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Saving Sadie: How a Dog That No One Wanted Inspired the World
Joal Derse Dauer was just donating blankets at a local no-kill shelter when a disabled and despondent dog caught her eye. With three "fur babies" already at home, Joal wasn't looking to adopt another dog. But there was something special about Sadie, a shepherd mix who had been shot in the head and in the back and left for dead in the hills of Kentucky after giving birth. One gaze into those sorrowful eyes and Joal vowed to do everything possible to get the pitiful creature walking again.
The first three vets offered little hope for Sadie and two even recommended euthanasia. But with patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal noticed a change in her canine companion. And somewhere along the difficult journey, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Now, media darlings Joal and Sadie are spreading their message of compassion, acceptance, and kindness around the world. Joyous and inspiring, Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances--for humans and animals alike.
The first three vets offered little hope for Sadie and two even recommended euthanasia. But with patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal noticed a change in her canine companion. And somewhere along the difficult journey, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Now, media darlings Joal and Sadie are spreading their message of compassion, acceptance, and kindness around the world. Joyous and inspiring, Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances--for humans and animals alike.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2017
888 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
November 14, 2025
Initial Reaction
Ohhh man. Like literally 50 pages in and I've teared up twice.
If I don't end up a bawling mess, it will be a miracle.
Update
Gorgeous book. Absolutely gorgeous.
The Review
Joal Dauer was dropping off blankets at her local dog shelter when something caught her eye.
There was this shepherd mix, Sadie, who was the new arrival at the shelter.
After a quick inquiry, Joal realizes that someone shot Sadie - once in the back and once in the head - and left her to die.
But Sadie did not die.
A good Samaritan brought Sadie to the right people and while her chances were slim, she was at least in a safe place.
But she wasn't out of the woods. Sadie was paralyzed, incontinent and broken in so many ways.
Joal knew she wasn't looking for another dog, but Sadie was looking for her.
Joal took Sadie home for the night - just to get her a checkup and provide her with some at-home care...and then that night turned into a week...the week into a month...and so on.
Joal had one goal - to make Sadie better. But was it what Sadie wanted? Was it what she needed?
It took only one, long look into Sadie's eyes to realize that answer - Yes.
To be frank - this book is a-fcking-mazing. I loved it. I loved it so much.
The journey, the sweet puppers, the love. It was all there.
There's so much heart and compassion conveyed through this book.
When Sadie finally opened up to Joal - it was heartwrenching and heartwarming.
I loved how honest Joal was about her thoughts and emotions throughout the book. And I loved the message of peace and acceptance.
All in all, this is a gorgeous book with so much to offer. Highly, highly recommended.
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May 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such an amazing story, Sadie an injured rescue dog and Joel an incredible lady who adopts Sadie from a shelter. The love and devotion between the two is so heartwarming, emotional and at time extremely challenging.
Such an amazing story, Sadie an injured rescue dog and Joel an incredible lady who adopts Sadie from a shelter. The love and devotion between the two is so heartwarming, emotional and at time extremely challenging.
December 1, 2017
The first half of the book was very touching and heartfelt, and the narrative made you empathize with her mom and her, and you felt fot her: all the money and effort needed to help Sadie, all the pain and cruelty ahe had been thru, all the good intentions to save her... not to say how hard that beginning had to have been, with a special needs dog which needed so much care and attention.
But then the book went downhill for me: too much detail in things like a radio interview, or things that turned redundant o repetitive... I mind of understand how the author wanted to relay to us how she felt and what did she think, but sometimes it turned out so much and made the reading progress slower as we were circling around the same issue.
All in all was nice to see what love and fighting for a dog can really make, see how they touched so many lives and how Sadie got to be saved and have a second chance at live.
But then the book went downhill for me: too much detail in things like a radio interview, or things that turned redundant o repetitive... I mind of understand how the author wanted to relay to us how she felt and what did she think, but sometimes it turned out so much and made the reading progress slower as we were circling around the same issue.
All in all was nice to see what love and fighting for a dog can really make, see how they touched so many lives and how Sadie got to be saved and have a second chance at live.
October 3, 2017
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author/publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Sadie was four years old when she had a litter of puppies and was shot in the back and head and left for dead. She was brought to a no-kill shelter where she was found by animal lover Joal who ended up on a mission to save Sadie's life and ended up having Sadie change her life in return.
This is a really sweet book though it's hard to read sometimes when you think about how sweet Sadie is and the horrible thing that was done to her and left her almost a paraplegic.
