Sadie is a princess everyday in our home. But since yesterday was Sadie’s Gotcha Day, I thought we should do something special. So Sadie got to be Queen for the day. She’s used to the royal treatment as Princess, getting her food and water hand delivered, getting lifted on and off the furniture, sleeping on the bed, etc. But as Queen for the day, Sadie got to make all the decisions as well. Treats for breakfast? Ok, but only today. A new toy every few hours? Why not. She might not understand that I’m spoiling her for the day to say thank you for coming into my life four years ago, but she’ll appreciate the spoiling regardless.

I can’t believe a spoiled rotten Yorkipoo has been living in my house for exactly four years! Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of Sadie’s Gotcha Day!

This post is part of the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Yesterday was the third anniversary of Sadie’s Gotcha Day! Instead of bringing me a present to celebrate the occasion, Sadie decided that she was my present, complete with a shiny bow on top. She knows me well – there is no better present for me than seeing my little Yorkipoo smile.

This post is part of the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

We humans are in the enviable position of being able to pick the perfect pet for ourselves. We can go to a shelter, store, or breeder and pick out the perfect animal that looks friendly or smart or adorable or dependable, basing our decisions on whatever qualities are most important to us. As the anniversary of Sadie’s Gotcha Day approaches, I find myself thinking about what would happen if the animals got to pick their human instead. I imagined Sadie holding interviews for possible owner candidates, and decided that, if given the chance, she would require her new owner to sign a contract before she agreed to go home with them.

So, in honor of Sadie’s Gotcha Day, which was three years ago tomorrow, I present the Ownership Contract written by Sadie the Yorkipoo:

On this, the 21st day of July in the year 2012, I, Sadie the Yorkipoo, am listing my terms for entering into a dog-owner relationship with Mary DiTosto. The following terms are non-negotiable, and any deviation from said terms will void this contract.
 

1. Sadie will be given a new toy every day of her life, with the option of additional new toys for good behavior, special occasions, etc.

 

2. Sadie will be granted first choice of sleeping and siting areas; i.e. she will choose her preferred spot on the couch or bed and all humans will adapt to her choice.

 

3. All food belongs to Sadie. She will eat her fill from your plate and then allow you to enjoy the leftovers. In addition, a dog treat must be promptly provided upon request, no exceptions.

 

4. If Sadie decides an object is hers, she may have it without complaint. Objects include, but are not limited to, shoes, socks, slippers, clothing, stuffed animals, pillows, etc.

 

5. Sadie will be let outside promptly when asked, no matter the time or the weather.

 

6. Sadie reserves the right to add future provisions, which will be binding when signed as an addendum to this contract.

I, Mary DiTosto, hereby agree to abide by the following terms in exchange for the privilege of owning the Yorkipoo named Sadie.

Mary DiTosto
___________________________________

Owner Signature

__________________________________________
                                                                   
                                                                  
                                                                   
                                                                   
(Place paw print here)                                                                   
                                                                 
                                                                  
                                                                   
                                                                 
__________________________________________

Sadie the Yorkipoo’s Signature

This post is part of the Monday Mischief Pet Blog hop hosted by Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

 

Today is Sadie’s Gotcha Day! I can’t believe it’s been two years since I brought this wonderful little pup into my home! This is the very first picture taken of the two of us, two years ago today.  And that is a day I will never forget. It was definitely full of mischief, but mostly the kind that your mind can play on you when you worry too much and over-prepare for a situation.

I was recovering from surgery and couldn’t drive, so my Aunt was nice enough to chauffeur me out to the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania. We were surprised to find that the GPS led us to an Amish farm. I was so scared as I got out of the car and walked up to the farmhouse. I had all these fears and doubts in my head. What if she hates me? What if I fall in love with her and then find out my allergy shots didn’t work and I have to give her up? What if she’s really mean and I can’t control her? Since I’d never had a dog before, the irrational fears were endless. When they handed me my squirming little puppy, I’d like to say the fears vanished as I fell in love with her, but they didn’t. I still had all the same fears, but none of them mattered as much as the little fur ball in my arms. No matter what happened, I knew I would do whatever it took to keep us both happy, healthy, and together.

On the car ride home, which should have taken about three hours, I made my Aunt stop the car every 30 minutes or so to let my new puppy out to pee. I’d read lots of books that said puppies might need to go that often, especially after napping and playing. But Sadie would not pee, and I had no idea how long you are supposed to stand there waiting for a dog to pee. I still laugh when I think about my Aunt and I arguing over what would make a good place to let the puppy out to pee and whether or not we’d waited long enough to give her a chance. My Aunt was worried Sadie would pee as soon as I brought her back in the car, but I didn’t think standing outside forever would do much good either. I think I added an extra two hours onto that ride with my unnecessary pit stops.

When we got home Sadie still wouldn’t pee, nor would she eat or drink. So of course I freaked out thinking I’ve got a defective dog or a sick dog or maybe my new dog just hates me. But then I stopped trying to force her to eat or drink and I quit putting her onto the wee wee pad every five minutes and suddenly Sadie walked over to me and licked me. She sat down next to me and put her paw on my hands and we took the photo above. It was like she was reassuring me. Everything was going to be fine from then on because we had each other.

This post is part of the Monday Mischief Pet Blog hop.