Sadie takes her job seriously.
Four years ago, the Johnson family welcomed a tiny puppy named Sadie into their home. She had been found abandoned with her littermates at a Texas gas station, but her days of uncertainty were over. Grateful for her new family, Sadie quickly decided it was time to give back—by assigning herself an important role.
Her mission? Becoming the household’s official guard dog. (At least, in her mind.)
From sunrise to sunset, Sadie keeps a watchful eye on the backyard, standing guard against any small intruders—rabbits, squirrels, and even bullfrogs. She takes her job seriously, ready to chase off any uninvited guests.
“She never actually tries to hurt them,” her dad, Mike, explained. “If she gets close—which doesn’t happen often—she pounces with her paws rather than using her mouth. I’m pretty sure the critters know they’re safe.”
Sadie may be more bark than bite, but she approaches her self-imposed duty with unwavering dedication.
The other day, as Mike watched from inside, he noticed Sadie had spotted a backyard visitor near a tree by the fence. Instead of her usual enthusiastic sprint, she opted for a more strategic approach—stealth mode.
And this time, she had backup.
Tucked in her mouth was a stuffed animal, one of the very first toys her family had given her when they brought her home. It had been meant to comfort her after leaving her littermates, and years later, it was still her constant companion—even on patrol.
Meanwhile, the squirrel, one of two frequent backyard visitors affectionately named Chester and Lester, was fully aware of Sadie’s slow and dramatic approach. Instead of running, he lingered as if taunting his so-called pursuer before darting away at the last second.
“Our squirrels seem to have figured out that Sadie isn’t a real threat,” Mike said. “They let her get surprisingly close before making their escape.”
But in Sadie’s eyes, a chase—even a failed one—is still a victory. With the backyard momentarily free of intruders, she and her beloved stuffie could take a well-earned rest.
After all, a job’s a job.