I really admire Joal for all of her work with Sadie. She practically took on a full time job with Sadie (something that was mentioned several times throughout the book) but she did really have to put in so much time and effort, and still does, to help Sadie live her best life.
I felt a bit angry on Joal's behalf when she mentioned how even after years of helping and loving Sadie, and Sadie changing Joal's life in return her family were still not on board. I don't understand how you can't admire something like that and love Sadie. Surely there's a great lesson for the grandchildren there in loving except the odds and never giving up hope, not to mention the lessons about acceptance and working hard.
This a great book and a great story and I'm definitely going to be following Sadie's journey from now on.
Sadie was four years old when she had a litter of puppies and was shot in the back and head and left for dead. She was brought to a no-kill shelter where she was found by animal lover Joal who ended up on a mission to save Sadie's life and ended up having Sadie change her life in return.
This is a really sweet book though it's hard to read sometimes when you think about how sweet Sadie is and the horrible thing that was done to her and left her almost a paraplegic.
I really admire Joal for all of her work with Sadie. She practically took on a full time job with Sadie (something that was mentioned several times throughout the book) but she did really have to put in so much time and effort, and still does, to help Sadie live her best life.
I felt a bit angry on Joal's behalf when she mentioned how even after years of helping and loving Sadie, and Sadie changing Joal's life in return her family were still not on board. I don't understand how you can't admire something like that and love Sadie. Surely there's a great lesson for the grandchildren there in loving except the odds and never giving up hope, not to mention the lessons about acceptance and working hard.
This a great book and a great story and I'm definitely going to be following Sadie's journey from now on.
September 25, 2024
Lucky for me, a second incredible story, re a dog story and how is changed a persons life.
You read books like this and you realise how you can save the life of a dog, but at the same time the dog is saving your life, changing how you live your life.
Saving Sadie is a remarkable story of an incredible dog, filled with courage and personality.
The shocking fact, that humans can try to shoot and kill a dog, there is some monsters out there is this world.
Joal Derse Dauer was donating blankets at a local no-kill shelter when an injured and despondent dog caught her eye. With three “fur babies” already at home, Joal wasn’t looking to adopt another dog. But there was something special about Sadie . . .
With patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal saw her canine companion grow in strength and joy. And before long, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Joyous and inspiring, Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances—for humans and animals alike.
Joal I recommend a book called Barrie. By Sean Laidlaw, this dog saved his life.
Sadly Sadie died early 2023, but had an incredible life, and lots of love. Burts your heart.
Four stars.
You read books like this and you realise how you can save the life of a dog, but at the same time the dog is saving your life, changing how you live your life.
Saving Sadie is a remarkable story of an incredible dog, filled with courage and personality.
The shocking fact, that humans can try to shoot and kill a dog, there is some monsters out there is this world.
Joal Derse Dauer was donating blankets at a local no-kill shelter when an injured and despondent dog caught her eye. With three “fur babies” already at home, Joal wasn’t looking to adopt another dog. But there was something special about Sadie . . .
With patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal saw her canine companion grow in strength and joy. And before long, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Joyous and inspiring, Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances—for humans and animals alike.
Joal I recommend a book called Barrie. By Sean Laidlaw, this dog saved his life.
Sadly Sadie died early 2023, but had an incredible life, and lots of love. Burts your heart.
Four stars.
March 1, 2023
This non-fiction book was a heartwarming story about the unconditional love between the owner, Joal, and Sadie, her rescued abused dog who was left for dead. It takes a lot of dedication, commitment, and courage for Joal to take this undaunted life commitment.
Joal finds Sadie at a no-kill shelter. After giving birth to a litter of puppies, Sadie is shot twice, once in the head and once in her back. Joal sees a sparkle in Sadie's eyes, enough that she commits herself to providing the assistance she needs.
It takes a lot of financial aid to provide daily care. That is a fact, but the author could have given some details of her struggles, but she went into too much detail.
Joal finds Sadie at a no-kill shelter. After giving birth to a litter of puppies, Sadie is shot twice, once in the head and once in her back. Joal sees a sparkle in Sadie's eyes, enough that she commits herself to providing the assistance she needs.
It takes a lot of financial aid to provide daily care. That is a fact, but the author could have given some details of her struggles, but she went into too much detail.
August 21, 2017
A really heartwarming story. I have a lot of respect for Joal. Taking care of a special needs pet is no joke, and Sadie truly got lucky when Joal found her.
