Sadie’s Rescue | A Sense of Community

Sadie is greeted by her loving family

Independence Day took a whole new twist for Sadie the 12 year old German Shepherd who escaped from a local Veterinarian’s office approximately 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 4.  The Veterinarian and staff have always exemplified care and compassion for animals and their owners, including my own rescue dogs, one of which was recently treated for heart worms.  While Sadie was being boarded, a Vet Tech was taking her for her evening walk when an intense clap of thunder caused Sadie to panic and tear her leash from the grip of the Vet Tech. Scared from the loud noise, she ran and didn’t stop.  An immediate and relentless search began by the staff and community.  The family who was on vacation, came home immediately and searched continuously.  Venice Scoop, a local Facebook site posted Sadie’s blight with periodic updates and the community involvement intensified dramatically.  Vehicles, bicycles, and walkers searched the surrounding neighborhoods and as far away as the Island of Venice.

Sadie drinks from a cupped hand.

On  Saturday evening, just prior to dusk, the Venice Scoop posted that Sadie had been spotted in Lakes of Jacaranda.  My wife saw the post and she immediately grabbed a leash, dog food, dog treats, bottled water and we bolted out the door.  We search the street where Sadie was last seen, then focused on a wooded area immediately behind, passing a dozen vehicles and people on foot joining in the search.  Kathy, one of our neighbors in Grassy Oaks reported seeing Sadie and the search moved to the wooded area behind. The owner himself had run through ankle deep rain water and found Sadie in the woods.  He used his shirt for a leash and brought her to the locked gate in the fence.  He passed her over to me and climbed back and walked Sadie down the path to the Cul de Sac where car after car arrived to help search but were elated to see Sadie.Sadie and her family had a tearful reunion complete with hugs and kisses, as Sadie enjoyed treats, bottles of water which she eagerly lapped from a cupped hand, and two big piles of dog food.  Sadie was taken straight to the clinic to be evaluated by the Veterinarian and then home for a bath and a restful night with family.

Sadie is hugged by owner

The family wished to express their sincere appreciation to the Venice community for their efforts on behalf of Sadie.  It is refreshing to see such a strong sense of community right here in Venice, Florida.