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Happy 7th Birthday, Sadie!

January 20, 2015 by Julie 177 Comments

Growing up, I always wanted a dog. Every year around Christmastime, without fail, a puppy would be at the very top of my Christmas list. My family traveled a lot when I was young, so my parents explained that boarding a dog all the time wouldn’t be fair to the dog and told me time and time again a dog just wasn’t the right pet for our family. We had hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, a bunny and even a cat, but a dog wasn’t in the cards.

In 2008 I got the dog I had been dreaming about since I was a little girl.

vizsla_thumb[3]

A crazy, wiggly, scrawny, cuddly, needy, excitable vizsla we called Sadie.

vizsla puppy_thumb

puppy vizsla_thumb[1]

Ryan and I talked about getting a dog for months before Sadie came into our lives. For as much as I wanted a dog, a big, big part of me was worried about being a good owner. I wanted to be a great dog owner and give a puppy the attention, exercise and affection every dog deserves.

dog with ball_thumb[2]

Eventually we decided to go for it and our world flipped upside down… in the very, very best way possible. We both fell head over heels in love with our clumsy puppy and couldn’t get enough of our sweet Sadie.

Julie and Sadie_thumb[2]

dog with ball_thumb[6]

During the puppy stage, we lost a coffee table while Sadie was teething. I lost my favorite pair of nude pumps. We lost a couch (thankfully a cheap one from craigslist) when Sadie decided she was part-hamster and wanted to burry herself inside the couch cushions when we were away. We lost a comforter (or two), again to Sadie’s burrowing tendencies.

But we gained so much more.

We gained a furry companion who greets us with joy and unconditional love every single day.

Christmas 2012 098_thumb[1]

We gained a “heating pad” that keeps us warm under the covers during the cold winter nights.

IMG_4403_thumb

We gained the most enthusiastic hiking and outdoor adventure buddy in the world.

vizsla ocean_thumb[1]

We gained a sous-chef for life.

IMG_1623_thumb[3]

We gained a family member who has absolutely no concept of personal space.

Sadie and Leslie_thumb[4]

IMG_1143_thumb[3]

We gained the most adorable walking buddy who reminds us to appreciate the little things in life every day.

dog with stick_thumb[1]

Because sticks are amazing, after all.

We gained a 38-pound comedian who makes us laugh until our stomachs hurt.

IMG_3196_thumb[2]

IMG_1923_thumb[3]

We gained a crazy ball of sunshine who brings more joy into our lives than we ever could have imagined.

happy dog_thumb[2]

We gained a best friend and the perfect third member of our little family. She’s simply the best.

Happy, happy 7th birthday Sadie!

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I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Sadie Tagged With: birthday, dog, Sadie, vizsla

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Weekend Highlights: Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo, Deep Dish Pizza, Hiking and More
Sadie’s Annual Birthday Challenge: Year Seven »

Comments

  1. Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says

    January 20, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    awww happy birthday to Sadie! I would love to have a pet but gahhhh the fact that they can ruin furniture & things scares me!!! I think I’m not quite ready for that yet, haha

    Reply
  2. natjtan says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    Happy Birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  3. Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Dogs are the best! Happy Birthday Sadie!!

    Reply
  4. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    I cannot believe Sadie is 7 already!!! I have to admit, her pictures were one of the things that first drew me into your blog – I really love dogs!

    Reply
  5. Melanie says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    Love this post! Dogs are the best. Happy Birthday Sadie!!!

    p.s. Will you still be doing Sadie’s Birthday challenge?? 🙂

    Reply
  6. Nalani says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    Sweetest post ever! Happy Birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  7. Allison says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    I was in the same situation you were growing up. Asked my parents for a dog twice a year (for my birthday and another time for X-Mas) and never did I get that dog until this year. My boyfriend and I bought an Alaskan Malamute puppy in May and my life has turned upside down for the better. I never imagined how much love I would have for a dog. I think I know what new Moms mean when a child comes into their world and how much love they have for their newborn, same way I feel about my dog…corny I know 🙂 Happy B-day to Sadie!