I worked as a foster for a rescue for almost five years, and this rescue exclusively took dogs from the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. I’ve never seen more horrific abuse cases than the dogs coming from that area. It’s interesting that Sadie came from this area as well. I wonder if Sadie perhaps came from the same town as my own dogs and the many who stayed with me as fosters…
Nonfiction can sometimes be weak in terms of writing style, but I thought this one was one of the better written ones. There are a lot of good descriptions and strong messages about abuse and not giving up.
My only issue was with a line in the first chapter where Joal admits that if Sadie had been a Chihuahua or a pit bull she likely would not have saved her. I get that she’s being honest, but I don’t think that line is necessary. My two personal dogs are Chihuahuas and I primarily work with bully breeds, so reading that sentence hurt my heart a little.
Out of the books that I have read about someone rescuing a dog, this is one of the best. Sadie is a truly remarkable dog, and I think this book will likely inspire readers to rescue. For that alone, I hope many people pick this up.
I worked as a foster for a rescue for almost five years, and this rescue exclusively took dogs from the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. I’ve never seen more horrific abuse cases than the dogs coming from that area. It’s interesting that Sadie came from this area as well. I wonder if Sadie perhaps came from the same town as my own dogs and the many who stayed with me as fosters…
Nonfiction can sometimes be weak in terms of writing style, but I thought this one was one of the better written ones. There are a lot of good descriptions and strong messages about abuse and not giving up.
My only issue was with a line in the first chapter where Joal admits that if Sadie had been a Chihuahua or a pit bull she likely would not have saved her. I get that she’s being honest, but I don’t think that line is necessary. My two personal dogs are Chihuahuas and I primarily work with bully breeds, so reading that sentence hurt my heart a little.
Out of the books that I have read about someone rescuing a dog, this is one of the best. Sadie is a truly remarkable dog, and I think this book will likely inspire readers to rescue. For that alone, I hope many people pick this up.
July 18, 2020
Saving Sadie is the story of how rescuing one horribly abused dog transformed lives of those who meet her. Sadie was discovered by some good samaritans in the woods where she'd been dumped after having been shot twice. Joal Dauer was making a regular donation stop to her local no-kill shelter where a depressed and injured dog caught her eye. Not really looking to adopt another fur-baby, there was something special about Sadie that Jaol couldn't ignore. And so begins a the story of how Joal was determined to help Sadie walk again while Sadie rescues Joal in the process.
Sadie and Joal's story is heartwarming and uplifting. It's great to be reminded at how transforming love, hope, compassion and persistence can be when combined to acheive a goal. What's even more amazing is how Sadie's experimental therapies were groundbreaking and helped advance veterinary science on how to treat paralyzed pets. Hopefully those learnings can translate into new treatments to help paralyzed humans in the future.
Sadie and Joal's story is heartwarming and uplifting. It's great to be reminded at how transforming love, hope, compassion and persistence can be when combined to acheive a goal. What's even more amazing is how Sadie's experimental therapies were groundbreaking and helped advance veterinary science on how to treat paralyzed pets. Hopefully those learnings can translate into new treatments to help paralyzed humans in the future.
September 5, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington books for the chance to read this wonderful book!
Animal memoirs are among my favorite types of books; as an animal lover myself I can always appreciate the bond between an animal and their human friend. I love to read about that bond, how it grows and changes as the years pass, and this book does a give a fantastic glimpse into the life of Sadie, and her owner Joal.
Sadie's life didn't begin as the happy one we hope for all animals. Instead, badly abused and close to death, Sadie was rescued and found herself in an animal shelter. Joal herself doesn't know what made her stop that day and take Sadie with her; unfortunately Sadie's story is not altogether uncommon. But stop she did, and by doing so discovers more about herself and makes many connections and friendships that may never have existed otherwise.
This book presents really well, even in Kindle form. There are plenty of pictures of both Sadie and the important people in her life. The writing is crisp and concise, and yet still full of emotion that ties you into the story. The first thing you probably will do is check out Sadie's facebook page for more information, like I did. Even as you finish the book, you just want more of the magic of Sadie.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the clear timeline of events, and the slow build up form both word of mouth and press releases to help Sadie. You know she is absolutely loved, of that there is a never a doubt, but it is fantastic to read of the human response. As the author herself says a few times, yes, there are tragic stories every day, but even taking five minutes to share or a single dollar can make a difference. Sadie's message is both beautiful and poignant.
A fantastic animal book, I hope everyone can experience a little Sadie magic for themselves. Five stars.
Animal memoirs are among my favorite types of books; as an animal lover myself I can always appreciate the bond between an animal and their human friend. I love to read about that bond, how it grows and changes as the years pass, and this book does a give a fantastic glimpse into the life of Sadie, and her owner Joal.
