We are at Friday. It is a good time to look toward the weekend, maybe see which way your heart is headed. It’s also a good time to look back a little bit at old friends and common, everyday situations that go unnoticed to most. We have several things today, but we’re starting with a story of humanity.
THE SADIE REPORT, IN WHICH GOOD HUMANS PREVAIL: It seems like a hundred years ago that I first wrote about Sadie. In fact, the record reflects that it was a long time ago in dog years, June 19, 2006. That was when hardworking Ginger Leach of Fort Worth Animal Care and Control sent out word about a dog that was going to be put to sleep the next morning.
The dog, Sadie, had lost her nose. (That's one of the first photos we ran of Sadie.
Everybody figured – knowing what sort of jerks live around her – that she’d been mutilated in a dog fight.
Nope. Different kind of jerk. Some creep shotgunned Sadie in the face. The x-ray shows the shots that lodged in the poor dogs head. The blast destroyed her nose.
Nancy Twitty, the big-hearted rescuer, stepped up to take in Sadie The No Nose Dog.
She recalls, “I fought my conscience for hours and finally e-mailed Ginger I would tag the dog. I went out the next morning to get the dog. The minute the dog walked through the kennel door, I could smell the infection in her nose and it was awful. Then, I began to wonder how I would be able to afford the vet bills for any repair/reconstruction, and all the other vet work that needed to be done to her.”
At that point, Nancy recalls, neither she nor Ginger knew that Barb and David Oates would sponsor all the vet work. Barb and David are veteran rescuers -- they know the challenges.
Nancy took Sadie to Deer Creek Animal Hospital – Tina, who was Nancy’s “live-in caregiver during the cancer stuff” she endured, worked at the clinic.
Dr. Bob Denton “did some research, talked to Texas A&M and another vet he knew and came up with a way to try to give her a nose,” Nancy recalls. “While she was sedated, Tina cleaned her teeth and discovered pellets in the tissue and gums. 
Someone had tried to kill the dog I named Sadie by shooting her while she was looking up at the person. Her head and neck were full of shotgun pellets.”
Throughout all this, Sadie was a lady. She had a horrific nasal infections, was suffering from a shotgun wound and was being examined and probed. Yet, Sadie was a lady.
“Three surgeries later,” Nancy writes, “Sadie had a nose of sorts. Did she look normal? No. Could she breathe? Yes. Would she have infections from time to time? Yes? Was she loving? Yes. The Oates paid all the vet bills including spaying and microchipping, and all shots.”
It was around this time that I wrote about Sadie for Urban Animal magazine and she was featured on the cover.
“With the surgery to her nose and the fear of hitting her nose before it all healed, she was crated. Then when she was healed I let her out in the house with my dogs and cats. No problems. She slept on a blanket by my bed.”
After an unfortunate incident with a cat, Sadie spent her indoor time in a large crate and had access to the backyard – this went on for three years. “I put her on PetFinder and only had one man call about her – I immediately turned him down for many reasons.
“Then on August 10th of this year, I received an e-mail from a couple who were interested in Sadie. I nearly fell out of my chair. On my Petfinder site, I had asked anybody that was interested to go to the Urban Animal Magazine site (gave the date of publication) and asked them to read her story, which they did. In her long email to me inquiring about Sadie, the woman said that Sadie was the kind of dog they wanted, one that no one else wanted.
“She sent me another very long email telling me their history of dogs, their love of pit bulls, and the pit bull they pulled from Operation Kindness (which wasn't even up for adoption due to injuries, such as someone cut most of the dog's ears off and dog was thrown from a truck going 70 miles per hour and permanently damaged one of the dog’s legs). They went there to adopt another pit bull but once they saw this pit, they asked could they adopt him, which they did and a woman from Operation Kindness took that dog down to Bosque County. And once they adopted, a pit puppy from BARK in Bosque County that was going to be shot-- male brindle.
“I sent them an application, and she sent another long e-mail about their dog of choice … and the only dogs they had ever had were pits. They had had ten pits in their lifetime. One particular pit was a brindle pit bull named Sadie … To me, this was just too ironic. Sadie was a brindle pit bull.
“After checking with the three vet references (even the horse vet they use), I got glowing reports from all three vets. Only thing left was the home visit. All their dogs had all been vetted, neutered or spayed, all shots, and on heartworm preventative during all the years of having pits.
“On Tuesday before the 16th, I took Sadie back to Deer Creek because of the smell of infection. One of the pieces of tubing that he reconstructed her nose with was slipping through what was left of her upper gum and jaw.
“While there, I completely updated everything, including rabies since Bosque does not recognize three-year rabies vaccine certificates. All shots, nails clipped, HW test, fecal test (all neg), and he removed the tubing then sewed the gum up. She was ready to go.
