Four years back, the Johnson family welcomed a scrappy little puppy named Sadie into their lives.
She had been cruelly abandoned with her littermates at a Texas gas station, but her fortunes changed when she found her forever home.
Recognizing her fresh start, Sadie quickly took on an important role in the household – guardian of the backyard.
A Big Responsibility
As you might expect, Sadie takes her job very seriously. While some see her as a cheerful, playful dog, she views herself as a dedicated protector of her territory. Rabbits, squirrels, and even the occasional bullfrog don’t stand a chance under her watchful gaze.
“She never actually tries to hurt them. If she gets close enough, which is rare, she pounces with her paws instead of biting. I’m quite confident she wouldn’t hurt them, and honestly, the critters don’t seem all that worried about it,” Mike Johnson, Sadie’s dad, told the Dodo.
However, it is important to note that Sadie is more about the chase than the catch, but that doesn’t mean she takes her responsibilities lightly.
Sadie is more about the chase than the catch, but she treats her duty with care.
Recently, Sadie spotted a tiny intruder—a squirrel by the fence. Instead of her usual energetic chase, she switched tactics to stealth mode. This time, she brought a partner for the mission.
Tucked carefully in her mouth was her favorite stuffed animal, one of the first toys given to her when she joined the family.
“The stuffed animal was among the toys we bought when we first adopted her, hoping to help her feel a bit less alone after leaving her litter for the first time,” Mike explained.
Even after four years, that toy remains close by Sadie’s side. Whether napping or on a backyard adventure, her plush friend is never far away.
A Formidable Opponent
Seeing the squirrel, Sadie crept forward, clutching her sidekick as she moved in.
However, the squirrel didn’t flinch. Instead of running away immediately, it seemed to linger, almost daring her.
“Our squirrels—we call them Chester and Lester—seemingly became less afraid of Sadie. They now allow her to get quite close before they take off,” Mike said.
Sure enough, just when Sadie thought she had the advantage, Chester made a swift escape at the last moment. Sadie paused, watching the squirrel vanish.
While some might call the mission a failure, Sadie saw it as a win. For a moment, her backyard was clear of intruders, and she had done her part.
At the end of the day, Sadie is more than a guard dog—she’s a treasured member of the Johnson family. Her watch will likely never end, and the backyard visitors will return, but that’s all part of the game.
“She takes her job seriously, even if the squirrels don’t,” Mike said with a chuckle.
It’s safe to say that with her trusty stuffed companion by her side, Sadie is unstoppable.