Sadie’s life began in silence and fear. Confined to a filthy pen in the corner of a living room, the six-month-old had never felt grass beneath her paws, never known the joy of a toy, and never experienced a gentle touch.
Sadie’s life began in silence and fear. Confined to a filthy pen in the corner of a living room, the six-month-old had never felt grass beneath her paws, never known the joy of a toy, and never experienced a gentle touch.
But after 83 days in the care of the Scottish SPCA, this brave little pup’s world changed forever when she was adopted into a home filled with love in September 2024.
When inspectors first entered the property, the scene was harrowing. The floor was thick with excrement, and a makeshift pen in the living room reeked of faeces and urine.
Huddled in the corner was a terrified six-month-old puppy, desperately trying to disappear beneath a cabinet. She had been left in that tiny space, day after day, with no comfort, no affection, and no escape.
The man responsible for her suffering, Scott Trist of Inverness, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Thursday 19 June. He pled guilty and received a four-year ban from owning or keeping animals, along with 210 hours of unpaid community service.
Despite her traumatic start in life, Sadie’s story took a joyful turn when she found her forever home with Vicky and Ed.
Her new owner, Vicky, remembers that first meeting vividly. “We were told she’d probably be too nervous to come near us,” she said. “But instead, she jumped straight into my lap and showered me with kisses. Ed got belly rub requests! We knew right then she was meant to be with us.”
Vicky, who has worked in rescue centres herself, believes deeply in giving animals a second chance. “We were prepared to take things slow, to let her trust us in her own time.”
And that’s exactly what they did.
At first, Sadie was timid—she waited five days before hopping into the car, a few weeks before curling up on the sofa, and a couple of months before venturing upstairs.
But, with patience, training, and love, Sadie blossomed. Now, she’s not just a happy house dog, she’s an adventurer who enjoys swimming and has just started paddleboarding!
“She is the sweetest, most grateful little dog,” said Vicky. “She’s loving, gentle, a little cheeky, and so full of life. We’re the lucky ones – she chose us.”
Sadie has a Labrador cousin and a growing circle of canine pals. And she now has her own toy box and takes great joy in spreading her treasures all around the house.
Sadie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the difference love can make, and of the countless animals still waiting for their second chance.
The pygmy hedgehog, also rescued from the case, was lovingly rehomed with new owners who had the specialist knowledge needed to care for her properly.
Read more about Sadie’s story here.
If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal, please contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