Sadie's life didn't begin as the happy one we hope for all animals. Instead, badly abused and close to death, Sadie was rescued and found herself in an animal shelter. Joal herself doesn't know what made her stop that day and take Sadie with her; unfortunately Sadie's story is not altogether uncommon. But stop she did, and by doing so discovers more about herself and makes many connections and friendships that may never have existed otherwise.
This book presents really well, even in Kindle form. There are plenty of pictures of both Sadie and the important people in her life. The writing is crisp and concise, and yet still full of emotion that ties you into the story. The first thing you probably will do is check out Sadie's facebook page for more information, like I did. Even as you finish the book, you just want more of the magic of Sadie.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the clear timeline of events, and the slow build up form both word of mouth and press releases to help Sadie. You know she is absolutely loved, of that there is a never a doubt, but it is fantastic to read of the human response. As the author herself says a few times, yes, there are tragic stories every day, but even taking five minutes to share or a single dollar can make a difference. Sadie's message is both beautiful and poignant.
A fantastic animal book, I hope everyone can experience a little Sadie magic for themselves. Five stars.
June 4, 2021
4 stars for a remarkable story of a remarkable dog. It's strength is the author/rescuer's description of Sadie's terrible injuries and her long road to the fullest possible functioning. Joal's efforts to marshal all possible medical and financial resources for Sadie's treatment are truly heroic, and Sadie's sparkling personality and determination are equally so. It's impossible not to fall in love with Sadie. Less successful is a writing style that is a bit too saccharine and repetitive, making the book too long.
October 19, 2024
Inspirational book but a tough road that was not so much fun to trod as other dog books I like to read. As usual I will make comments to quotes from the book.
Joal finds a half paralyzed dog in a shelter and is told:
I suspect they shot her in the head first, then shot her in the back as she turned and tried to flee. The second bullet must have stopped her cold,’ Dr. Rudawski surmised.
What follows is her going to tremendous effort to help this dog. Wow. I can imagine if you have had a dog for a while and it means everything to you, to go to great lengths for that dog, but one you just saw in a shelter?
She wonders if the dog can be saved from it's wretched state. She wonders if she can do it, but the big question of course is found in this next passage:
“Few people could cope with an animal with this level of overwhelming special needs, but if anyone can handle it, Joal, I know you can, The question is, do you want to take this on?”
I also can understand people who love a breed, and help to rescue dogs of that favored breed. This is just a mix which doesn't really seem to look overly special (although I fully believe every dog, like every person is special in their own right.) I did like this next passage how she really comes to see the beauty of Sadie though:
'For the first time I could see that her black fur wasn’t just a dull, flat, dusty black as it had first appeared; her coat was actually a sleek, dazzling ebony with lapis lazuli blue under. tones, deep and rich as the ink of ancient manuscripts, while her beige fur, more of a chamois-tan and less prevalent than the black. served to contrast and highlight the black with warm, soft, butterscotch-brown accents on her chest, snout, jaw, legs, and paws, along with two whimsical, roundish eyebrows, slightly off-center and just above her amber-colored eyes, adding quirky humor and depths of expression to her gentle, patient face.
“Sadie, you are truly beautiful,”'
The hours of every day she has to do to take care of Sadie, the great expenses out of her saving, the sacrifices she has to make are just incredible. To help she does all this fund raising and goes on the news and podcasts to tell the story and raise funds for Sadie's care. Amazing what can be done if you focus so much time and effort into it.
I liked this excerpt of what she says and thinks when telling people about Sadie:
"Please don't feel sad for Sadie,” I implored the crowd. "she is a very happy dog and not in any pain. Hers is a story of pure love and second chances.” Suddenly a new and striking thought occurred to me, and I was moved to share it with our audience. “Sadie may not be able to walk right vow. but everybody has at least one problem or one thing wrong with them. Everyone deserves a second chance. Sadie can teach people all about acceptance, and focusing on what you can do, not what you can’t.”
The book does a good job telling of all the good things that came with her work with Sadie and getting her story out there. People were inspired. New things were learned in the effort to help Sadie with her therapy. But the cost was so much of Joal. I suspect she didn't spend enough time to think of the opportunity costs of her time and resources in relation to other people like her family. After visiting with her family for the holidays, she relates this:
But even so, my journey with Sadie hasn’t been without some setbacks and sorrows. I’m sorry to say that my family still isn’t as accepting of Sadie as I wish they would be. I'm not sure what it will take to make that happen; with all that Sadie has accomplished in four short years, all the obstacles she has overcome, all the ways she has inspired adults and children with disabilities and special needs, perhaps there is nothing that will change my family’s minds.