“On Sunday, August 16th, Tina drove me down to Bosque County, close to Meridian, so I could check out their house and such, and see their two male pits, and of course I took Sadie.
“Their place is 50 acres, a beautiful two-story house, and a two-story office building they lived in while their house was being built. Sadie immediately took to them. We went to their office while we visited with each other and I checked them out with Sadie, and I loved on their two other pit dogs.
“Then it was time to introduce Early (the pit from BARK) to Sadie. They did the usual ‘I'm top dog around here’ smelling, stances. Then time to introduce her to Ezra (the dog from OK). No go there. Ezra said absolutely NOT. Since their dogs were indoor dogs, they took Ezra up to the house, and left Early with us and Sadie in the office building. Todd, the husband, took Sadie and Early out together and just stayed out with them. No problems. They are big pal, buddies, friends now.
“The couple, Jill and Todd, were so calm, cool and collected. Todd took care of the introductions of the dogs - and Jill, Tina and I were sitting in the office just keeping our paws crossed. Todd came in and said, 'It will be OK. We will work this out.'
“They both work out of their office and are home seven days a week. He trains young thoroughbred horses, and has two beautiful horse barns. They also have cows.
“After about an hour, I don't think Sadie even remembered I was there. She kept going to Jill for hugs and petting. She walked around the office like she had always been there. Sadie walked up to Jill, put her paws up on Jill's leg, and put her head under Jill's chin. Jill said, ‘I love you Sadie.’
“Well, I came home without Sadie....many tears shed before I even left there. Tina and I stopped in Meridian to eat, but I could hardly swallow from the tears.
“I get an email every day from Jill telling of Sadie's progress. Todd took her down to the horse barn last Tuesday, she never left his side. No leash. Wherever he goes, she is right beside him, so Sadie has bonded to him. The former female pit named Sadie was HIS dog also. So, Sadie gets up at 6 a.m., goes to the horse barn with Todd, stays with him all day, even going out to feed the cows.
“Jill said that in the future, they hope to turn some of their acreage into a pit bull sanctuary -- for those pits that no one wants. Can you imagine - a pit sanctuary! When, I don't know - but I hope it is in my lifetime.
“For once in her life, Sadie is getting to be a dog. A regular dog, with a loving family. They have no kids, saying the dogs are their children. She has someone to play with, places to go, sights to see, cows to look at, and horses to be around as Todd does his thing.
“No one can understand how much this adoption meant to me. Of all the dogs here, Sadie was the one I was the most worried about when the time comes for me to die. Many of my dogs are 13-14 years old, or 8 -10 years old. But Sadie was only 3-1/2-years-old.
“They invited me down any time to spend the night, or weekend (which is impossible as I have no one who could handle all these critters here), but I do hope to get down there a couple of more times -- when it gets cooler. I can't drive that far, but I will find someone to drive me -- just to see Sadie again, see Jill and Todd again, and to smell the wonderful air of the country. …
“My dining room is empty, crate is gone, and the house seems so empty (which it isn't - still have dogs and cats), but she has left a big hole in my life and my heart. But I think you all can understand my happiness, joy and tears that she has a HOME of her own now.
“Sadie will always be my girl - but she is happy now - and that is all that matters.”
[From Larry Powell: A special thanks to Nancy Twitty for writing from her heart. Even a hard-shelled ol’ newhound is moved to misty-eyed happiness over Sadie’s tale. Sadie was shotgunned and it took a team of people to overcome the horrible act of one bad person. Sadie helped them – she had the spirit.]
FOLLOWING UP ON NACOGDOCHES: We learned late yesterday from 
Patricia Barrington, the Animal Control Division Manager for The Colony, that the dog known as “Number 7” from Nacogdoches will be coming to the suburban Dallas shelter on Saturday. Patricia promises to keep us up-to-date on the dog’s situation. In typically optimistic fashion, Manager Barrington says, “She’s a good girl, I am just sure of it.” (If you want to help find a good home for this dog, e-mail [email protected] or call the shelter at 972-370-9250. Remember if someone beats you to getting this dog, The Colony has plenty of dogs and cats that you can adopt who also need a good home. If they’re in a shelter, you can bet that they come from a sad situation, too. They’re unwanted, were unattended or were the victims of human economic folly.
(A special note from Readlarrypowell.com to the folks who worked hard on the “backwoods puppy mill” project in Nacogdoches: Your work is noble. People will remember your kindnesses and your heartaches, too. There is nothing easy about being in animal rescue. One reason it’s not easy is that whenever there is an animal problem, there is a human at the core of the rotten mess.
These people who run puppy mills have something twisted in their brains.
