Let’s talk about Sadie. I met her at Town Lake Animal Shelter when she was just 6 months old. She was sick and alone, but that day changed my life forever. I wasn’t looking for another dog, but they handed her to me. I like to say my life began then.

I’m Vanessa, and animals have always been a big part of my life. I have 7 dogs, 4 cats, and more. After college, I moved to San Antonio for a show called “Pet Tales” at Sea World. When it ended, I joined Barking Hound Village (BHV) as a part-time employee and eventually became the manager this was 20 years ago.

Sadie was with me through my 30s, my wedding, and beyond. She broke all the rules and was a true friend. Saying goodbye to her was incredibly hard, and it still brings me to tears.

Now, I’ve bought BHV during the pandemic, making changes to ensure all dogs have a safe space. In March 2024, I opened a second location on North Burnet. You’ll see reminders of Sadie everywhere.

I also want to mention Tom Bergstrom, who passed away in December 2021. He significantly influenced my journey.

At BHV, we treat your dogs like family. They give us unconditional love that’s hard to find elsewhere. Each dog is unique, and we aim to make them feel comfortable and loved. So, tell me, who is YOUR “Sadie”?