Stepping Out With Sadie: A Shelter Dog's Tail

My appointment with Sadie was for 10 a.m. and thanks to very little traffic, I was able to arrive at the Animal Activity Center at 17 Mile and Garfield right on time.

I had never met Sadie before, but I knew generally what to expect: four legs, fur and desperately in need of a license.

You've guessed it, my Monday morning date was with a 6-year-old boxer mix named Sadie, an American Shelter Dog currently living at the AAC in Clinton Township and very obviously longing for a home of her own.

It was Patch's Give 5 program that led me to Sadie, but her adorable head tilt and sweet temperament that kept me at her side for a good part of the morning.

The Patch Give 5 program has Patch employees spend five working days each year volunteering in their communities. For this Give 5 Day, I was simply going to take Sadie for a walk and then walk away myself.

An hour later, not only had Sadie and I been for a leisurely stroll through a nearby neighborhood, but we had also enjoyed some therapeutic belly rubbing, ear scratching and a cold bowl of water (therapy for me and some love and refreshment for Sadie).

Sadie very nearly came home with me, too. However, that annoying little voice known as my conscience reminded me that I spend very few hours at home and can barely manage to feed myself most days. Truth be told, Sadie deserves better.

Although she is house-trained, crate-trained, up-to-date on her shots, spayed/neutered and a dream to walk, Sadie is still looking for a home to call her own.

However, raised as an only dog, she needs a one-pet home.

In the hour I spent with her, I found that while she's open to play, Sadie is just as content to spread out in the shade and relax. She certainly appreciates attention, but doesn't demand it.

In my opinion, she's the perfect pet for an older individual or couple without any other pets. She's alert, sweet and above all, calm.

You can visit Sadie at the AAC, at 39319 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. I definitely plan to repeat my visit to the AAC, and while I would love to see Sadie again, I'm really hoping word will spread and she'll find a home before I go back.

For adoption information, email Paws for Life Rescue at info@pawsforliferescue.org. The adoption fee is $75.