Meet Sadie Irene Lady Bird Johnson.
Yes, she has 5 names (7 if you count my and the Dude’s last name. We decided to hyphenate).
We brought her home yesterday from the ASPCA. She’s a 5 year old lab/mastiff mix. A “Mastador.” I just love clever mix names.
Sadie was brought in by her owners because they were moving. She was too big to take them with her. Lucky for us, she was available two weeks ago when we went to visit the shelter.
I’ve been wanting a dog (as an adult) for years now. Growing up, we had a German Shepard, Maxine Magnolia (my sister and I were feeling very southern belle when we named her) and she was the best dog ever. She died as I was leaving for college, so I didn’t really have the option for a dog in a dorm room. In the years after that, I was more focused on having fun and going out.
After I moved back to Rhode Island, I started to get puppy fever. Living in apartments that had a no dog policy was a valid reason for not getting one. My roommate had a cat and Dude had a cat, so that satisfied my pet need for a bit. Puppy fever never abated though, so I searched on PetFinder and cooed over dogs in the park and watched my friends’ dogs when they went away.
When Dude and I talked about moving in together, I expressed that a pro-dog policy was a must. As luck would have it, we moved into a building that his Dad owns, so my quest for a pup finally got the green light.
Back in November, before my surgery, I told Duder that if I turned out to be cancerous, I was getting my damn dog. You can’t really argue with that logic. Even doctor’s know that cancer is cancelled out by dog love. But I still had to wait to get him or her.
Until today.
As I talked about earlier this week, my routine will definitely be changing – but I’m pretty sure it’s all for the better.
Any advice for new dog owners? 
what a sweet girl! I also have puppy fever, but didn’t grow up with dogs– so I’ve been learning as much as I can for when I decide to settle down and become a doggy mommy. I actually borrowed the Monks of New Skete DVD (they also have books & a website you can check out) this weekend to tide me over during Hurricane Irene. It’s a 2 disc thingy all about dog developmen, pack mentality, and basic training for pups & adult dogs. LOVE. And heaven help me, one of them monks is HAWT! Definitely helped me pass the time…..
I am so excited for you!!
Creating routine is key. I’ve also heard that it’s good to pick a training program and to stick with it, like don’t try different methods, it confuses the puppy.
I have never had a dog. Ever. My parents robbed me of a childhood, I think.
Sadie is the cutest. I want her!
Here’s a little known fact about me: I love the concept of dogs, I love watching YouTube videos of dogs, I love cute dog calendars, but when it comes down to it, I am actually pretty frightened of dogs! In fact, just the other day as my husband and I were walking around town, a cute little puppy made its way to me (aww!) and then started yapping at my ankles (ahhhh!). I went from smiles to near-tears in 0.5 seconds and started standing in place, going around in circles. I never had pets growing up, so maybe that’s why it’s taking me forever to get comfortable with fur creatures. Even my friend’s cocker spaniel scared the crap out of me when I was in elementary school.
I love Sadie’s full name though! Is “Irene” based on the hurricane?
Oh my gosh – I love her!! She’s so cute. I know she’ll be a wonderful addition.
I don’t have much advice because I’m still in the puppy phase, but for my pup I know that exercise is always the best answer. The days when he gets long walks are the days when he causes much less trouble! If you ever want to have a puppy play date, let me know
What a beautiful girl, can’t wait to read all about your adventures with her.
dude, DAD named Maxie. remember when he was joking that she had to have three names in order to be a show champion?? plus that magnolia tree in the front yard.
I WANT A DOG.
What a cutie pie! I have such puppy fever!
She’s adorable! I’m sure she’ll make an awesome addition to your home.