My Dearest Sadie

I remember the day we met. It was Thanksgiving weekend and I was less than enthusiastic about making a pit stop in a trailer park in the backwoods of East Texas. However, when I got out of the car you hobbled over on your three good legs so happy to have company. It was love at first site. A few hours later I'd convinced the idiots inside the trailer to let me take you home so I could give you the life you deserved. That was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

You and Leo were fast friends and the best snuggling duo I'd ever seen. Before long I couldn't fathom how I'd lived my life without you. I'll always cherish those lazy afternoons when the three of us would squeeze into my cozy over-sized chair. I'd watch movies with the volume a little too loud and Leo would snore like a grown man. But not you...you snored like a delicate flower. After we lost Leo you're sweet little snore brought me comfort. Thank you for that.


I know Leo was always an attention hog and you were always willing to play second fiddle. When we were sitting together on the couch he'd just plop down on your head and make you move. I would get so mad at him, but you'd just sigh that heavy sigh of yours and move without a fuss. You only fought with Leo about things that mattered most - breakfast, dinner and the snacks in between. You were Miss Independent. And when it came to love and affection things were always on your terms. It would drive me crazy when you'd sit just out of reach of me and paw at me to pet you. I'd ask you to move closer, but you wouldn't budge (or you'd move to the opposite end of the couch). I always repositioned myself closer to you to give you love. You knew I would. Every time. You stubborn little shit. Crystal and Mom always remind me that you and I are the same. I think the Universe just knew we'd "get" each other and made sure we crossed paths.



The last 10 months of your life meant so much to me. We both missed Leo and I know it was a hard transition for the two of us. Your sweet face and affection kept me from losing my mind. I'm so very thankful I had the opportunity to shower you with the love and attention you'd deserved your whole life. I broke all of my rules with you and thank goodness I did! If I'd have known how little time we'd have together I would've let you sleep with me every single night. I loved our road trips. I was sad to take your little purple blanket and leash out of my car a few days ago. (This picture was your second to the last trip to the vet...The last one was really scary).


You might have been born in the trailer park, but you were a star and people loved you. I enjoyed taking you places so much. You always made friends, acted like a lady and were the center of attention. Those are three things you just can't teach...you've either got it or you don't. Sadie, my dear, you had "it" and you didn't need a pedigree to prove it!


It's been a hard transition living without you. I spilled rice on the kitchen floor last week and fully expected you to jingle over and hoover it up. It took me 10 minutes to find a broom and another 5 to figure out how to use it. When I get home from work in the afternoons I miss rounding the corner and seeing your pretty face pop up off of your orange bed. I miss "woohoo-ing" because we're so excited to see each other. I miss telling you every morning, "Good-bye Sadie. Mama loves you. You be sweet today." I miss the way you sat on your fat little butt.


Sadie Louise Nuding, you have brought more joy to my life than I can ever say. My heart is bursting with love for you and I am eternally grateful for the 10 wonderful years we spent together. I'm excited to meet up again in our next life. Until then, good-bye Sadie. Mama loves you. Give Leo sugars for me and y'all be sweet.