Let’s talk about Sadie. I met her when she was 6 months old at Town Lake Animal Shelter. I could break down so many details. She was sick and alone, separated from her siblings, and that day changed me forever. I wasn’t looking for another dog, and back then, it took FOREVER to adopt a dog. They had to call your vet, check out your home environment, it was crazy. That day, for some reason, they literally just handed her to me. I like to say, on that day, my life began. Everyone has that moment in life, somewhere in your 20’s, where everything starts coming back on the tracks. I didn’t even know it was happening WHEN it was happening.
I am Vanessa, by the way. Animals have always been my life. I was raised with all different types of animals and I currently have 7 dogs, 4 cats, a bearded dragon, tortoises, a turtle, a bunny, fish, and a bird named Orville. I know right? My neighbors love me! So, needless to say, I knew which direction I was headed once I was out of college. After graduating from St Edward’s in 2001, Sadie and I made our way to San Antonio to work at a show called “Pet Tales” at Sea World. You know, when Sea World was still cool. The show focused on adopted animals from shelters all over the country in which we were able to train to do cool little tricks. The show sent the message that adopted animals are the way to go. After this show closed, I came back to Austin, and started working at Barking Hound Village (BHV) part time. I thought BHV was amazing. A small, locally owned kennel, and I was able to start just a couple months after they had opened. I loved getting to know the owners and their dogs. But I soon took a leave of absence to train birds of prey at a show at the State Fair, and when I came back to BHV, I found myself in the position of manager (this was 17 years ago).
Managing BHV was a learning experience. Sadie was with me the entire time. She was there during my mistakes and during my triumphs. She was with me at Sea World, The State Fair, and now she had been with me at BHV for 14 years! She was also there when a new dog named Maria walked through the doors of BHV. Little did I know that in just two short years, I would be marrying Maria’s dad, Paul – and who better to be by my side? Sadie.
She guided me through my 30’s, served in my wedding as my maid of honor, and sailed through with me to the start of my 40’s. When Sadie was with me, people knew the basic rules didn’t apply to her. The hotel weight limit for a dog is 10 pounds? Not for Sadie. She could stay. Someone afraid of dogs? No one was ever afraid of Sadie. She was the best dog and a true friend. I wasn’t Sadie’s mom. We were peers. We figured out life together. When we said goodbye to Sadie, it was almost as if she left me knowing that I had it all figured out. Sadie knew I was ready to face the world, even if I didn’t…But do we ever have it all figured out? Saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I have ever done. It still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. It was super sudden and I wasn’t prepared. I don’t think we are ever prepared.
Now, here we are. I have purchased BHV during this crazy pandemic and I am on a path that is different than any other. BHV is a place I take my dogs daily and I am constantly making changes to make sure all dogs have a safe place to go. I am able to be more creative and bring that scrappy vibe back to BHV. Due to the overwhelming support from everyone we have now opened a second location on north Burnet in March of 2024. If you visit either location, look around. You will see hints of Sadie everywhere.
If you have made it this far, I feel it is also pertinent to mention a man named Tom Bergstrom. He passed away in Dec. 2021, but he gave me guidance, advice, and opportunity. For him, I will be eternally grateful….This is his space in the story that has forever changed my life.
I know how we feel about our dogs, I know how special they are. Along with the staff of BHV we give our all to your dogs like no other. Our dogs give us a type of love that is unconditional and an acceptance that is hard to find in people sometimes. It is something that can not be replicated because they are all so uniquely special and leave their mark on our lives. All of the dogs at BHV are our family. I wouldn’t have it any other way. When they walk through those doors, we make it our goal to get to know their personalities and focus on how we can make them feel comfortable and loved for being uniquely them. We want to also create a trust with you as their owners so that you are comfortable and know you have become part of a family like no other.
So, tell me, who is YOUR “Sadie”?