So, overall an inspiring book, but there are more books on dogs I would recommend that are fun. Good to read a mix of books though. Rescuing dogs, and supporting those who do, is noble work.
Joal finds a half paralyzed dog in a shelter and is told:
I suspect they shot her in the head first, then shot her in the back as she turned and tried to flee. The second bullet must have stopped her cold,’ Dr. Rudawski surmised.
What follows is her going to tremendous effort to help this dog. Wow. I can imagine if you have had a dog for a while and it means everything to you, to go to great lengths for that dog, but one you just saw in a shelter?
She wonders if the dog can be saved from it's wretched state. She wonders if she can do it, but the big question of course is found in this next passage:
“Few people could cope with an animal with this level of overwhelming special needs, but if anyone can handle it, Joal, I know you can, The question is, do you want to take this on?”
I also can understand people who love a breed, and help to rescue dogs of that favored breed. This is just a mix which doesn't really seem to look overly special (although I fully believe every dog, like every person is special in their own right.) I did like this next passage how she really comes to see the beauty of Sadie though:
'For the first time I could see that her black fur wasn’t just a dull, flat, dusty black as it had first appeared; her coat was actually a sleek, dazzling ebony with lapis lazuli blue under. tones, deep and rich as the ink of ancient manuscripts, while her beige fur, more of a chamois-tan and less prevalent than the black. served to contrast and highlight the black with warm, soft, butterscotch-brown accents on her chest, snout, jaw, legs, and paws, along with two whimsical, roundish eyebrows, slightly off-center and just above her amber-colored eyes, adding quirky humor and depths of expression to her gentle, patient face.
“Sadie, you are truly beautiful,”'
The hours of every day she has to do to take care of Sadie, the great expenses out of her saving, the sacrifices she has to make are just incredible. To help she does all this fund raising and goes on the news and podcasts to tell the story and raise funds for Sadie's care. Amazing what can be done if you focus so much time and effort into it.
I liked this excerpt of what she says and thinks when telling people about Sadie:
"Please don't feel sad for Sadie,” I implored the crowd. "she is a very happy dog and not in any pain. Hers is a story of pure love and second chances.” Suddenly a new and striking thought occurred to me, and I was moved to share it with our audience. “Sadie may not be able to walk right vow. but everybody has at least one problem or one thing wrong with them. Everyone deserves a second chance. Sadie can teach people all about acceptance, and focusing on what you can do, not what you can’t.”
The book does a good job telling of all the good things that came with her work with Sadie and getting her story out there. People were inspired. New things were learned in the effort to help Sadie with her therapy. But the cost was so much of Joal. I suspect she didn't spend enough time to think of the opportunity costs of her time and resources in relation to other people like her family. After visiting with her family for the holidays, she relates this:
But even so, my journey with Sadie hasn’t been without some setbacks and sorrows. I’m sorry to say that my family still isn’t as accepting of Sadie as I wish they would be. I'm not sure what it will take to make that happen; with all that Sadie has accomplished in four short years, all the obstacles she has overcome, all the ways she has inspired adults and children with disabilities and special needs, perhaps there is nothing that will change my family’s minds.
So, overall an inspiring book, but there are more books on dogs I would recommend that are fun. Good to read a mix of books though. Rescuing dogs, and supporting those who do, is noble work.
November 4, 2017
Finally a book about a dog in which the dog does not die. This is a positive book, unfortunately over written. Too much gushing and very very repetitive.
January 29, 2020
Round up to 2.5 stars. I liked the story, but the writing was a bit cloying. The repeated use of furbaby for example, got super annoying.
April 9, 2018
It's always nice when someone adopts a dog that needs special help.
Don't buy this book though ! This author should be ashamed of herself. In her own words, she faked needing an Emotional Support Dog & lied that Sadie was in fact an Emotional Support Dog so she could fly in the cabin. Shame on the therapist too, who issued her the certificate without ever meeting them.
Per U.S. federal law and the ADA, Service Dog handlers must be disabled. Service Dogs perform tasks that their disabled owners would otherwise have difficulty completing on their own. If you do not have a disability, then you do not qualify for a Service Dog. True Service Dogs undergo hundreds to thousands of hours of extensive training to not only assist the person they will help but to behave well in public. Fake service dogs that behave badly in public under a “Service Dog” cape, cause everyone who came into contact w/ them to view the next team they meet, even if it’s the best Service Dog team on Earth, with suspicion and judgement.
