This is a very inspirational book. It shows how a dog can save a human when the human doesn't think they need to be saved. ( )

I greatly admire Joal and the work she has done with Sadie. I don't think too many people would be willing to take on that kind of commitment.

I was enjoying reading about Sadie's journey until Joal encountered a psychic who said she spoke to Sadie and then talked of "healing angels". I know some people believe in these things but I don't. I admit to losing interest in the book after that and skimmed to the end.

I would have given the book 4 stars if it wasn't for the paranormal dealings and Joal's unquestioning acceptance of it. ( )

Saving Sadie is the story of how rescuing one horribly abused dog transformed lives of those who meet her. Sadie was discovered by some good samaritans in the woods where she'd been dumped after having been shot twice. Joal Dauer was making a regular donation stop to her local no-kill shelter where a depressed and injured dog caught her eye. Not really looking to adopt another fur-baby, there was something special about Sadie that Jaol couldn't ignore. And so begins a the story of how Joal was determined to help Sadie walk again while Sadie rescues Joal in the process.

Sadie and Joal's story is heartwarming and uplifting. It's great to be reminded at how transforming love, hope, compassion and persistence can be when combined to acheive a goal. What's even more amazing is how Sadie's experimental therapies were groundbreaking and helped advance veterinary science on how to treat paralyzed pets. Hopefully those learnings can translate into new treatments to help paralyzed humans in the future. ( )

I'm quite sure it was difficult to compose such a compelling book about Sadie, and at the same time try to cover all the objections, comments, comparisons with...."what about abused humans?" Joal has certainly devoted herself to Sadie and the lists of her efforts, to say nothing of Sadie's efforts!!!---boggles the mind! It's too bad her family had not come around to understanding Joal's compassion but they were probably firmly attached to their opinions and as we all know, getting out of a "rut" of thinking can be too big a challenge. Maybe time, and really meeting Sadie, will help. ( )