The day we adopted Sadie.

Our Story

We adopted our beautiful baby, Sadie, on December 9th, 2017, from First Coast No More Homeless Pets- a mega pet adoption event that brings together rescues from throughout the Southeastern USA.

Sadie was brought in as a stray to Lake City Humane Society on October 21st, 2017, as "Sahara". She was microchipped and spayed, and seemed to belong to someone.

After her previous owner relinquished ownership of Sadie, she was placed for adoption, which is how she ended up at the mega adoption event.

We had been searching for a dog at the event each day, and did not come across one we clicked with. On the very last day of the event, as we were getting prepared to walk out, we met Sadie.

She was being brought back to her crate at the event, and pulled the handler by her leash to approach us. Jumping on us, covering us with kisses, we immediately knew we'd found the one.

We took Sadie outside and played with her for a bit, and she showed no interest in other dogs, only us, and wanting to play tug.

Once we had spent our time getting to know her, we took her back inside and went to fill out our adoption paperwork.

On that day, my life changed. I had many dogs growing up, but never connected with them in the way I did Sadie. If you told me on that day I could care for and have love for something so deeply, I would've told you you were crazy.

I was hesitant about her size and breed at first (as were several weary family members) but that changed quickly. Sadie was able to show me how much love pitties have to offer, and why they deserve the world in return.

We spent over 6 years building memories with our sweet girl.

She took a cross country road trip to to California with us when we moved from Florida to San Diego. (This picture was in Dallas, TX!)

She saw snow for the first time.

She went camping in Joshua Tree National Park.

And many more happy memories with our sweet girl.

She enjoyed sleeping on a tempurpedic mattress. (spoiled!)

She tragically passed, very suddenly on Sunday, February 25th, 2024. We took her to the ER the day prior for illness, and by Sunday night, her infection had sadly turned septic.

We were (and still are) distraught upon losing her, and I personally, have struggled to work through my grief.

I don't think- I know- I will never connect and love another dog as much as I did my sweet Sadie, and I don't know if I will ever be ready to open my heart and home to another pet, but it is difficult for me to sit by from the sidelines and watch as so many dogs need homes, especially misunderstood pitties.

I decided in May, as I stumbled through grief, I needed to do something more to honor her. Born of love- Sadie's Spirit of Rescue Inc.

With this, I am working to give love and support where I can, to pit bull type dogs in need.

At the time Dakota and I were looking for a dog, we could not afford the adoption fees, once you added up all of the new items we'd need for a new dog in order to provide proper care. When we adopted Sadie, our fee was waived, which allowed us to rescue her.

Without this, we would have struggled (or not been able to) give Sadie the home she deserved. Additionally, rescues rely on these donations & adoption fees to keep themselves running.

This is why our main focus at Sadie's Spirit of Rescue Inc, is to sponsor adoption fees for pit bull type dogs who are waiting for their forever home.

Today (at the time of publishing) it is December 9th, 2024, and I cannot think of a better way to honor my cherished Sadie's birthday, than by announcing this.

For my family & friends- Sadie’s spirit lives on in every wagging tail, every rescued soul, and every second chance given to those who need it most.

Today, as I launch ‘Sadie’s Spirit of Rescue Inc,’ we carry forward her legacy of love, and unequivocal loyalty. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us turn her memory into a beacon of hope for countless animals. Together, we can continue to make a difference, just as Sadie did every day of her life, for me.

To my husband- Dakota, you were Sadie’s world, and I know how deeply you felt her loss. This launch is as much a tribute to her as it is a gift to you—a way to keep her spirit alive in the work we do, together. Sadie’s love for you was unwavering, and through this, that love will continue to touch lives. I hope this gift brings you the same warmth and joy that Sadie brought into our lives every day. I love you.

To all the dog lovers around the world- Sadie’s spirit resonates with every heart that beats for the well-being of our four-legged friends. ‘Sadie’s Spirit of Rescue Inc’ is a tribute to her boundless love and unwavering loyalty, qualities that we know you cherish just as deeply. Together, I hope to turn her memory into a movement that spreads compassion, care, and second chances to dogs everywhere. Thank you for joining us in this mission and for carrying a piece of Sadie’s spirit in your heart.

To my sweet Sadie, I will love you eternally. Happy Birthday, baby girl. Forever Sadie.

Graciously,

Nico

If you want to learn more about what we do, please learn more by clicking here.