Don't buy this book though ! This author should be ashamed of herself. In her own words, she faked needing an Emotional Support Dog & lied that Sadie was in fact an Emotional Support Dog so she could fly in the cabin. Shame on the therapist too, who issued her the certificate without ever meeting them.
Per U.S. federal law and the ADA, Service Dog handlers must be disabled. Service Dogs perform tasks that their disabled owners would otherwise have difficulty completing on their own. If you do not have a disability, then you do not qualify for a Service Dog. True Service Dogs undergo hundreds to thousands of hours of extensive training to not only assist the person they will help but to behave well in public. Fake service dogs that behave badly in public under a “Service Dog” cape, cause everyone who came into contact w/ them to view the next team they meet, even if it’s the best Service Dog team on Earth, with suspicion and judgement.
March 11, 2020
I would love to give this book 10 stars! Sadie is wonderful! This is an amazing, inspiring story.
August 17, 2017
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It was a wonderful book about a dog who was left for dead in the mountains of Kentucky. She had been shot twice, once in the head and once in the back. Because of this, Sadie couldn't walk on her back legs. Sadie was at a shelter when Joal Dauer noticed her. Joal took Sadie home so that she wouldn't have to live out her life in a shelter. After a recommendation that Sadie should be put down, Joal decided that Sadie deserved more. "Sadie did not deserve the cruel and she'd been dealt in life. I assumed her only 'crime' was to continually give birth to litters of puppies for her owner, until she was no longer needed, and then they shot her in the had and abandoned her in the woods to die. Sadie desperately deserved a second chance in life, and I was determined to be the one who gave it to her."
I was amazed at Joal's dedication to helping Sadie not only walk again but gain confidence in herself and humans again. Because of Sadie and Joal's hard work and determination, Sadie soon became a beacon of hope for other animals and humans that needed a second chance.
"I often felt that Sadie understood the fate she had been saved from, and having that awareness allowed her to appreciate life so much more than most humans do. Animals, especially animals like Sadie, have so much to teach us about our own lives, if we would only listen."
This was a great book about friendship, sacrifice, and love between a dog and her owner. I have been keeping up to date on Sadie through social media. She is on Facebook and Twitter. Or you can go to her website SavingSadie.com
It was a wonderful book about a dog who was left for dead in the mountains of Kentucky. She had been shot twice, once in the head and once in the back. Because of this, Sadie couldn't walk on her back legs. Sadie was at a shelter when Joal Dauer noticed her. Joal took Sadie home so that she wouldn't have to live out her life in a shelter. After a recommendation that Sadie should be put down, Joal decided that Sadie deserved more. "Sadie did not deserve the cruel and she'd been dealt in life. I assumed her only 'crime' was to continually give birth to litters of puppies for her owner, until she was no longer needed, and then they shot her in the had and abandoned her in the woods to die. Sadie desperately deserved a second chance in life, and I was determined to be the one who gave it to her."
I was amazed at Joal's dedication to helping Sadie not only walk again but gain confidence in herself and humans again. Because of Sadie and Joal's hard work and determination, Sadie soon became a beacon of hope for other animals and humans that needed a second chance.
"I often felt that Sadie understood the fate she had been saved from, and having that awareness allowed her to appreciate life so much more than most humans do. Animals, especially animals like Sadie, have so much to teach us about our own lives, if we would only listen."
This was a great book about friendship, sacrifice, and love between a dog and her owner. I have been keeping up to date on Sadie through social media. She is on Facebook and Twitter. Or you can go to her website SavingSadie.com
March 30, 2018
I started to read this tonight but was immediately put off by her really bad writing .
"Catching my reflection in the glass, I smooth my little black dress, fluff my shoulder-length blond hair, and toss the long pink feather boa over my shoulder."
It's so bad that it's almost a parody of bad chic-lit. So glad I didn't buy the book but borrowed it from the library.
So the author went to an animal shelter, found a dog, provided medical treatment that gave the dog a wonderful life and was in turn affected by the dog. Wow! Like that's never happened before. Thank goodness every middle-age woman who adopts a dog doesn't feel the need to write a book about it.
For clarification, she did not "rescue" Sadie but rather adopted her; she had already been rescued. I don't care what story she wants to tell herself, but the dog rescuers I know are out there day in and day out, usually in the worst parts of town, getting dirty & sweaty. They feed, help and rescue as many dogs as they can, over and over and then they bust their asses to find those dogs great homes.
They don't have time to write books about the real work of animal rescue because they're too busy doing it, but I suppose when you make it all about how great you are for saving a single dog, you have plenty of time to write a book.