But the people who buy from puppy mills are culpable, too, for the torture that goes on. If you insist on buying a dog from a breeder, make sure that breeder is bona fide. Don’t just assume anything. Be a detective. Look at the kennel. If it isn’t clean, back out. Don’t give money to villains. If they won’t let you see the kennels, back out. Don’t give money to villains.
Puppy millers may own the car, but people who buy from them put fuel in the tank. Visit the Texas Humane Legislation Network site HERE to see how you can personally help stamp out this villainous factory breeding of puppies and kittens.
In the last few months, animal agencies in North Texas have raided several mills where the animals are sick, hurting, frightened and even dead. Only the pressure of an informed electorate and a willing law enforcement agency can stop this madness. Get smart. Now help me down off this soapbox before it caves in.)
SPEAKING OF BAD BEHAVIOR: Tina Hamilton of Happy Tails of Gun Barrel City sent out an emergency note late Wednesday about an “intact male” Chocolate Lab, this fellow, who “has dog-hating neighbors who shoot at him.”
The dog has been getting into the neighbor’s trash.
So, what we have here is a dire situation (get the dog evacuated) that involves humans who (a) don’t properly and safely restrain the dog and (b) some jackass with a gun who believes in the Texas theory of fixing animal problems, “Let’s kill it.”
Now, while we have a photo of the dog, we don’t have the dog’s name, but we can fret about that later, after he’s safe. To help save this dog, call Tina at 903-880-4124 or e-mail [email protected].
CAT MUTILATION CASES: We got a note from Carolyn Perkins regarding a crimewatch notice that her Midway Hollow neighborhood has gotten this week. As you may already know, the Dallas Police have set up a “task force” to investigate these things – cats have been attacked by a machete-swinging fiend, it appears to some.
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This just in at 11::11 a.m.: “The SPCA of Texas is offering $5,000 as a reward to any individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) who has allegedly mutilated and killed cats in Northwest Dallas. Two of the cats were found cleanly severed in half,” the news release reads. “Anyone with information should contact Senior Corporal Kimberly Crawford with the Dallas Police Department at 214-670-6037.”
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Carolyn says that the most recent mutilation occurred on Coppedge in the Midway Hollow neighborhood but it is not the only Dallas neighborhood with such awful things, i.e., “recently a couple of burned dog carcasses have also been found in the area….”
One person reported encountering a “very bizarre boy around 14ish” who had a bandage on one hand was acting oddly in the area where these mutilations had occurred.
If you see peculiar behavior, know of anything that may be related to these things or can give any sort of a hint, call 911 or call the Dallas Police tip line 214-672-0567, according to the Midway Hollow Crimewatch people.
DOG DAY AT LEE HARVEY’S & A CHANCE TO SIGN A SHIRT: These are things that are connected by coincidence, or perhaps by dog-loving hearts.
First, Lee Harvey’s, the unpolished place south of downtown Dallas in a neighborhood near the Dallas Police Headquarters, is hosting Dog Day on Sunday and the featured group onsite will be the Humane Society of Dallas County. Eh? Yes, that’s the official name of the group that operates the long-time Dallas no-kill shelter, Dog & Kitty City. (Read about it HERE. That’s one of the available at Dog & Kitty City, the famous Oona, rescued as a stray in North Dallas and named by Metroplex Animal Coalition President Elaine Munch in honor of Charlie Chaplain’s wife Oona O’Neill.)
The society will be selling doggie bag “with special canine treats and tees” to raise money to support the shelter. There’ll be available animals. And, on Dog Day, Lee Harvey’s encourages people to bring their dogs to the bar’s yard.
(FYI: We’re working on a newsy item about a dog who is sort of famous at Lee Harvey’s. More next week.)
You can participate in the Dog & Kitty City fundraiser between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday at Lee Harvey’s, 1807 Gould St.
Now, we have heard from one person who has announced she’ll be at Lee Harvey’s that evening, Paige Sevovia of Lone Star Pyrs and Paws Rescue. (The dog here 
is Lilly, who is available through the rescue group – she’s a Great Pyrenees/Lab mix and obviously this is her high school yearbook photo.)
Paige’s cause is a concern shared by many people. She writes that she “lost my dear sweet Bella on June 30 this year to cancer. She wdas 3. Statistically, 1 in 6 dogs will die of cancer.”
On Sept. 18 she plans to be in Washington, D.C. for the Luke Robinson Canine Cancer Walk on Washington. She says the event is “just the beginning os something that may be the beginning of some answers to why or how to find the cause.”
Paige says she is bringing a special shirt with her to Lee Harvey’s Sunday night and “you can sign the shirt with your dog’s name on it and whatever message you want and I will wear that shirt on the walk.”