    Reply
  8. Helen says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    This is the sweetest post ever! Dogs are just the best. Happy Birthday sweet Sadie!

    Reply
  9. Veronica says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:53 pm

    My brother’s dog just turned 2 last Thursday … and it has been a fabulous 2 years! The dog basically lives at my parents, and since I’m always home, I love spending time with little Midas … who actually isn’t little at all, but love him!

    Reply
  10. tara says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Aw, love this! I feel the same about my 2 dogs!
    Q about her chewing …we have 1 dog that does that so we have to crate her when we are not home : (
    Do you have to crate Sadie or did she just grow out of it?
    Its been 3 years and ours is still not grown out of the separation anxiety and chews every pillow-couch-blanket-anything soft in sight!!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADIE!

    Reply
  11. katieKatie says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    Love this post. Dogs are the absolute best. I current live in a small apartment in the city, where pets aren’t allowed and a big dog wouldn’t be happy anyway, but I earnestly hope that someday soon I can have my very own dog. It’s one of my biggest wishes. It’s so wonderful to see how much your dog means to you. I am 100% certain you are a wonderful owner to her!

    Reply
  12. Jenna says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    What cute pictures! She’s is so sweet. Happiest birthday to Sadie! Hope you guys do the food challenge again this year!

    Reply
  13. kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    dogs are the best!!!! They make life soo much better! I hope you are doing your traditional Sadie Birthday challenge!

    Reply
  14. haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    What a sweet pup! Love Sadie so much! I feel all of her love and affections through PB Fingers! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    I used to always make dog treats for our dog on his birthday.

    Looks like Sadie fit right into your family.

    Reply
  16. Sam says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    Happy Birthday to Sadie!

    Reply
  17. Lisa @ Life as Lisa Knows It says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    LOVE this post! I actually sent it to my husband and made him read it (because we are crazy about our doggie, just like you are about Sadie). 🙂

    Happy Birthday, Sadie!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Trina Shockey says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    Happy 7th Birthday, Sadie!!! My almost 4 yr old Vizsla sends lots of love and licks your way!!
    Julie – I cried reading this post!!! Every bit of it is so true and how I feel about my Vinni!!! Thanks so much for sharing and allowing us to feel your joy of having a dog as a child!!!

    Reply
  19. Kristen says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    Happy Birthday Sadie! I love how much attitude she has! I always get a kick out of your Sadie posts!

    Reply
  20. Kristin Shotter says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    Happy Birthday, Sadie! I have two V’s and just love the breed to pieces. Our girls, Dani & Roxi, are 2 and 7 and keep me very busy but in the best way imaginable. I can relate to the total disregard for personal space. It’s a concept they just can’t understand! Can’t get enough of their smiling happy faces every time I come home.

    Reply
  21. Emily @ Emily's Full Plate says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    I just teared up! I’m the biggest sucker for all things dog. Happy birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  22. erica says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    happy birthday Sadie!
    hope to see you do your birthday challenge! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Michelle says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    I love this post!

    Reply
  24. Katie Sczublewski says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    Seriously the cutest dog tribute post ever! Happy birthday, Sadie!

    Reply
  25. Sally says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:50 pm

    I loved this post!! It’s been so long since we’ve seen pictures of baby Sadie:) As a fellow pet owner, I know exactly how you feel. Pets are the best:) Happy Birthday Sadie!! xo

    Reply
  26. Nicole says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    Aw, I love this! I’m hugging my dog as I read it!

    Reply
  27. Amanda B @ Cupcakes and Miles says

    January 20, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Aw, happy birthday Sadie!!! This is so precious it almost brought tears to my eyes. We got our first family dog when I was 15- he’ll be thirteen in May- and he has been my best friend ever since. The love that I have for my puppies and their unconditional love they have for me (and my family) cannot be measured.

    Reply
  28. Lindsay says

    January 20, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    This was so sweet to read! Happy birthday, Sadie!