"Catching my reflection in the glass, I smooth my little black dress, fluff my shoulder-length blond hair, and toss the long pink feather boa over my shoulder."
It's so bad that it's almost a parody of bad chic-lit. So glad I didn't buy the book but borrowed it from the library.
So the author went to an animal shelter, found a dog, provided medical treatment that gave the dog a wonderful life and was in turn affected by the dog. Wow! Like that's never happened before. Thank goodness every middle-age woman who adopts a dog doesn't feel the need to write a book about it.
For clarification, she did not "rescue" Sadie but rather adopted her; she had already been rescued. I don't care what story she wants to tell herself, but the dog rescuers I know are out there day in and day out, usually in the worst parts of town, getting dirty & sweaty. They feed, help and rescue as many dogs as they can, over and over and then they bust their asses to find those dogs great homes.
They don't have time to write books about the real work of animal rescue because they're too busy doing it, but I suppose when you make it all about how great you are for saving a single dog, you have plenty of time to write a book.
October 10, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington books for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a true story of the dog named Sadie who had been horrifically abused and then shot and how Joal came to her rescue when nobody else wanted her and even the vets recommended putting her down. I love dogs and animal stories and this is a great heartwarming story of love and a lot of perseverance on the part of Joal fighting to let Sadie have a chance at life. The first half of the book kept me interested but then it lost me after that due to feeling it was so repetitious of the first half. I believe this is an excellent story and needs to be told to create even more awareness of animal abuse and the people that work so hard so save them but it could have been done in about half the length. I found it very disappointing that Joal's children were so unsupportive of her efforts with Sadie.
It is a good story about Joal and Sadie but it is definitely in need of some editing.
This is a true story of the dog named Sadie who had been horrifically abused and then shot and how Joal came to her rescue when nobody else wanted her and even the vets recommended putting her down. I love dogs and animal stories and this is a great heartwarming story of love and a lot of perseverance on the part of Joal fighting to let Sadie have a chance at life. The first half of the book kept me interested but then it lost me after that due to feeling it was so repetitious of the first half. I believe this is an excellent story and needs to be told to create even more awareness of animal abuse and the people that work so hard so save them but it could have been done in about half the length. I found it very disappointing that Joal's children were so unsupportive of her efforts with Sadie.
It is a good story about Joal and Sadie but it is definitely in need of some editing.
March 26, 2018
Wow this book touched my heart. I just fell in love with Sadie and her story. All my dogs have been rescues and I think adopting and giving these dogs a second chance is what they deserve.
Casey who passed away almost a year ago was chained onto his doghouse and left outside in the heat, rain, snow, ice storms and wasn’t fed for 8 years. He then came to us and we were lucky to have him for 8 more years. Having a rescued dog is so rewarding, they reach you so much love and compassion. These dogs are a gift. My other dogs Nellie who we just recently adopted was in a home
With 17 dogs and in filth of their own poop and pee, no one was vet checked and everyone was infested with fleas and worms. Now she has the life and spending time with her sister Rooby.
I love dog stories where the owners never give up and the dogs show compassion. This story was perfect and will stick with me for awhile.
Casey who passed away almost a year ago was chained onto his doghouse and left outside in the heat, rain, snow, ice storms and wasn’t fed for 8 years. He then came to us and we were lucky to have him for 8 more years. Having a rescued dog is so rewarding, they reach you so much love and compassion. These dogs are a gift. My other dogs Nellie who we just recently adopted was in a home
With 17 dogs and in filth of their own poop and pee, no one was vet checked and everyone was infested with fleas and worms. Now she has the life and spending time with her sister Rooby.
I love dog stories where the owners never give up and the dogs show compassion. This story was perfect and will stick with me for awhile.
September 16, 2021
Sweet story about a dog shot and left for dead. When Joal drops off some towels and sheets at the animal shelter she sees the injured dog. Paralyzed from 2 bullet wounds and unable to walk, she was a mess. Joal just couldn’t get her sad face off of her mind.
This is her journey to help Sadie to walk again
I have volunteered at a local shelter and fostered several dogs. This just really hit home with me. I would love to give a 5 star. Read and let your heart be touched by this story of a dog and her new Mom who just wouldn’t give up.
I read this as an e-book from our library
This is her journey to help Sadie to walk again
I have volunteered at a local shelter and fostered several dogs. This just really hit home with me. I would love to give a 5 star. Read and let your heart be touched by this story of a dog and her new Mom who just wouldn’t give up.