This isn’t a fundraiser – Paige just wants to give people the opportunity to sign the shirt in honor of their dogs and to show support for curing canine cancer. (You can Google Luke Robinson and get a boatload of stories about the walk. E-mail Paige at [email protected].)
AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DOGS ARE ABANDONED: This is Gretchen, one of the infamous dogs from the Malloy Bridge area of southeast Dallas. Our tipster Deborah Trevino has the story. “Three weeks ago, we managed to get Gretchen trapped, due to unforeseen circumstances regarding the owners of the property where she lived.
“For 4 days, she sat in the Seagoville Shelter until foster care could be arranged. Unfortunately, that fell thru, and she was due any day to have her pups.
“Well, I pulled her from the shelter and brought her to my house. That was on a Thursday. She rested comfortably in my study until the following Wednesday, almost 2 weeks ago, when she started whelping pups. It started at 11:50 a.m, and didn't end until after 9 p.m. that night...She had 11 pups, and 4 were in distress when born, so I had to step in and help. That was definitely an experience. I had never witnessed whelping before. Anyway, we have 7 boys, and 4 girls. They are all in need of homes ASAP. I've had to help bottle-feed these babies due to mom not producing enough milk…
“Also, Charlie, the male dog, is still on the property on Malloy Bridge, and needs a foster home ASAP … efforts have been undergoing to trap him, but he is too smart. He is believed to be the Daddy to these pups. Also, Fluffy, Gretchen's 7.5 month old pup, needs a home as well.”
Obviously, Deborah needs help handling puppies and handling expenses. Contact her at [email protected].
AND IN ILLINOIS: Diana Sharp, who lives in Washington state, sent us a copy 
of a note from Cherie Preston regarding this dog, Babs. You might wonder why someone in the upper left corner of the country would send a note to Texas about a dog in Illinois.
Well, you never know who clicks onto Readlarrypowell.com and where they’re living and if they might just have room in their homes for a little ol’ pit mix currently in the custody of Logan County Animal Control in Lincoln, Ill.
Cherie explains that she works with pits and pit mixes “so they will be ready to be adopted and rescued.”
Babs, she says, “is small and I have three others that I had vetted and am waiting for a rescue … Babs has just come back from getting spayed. [She is] heartworm negative and has her rabies shots and she weighs 36 pounds. She is a lighter black color and very small. She will not get any bigger and is not very old. She loves to play and gets along with other dogs.”
Cherie says, “I transport every Saturday from Lincoln to Chicago area and further north if needed to get all the dogs to rescues. I help pull and transport from 3 other pounds as well as mine in Lincoln, Ill.”’
To offer to help, e-mail [email protected].
MICHAEL VICK: Well, frankly, something happened last night that I never thought would happen – the guy actually got to suit up and play in a National Football League game. Our pal Diane Combs tipped us to a very heartfelt response to the Vick situation from an executive with the Purrfect Paws Rescue group in Drexel Hill, Pa., a western suburb of Philadelphia, where the convicted dog-killer now plays for the Eagles. Read it HERE.
A WORD FROM TEDDY OF THE BISCUIT PROTEST: On Aug. 20 we wrote about this sly Michael Vick protest – everywhere you see Philadelphia Eagles products for sale, just drop a dog biscuit on the shelf with the merchandise.
We got a note from Teddy Gambol yesterday as Vick was preparing to hit the field as an Eagle. “I was born in Philadelphia (something now I might try to avoid telling most people) and live in New Jersey. I have been a football addict from the time I was old enough to drive my father crazy with questions about why the players were doing this play or that.
"As for the animal lover part - that really took root 5 years ago with my 2nd husband and the adoption of our 1st dog. Long and short of it, we live with 4 rescue dogs and devote our Saturdays and Sundays every weekend to traveling to help transport rescued dogs coming from kill shelters in Virginia and South Carolina. Maybe it is this interaction over the last 5 years with these precious and lucky souls that makes me feel so much more strongly about what this -- and I use the term loosely -- human has done to these poor innocent dogs. We see so many neglected and abandoned but nothing compared to the horrors he inflicted on those in his care.
“I am grateful to you for recognizing my small effort in keeping alive the disdain for this person and what he has done. I know that this is the NFL and that people love their football and sadly I believe that this will win out. I for one, though, will not forget what he has done and I will continue to quietly carry my little bag of biscuits and leave them where ever I find Eagles merchandise no matter how long he remains with them.”
CONTEMPLATIONS: Sometimes the world is nuttier that it first appears each morning. … Pro football can be a boring event -– last night’s Tampa Bay/Miami game is a prime example. … Beets – do you really think it was intended that they be eaten by humans?
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