Meet the High Country Dog!

The Amazing Texas Rescue Dog Who Stole Our Hearts

By Mary J. Russell

It was a muggy night in August about 9 p.m. when we pulled into the strip mall parking lot in southeast Denver. No sign of the transport truck just yet. I was anxious, repeatedly checking my phone for updates: No word. I had been getting updates and position coordinates texted all day, but now — radio silence. There were many other anxious people, all parked in their cars, awaiting this moment. Some folks were chatting and passing time. Finally, in the distance, we could spot the transport truck as it clunked towards us. Everyone gathered ’round as Doug, the transporter, jumped out of his truck. He pronounced his special passengers all safe, and said he would begin releasing one dog at a time.

It had been a difficult trek out of Texas in the August heat, so Doug had to leave Houston by night. With him were 22 rescue dogs who were adopted online, awaiting their forever people. The first dog out was Maxie, an adorable, healthy puppy. Doug presented more puppies to their new parents, and euphoria was in the air. Our new dog was nearly last. The transport was nearly empty when Doug finally released Sadie, who tumbled out of the truck, tail wagging furiously, and she immediately came to me, attaching herself to my leg — it seemed uncanny that she knew who to go to when she stepped off that truck. Five years later, Sadie is still attached to my leg — me and my “Internet Dog” have been inseparable ever since!

Now as a dog person, I would like to think I know a few things about man’s best friend, and I have known quite a few breeds in my life. Each dog is special and has a unique personality, there is no doubt about that. There’s something about Sadie, though, that makes me believe that there is some reason she came into my life when she did. Sadie has been a helper and a best friend, pushing me with her nose (herding me!?) to keep moving and to overcome physical challenges despite the always-present, crushing pain that would have otherwise kept me locked in place.

Is she demanding and a diva? Absolutely! She flips her bowl on the hard kitchen floor, tossing it around until she gets something put in it. She doesn’t like other dogs and lets them know it (she appears to want to tell them: “I’m the dog!”(yes, I usually give in —. Friends and family have observed she’s quite possibly the worst match that the rescue group could have possibly sent me — an “action dog” who wants to run and play and have fun ALL THE TIME!

Though Sadie plays hard and is active all day, she sleeps like a lamb and naps like clockwork. For all her dominance, Sadie is the sweetest, most lovable dog — she adores being pampered with all the special things that I can provide for her, including her very own dog pillow and blanket, plus interesting dog toys, treats and meal ingredients that smell great and keep her healthy, happy, and ready to go!).

Our outdoor adventures are what inspired me to create High Country Dog. It was Sadie who helped me realize how much I love Colorado and the snow — crazy as it sounds, winter is my favorite season now. (Where’s the snow? That’s another matter that I will address in a different column.) Sadie was out front when we encountered a very nasty bull snake in Golden, who jumped at me and threw a hissy fit — Sadie remained calm, positioning herself between me and the snake, holding it at bay while I ran! Finding secluded little spots to explore and appreciate nature have led me on this journey. We have encountered wildlife on our trail hikes and have a new appreciation and understanding of the benefits of nature — which is the kind of perspective that never would have entered my mind sitting for countless hours in rush hour traffic (50 miles roundtrip daily trek that I did for many years).

From all of her running, I have noticed in the past couple of months that Sadie is developing a bit of a limp after periods of rest. No, she’s not slowing down at age 5 1/2, but I want to learn and share all I can about dog health and well-being as I approach this venture. We realize that Sadie is a very, very special pup, and I am so excited and blessed to have her in my life!