Miss you already, Saders.

Update 5/21/09: Sadie goes in for x-rays of her back left leg on 5/25. We know she's favoring it but don't know why. Otherwise, she's in fine health and is a wonderful companion. She loves to run in the yard and has the zoomies when the foster comes home from work. She's affectionate and very very easy to live with. She loves car rides, and wants to go for one every day--she runs to the car and waits patiently for you to remember that it's time for her ride.

Sadie attended her first meet and greet and was very interested in all of the other dogs. She picks and chooses who she likes to hang with, and seems inclined to like those who don't demand more than companionship. I don't think she likes busy, in your face dogs (although, really, who does?). She continues to be a hit with everyone she meets, and quietly seeks out attention from visitors by gently nudging them and blocking their view of whatever/whoever engaged their interest,other than her!

Once we receive results from the x-rays, I'll update with plans to address--it may be as simple as adding a few supplements to her daily regime.

Original 5/8/09: Sadie is sweetheart! She's a big fawn girl, standing about 32-33 inches tall, and weighing about 130-140 lb. Sadie has been eager to meet all people, of all sizes, sexes and age. She gives gentle leans and little kisses to show her appreciation of attention. After only 2 weeks in her foster home, she has run of the house while the foster is at work. She's housetrained, walks well on leash, and is a pleasure to have around. Sadie loves her "walkies" and runs to the door, pulling slightly the whole way, she is so excited to be out and about. She also loves to hang out on the deck, watching passerbys and checking out the scenery.

Sadie is super excited to meet other dogs, and starts out leaping and jumping. With a little time and some calming walks, she soon calms down and is happy to meet new dogs, male or female. While separated from another foster, she whined/talked and play bowed through the gate, making sure he knew she meant no harm. She doesn't blink an eye at cats walking around, hanging out, etc. She's been great with kids in the neighborhood but we have no history of her living with children. Loud noises do not startle her.

Sadie came into us with a urinary tract infection (UTI) that is being treated with antibiotics, and has a slight cold, which should also be addressed by the antibiotics. She favors her left rear leg but initial examination did not reveal any issues. She is spayed and UTD on vaccines. She seems to trust the people around her to keep her safe, so transition to a new house should be fairly easy.