Sadie Kay was one of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA) longest residents. This was through no fault of her own: She had spent much of the first 8 years of her life as an outdoor dog, and when the boxer mix began to show signs of illness, she was surrendered.

Our veterinary team saw right away that the “illness” she was displaying was because of several large mammary masses that would need treatment right away. On #GivingTuesday, the AWLA asked for the support of our community, and they stepped up, funding what would ultimately be a double mastectomy to give this sweet, affectionate girl the chance at her best life.

The treatment was paid for, but because of her age and the severity of the condition, it had to be performed in two separate surgeries, with time to heal in between. Sadie Kay spent weeks in foster care, recovering from both surgeries, all the while showing her foster family and the AWLA’s care team her gratitude with frequent kisses, nuzzles and attempts to climb into their laps.

Sadie Kay healed and was ready to meet her new family...when the pandemic reached Alexandria. We had been so sure this sweet girl would find a family who would adore her right away, but when we had to temporarily close our doors to the public while we found a way to connect with our community safely, Sadie Kay waited, ever patient and ever ready to take her next steps.

We re-opened for virtual adoptions in April, and while Sadie Kay met several families during that time, the fit wasn’t quite right, and she returned to us. That didn’t discourage her — or us — because we knew her future family was out there for her, and sure enough, in May 2020, they met her via a camera-enabled tablet and fell in love. Sadie Kay had traveled so far, both physically and medically, and now was her time. She was ready to join her family and begin the life she so deserved.