I read this as an e-book from our library
February 27, 2018
When I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway I had no idea who Sadie was beforehand. Sadie's story is such a heartbreaking and beautiful story though. I have a special needs dog (epilepsy, pancreatitis, bad liver, and partially collapsed trachea). My dog has a seizure within a week of having him. His health issues just progressed from there. Did I get rid of him? No. Did I, and continue to struggle to care for him everyday? Yes. I'm taking my first vacation in 5 years because I finally got all my dogs issues under control. I finally have some money to do something for myself. So I can relate to Joal a lot. I know the feeling of losing friends, sleep, time at work, etc to care for a dog. I've experienced people telling me it's just a dog and I should put him down. I feel like I relate so much to Sadie's story. This story tugged at my heart so much more than most because what I've been through with my dog. Sadie, although I just heard and fell in love with your story, know that you have another Sadie fan. <3 This book is also very well written and tells the story of one dog and her human perfectly.
August 20, 2018
I have great admiration for this woman who found a dog that was severely abused at an animal shelter and took him in. I would never be able to do what she did. Every waking hour was spent with this dog trying to get him to walk again. She states that all his medical expenses and therapies came to $3,000 a month and she was able to raise enough donations at the time the book was written. She mentions in the book that people had commented that there were probably better ways to spend that money but then again, if it wasn't for Sadie people probably wouldn't have donated. I wonder how Sadie is doing today.
November 7, 2019
I really liked this book it showed a good example of second chances and never giving up. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. My favorite part of this book was seeing Sadie's progress and how she impacted a lot of other disabled people and animals. I also liked how into detail how the author said everything she was feeling at that moment.
February 1, 2019
I wish there were more people like this author who would help animals and less animals like Sadie who needed rescuing.
December 8, 2023
A badly abused dog ends up being an inspiration to many.
April 28, 2021
Sweet book. The author is Sadie's owner and she did a wonderful job sharing this story. When I got to the end and scrolled past all of the pages of acknowledgements, there were many photographs of Sadie during various occasions. The book is easy to read. I chose it because I've been reading about some intense subjects lately, so this time I just wanted to relax and read a "feel good" story.
November 5, 2019
Saving Sadie was an awesome feat. Hard road for dog and friends. Now bringing good to the community. My low stars relate to the sentimentality of this book. Ms. Dauer lost me when she manipulated the airlines to get her dog on a flight. Emotional Support Animals are meant to help disabled humans. Having failed a diagnostic assessment to see if she qualifies, she then exaggerated "symptoms" to get what she wanted. This being one of the persons who make it even harder for legitimately disabled persons to get what they need without interrogation used to weed out the fakers who don't need an ESA. Additionally if I had donated to her fund to discover how money was used for charlatans (muscle testing as worst example) I would be upset that critical thinking was left off the to-do list. Finally, each time she was exhausted by the work I wondered if she considers the toll on Sadie. After all, Sadie not only had author keeping her in intense therapy but others pulling on Sadie's energy. I was left upset by this book. The end does not justify the means.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2020
First of all, the hyperbole in the subtitle "Inspired the World" was ridiculous. Sadie inspired people who came across her but I, for one, had never heard of her. Secondly I felt that the book was not so much about Sadie the dog, but about Joal the author. I felt so sorry for Sadie for all that the owner put her through- 8 hours of treatment, at least, every single day! No wonder she refused to do anymore occasionally! The author is the kind of woman who is taken in by charlatans of all sorts - psychics who claimed to be able to read the dog's mind and tell her what the dog wanted were the worst - and I just could not believe how gullible she was. No wonder her daughters were concerned! Not my favourite dog book, and I'm annoyed at myself for buying it, just because I love reading about dogs!
August 5, 2019
I read 30 pages before deciding this book was not for me. Don’t get me wrong, rescue dogs and cats!! 🐶😺 It was just.... I didn’t really think Sadie was anything special. I came from the veterinary medicine industry and gained SO much knowledge. With this, I poked holes in a few different things, called bullshit on most of it, and just felt like this was all in all just another successful rescue story- nothing more, nothing less. Congrats, I guess?
June 2, 2017
I won this Free book from Goodreads First-Reads.
Joal found a German shepherd mix dog in a shelter. Joal took her even though she was in bad shape
Joal went above and beyond in helping Sadie regain her strength. It was several years before she could even walk.
Sadie opened a new world for Joal, much more than she could ever imagine.
Good story
Joal found a German shepherd mix dog in a shelter. Joal took her even though she was in bad shape
Joal went above and beyond in helping Sadie regain her strength. It was several years before she could even walk.
Sadie opened a new world for Joal, much more than she could ever imagine.
Good story
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