    Reply
  29. Caitlin says

    January 20, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    You had me tearing up! Sadie reminds me so much of my sweet Briar (2 year viszla)! My favorite part was them having no concept of personal space! Briar is the same way! Happy Birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  30. Kimberly says

    January 20, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Beautiful post! Our pets make life so much sweeter. Happy birthday Sadie!!

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    Happy Birthday, Sadie!!! What a beautiful post Julie!

    Reply
  32. Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Oh, what a cutie! Happy birthday Sadie! The baby pictures are too much to handle!

    Reply
  33. purelytwins says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Happy birthday Sadie!!! Vizsla are the best 😉

    Reply
  34. Nikki says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    Happy Birthday Sadie! Love your posts about her. You guys are great parents to her and I’m sure Sadie feels as lucky to have you both as you do to have her:)

    Reply
  35. Lisa G says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    1st time commenter, but long time reader. This post was just too cute! Happy birthday, Sadie! We also refer to our pup as my sous chef, because whenever i’m cooking in the kitchen, she is right there beside me!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      January 21, 2015 at 9:53 am

      they’re never far away! <3

      Reply
  36. Michelle L says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    Dude you made me cry with this post! My girl Chloe is all of these things and she’s my favourite thing in the whole world! Amazing post and happy birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  37. Brianna @ The Palos Life says

    January 21, 2015 at 12:00 am

    Sadie is a dream dog! I’m looking forward to the day my husband and I move out of our tiny apartment and into a house with a yard so we can get a sweet puppy!

    Reply
  38. Jen says

    January 21, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I absolutely love this post and I have to admit – it did make me shed a tear. I LOVE dogs, so this warms my heart. Happy Birthday Sadie! 🙂

    Reply
  39. Carmen says

    January 21, 2015 at 2:19 am

    Happy birthday 🙂 x

    http://www.cottoncarmen.com

    Reply
  40. Ashleigh P. says

    January 21, 2015 at 4:44 am

    I always love it when you post about Sadie!! Happy Birthday Sadie!! 🙂
    ps- love the picture of her licking the beater!! Classic!

    Reply
  41. Hannah says

    January 21, 2015 at 9:15 am

    Happy 7th Birthday Sadie!! She is adorable. It’s really amazing how much love and happiness dogs bring in to our lives!

    Reply
  42. Susan says

    January 21, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Happy Birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  43. Sarah says

    January 21, 2015 at 10:37 am

    My eyes are welling with tears of absolute joy because I have three dogs and I can say a lot of the same things for each of them (they each have their own little quirks as well). I grew up with cats, never intending on ever having a dog (let alone 3!), and I can’t imagine life without all of them. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADIE!!!

    Reply
  44. Jessica @ Fit Talker says

    January 21, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Like you, I always wanted a dog but my parents just weren’t having it.

    Three years ago I finally got a dog and like your experience, it has totally changed my life. I didn’t think I was capable of loving a dog as much as I love her.

    They truly are absolutely wonderful and we are lucky to have them in our lives.

    Happy birthday Sadie!!

    Reply
  45. jan klein says

    January 21, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I always love her birthday posts! Happy Birthday Sadie!

    Reply
  46. Amii says

    January 21, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    Love those pics, such a cute pup!! Doggies are the best! Need to meet Miss Sadie!

    Reply
  47. Ashleigh says

    January 21, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Happy Birthday Sadie! Dogs enhance life to the fullest, so happy that you can enjoy the love and crazy of being a dog mom! That unconditional love is the best!
    Ashleigh

    Reply
  48. Julie says

    January 21, 2015 at 11:33 pm

    Happy Birthday Sadie!!!

    This was such a cute and sweet post! 🙂

    My husband and I got a dog together in 2008 too and it was (and still is) the best decision! She is now big sister to our 2.5 year old son and it is so awesome!

    Reply
  49. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says

    January 22, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Awww, I love this post! Sadie seems like such a lovable nut, just like my pooch. I’m sure that she had a very happy birthday!

    Reply
  50. Katie says

    January 24, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    Ahhh all these pictures are adorable and really capture her personality. Love it!

    Reply
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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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